Manhasset lawyer embezzled $229,000 from client, DA says

A Manhasset lawyer who authorities said embezzled nearly a quarter of a million dollars from a client and used the money to pay for country club dues and other expenses was arrested Wednesday and arraigned on grand larceny and related charges.

Alfred DiGirolomo Jr., 61, received $229,900 from his client, a restaurateur, to settle three lawsuits that had been filed against the proprietor, Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas said in a news release.

Singas said DiGirolomo forged documents to show his client, who was not named, that the lawsuits were settled when they were not.

“These thefts are particularly egregious because the defendant allegedly used the money he stole from his client for extravagant purchases — like country club dues and car payments,” Singas said.

DiGirolomo — charged with one count of second-degree grand larceny and five counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument — pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in First District Court in Hempstead, according to Singas’ office. He was released without bail. If convicted, DiGirolomo faces 5 to 15 years in prison.

DiGirolomo’s attorney, James Froccaro of Port Washington, could not be reached for comment.

According to Singas’ office, DiGirolomo received the funds between Jan. 1, 2014, and May 5, 2016, and used the money to pay for expenses that included membership to a cigar club, a figure skating club, credit card bills and car payments.

Sometime later, the restaurateur hired a new lawyer, who discovered that the lawsuits had not been settled and contacted Singas’ office, which opened an investigation in January.