Attorney Admits He Swiped From Clients

ST. LOUIS (CN) - A lawyer admitted he stole more than $70,000 from clients, in Federal Court Tuesday.

Stephen B. Evans, 46, of St. Louis County, pleaded guilty to mail and wire fraud. Evans, who operates a general practice firm called the Evans Partnership, admitted he kept settlements that were supposed to go to clients, signed clients' names on checks and deceived clients about the status of their case, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a statement.

Evans admitted he took $70,000 to $120,000.

The Missouri office of Chief Disciplinary Council recommended last year that Evans' law license be suspended due to fraud complaints from six clients, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

The suspension took effect on March 9, 2012 at the order of the Missouri Supreme Court, and remains suspended.

Evans faces 15 to 21 months in prison under federal sentencing guidelines.

His sentencing hearing is set for April 26.

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