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Attorney Sentenced for Theft of Client Funds
Four years ago, Daniel Beauchesne found himself in need of legal assistance when another driver rear-ended his vehicle on U.S. 19 in St. Petersburg. Following a friend’s recommendation, he hired personal injury attorney Christopher Reynolds.
“My friend said he had a good experience,” explained Beauchesne, now 66.
However, after hiring Reynolds, Beauchesne grew increasingly frustrated by excuses regarding the progress of his case. In early 2023, unsettling news came to light: Reynolds had been arrested and charged with stealing more than $800,000 from his clients, which included Beauchesne.
Investigations revealed that Reynolds had misappropriated settlement funds to cover personal expenses, including credit card bills and purchases on platforms like Amazon and Even site subscriptions. Meanwhile, many of his clients were left with unpaid medical bills, and some did not receive any of their settlements.
After a lengthy legal process, Reynolds has been sentenced to 15 years in prison, plus five years of probation, after pleading guilty to multiple charges of grand theft and money laundering.
On April 9, Judge Philippe Matthey mandated that Reynolds pay restitution totaling $716,000 to 11 individuals and entities, including affected clients, the Florida Bar, and Progressive Insurance. Some former clients are owed significant amounts, with three people each facing losses in the six-figure range.
Court documents indicate that, at the time of his arrest, Reynolds possessed little money in his accounts, raising doubts about his ability to repay his victims given his impending prison term. Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney Bruce Bartlett remarked, “It’s unlikely he’ll ever return any money.”
Bartlett highlighted the seriousness of the offense, asserting the sentence aligns with state guidelines for such institutional betrayal. Despite attempts from Reynolds’ defense counsel for a lesser sentence, Bartlett remained resolute, emphasizing the impact on the victims. “These individuals were taken advantage of when they were already suffering,” he added.
Reynolds, 46, established his law firm in Seminole in 2015, focusing on victims of auto accidents. Allegations surfaced in late 2022, when a client reported that a settlement she believed had been completed for $100,000 was never received.
By then, the Florida Bar had already initiated an investigation. Reynolds, who portrayed himself as a reputable attorney, was scrutinized online after a distressed client shared her experiences.
Investigators uncovered that Reynolds had forged signatures to secure settlements and then failed to disburse the funds appropriately, leading to mounting complaints from his clients.
From mid-2020 to late 2022, Reynolds appropriated nearly $809,000, funneling the money from trust accounts into his own. Expenditures included significant payments to credit cards, purchases through online retailers, and subscription services, raising questions about his financial management.
Reynolds’ wife disclosed during the investigation that their marriage was ending and mentioned that he was deeply in debt. Following the allegations, the Florida Supreme Court suspended his practice, citing abandoned cases and his absence from the profession. His law license was ultimately revoked in September 2023.
Attorney Matthew S. Carney, representing some of Reynolds’ victims, asserted the challenges many clients faced in securing funds or even equitable treatment after Reynolds’ misconduct. While some clients received settlements through the investigation efforts, others with legitimate agreements suffered significant losses.
Victims like Beauchesne have received necessary medical payments, yet he reflects on the outstanding amounts owed to him and the broader community. Shocked by the misuse of funds, he noted, “It’s outrageous that someone could spend that much on frivolous things.”
He ultimately agreed with the severity of the sentence, recognizing the depth of betrayal faced by clients who already endured hardships. “Taking money from people in vulnerable situations reflects poorly on the legal profession,” he concluded.
After being unable to pay the set bond of $825,000, Reynolds awaits his time in prison with credit for the days spent in custody.
Source
www.yahoo.com