A New York attorney who was in charge of the assets of incapacitated clients, including children with cerebral palsy, stole $4 million for his own use, according to the Manhattan District Attorney's office.

Steven Rondos and his law firm, Raia and Rondos, are charged with money laundering, grand larceny and scheming to defraud. He is also accused of defrauding 23 incapacitated clients plus the estate of one person who is deceased.

Rondos was appointed by New York judges to manage and distribute monetary settlements for the clients who were found to suffer from cerebral palsy due to medical malpractice at birth, and to manage the funds for elderly clients who were physically or mentally impaired.

However, prosecutors allege that Rondos spent the money on mortgage payments for his New Jersey home and on "extensive home renovations, including landscaping, kitchen renovations and a home theater." As of this time, Rondos has not made any comments to the media.

He now faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors are also suing Rondos and his wife, Camille Raia, a partner in his law firm, for asset forfeiture.

Source: Reuters.com