Patrick J. Dolan, Wire Fraud, Massachusetts 2024

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Boston Lawyer Charged with Stealing $2 Million from Clients

BOSTON – In a shocking case of lawyer misconduct, Patrick J. Dolan, a 60-year-old lawyer from North Attleboro and Haverhill, has been charged with allegedly defrauding two of his clients of over $2 million.

According to the charging documents, between November 2018 and November 2024, Dolan devised a scheme to defraud his clients and other individuals who entrusted him to maintain funds in accounts he controlled for their benefit.

The defendant will make an initial appearance in federal court at a later date. If convicted, Dolan faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

It is alleged that Dolan stole over $2 million that he was holding in escrow pending the outcome of a family trust lawsuit in which he represented one of the parties. He allegedly used the stolen funds for himself and his family members, including by making transfers to accounts held in the names of family members or shell companies, using funds to make mortgage, tuition, and student loan payments, and using funds to pay for personal items and services.

Dolan is further alleged to have stolen at least $87,500 from a supplemental needs trust that he established for another client, and using those funds to make a down payment towards the purchase of real property located in Haverhill, where he subsequently resided with his family.

It is further alleged that Dolan made false statements to his clients and others regarding the stolen funds, falsified bank statements, and falsified accounting records.

The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.