Huntington, WV (WOAY)- A former law firm office manager has pleaded guilty to bank fraud.
On Monday, August 18, 57-year-old Todd M. Chapman of Huntington admitted to embezzling at least $602,000 from a local law firm while working as its office manager.
Some of those funds were from client trust accounts and proceeds from a Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) loan authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
Chapman worked as the office manager for 30 years, until April 2022, when he wrote checks for the firm’s bank accounts to cover legitimate business expenses.
Court documents state that from 2016 through 2022, Chapman wrote unauthorized checks from the law firm’s accounts and client trust accounts to himself.
To cover up the crime, Chapman reportedly funneled stolen funds from clients through the firm’s operating accounts, forged signatures on checks, drafted false documents, and made false statements under oath in court and to law enforcement when questioned.
Chapman embezzled at least $409,000 from three deceased clients’ estates, $100,000 from an underage client who was supposed to receive the money upon turning 18.
Additionally, Chapman stole over $15,000 of an initial $20,000 settlement for another underage client who suffered an injury as an infant.
Chapman also embezzled $13,686.21 from a $20,375 PPP loan that the firm received to provide emergency financial aid during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chapman admitted that he spent the embezzled funds on his personal enjoyment and lifestyle.
Chapman faces sentencing on December 1, 2025, and is subject to a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
He also owes $602,000 in restitution.
