Houston Attorney & Manager Indicted in $2.4M Client Fraud

HOUSTON, TX – A Houston attorney and his former office manager are facing federal charges for allegedly swindling injured clients out of $2.4 million in settlement money, the Department of Justice announced today. The scheme, spanning nearly a decade, allegedly saw the pair inflating medical expenses and pocketing the difference.

Clyde J. Moore, 62, and Mark A. Broussard, 63, both residents of Houston, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Ho this afternoon following their arrests. A federal grand jury returned the indictment on April 17, which remained sealed until today. The charges center around the operation of Clyde J. Moore Attorney at Law P.C., where the alleged fraud took place between approximately 2012 and 2021.

According to the indictment, Moore and Broussard, along with other employees, allegedly misled clients into believing the firm had paid medical providers more than they actually had. This manipulation allowed them to skim funds from settlements that rightfully belonged to the injured parties. The stolen money was allegedly funneled into the law firm’s trust account, where Moore then used it for personal expenses, including luxury sports cars and private school tuition for his children.

The indictment further alleges that Moore shared the ill-gotten gains with Broussard and other members of the firm who knowingly participated in the scheme. Federal investigators say the total amount of the fraud reaches a staggering $2.4 million. The pair systematically exploited vulnerable clients, leaving them with less compensation than they deserved after suffering injuries in car accidents.

Moore is charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, carrying a potential sentence of up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. He also faces an additional count of mail fraud, which could result in a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and another $250,000 fine. Broussard is charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, facing the same five-year prison sentence and $250,000 fine.

The investigation was conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation, with the prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Johnson. It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is a formal accusation, and both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due process of law. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds.