Suspended lawyer pleaded guilty in scheme to steal from WWII vet
25-month sentence
The runaway lawyer who took more than $2 million from a client, faked his own disappearance and fled to Canada is headed to prison.
Suspended Charleston attorney Michael T. Jordan was sentenced to 25 months behind bars Tuesday after admitting he disgraced himself and his profession.
The Post and Courier
Suspended lawyer Michael T. Jordan walks toward the Hollings Judicial Center on Tuesday for sentencing on a wire fraud charge.
With the 16 months Jordan has already served — either under house arrest or in the county lock-up — his punishment will total 41 months for stealing from an ailing World War II veteran in a real estate deal.
A remorseful Jordan held back tears inside the federal courthouse where he apologized to 83-year-old victim Harold Brossy, and also to the S.C. Bar.
"I'm sorry to your whole family for what I put you through," said Jordan, 46, who earlier pleaded guilty to a single count of wire fraud.
He called the state's legal corps hard-working professionals who "don't deserve to be judged by my wrongful acts."
Jordan was arrested on Aug. 3, 2007, trying to re-enter the U.S. at Buffalo, N.Y., just days after disappearing from a boat ride south of Charleston. After his vessel was found empty, he immediately became a suspect in Brossy's loss of $2.35 million from a sale of property off Dorchester Road.
Jordan had been in Canada about a day when he opted to return. When he was stopped at the border, his car was carrying camping gear and he had about $16,000 in cash with him.
Prosecutors said the arrest helped reveal that Jordan had been taking client account money for some time, as long as four years, spending the funds on personal expenses without authorization.
Previous stories
Team says lawyer will plead guilty, published 09/12/08
'Missing' lawyer in N.Y. jail; Affidavit says Charleston attorney admitted stealing money from client, published 08/04/08
Lawyer faces forfeiture in wire fraud case, publihsed 01/12/08
Lawyer's wife unaware of plan to flee, detective says, published 08/07/07
"He was leading a lifestyle he couldn't afford," said Assistant U.S. Attorney Debbie Barbier. The scheme finally collapsed after Jordan hit Brossy's account.
In court Tuesday, Jordan's friends and defense team said the crime was out of character for someone who'd built a practice from scratch. They described Jordan as blue collar and a man who fought to complete his education.
Jordan's supporters were also quick to blame his marriage for some of the troubles.
"He got married and things changed, and his motivations changed," Jordan's attorney, Gregory Harris, also told U.S. District Judge Patrick Michael Duffy.
Items listed in forfeiture documents associated with the case included land, vehicles and various pieces of jewelry, including a $37,000 diamond ring.
The couple is no longer together. Attempts to reach the woman through phone messages and calls to her attorney were unsuccessful. She was not charged in the case.
When Brossy's turn to address the court came, he said Jordan took more than the financial security he'd hoped to pass on to his children. Jordan "nearly destroyed my entire life and certainly shortened it," Brossy said. He's suffered sleep deprivation from stress and worry.
Some of Brossy's financial losses will be recouped under a settlement with banking giant Wachovia, which was holding the funds Jordan took.
Under an agreement discussed in court, Wachovia denied liability but will pay Brossy $3 million. Jordan is responsible for about $1.8 million in restitution to Wachovia.
The 25-month prison sentence imposed by Duffy fell at the bottom end of the 41- to 51-month range Jordan faced under federal sentencing guidelines, which are advisory, not mandatory. Duffy also noted that Jordan's remorse appeared genuine.
Still, the judge said prison time is warranted.
"Like a lot of folks, you really didn't stop until you knew you were going to get caught," Duffy said, telling Jordan he didn't truly need the money to live comfortably.
"You took it to buy 'goodies,'" he said.
Jordan's legal team requested he be housed at the federal prison in Jesup, Ga., where former state Treasurer Thomas Ravenel is serving 10 months for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine. He will report when space is available.
Meanwhile, Jordan is exploring joining the Peace Corps after his prison obligations are up, friends said.
