Woodbury Attorney Allegedly Steals $1.8 Million From Woman's Estate

By BRIAN MCCREADY (Patch Staff)

Peter M. Clark, 57, of Woodbury, was arrested Thursday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with stealing more than $1.8 million from the estate of an Oxford woman who died in 2010.

According to the criminal complaint, Miriam S. Strong of Oxford died on July 2, 2010. At the time of her death, Strong had a will, which left money, property and other items to a list of individuals, the Town of Oxford, the State of Connecticut, and several religious and other charitable entities.

The will also called for the creation of a scholarship fund for college-bound students from Oxford.

Clark drafted the will as Strong’s attorney and served as a witness to Strong’s execution of the will.

The will named Clark and another individual as co-executors. The investigation has revealed that, during the course of the administration of the will, Clark took at least $1.8 million from Strong’s estate for his own use including purchasing a $3,928 all-terrain vehicle, paying his $914 power bill and a $2,000 check to his wife.

The complaint charges Clark with one count of mail fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Clark was arrested this morning at his residence. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A.L. Merriam in New Haven and will be released after he posts a $500,000 bond that will be co-signed by family members.

Oxford First Selectman George R. Temple said he’s at a “loss of words” over the allegations against Clark.

“He betrayed his client. He betrayed his legal profession. His arrest will not bring the money back but justice will be done,” Temple said.

Temple reiterated his belief that Oxford will receive most of the funds back at a later time through the courts.

“The arrest is a good first step,” Temple said, adding it will likely compel Clark to cooperate with federal authorities.

Temple said there is no doubt the loss of money impacted the town’s ability to purchase open space and has thrown into doubt future plans for a new Oxford Public Library. Temple said he remains committed to the library project.

“I had several sleepless nights over this,” Temple said adding that the money also would have benefited Oxford students who were going to college.

U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut State Police – Western District Major Crime Squad. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on May 21.

(image via shutterstock)