Disbarred Attorney Stole $40,000 From Nassau Couple

A disbarred attorney from Hicksville pleaded guilty on Tuesday to stealing tens of thousands of dollars from a couple trying to sell their home.

Constantine Giannakos, 51, pleaded guilty to third-degree grand larceny for stealing $40,000 from a Hicksville couple. Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas said that if Giannakos provides $40,000 restitution when he is sentenced on May 10, he will likely be sentenced to five years probation. Otherwise, he could face up to three years in prison.

“Instead of faithfully representing his clients, this defendant stole $40,000 from them and spent it at the Home Depot and on personal credit card payments,” Singas said. “When an attorney abuses their client’s trust and steals from them, my office will hold them accountable for their crimes.”

According to Singas, in early 2017, a Hicksville homeowner and her ex-husband hired Giannakos to represent them in the sale of their home. The couple and the purchasers entered into a contract on Feb. 4, 2017.

When the contract was signed, the buyers' attorney provided a $40,000 down payment check that was deposited into Giannakos' escrow account and held there until closing.

After the scheduled closing date of Sept. 27, Giannakos was supposed to give the money to the couple selling the home, but never did. They made several requests for the money over phone and text message, but never received it.

The homeowners complained to the DA's office on Oct. 24, 2017. A review of Giannakos' escrow accounts howed that he spent the money at the Home Depot, on credit card payments, department stores, mortgage payments and unrelated business expenses.

Giannakos was disbarred for another matter on August 21, 2012.

If you believe you may have been a victim of an unscrupulous attorney, please call the NCDA’s Tip Line at 516-571-7755. Anyone interested in hiring an attorney is encouraged to check that person’s standing and registration with the Office of Court Administration.