A Boston lawyer has been charged with allegedly defrauding clients of over $2 million. Patrick J. Dolan, 60, from North Attleboro and Haverhill, faces four counts of wire fraud. He is set to appear in federal court at a later date.
The charges allege that between November 2018 and November 2024, Dolan devised a scheme to defraud his clients by misappropriating funds he was entrusted to maintain. It is claimed that Dolan stole over $2 million held in escrow related to a family trust lawsuit where he represented one party.
Dolan allegedly used the stolen money for personal expenses, including transferring funds to accounts under family members’ names or shell companies. The funds were reportedly used for mortgage payments, tuition fees, student loans, and personal items. Additionally, Dolan is accused of stealing at least $87,500 from another client’s supplemental needs trust to make a down payment on real estate in Haverhill.
It is further alleged that Dolan made false statements about the stolen funds and falsified bank statements and accounting records.
Wire fraud carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay is prosecuting the case.
The allegations outlined in the charging document are not evidence of guilt; Dolan is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
