
A family attorney from Polk County, Florida has been arrested after it was revealed he’s stolen millions of dollars from his clients to fund his gambling addiction.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd told members of the press on September 5 that Jason Penrod, 47, of Family Elder Law was busted and slapped with first-degree felony grand theft, a crime with a maximum penalty of 30 years behind bars. The charge is only available to folks who steal over $100,000.
Judd told the press that they were informed that Penrod admitted to stealing a massive amount from a trust fund by a pair of siblings whose father had died and left them $1.7 million. He was also accused of similar behavior by clients he had in Florida.
The siblings were told by Penrod that he took the money, but promised to pay it back. He also informed them that he suffered from a gambling addiction and lost all the money at the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa. He promised to return the funds with interest.
Judd added that Penrod listed numerous excuses including trauma, repressed memories, and PTSD as well as an anxiety disorder and excessive amounts of life stress. He also checked himself into an inpatient treatment program in Florida. It’s around this time that the police were informed of additional victims. The total amount Penrod is accused of stealing is nearly $4 million.
Judd called Penrod delusional and told the press that he hopes the man will be locked up for “a very long time” as a result of his actions. Judd qualified his characterization of Penrod suggesting he has “about five brain cells” three of which he “left in the Hard Rock.”
Penrod’s additional victim includes a 93-year-old mother and wife who’s husband and two sons had died, leaving a trust to fund her care. Penrod admitted to police that he took the funds and gambled them away at the Hard Rock as well.
Judd said the crimes were exceptionally offensive given the fact Penrod was working as a lawyer, entrusted with access to his clients funds. He suggested criminals who wear a suit and tie and hide behind a cloak of professionalism and authority were the worst kind of criminal.