Attorney Sentenced for Defrauding Elderly Clients in Atlantic and Cape May Counties

A prominent Atlantic County attorney was sentenced to 10 years in state prison for defrauding elderly clients out of millions of dollars, and laundering the funds through various accounts, including her attorney trust account, Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman announced on Wednesday.

Barbara Lieberman, 63, of Northfield, previously pleaded guilty to first-degree money laundering.

She forfeited $3 million that the state seized from her, which will be used to pay restitution to her victims. She also forfeited her law license in New Jersey, as well as a BMW.

She and Jan Van Holt, 57, of Linwood, allegedly stole over $2 million from at least 10 victims in Atlantic and Cape May counties.

Lieberman specialized in elder law and Van Holt owns “A Better Choice,” a company that purportedly offered seniors “custom designed life care and legal financial planning.”

Van Holt’s sister, 58-year-old Linwood resident Sondra Steen, was previously charged with second-degree theft by deception. Steen lives with Van Holt and helps her operate her company.

Susan Hamlett, 55, of Egg Harbor Township, was also previously charged with second-degree theft by deception. She worked for the company as an aid to the clients.

Van Holt, Steen, Hamlett, William Price, 57, of Linwood, and Dr. Maria Teresa S. Daclan, 53, of Galloway Township were indicted on March 17.

Price was a caseworker for Atlantic County Adult Protective Services when Van Holt was a county caseworker, and Daclan was indicted on charges of hindering apprehension.

“We prosecute many egregious cases of financial fraud, but this one stands out for the selfish manner in which Lieberman plundered the life savings of the vulnerable seniors who placed their trust in her as an attorney,” Hoffman said. “Instead of honoring her elders and serving them honestly, Lieberman sized up their assets and drained them dry.”

“Lieberman’s oath required her to uphold the law and faithfully guard the interests of her clients, but instead she sinisterly preyed on the elderly victims who hired her,” Director Elie Honig, of the Division of Criminal Justice, said. “By stripping her of her license and imprisoning her for a lengthy term, we send a stern warning to any licensed professional who would callously exploit seniors in this fashion.”

“Lieberman used her position as an attorney to gain the trust of vulnerable, elderly victims, stealing savings and assets that took a lifetime to acquire,” Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, said. “Ironically, this prison sentence will ensure that she will be behind bars as she enters her senior years.”

The attached image was provided by the Attorney General’s Office