Suffolk Attorney Stole Over $300K From Elderly Client: SCDA

CENTRAL ISLIP, NY — An Islandia-based attorney was indicted for stealing more than $300,000 from an elderly client, Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy D. Sini announced Monday.

Peter Rand, 56, of North Massapequa, was charged with second-degree grand larceny (a C felony). If convicted, Rand faces a maximum sentence of five to 15 years in prison. He owns The Rand Law Firm, P.C. though his current office address is unknown.

"This defendant was in a position of trust, but he abused that trust and preyed upon an elderly client," Sini said. "I urge anyone who believes they may have been victimized by this defendant to contact the District Attorney’s Office."

Rand was chosen as a trustee of an irrevocable trust created by one of his clients, who is a man in his 80s, Sini said. The man placed real estate in the trust which was then sold by Rand, Sini said. Between April 1, 2014, and Feb. 3, 2015, Sini said that Rand stole more than $300,000 from the irrevocable trust, which contained the proceeds from the sale of the real estate.

Rand stole the funds by writing checks to himself from the trust, Sini said. He also stole money by depositing some of the proceeds of the real estate sale into his own escrow account and then writing checks to himself or making cash withdrawals, according to Sini.

Sini said that Rand spent the stolen funds on personal and business expenses, including retail purchases, dining and a car.

The District Attorney’s Office is asking anyone who believes he or she may be a victim to call 631-853-4161.

Rand was arraigned Monday and released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court Feb. 5.