Former in-house lawyer admits stealing $2.6M from his company
A former in-house lawyer who is being treated for a gambling addiction admitted on Tuesday that he stole $2.6 million from the New Jersey home health-care company that employed him.
Matthew Neugeboren, 39, of Manalapan, New Jersey, pleaded guilty in Trenton federal court to wire fraud and filing a false tax return, report the New Jersey Law Journal and the Asbury Park Press. A press release didn’t identify the company, but the publications say Neugeboren worked for Preferred HealthMate.
Prosecutors said Neugeboren stole the money through a lawyer trust account he maintained to pay his company’s expenses. Neugeboren asked the company to transfer more money than needed and used part of the extra money for gambling.
Neugeboren repaid $1.2 million in 2012 before the investigation began, his lawyer told the Asbury Park Press. His plea agreement calls for restitution of $1.4 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 3.
