Lawyer accused of stealingmillions suspended
An attorney accused of stealing millions from an estate that benefited several children nonprofits and spending it on child support and cosmetic surgery was suspended from practicing law.
Brian Matthew Wiggins, 37, is facing identity fraud, aggravated theft of $1.5 million or more, money laundering, grand theft, tampering with records and possession of cocaine charges, according to Greene County court records. Judge Daniel Hogan was assigned to this case in August.
This newest suspension stems fromWiggins’ failure to respond to a complaint from the Board of Professional Conduct filed in June. That complaint allegesWigginsmishandled the estates of six people, including the estate and trust of Ronald Lentz ofGreeneCounty, and the trust of an additional person. The complaint alleges Wiggins violated several Rules of Professional Conduct. The complaint also allegesWiggins owes a significant amount in restitution
“to various parties; however, the exact amount of restitution cannot be determined until discovery in this matter is completed.”
Wiggins was also issued an interim default suspension inMay, which is still in effect, according to the June complaint. He was issued the second interimsuspension Sept. 21 by the Supreme Court of Ohio, according to court documents.
The bulk of the charges in the indictment fromMarch allege fraudulent activity related to his handling of the estate of Lentz, who died in August 2018. Lentz had an estate and a trust valued at more than $ 3 million. St. Jude’s and Smile Train, a nonprofit for children with cleft lips and palates, were the two main beneficiaries of the estate.
Wiggins spent the money on child support payments, cosmetic surgery for a familymember, houses, a boat, a car, gambling in Las Vegas and in Ohio and jewelry, said David Hayes of the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office.
His trial on those charges was scheduled to begin in July but was continued, according to Greene County Court records.
Wiggins is being held on a $1 million bond.