March 10, 2016

New York announced the felony convictions of estate planning attorney Stephen M. Newman and caregiver Joan M. Morgante, for stealing over $900,000 from the estates of wealthy brother and sister June and Worth Farrington. After being appointed sole trustee, between November 2008 and November 2011, Newman diverted over $900,000 in monies from the Farringtons’ trust accounts to himself. Additionally, Newman diverted over $400,000 to Morgante, including the purchase of a $325,000 townhouse. As part of his plea, Newman agreed to forfeit $800,000 and to surrender his licenses to practice law in New York and Florida. NY