Former Twin Cities lawyer pleads guilty of cheating firm
U.S. Court News
Former Twin Cities attorney Michael S. Margulies pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to wire fraud, admitting that he embezzled $2 million from his former law firm and its clients.
The plea was the result of a deal Margulies, 56, struck with federal prosecutors. U.S. District Judge David Doty accepted the plea and ordered a presentence investigation to help him decide what punishment the former real estate attorney should get when he's sentenced.
Federal sentencing guidelines call for a maximum of 20 years in prison on wire fraud.
Margulies was released until sentencing, with no date set.
The plea came 13 days after Margulies was charged with a single count of wire fraud. The felony charge was the most recent event in a fallen career.
Margulies had been a partner at Lindquist & Vennum, one of the Twin Cities' most prestigious law firms, and he lived in a $1.5 million mansion on St. Paul's Summit Avenue. He was a member of the St. Paul Planning Commission and served on the board of the Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis.
But in March, his law partners determined he was taking money from the firm and some of its clients. They fired him and reported the alleged thefts to authorities. The Minnesota Supreme Court disbarred him in April.
The criminal charge said that from 1994 to this year, Margulies embezzled about $2 million through false documents, false expenses, false invoices and forged checks.
Related listings
-
Weinberg Law Firm - Dallas Employment Law
U.S. Court News 05/29/2010Overtime claims and compliance Wage and hour matters usually manifest when disgruntled employees feel they have not been compensated properly for their work. Often, wage and hour matters are brought forth by employees who have been terminated, ...
-
Stevens denies Blagojevich request for delay
U.S. Court News 05/29/2010The Supreme Court on Friday refused to delay ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's trial on corruption charges, set to begin next week.Justice John Paul Stevens rejected Blagojevich's request without comment. His decision came shortly after the Obam...
-
As immigration fades, Emanuel role under scrutiny
U.S. Court News 05/24/2010Prospects for an immigration overhaul are fizzling this year and some Democratic lawmakers are focusing blame on the pugnacious Democratic operative who works just down the hall from President Obama.Rahm Emanuel, White House chief of staff and longti...
The Law Offices of John M. Lynch, LLC - Our goal is to serve you and make your experience a pleasant one
Our firm founder John M. Lynch is a proven trial lawyer with a record of success in state and federal courts. His former service as a police investigator and federal drug task force agent enable him to see a case from all sides. He is routinely hired by other attorneys to assist with criminal cases. His peer recognition is also evident in the recognition that he has earned with Top 100 Trial Lawyers, AV Preeminent Rating and Super Lawyers. He has also been named as one of the Best Attorneys in St. Louis, a Rising Star in Missouri and a Rising Star in Kansas. His unique and broad -based experience has led to unparalleled success that include dismissal of charges, acquittal and markedly beneficial settlements.
Attorney John M. Lynch comes from a strong law enforcement background with a decade of experience as a police investigator and federal drug task force agent. Paired with his legal degree from St. Louis University School of Law, Mr. Lynch provides a unique and candid perspective for people charged with a full range of criminal activities.