Bridgeport Attorney Stole $15K From Client: DOJ

BRIDGEPORT, CT — An attorney has pleaded guilty to stealing money from a client, according to the state Department of Justice. Alfred Cali, 62, of North Arlington, NJ was arrested by inspectors from the Statewide Prosecution Bureau of the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney.

According to the original arrest warrant affidavit, while an attorney practicing in Bridgeport, Cali deposited into his personal bank account checks totaling $15,614.55 that he received from a client to be forwarded to a lender in a federal bankruptcy proceeding.

He pleaded guilty under the Alford Doctrine to one count of second-degree larceny in May. He faces a maximum of eight years in prison.

The case was continued until July 11, 2019 for sentencing but Cali failed to appear and a re-arrest was ordered.

Cali has also been charged with felony failure to appear after a missing court date, according to the DOJ statement.

Statewide Prosecution Bureau Inspectors were recently notified that Cali had been taken into custody in New Jersey. He was extradited to Connecticut Tuesday and arraigned on the failure to appear charge today.

Cali's bond was set at $750,000 and his case has been continued until Oct. 8.

Bond was set at $750,000 and the case was continued until October 8, 2019.