Reach Schuyler Kropf at 937-5551, or skropf@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
Smart_Enough_2_Know_Better (anonymous) says...
A lawyer stealing money? Shocker.
Please don't blame a lack of moral standards on a failed marriage. I doubt this joker was leading a virtuous life and then one day suddenly decided to start stealing because of trouble with his wife.
The only reason he feels bad is because he got caught. I'm sure this wasn't the first time and certainly won't be the last- he'll just be much more careful in the future.
December 3, 2008 at 1:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ballachulish (anonymous) says...
Don't worry Mr. Jordan, the State Supreme Court will reinstate your law license and you'll be back to practicing law in no time.
If the SCSC thinks a convicted drug-addict murderer is qualified to practice law, a absconding thief is a shoe-in to be reinstated.
December 3, 2008 at 4:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spengler (anonymous) says...
So, apparently, the more you steal, the less time you do. That explains why Congress is not incarcerated.
December 3, 2008 at 5:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ironhorse (anonymous) says...
He'll definitely be a Barney Frank democrat when he gets out of jail.
The uneducated will vote for him as long as he promises to give away my tax dollars.
December 3, 2008 at 6:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
islandbenzbc (anonymous) says...
Only 41 months for stealing $2million? Sounds like the "good old boy" system is alive and well in the legal profession!
December 3, 2008 at 7:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
meg7 (anonymous) says...
So, Jordan "held back tears" in the courtroom when HIS well-being was at stake. When Jordan attempted to destroy the well-being of his elderly client, I'm sure his eyes were dry. What a light sentence for such a sleazy criminal.
December 3, 2008 at 7:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
counterpoint (anonymous) says...
I hope there is an incarcerated rapist with a deceased WWII vet father in his cell block...
December 3, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realintheus (anonymous) says...
You are right Spengler, the more you steal the less time you get! AMAZING, I think someone on the top is looking out, and I don't mean God!
December 3, 2008 at 7:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ccfirefighterchick (anonymous) says...
There is a special place in hell for those that steal from the elderly. And, the fact that his victim is a veteran just makes it worse.
This just confirms what I have thought of lawyers for years. They are sleazy and will do wrong as soon as the opportunity presents itself. They think that they are above the law. And, with the sentence this joker just received, it appears they are.
December 3, 2008 at 7:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bm1961 (anonymous) says...
Another example of white collar crime paying off big time. Wonder how much of the money is stashed and how long before he will be praticing law again. Looks like the attorney is on the hook to Wachovia for the money now though, since the old guy apparently fingered Wachovia for neglegance in handling the account.
The attorney who killed the jogger downtown from a felony DUI is back in business, probably wont be a few months before this guy is back to work.
"Prosecutors said the arrest helped reveal that Jordan had been taking client account money for some time, as long as four years, spending the funds on personal expenses without authorization".
Wonder who else has been duped by this attorney, but could not build a case against him. Apparently he has had his hand in the cookie jar for some time.
December 3, 2008 at 7:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
I love lawyers...yeah sure. What a scumbag.
December 3, 2008 at 8:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Satanssybil2007 (anonymous) says...
well he gets to go to a powder puff prison so none of the really bad guys dont get to him.....BULLSH*T he deserves to go to say Lieber or somewhere on Broadriver in Columbia! why the special treatment b/c he WAS a lawyer? So what. He is a criminal nothing more nothing less
December 3, 2008 at 8:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MP (anonymous) says...
A lawyer bringing "disgrace" to the legal profession? I didn't know that was possible. That's like a used-car salesman disgracing other used car salesmen.
December 3, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofseven_2 (anonymous) says...
This is UNF%$#KING BELIEVEABLE I KNOW SOME LAWYERS ARE CROOKS BUT, out in less then three years after stealing from a man who once protected this country ? I think they should let the family deal with this low life
December 3, 2008 at 8:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tulane75 (anonymous) says...
