PI Attorney Gets 21 Months for Mishandling Law Firm Retirement Accounts
A Georgia personal injury attorney initially accused of embezzling nearly $1 million from his law firm’s pension and retirement accounts was sentenced today to 21 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to one charge of obstruction in the 77-count indictment he originally faced.
Benjamin Eichholz, 59, also was ordered to pay a $25,000 fine and restitution of a little over $50,000 by Chief U.S. District Judge William Moore Jr. in the Savannah case, reports the Savannah Morning News.
He must also complete three years of supervised release and 150 hours of community service.
Another Morning News article provides the text of Eichholz’ statement to the court.
In it he describes himself as “terribly saddened and humiliated and humbled,” and says he knows his “huge mistake” cannot be reversed and will continue to impact him and his family for years to come. However, his hope to continue as “a contributing member of society,” he said, will help give him the strength to endure whatever punishment he receives.
Eichholz also noted that he voluntarily gave up his law license, putting an end to the practice he began in 1976 at age 25.
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “PI Lawyer Known for ‘You Mean Business’ TV Ads Accused of Embezzling $950K”
