Melville Attorney Must Repay $499K, Forfeit Law License After Theft From Client: DA

MELVILLE, NY — A Melville attorney has pleaded guilty to stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from a client during a real estate transaction, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.

Michael Tulchiner, 61, of Bellmore, pleaded guilty Tuesday to second-degree grand larceny, a Class C felony, for misappropriating funds that were designated to pay off a client’s loan as part of a property sale, prosecutors said.

According to the DA’s office,Tulchiner stole $413,237 from his mortgage disbursement account between August and December 2022 while serving as the client’s attorney at a real estate closing.

Prosecutors said Tulchiner was entrusted with refinance loan funds that were specifically designated to pay off a prior mortgage on the property being sold. He was authorized to use the money only for that purpose.

On Aug. 26, 2022, Tulchiner ordered a bank check for $413,237 to pay the mortgage company, but instead redeposited the funds into his account three days later, prosecutors said. An analysis of his bank records showed the money was later spent on firm-related expenses unrelated to the transaction.

Tulchiner was represented by defense attorney Scott Gross.

"Mr. Tulchiner accepted full responsibility for his conduct at an early stage of this case," Gross said. "He acknowledged his wrongdoing, made efforts toward accountability, and the Court recognized that this was an isolated lapse in judgment. As a result, the matter was resolved without a sentence of incarceration."

Tulchiner entered the guilty plea before Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice John Collins, who ordered him to pay $499,000 in full restitution and permanently forfeit his license to practice law, prosecutors said.

“This sentence, including full restitution of $499,000 and the permanent forfeiture of his law license, is a reminder that no one is above the law — especially those sworn to uphold it,” Tierney said. “This betrayal not only harmed an innocent client but undermined the integrity of our legal profession.”