An elder law attorney from Great Neck has admitted to stealing $797,332 from her clients—five times the amount that authorities said she stole when she was arrested nearly two years ago.
Martha Brosius, 50, pleaded guilty Monday at Nassau County court to two counts of grand larceny and a charge of scheme to defraud. Queens prosecutors are handling the case due to the fact that Brosius’ husband works for the Nassau County District Attorney’s office, which requested a special prosecutor to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.
“The defendant has admitted to breaching her fiduciary duty and unjustly enriching herself at the expense of her clients,” said Queens District Attorney Richard Brown. “Under the terms of the guilty plea in which she admitted her guilt, the defendant will sign a confession of judgment to begin the process of making her victims financially whole and faces the prospect of serious prison time.”
Brosius was originally accused of stealing about $150,000 from four clients, but was later indicted on charges of stealing about $700,000 when more victims were uncovered, the Press has reported.
As part of Brosius’ plea deal, she admitted to stealing from two additional victims that were not part of her indictment. Investigators said a total of 12 clients were victimized in the case.
Prosecutors suggested that Brosius be sentenced to six-to-18 years in prison, but Judge Helene Gugerty recommended that she be sentenced to 4-12 years in addition to ordering her to pay restitution.
Brosius is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 12.
Her Garden City-based attorney, Marc Gann, previously told the Press that she had retired from practicing law.
