Disbarred Attorney Accused Of Stealing From Clients Faces Felony Charges

Michael Varble was arraigned on Wednesday, March 6, in the City Court of Poughkeepsie before City Judge Scott Volkman on seven separate felonies, four of which charged grand larceny, a class D felony, and three charging grand larceny in the fourth degree, said Grady.

 “Mr. Varble is charged in all of the felony complaints with stealing unearned retainer fees from clients," Grady said. "A Dutchess County Grand Jury will ultimately determine what charges or additional charges should be preferred.”

Grady further stated that “The New York State Police are to be commended for their persistence in developing the investigation that led to these charges.”

Michael R. Varble, 48, of Kingston, was suspended on July 9, 2018, following accusations that he kept more than $32,000 in client fees who ceased doing business with his firm, according to court documents.

In court documents, Varble acknowledged charges of several cases of professional misconduct including failure to communicate with clients, neglect, and failure to return unearned fees.

State Police said in May of 2017 they received a complaint of Varble accepting retainer fees and other payments for legal services not provided. An investigation in conjunction with and the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office found that for a period of time, greater than a year, Varble took payment in excess of $28,000 dollars from multiple victims promising legal services, many of which were not provided, and the fees charged were never returned. 

Following his suspension last year, Varble failed to comply with demands from the Grievance Committee for the state's 9th Judicial District, the documents report.

Following the suspension, he submitted an application to resign as an attorney, and stated that he could not "successfully defend himself against the charges and allegations based upon the facts and circumstances of professional conduct."

The courts had received at least 18 complaints from clients of Varble who claimed that he did not respond to calls or efforts to see him and in at least 11 cases he did not refund money to clients.

Varble is no longer allowed to practice law or provide legal opinions. The court documents say if he applies for reinstatement at a later date, Varble will have to prove he has repaid clients.

He was released on $5,000 cash bail and the matter was adjourned to March 20. In addition to the setting of bail, the judge ordered Varble to surrender his passport. 

Varble represented himself at his arraignment.

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