Ex-Adoption Lawyer Sentenced For Scamming Adoption Seekers

HOLLAND, PA — A former lawyer from Holland has been sentenced to federal prison for scamming clients who were seeking adoptions.

Steven G. Dubin, 66, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Gene E.K. Pratter. He also was ordered to pay $74,800 in restitution.

In June 2018, Dubin pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Dubin was a licensed attorney who offered services to prospective adoptive parents. From December 2010 to February 2013, he stole retain fees from clients, falsely claiming they would be held in an escrow account and used toward future expenses.

Federal prosecutors say he also began operating his own pyramid scheme, using retain fees from new clients to pay himself for legal fees or expenses related to other clients. Even after he was disbarred in 2012, Dubin continued to accept new retainer fees from clients and, in some cases, continued to represent himself as a licensed attorney.

"The process of adopting a child can be long, complicated, and emotionally draining, and prospective parents often rely on professionals like adoption attorneys to navigate the bureaucratic hurdles," said acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams. "Here, Steven Dubin took advantage of this position of trust to steal money from unsuspecting clients who thought he was going to help them adopt a child, even after being disbarred. His behavior is a despicable violation of professional ethics."

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vineet Gauri.