Another client defrauded by ex-lawyer Goldberg awarded $50K

YOUNGSTOWN — A former estate client of disbarred lawyer Richard D. Goldberg has been reimbursed $50,000 from the Clients’ Security Fund of Ohio.

The fund’s board of commissioners made the award after determining that Goldberg failed to distribute or otherwise account for funds belonging to the estate, the Ohio Supreme Court announced Monday.

The award constituted almost one-third of the total of $153,676 the board awarded Friday to 30 victims of theft, embezzlement or misappropriation by 11 former or suspended lawyers statewide. The $50,000 reimbursement in the case involving Goldberg was the largest of all of the board’s Friday awards.

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

Goldberg was initially 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.

Created by the state’s top court in 1985 to reimburse victims of attorney theft, embezzlement or misappropriation, the Clients’ Security Fund is funded by attorney registration fees and not by taxes.

Those who believe they have been victims of such misconduct by lawyers should call CSF toll-free in Ohio at (800) 231-1680.