A Boston lawyer has been charged with defrauding two clients of over $2 million. Patrick J. Dolan, 60, from North Attleboro and Haverhill, faces four counts of wire fraud. He is set to appear in federal court at a later date.
According to the charging documents, between November 2018 and November 2024, Dolan allegedly devised a scheme to defraud his clients and others who entrusted him with maintaining funds in accounts he controlled for their benefit. It is claimed that Dolan stole over $2 million held in escrow pending the outcome of a family trust lawsuit where he represented one party.
Dolan reportedly used the stolen funds for personal expenses, including transfers to accounts under family members’ names or shell companies, mortgage payments, tuition fees, student loans, and other personal items and services. Additionally, Dolan is accused of stealing at least $87,500 from a supplemental needs trust established for another client to make a down payment on real estate in Haverhill where he lived with his family. He allegedly made false statements about the stolen funds and falsified bank statements and accounting records.
Wire fraud charges carry up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes governing criminal case sentencing.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks from the FBI Boston Division announced the charges today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay is prosecuting the case.
The allegations in the charging document remain unproven until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
