A Wheeling attorney was found guilty on 29 counts of fraud and money laundering, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. Paul J. Harris, 62, was convicted by a federal jury after evidence showed he misused client funds for personal expenses, including the purchase of his home and payments related to his law office. The court heard that Harris transferred money from his client trust account to his law firm’s operating account and sometimes used one client’s funds to cover amounts taken from other clients.
“Attorneys are meant to relieve clients of their stressors. Mr. Harris preyed on vulnerable clients who trusted him with their money and legal matters, betraying that trust through unethical acts. I commend the jury for their verdict and for delivering justice to the victims,” said U.S. Attorney Harvey.
The government is seeking restitution for the victims, a monetary judgment against Harris, and forfeiture of property belonging to Harris Law Offices in Wheeling.
Harris could face up to 20 years in federal prison for each mail and wire fraud count, as well as up to 10 years for each unlawful monetary transaction count.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarod J. Douglas and Jennifer T. Conklin prosecuted the case with investigations conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation division.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided over the trial.
