Evil probate lawyer sentenced to 15 years in prison

Earlier on this blog, I reported that Terry Erwin Stork, an Austin, Texas lawyer, pled guilty to felony theft for conduct relating to various estates.

Here is some of the conduct in which Stork is accused of engaging:

• Mismanaged or stole property worth over $800,000.
• Engaged in the evil conduct for over 20 years.
• Lived in the home of a deceased client for 15 years.
• When he sold the home, he deposited the proceeds in his personal account.
• Drove a deceased client’s car.
• Used a deceased client’s money to purchase china for his collection.
• Failed to deliver property to beneficiaries.

Yesterday (September 22, 2008), Judge Bob Perkins sentenced Stork to 15 years in prison which would make him 85 years old when he is released.

Stork had previously resigned from the practice of law.  However, there are claims that Stork has continued to practice law using his brother’s identity (his brother is also a lawyer).

See Tony Plohetski, Disbarred lawyer sentenced to 15 , Austin American-Statesman, Sept. 23, 2008. years