An area legal professional who allegedly embezzled a whole lot of 1000’s of {dollars} from family with disabilities, and in addition tens of millions from corporations, has agreed to plead responsible.
Lexington lawyer David Smerling, 75, was charged by the feds in reference to alleged schemes to defraud Massachusetts victims, together with two of his personal family.
Smerling was beforehand indicted in January on fees of embezzling from a enterprise associate.
“The alleged multi-million-dollar embezzlement that Mr. Smerling was originally charged with was, unfortunately, just the tip of the iceberg,” Massachusetts U.S. Lawyer Leah Foley stated.
“Today’s charges allege that Mr. Smerling also preyed on a family member with special needs and another with dementia, allegedly stealing money these victims needed for their own care,” Foley added.
Smerling allegedly embezzled greater than $2.5 million from three corporations the place he labored as a bookkeeper.
He’s accused of transferring funds from the sufferer corporations right into a separate checking account that he managed, earlier than transferring the cash to financial institution accounts in his personal title, or straight from the businesses’ accounts to financial institution accounts in his personal title.
Smerling allegedly hid his scheme by altering the mailing handle on victims’ financial institution statements to his dwelling handle, and refusing to share the web banking password for the victims’ accounts.
Then, Smerling allegedly embezzled greater than $470,000 from a belief established for the good thing about a relative with particular wants, for which Smerling served because the trustee.
Smerling allegedly transferred belief funds to financial institution accounts he managed earlier than sending the funds to financial institution accounts in his spouse’s title, or utilizing the funds to pay for private bills. Smerling hid his scheme by making lulling funds to the beneficiary, so he wouldn’t uncover the belief had been depleted.
He additionally allegedly embezzled greater than $150,000 from a relative with dementia, for whom Smerling served because the monetary energy of legal professional. Smerling allegedly transferred funds from the sufferer’s accounts to accounts he managed, used a bank card within the sufferer’s title for private purchases, and took out a mortgage within the sufferer’s title.
To hide this scheme, Smerling allegedly misrepresented the aim of the transfers to the monetary establishments wherein the sufferer’s accounts had been held.
“For anyone with elderly and vulnerable loved ones, these are frightening allegations,” stated Kimberly Milka, appearing particular agent accountable for the FBI Boston division. “David Smerling allegedly betrayed the trust of his victims and took full advantage – embezzling from them to line his own pockets while trying to cover up his crimes. The FBI will never stop working to protect the public from criminals like this, and we’re gratified to see him brought to justice.”
