HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — An employee at a Long Island law firm that manages trusts for people with disabilities was arraigned Wednesday for allegedly stealing more than $500,000 from clients, according to the Nassau County District Attorney's Office.
Michelle Byrd, 53, worked as a case manager at the firm and was responsible for managing accounts.
From 2014 to 2021, Byrd allegedly forged signatures on hundreds of checks and bank statements to steal from seven trusts, garnering $526,553.
In one instance, she stole $32,000 from a client with cerebral palsy, according to prosecutors. In another, she allegedly withdrew $180,884 from a stroke patient who was forced to sell his home due to the loss.
Her scheme was discovered after one of the accounts was transferred to Chase, and the bank flagged suspicious transfers to the law firm, authorities said.
“The victims of this alleged scheme included adults with cerebral palsy, stroke victims, and a woman who had lost her arms and legs due to medical malpractice,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly. “One victim was forced to sell his house because of more than $180,000 that was spent down in his account.”
Byrd pleaded not guilty at her arraignment Wednesday. She faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Her next court date is scheduled for April 4.
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