ATLANTA -- A North Georgia lawyer on Monday pleaded guilty to federal charges that he stole $800,000 from clients to pay his bills, make home repairs and cover his girlfriend's rent and utilities.According to the U.S. Attorney's Northern District Office, Charles Femery Peebles of Flowery Branch specialized in construction litigation and represented clients who suffered physical injury and property damage resulting from mold infestations in their homes.
Federal prosecutors said Peebles, 56, would settle the cases without telling his clients, then forge his clients' signatures on the settlement checks and use the money to pay his own expenses.
The settlements were intended to pay for the clients' home repairs and for medical treatment related to inhaling mold fibers.
A grand jury indicted Peebles in May 2005 and charged him with nine counts of fraud and four counts of aggravated identity theft. He pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
As part of his plea agreement, Peebles agreed to make full restitution to all his victims. To date, his former clients have recovered approximately $220,000 in settlement money.
Peebles faces a maximum sentence of 22 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. A sentencing date has not been set.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/06/AR2006110600797.html# # #
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