May 26th, 2006

A disbarred attorney that was charged with fraud relating to an asbestos trust fund has pleaded not guilty. He is accused of fraudulent activity to the tune of over $13,000, derives from settlement from lawsuits for asbestos related diseases and illnesses. The 58-year-old lawyer could be charged with over 40 counts of fraud.

Louis Robles was disbarred in 2003, and this followed an investigation by the Florida Bar. The lawyer is charged with taking money from asbestos clients’ trust fund accounts, and then using it for his own purposes, such as buying real estate in various states. He also used the money to make investments as well as pay his ex-wife’s alimony.

One attorney stated: "Lawyers are defenders of the law; they are not above the law. Louis Robles abused the trust of his clients, stole their money, and spent it on himself and his various business ventures."

Under federal laws the man could face between 15 and 20 years in prison for this fraud. He has been assigned a public defender, who told reporters that it has taken the government four years to bring the indictment.