Peter Ressler, Embezzlement of Debtor’s Funds, Connecticut 2023

State: Connecticut
Category: White Collar Crime
Source: <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/bankruptcy-attorney-charged-embezzling-funds" style="color:#cc0000;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">DOJ Press Release ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Â Ã¢â‚¬â€

Peter Ressler, 68, of Woodbridge, Charged with Embezzling Funds from Clients

Peter Ressler, a 68-year-old bankruptcy attorney from Woodbridge, Connecticut, has been charged with embezzling funds from clients. Ressler was an attorney with a bankruptcy practice based in New Haven.

According to federal authorities, Ressler used client money for personal purposes. In one case, a debtor entrusted Ressler with $450,000, which were proceeds of a legal settlement, to be held by Ressler’s firm for the benefit of the debtor and its creditors. In a second case, the debtor entrusted Ressler’s firm with approximately $321,409.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut announced the charges against Ressler on June 10, 2023. Ressler appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport and was released on a $100,000 bond.

Ressler is cooperating with the investigation and prosecution of this matter, which includes the investigation of embezzlements from other clients. Ressler resigned from the Connecticut bar in March 2016.

The charge of embezzlement of debtor’s funds carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser. Ressler’s next court appearance is pending.