Richard Pizzi, a disbarred lawyer and former Berkeley Heights
municipal judge, admitted Tuesday that he embezzled more than
$500,000 from his clients for his own personal use.
The disgraced attorney's admission to two counts of second-degree
misapplication of entrusted funds in Superior Court in Elizabeth
means the 58-year-old will go to prison for up to nine years.
During 2004, Pizzi, who lives in Bedminster, stole from clients
who entrusted him with money for the purchase and construction
of their homes.
"It's sad, not only because five different victims lost
large sums of money that they entrusted to the defendant,
but because of his greed he has tarnished his profession and
taken the life savings from innocent people," said Union
County Prosecutor Theodore Romankow. "He deserves permanent
disbarment and will be paying a heavy price for his greed
while he sits in jail."
Pizzi's attorney, John DeMassi, portrayed his client in a
more sympathetic light, describing him as a lawyer who displayed
poor judgment.
DeMassi said Pizzi admitted to the thefts, cooperated 100
percent with the prosecutor and is prepared to pay for his
wrongdoing.
"He got overwhelmed with his practice and matters with
his practice," DeMassi said. "Rich admits what he
did was wrong. He is ready to face the consequences,"
DeMassi said.
Despite stealing over half a million dollars and practicing
law for three decades, DeMassi said that Pizzi is now destitute
and living day to day.
"It's a tragedy," DeMassi said. "This guy was
a well-respected judge, a well-respected attorney. When you
speak to most attorneys, they are surprised. This behavior
is an aberration and would not have happened five years ago."
Since Pizzi is penniless, the victims will likely be repaid
through the New Jersey Lawyers for Client Protection Fund,
used to reimburse clients who are defrauded by their lawyers.
Pizzi will be sentenced Aug. 16 before Superior Court Judge
Scott J. Moynihan.
