Former Westchester Attorney Pleads Guilty To Stealing $1.5M From Clients

SCARSDALE, N.Y. -- A former Scarsdale attorney has pleaded guilty to scamming clients out of close to $1.5 million, according to acting Westchester County District Attorney James A. McCarty.

Michael Lippman, a former Scarsdale attorney, has pleaded guilty to defrauding estate planning and real estate clients out of close to $1.5 million. He faces up to 15 years in prison when he is sentenced in June.
Photo Credit: *Westchester County DA*

Carol Reif

02/22/2016 1:30 p.m.

Michael Lippman, 71, stole from 13 estate planning and real estate clients between 2010 and 2015, McCarty said.

Lippman pleaded to second-degree grand larceny, second-degree criminal tax fraud and first-degree scheme to defraud, all felonies. Lippman, who remains free on $50,000 bail, faces 15 years in state prison when he is sentenced in June, McCarty said.

In one instance, McCarty said, Lippman stole approximately $431,300 that was intended to complete the purchase of a property and also took $159,431.95 that was intended to pay off a mortgage to forestall a foreclosure action on that client’s property.

In all, McCarty said, the former attorney defrauded clients out of $1,487,461.61 and is also accused of not paying more than $50,000 in state taxes.

The investigation was carried out by investigators from the District Attorney’s Office and the state Department of Taxation and Finance.

Assistant District Attorney Brian Conway, deputy chief of the Public Integrity Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Steven Ronco are prosecuting the case, McCarty said.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Armonk and receive free news updates.