Most of the lawyers I know do some form of pro bono work. This is work for which they volunteer or are appointed. In fact, most lawyers do more community service than their clients, not to mention more than most other citizens in our community!
It is neither accurate, nor fair, to color all lawyers with such a broad brush.
December 3, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realman (anonymous) says...
Only 41 months for $2 million? Sounds like an acceptable risk to me. . .
There are kids that go to jail for a lot longer than that for stealing a lot less.
December 3, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
desspec (anonymous) says...
Time for a write-up about the lawyer who got away with murder ...
December 3, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Kerry (anonymous) says...
New John Grisham book due out soon; title - "The Scumbag"
A legal/romance thriller based on the true life events of an attorney who sacrificed his soul and career for his poor wife who could not live happily in a world without luxury.
December 3, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nativecharlestongirl (anonymous) says...
I also think that Mr. Jordan should have to pay restitution for the state agencies that were out for days searching for him. DNR had dozens of men, boats, divers and air support looking for this idiot... He set it up so that his boat would be found empty so that he would be considered missing and eventually dead... I think he has got a slap on the wrist for being a complete sleazeball
December 3, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
Do they cover this kind of stuff in law school.
December 3, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
We should all be grateful that justice will be served as soon as their is "space available".
December 3, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kontact (anonymous) says...
Let me get this straight: The lawyer who stole MILLIONS from a veteran gets 25 months, the lawyer who KILLED the lady during a DUI gets 2-3 years. The lawyer who did drugs (Tara Anderson Thompson) gets 5 years!! At least we dont discriminate when it comes to drugs. The war on drugs seems to be more important than prosecuting tot he fullest extent of the law murders and thieves!!WOW!
December 3, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Nonsense (anonymous) says...
I don't get the idea on not punishing thieves - we have a thief at work here that I have reported and management just shoves it under the carpet - this woman actually counts money for a living - yet she stole money from a few of her co-workers - and it was reported to management and they are too lazy to do anything about it - I actually hope it comes out that she has stolen gov't money one day - because I have it documented that I reported it to management, and they said it was "heresay" and did not even do an investigation. I think thieves are the scum of the earth.
December 3, 2008 at 10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Ikno2 (anonymous) says...
How did he work with the authorities to return the money? How much was returned? Or was it spent on lavish ski trips to Aspen, Vail or other Colorado ski resorts? Or to Las Vegas or the US Open tennis tournament or even a cruise or two? Is the $1.8 mil that he is still responsible for tied up in the house?
41 months for $2.35 mil equates to about $57,317.00 per month............not a bad wages....huh! even for a sleazy lawyer
December 3, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Surfcaster (anonymous) says...
Just what is needed, another jailhouse lawyer.
December 3, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bigwhip (anonymous) says...
Lawyers: the only "professionals" that never permanently lose their licenses to practice. Another sad commentary on our Columbia Pols. This was probably established by roll call vote.
December 3, 2008 at 10:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AFWally (anonymous) says...
This guy won't serve no 41 months, he may serve 8 or 10 and he'll be practising law again and stealing until somebody shoots his sorry ass.
December 3, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofseven_2 (anonymous) says...
Johnnyholmes you must be old as dirt. LOL. A virgin at 38 HAAHAHAH, lucky if you find one over the age of 8. All Lawyers have some form of crookness (if that can be a word) in them, have to to win in court. Thats what makes a good lawyer. But, this one is a thief plan and simple
Also Johnny why does your name sound so familiar hmmmm I know I know that name from some where. LOL
December 3, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Surfcaster (anonymous) says...
He will be released in time to become Odama's ag.
December 3, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammanofdi (anonymous) says...
What I don't understand is the volunteering for the Peace Corps thing. I tried to volunteer for the Peace Corp several years ago (before I had completed college) and they barred me because I wasn't a college graduate. So, they won't allow someone without a degree to volunteer, but they will admit a convicted felon with a degree?? And while I'm on the subject, why are they so picky (and/or unpicky) about people that are willing to travel to the ends of the earth to volunteer?
