Former South Jersey Attorney Sentenced in Phony Lawsuit Scheme

A former toxic tort litigation attorney based in Haddonfield was sentenced to two years in prison for falsifying defendants’ names in more than 100 asbestos suits filed in New York State courts in order to increase business and his standing in the firm, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman said.

Arobert C. Tonagbanua, 47, of Sicklerville, previously pleaded guilty to an information charging him with one count of wire fraud.

He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. Tonagbanua must also pay remaining institution of $232,643.92.

The scheme took place between 2008 and April 9, 2012, according to documents filed in the case and statements made in court.

Tonagbanua admitted he fraudulently changed legitimate copies of filed asbestos complaints by deleting a named defendant and inserting the name of one or more of his firm’s clients.

He forwarded those fraudulently altered complaints by email, fax and otherwise to the firm’s clients, their representatives and insurance companies.

No one else at the firm was aware of these actions.

After notifying the firm’s clients of the suits, Tonagbanua – and others at the firm who were not involved in the scheme – agreed to represent the clients, by attending depositions, answering discovery and settling claims.

Tonagbanua inserted his firm’s clients’ names into more than 100 lawsuits, resulting in the generation of more than $1 million in fraudulent fees, costs and settlements.

Tonagbanua personally benefitted from the scheme through bonuses and raises.