Woodbridge Lawyer Admits To Stealing From Two Of His Clients

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — A local real estate lawyer, who lives in Metuchen but has his law office in Woodbridge, admitted Monday in Middlesex County court to stealing money from two of his clients.

Richard Zuvich, 64, of Metuchen, pleaded guilty on July 16 to theft by unlawful taking and misapplication of entrusted property. In a separate case, Zuvich also pleaded guilty to theft by deception.

As an attorney, Zuvich specialized in estate planning. His law office used to be located at 800 Inman Avenue in Colonia. Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew Carey said he deceived clients in two separate instances: First, Zuvich admitted he took the proceeds from a house sale, put the funds into a trust account, and then withdrew proceeds for his own personal gain without the clients’ authorization.

In the second case, Zuvich also admitted he secretly negotiated an insurance settlement for a house that burnt down on behalf of a client, without her consent or knowledge. He then proceeded to steal the settlement money.

Zuvich stole the clients funds between May 8, 2015 and July 2017. Woodbridge police were called in to help the Middlesex County prosecutor's office with the investigation.

Under a plea agreement reached with Middlesex County Prosecutor Christine D’Elia, Zuvich will serve five years in a state prison, and must pay $310,000 in restitution at the time of sentencing.

Zuvich was admitted to the New Jersey State Bar in 1980. He was suspended from the practice of law on May 30, 2017.

He is scheduled to be sentenced by Superior Court Judge Pedro Jimenez in New Brunswick on February 22, 2019. At that time, he must make restitution to his clients.

Pictured above: The professional building at 800 Inman Avenue in Colonia where Zuvich has his law office.