Former Goldberg client awarded reimbursement

The disbarred lawyer defrauded 23 clients of at least $4.4 million.

STAFF REPORT

COLUMBUS — A former client of disbarred Youngstown lawyer Richard D. Goldberg will get a $50,000 reimbursement for money lost due to Goldberg’s actions.

The Board of Commissioners of the Clients’ Security Fund of Ohio made the award based on a Mahoning County Probate Court finding that Goldberg embezzled, concealed or removed the client’s assets.

In August 1999, Goldberg pleaded guilty to defrauding 23 clients of at least $4.4 million between 1993 and 1999.

Goldberg was originally sent to prison for 41 months, but his sentence was increased to 57 months because of a violation of his agreement with prosecutors.

Goldberg was permanently disbarred in Ohio on Feb. 27, 2002.

The reimbursement was part of $272,400 the commissioners awarded Friday to 25 victims of attorney theft, embezzlement or misappropriation. Eleven former or suspended lawyers were found to have misappropriated client funds.

The Ohio Supreme Court created CSF in 1985 to reimburse victims of attorney theft, embezzlement or misappropriation. The CSF is funded entirely by lawyer registration fees.

Ohio has more than 35,000 active lawyers, and fewer than one-tenth of 1 percent of them become involved in CSF claims.

Those who believe they’ve been victims of attorney theft, embezzlement or misappropriation should call CSF toll-free in Ohio at (800) 231-1680.