As reported by the New York Times, a New York attorney known as the ‘lottery lawyer’ has been charged with working with a mob associate to steal millions of dollars from his clients.
Earlier this week, the ‘lottery lawyer’, known as Jason “Jay” Kurland, was charged with conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering, with federal prosecutors also stating that Kurland’s clients lost over $80m in the scheme which also involved a member of Genovese crime family.
The scheme run by Kurland saw him represent numerous lottery winners throughout the country with total winnings of approximately $3bn. One of the victims included a $1.5bn Mega Millions lottery winner, while another one of his clients had also seen winnings of $245m as a result of a Powerball jackpot victory.
Prosecutors also stated that Kurland had been entrusted to safeguard the lottery winnings, charging clients upfront fees between $75,000 and $200,000. Although no comment has yet been made from Kurland’s defence, it has been revealed that the ‘lottery lawyer’ pleaded not guilty and was released on $1m bond.
Speaking to NBC New York, FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William Sweeney, commented: “Lottery winners can’t believe their luck when they win millions of dollars, and the men we arrested this morning allegedly used that euphoric feeling to their advantage.
“The FBI New York discovered how these victims were persuaded to put large chunks of their cash into investments that benefited the defendants. Rather than try their luck at the lottery, these men resorted to defrauding the victims to get rich, but their gamble didn’t pay off.”
Kurland is said to have encouraged his clients to make large investments in entities run by Christopher Chierchio, described in court papers as a soldier in the Genovese crime family, former securities broker Frank Smookler and a fourth co-conspirator named Frankie Russo.
Kurland’s law firm, Rivkin Radler, has revealed its surprise regarding the charges against the attorney and is said to be cooperating with the ongoing investigation. Furthermore, the firm issued a statement in which it stated it was “taking immediate steps to remove Mr. Kurland as a partner.”
