Bergen County Man Illegally Obtained $7.8 Million From N.Y. Law Firms, Authorities Said

An Englewood Cliffs man admitted using bogus companies to defraud two New York-based law firms out of $7.8 million, authorities said.

Melvin Feliz, 48, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Newark federal court before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and tax evasion, said U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman.

Feliz’s wife, Keila Ravelo, 49, worked as a partner at two New York law firms from July 2005 to November 2014. During that time the pair formed two limited liability companies that allegedly provided litigation support for the firms, Fishman said.

The companies did not provide any services, but Feliz and Ravelo billed the law firms, and a client, for the work, Fishman said.

Ravelo was a partner at the law firms and approved $7.8 million to the companies; Feliz and Ravelo used the money for personal expenses, Fishman said.

Feliz admitted that he failed to report the income on his tax returns, including more than $2.3 million in 2012 alone, authorities said.

Feliz faces a maximum prison sentence of 25 years and a $500,000 fine, 20 years on the conspiracy charge, five on the tax evasion charge, and a $250,000 fine on each charge, when he is sentenced Dec. 14.

Charges against Ravelo are still pending, Fishman said.