Chester County Lawyer Defrauded 25 Clients Around The Area: DA

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — A Downingtown lawyer has been charged for defrauding dozens of his clients of thousands of dollars, according to the Chester County District Attorney's Office.

Joshua Janis, 37, defrauded at least 25 clients of $90,000 over several years, authorities said. He worked out of West Chester from 2006 to 2013 and then at his own firm in Downingtown from 2013 to 2015.

Most of the instances followed a similar pattern: Janis would promise his client to do some kind of work, and would collect a fee. He would then not do the work, or do very little of it.

Many of his clients were individuals trying to settle their divorces. Janis would tell them he had filed a civil cause of action or similar litigation, but really never did anything. He routinely booked $1,000 or $1,500 for these cases up front, the DA's office said.

He would also fabricate stories for his clients to explain the delays, even telling a family that was attempting to obtain a civil union divorce that "the judge has something against gay people and straight people's divorces are put first," according to the DA's office.

Police believe there are more victims. Contact Det. Jerry Davis at 610-344-6866 if you have any information.

Image via Chester County District Attorney's Office