MINEOLA, N.Y. – Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced that a Jericho-based attorney has been sentenced to 3-1/3 to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay restitution for stealing more than $187,000 in personal injury settlement funds awarded to her client, using the money to carry on her Jericho law practice and for various personal expenditures.
Nancy Enoksen, 49, of Islip, was convicted by a jury on January 29 of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree (a C felony). The trial before Judge Howard Sturim, lasted for seven days.
“This unscrupulous attorney stole her client’s money to pay for shopping sprees and a luxury car,” DA Singas said. “This sentence, and our success prosecuting more than 20 attorneys for misconduct since 2012, sends a strong message that lawyers who victimize their clients will face serious consequences.”
DA Singas said that in November 2008, the victim, a woman from Bellmore, retained Enoksen, to represent her in various personal matters. During Enoksen’s representation, the woman settled a personal injury lawsuit from which she was to be paid $400,000. Though she was represented by another attorney in the personal injury action, Enoksen advised the victim to place the funds into an escrow account which she would maintain for her client.
Between August 19, 2013 and April 30, 2014, Enoksen withdrew more than $187,000 from the escrow account, without the permission or knowledge of her client, and used the money to continue her law practice and for personal expenses including trips to Canada, BMW car payments, and for shopping at Lord & Taylor and Macy’s.
Senior Investigative Counsel Mary Ruddy and Deputy Chief Peter Mancuso of DA Singas’ Financial Crimes Bureau are prosecuting the case. Enoksen is represented by Michael Alber, Esq.
If you feel you have been a victim of an unscrupulous attorney call the NCDA’s Tip Line at 516-571-7755.
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