Disbarred NH Lawyer Expected To Cop Plea To $2.3M Ripoff Of Heirs Of Now-Deceased Client; Use Of Bogus POA To Sell Family Home Among Alleged Bad Acts

In Manchester, New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Union Leader reports:

• A once-prominent, politically connected Manchester lawyer has been charged with bilking a client of more than $2.3 million and is expected to plead guilty to fraud-related charges [...] in U.S. District Court, federal prosecutors said [last week].(1) Thomas J. Tessier, 71, [...] is expected to appear in court [...] and enter guilty pleas to bank fraud, mail fraud and money laundering, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Kinsella.

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• The case involves the family of Beatrice Jakobiec, who died in 2001 and had set up trusts for her two sons. [...] According to documents provided by the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, Tessier allegedly submitted documents to banks with forged signatures, which gave him access to certificates of deposit. He also allegedly used a fraudulent power of attorney to sell the family home. Finally, he alledgedly cashed in Jakobiec insurance policies, investment accounts and trust accounts, allegedly claiming he had the legal right to do so.

• Although he funneled small amounts to the family, Tessier is accused of keeping more than $2.3 million for himself. Kinsella said Tessier spent most of the money on personal expenses. A substantial amount of money has been repaid to the victims, Kinsella said.

For the story, see Once at top, now disgraced.

For the U.S. Attorney press release, see Fraud And Money Laundering Charges Filed Against Former Lawyer And Resident Of Manchester.

(1) Reportedly, Tessier was disbarred in December 2008. Still unresolved are a civil suit filed by the Jakobiecs and state charges out of the Cheshire County Attorney's Office, the story states. DeedContraTheft