Attorney pleads guilty to stealing client’s funds

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

A Kent attorney pleaded guilty Tuesday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court to stealing more than $75,000.

Ben Joltin, 43, pleaded guilty to grand theft, passing bad checks and forgery.

Joltin stole between $75,000 and $80,000 from a client in a divorce case, investigators said.

If Joltin makes full restitution to the victim, he will enter into the prosecutor’s theft-diversion program.

In that program, he would remain under the supervision of Community Corrections Association of Youngstown for up to one year, and his charges would be dismissed.

If he does not make full restitution to the victim, prosecutors will recommend a four-year prison sentence.

Judge John M. Durkin said he will give Joltin three months to make restitution. His sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 22.

The Ohio Supreme Court suspended Joltin’s law license for two years in December after he mishandled the funds of three clients, two of whom fired him.

The Supreme Court ordered Joltin to commit no further misconduct during his suspension.