Houston Attorney and Ex-Staffer Swindled $2.4M from Injured Clients

HOUSTON, TX – A Houston personal injury attorney has been charged in federal court for allegedly swindling $2.4 million from injured clients over nearly a decade. Clyde J. Moore, 62, and his former office manager, Mark A. Broussard, 63, appeared in court after a federal grand jury indicted them on conspiracy to commit mail fraud and mail fraud charges.

The indictment, unsealed on the day of their arrest, alleges that Moore and his staff inflated medical expenses and misled clients into believing they paid medical providers more than they actually did. This scheme allegedly allowed the firm to divert settlement funds to its own trust account, where Moore used the money to fund his personal lifestyle.

According to the indictment, Moore used the stolen funds to purchase luxury sports cars and pay for his children’s private school tuition. He also allegedly split the spoils with Broussard and other firm employees involved in the scheme.

The investigation was led by the IRS Criminal Investigation division, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Johnson prosecuting the case. If convicted, Moore and Broussard face up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine for the conspiracy charge. Moore also faces an additional 20-year prison sentence and $250,000 fine for the mail fraud charge.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. Moore and Broussard are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due process of law.

Moore, who operated Clyde J. Moore Attorney at Law P.C. in Houston, handled personal injury cases arising from car accidents from 2012 to 2021. During that time, the scheme allegedly netted $2.4 million in stolen settlement funds.

The case serves as a reminder that even the most trusted professionals can engage in brazen acts of financial misconduct. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how far-reaching the scheme was and how many clients were affected.