On Friday, February 21, 2025, the Rockland/Westchester Journal News reported that a former lawyer from Orange County, Brian Schmidt, has been charged with grand larceny in connection with a home sale in Yorktown. This charge follows his disbarment last year due to the mishandling of client funds in real estate transactions.
Schmidt, 49, surrendered to investigators from the Westchester District Attorney’s Office on February 18 and was subsequently arraigned in Yorktown Town Court on a felony charge of second-degree grand larceny, which carries a potential prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
According to the District Attorney, Schmidt is accused of misappropriating over $50,000 during a transaction where he represented the seller of a Yorktown property between August and November 2022. Susan Cacace, Westchester DA, emphasized the betrayal of trust inherent in Schmidt’s actions, stating that attorneys hold significant responsibilities towards their clients.
Schmidt’s legal career began in 2001, and he practiced in Pawling. He was disbarred in June 2024, following multiple complaints regarding his professional conduct and failure to cooperate with investigations.
The DA’s office is currently seeking restitution for the victim involved in this case, as well as for any other individuals affected by Schmidt’s actions.
