Woodbury Attorney Accused of Stealing $1.8M From Oxford Faces Plea Hearing

Oxford First Selectman George Temple said Thursday that he has been invited to Federal Court to comment at the sentencing of former Attorney Peter Clark, of Woodbury, who has been charged with the theft of $1.8 million from the estate of Miriam Strong.

The town has been named as a victim because the town was a beneficiary under Ms. Strong’s will.

The plea hearing will be at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, October 19, before Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis at the New Haven Federal Courthouse, 141 Church St. New Haven.

Peter Clark allegedly stole $1.8 million that was willed to the town by the late Miriam Strong. Clark was the executor of Strong’s estate. The monies were to go to help build a new library, purchase more open space and to help send students to college.

Strong died in 2010. Clark has been charged in connection with the missing money and has since resigned from the Connecticut Bar Association.

Temple said he will be attending the hearing along with Oxford Town Counsel Kevin Condon.

“As an attorney, I find it particularly offensive that a fellow lawyer would betray his clients trust. As a first selectman, I am appalled that Mr. Clark let personal greed interfere with the public good. I intend to make these sentiments known to the Federal Judge on Monday,’’ said Temple in a prepared statement released to the media.