December 3, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hampton12 (anonymous) says...
If any of you bloodthirsty A##holes knew the guy you would think twice before judging him. He was my attorney for closings for many transactions and was always great and fairly priced.
The victim is profiting 1.4 million dollars now. Frankly what a man his age with all his health problems is doing in the real estate development business is beyond me. It is the most difficult and litigous business there is and it is full of sharks and scoundrels. Thats a good retirn for a little lost sleep.
Regardless the guy screwed up and is being punished for it. But anyone who knows him knows it was that Golddigging black widow he got conned into marrying and carrying her three kids from the last deep pockets guy who dumped her ass that led him to this downfall.
I say to every man and woman out there . Have you ever done something really really stupid because you thought you were in love?
Judge not and you shall not be judged!
December 3, 2008 at 1:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yeahright (anonymous) says...
What a really stupid post. Hampton must be in love...
December 3, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AFWally (anonymous) says...
Hmmmm.....bloodthirsty for lawyers, so?
December 3, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofseven_2 (anonymous) says...
Oh for the love of... get real Hampton I dont care if the old guy has hundreds of millions he was robbed plain and simple. Get real, we comment on all stories, dont like what is said dont read it
December 3, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bpwnz (anonymous) says...
at least this leaves him available for his role in Men in Black III
December 3, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofseven_2 (anonymous) says...
OMG I just got what you meant after looking at his pic bpwnz LOL LOL LOL
December 3, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MP (anonymous) says...
Defend him all you want Hampton12. He's a scumbag. He stole from the very people he was supposed to look out for. According to you it's all the victim's fault for being old and still wanting to work. Go figure. Could be that maybe you and Jordan are more alike than you will admit to.
December 3, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RealitySetsIn (anonymous) says...
Re: Hampton's post. WOW you are so right! The Black Widow made him do it! There's no other explanation. Your insight and keen sense of all that is right is amazing! He had no choice. Were you the one that also stated that O.J. Simpson is a nice guy too? Al Parish is a nice guy too: had no choice either; Was he married to the Black Widow too?
Jordan's crocodile tears must have really grabbed your heartstrings. I'm sure he is already planning his next scheme.
December 3, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mrjm (anonymous) says...
How do you justify condemning the wife as a means to explain his actions? Say what you want, but it doesn't sound like she broke the law and stole from an elderly veteran....the individual makes the decision to steal from their own lack of good morals - no one can force you to compromise your integrity and reputation but YOU.
December 3, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofseven_2 (anonymous) says...
His lawyer would like him to be housed in a federal prison ,like the one in Jessup Ga with Ravenell ??? this is so F&*king crazy
December 3, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
Peace corp? Oh how magnanimous of him! After that he can volunteer for community service at a local hospital.
Does anyone actually believe he'll join the peace corp after he finishes his time at the penal country club?
What a crock!
December 3, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
palmtreesforme (anonymous) says...
It's so wrong to steal but to steal from a veteran or a senior citizen is below that. What a piece of trash.
December 3, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
Right before he enters the peace corp he might try to swindle some moeny about of someone else and disappear. I think I made the wrong career choice..I should have been a CEO or a lawyer! DAMMIT!!!!!
December 3, 2008 at 5:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ysillyme (anonymous) says...
BigJohnHolmes~
I think Clinto was disbarred from Arkansas only; great username.
December 3, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ms_lady2u (anonymous) says...
99% of all lawyers make the rest look bad!
December 3, 2008 at 7:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Surfcaster (anonymous) says...
If the Peace Corps does not accept him, acorn will.
December 3, 2008 at 8:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MP (anonymous) says...
ACORN will probably have him on retainer WHILE he's locked up. Acorn or that bastion of communism, ACLU (American Criminal Lover's Union).
December 4, 2008 at 7:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
honestlawyer (anonymous) says...
Firefighter chick: Do I blame all firefighters when one of your colleages goes off on an arson spree? Gee, that never happens, does it?
December 4, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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