Former Nassau Attorney Stole Thousands From Clients: DA

A former Garden City attorney was arrested on Wednesday after prosecutors say he stole more than $150,000 from two clients.

Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced the arrest of a former Garden City attorney for allegedly stealing more than $150,000 from two clients.

Gregory Hesterberg, 67, was arraigned Wednesday and charged with second- and third-degree grand larceny. He was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court on Sept. 6. If convicted of the top count, Hesterberg faces up to 15 years in prison.

“This defendant was once elected by fellow attorneys to lead a prominent professional organization, but in private practice he allegedly stole more than $150,000 from the clients who trusted him to act in their best interest,” said Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas. “Attorneys have a special responsibility to protect their clients, and those who betray their professional obligations and break the law face aggressive prosecution by my office.”

Singas said that in March 2015, Hesterberg owed a client $118,715.34 from the sale of a home in Brooklyn. After contact Hesterberg numerous times and never getting the money, Singas said that the client reported him to the Grievance Committee for the Tenth Judicial District. Singas's office received the case when the client filed a complaint in August 2017.

In addition, in February 2013, Singas said that Hesterberg was hired to settle the estate of a client's longtime partner. After the sale of a home in Queens and the payment of taxes, the client requested the $39,317 balance from Hesterberg, which Singas said he never provided. He ignored repeated calls and emails for six months, Singas said, and never paid.

Hesterberg resigned from the New York State Bar on Dec. 7, 2016 and was disbarred on April 19, 2017. He is a former president of the Brooklyn Bar Association.

Additionally, in February 2013, the defendant was hired to settle the estate of a client’s longtime partner. After the sale of a home in Queens and payment of taxes in June 2015, the client requested the $39,317.00 balance from the defendant. Hesterberg allegedly ignored all emails and phone calls for approximately six months and never paid the client.

Photo: Nassau County District Attorney's Office