Downstate attorney pleads to theft, perjury

Stephen Jackson, 56, a New York City attorney, has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $50,000 from client settlement funds.

Jackson, according to Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr., admitting taking the money by making numerous ATM withdrawals from the funds, which were under his control. He also pleaded guilty to lying and falsifying evidence in proceedings before the Departmental Disciplinary Committee that investigates complaints of attorney misconduct.

Jackson is convicted of second-degree grand larceny, first-degree perjury and tampering with physical evidence. He is expected to be sentenced on May 14.

The DDC, an arm of New York’s Appellate Division responsible for investigating complaints of misconduct by licensed attorneys, initiated an investigation into Jackson after a client complained. Jackson denied the allegations to the DDC, sending fabricated copies of his monthly bank statements from his escrow account. He also falsely testified under oath at a DDC deposition regarding the victim’s complaint.