Newtown Attorney Allegedly Defrauded Family Members: U.S. Attorney

NEWTOWN, CT — A local attorney was indicted Wednesday on four counts of wire fraud after investigators say he defrauded family members and friends from his practice in Bridgeport, according to the U.S. Attorney. Thomas M. Murtha, 61, of Newtown and Birmingham Michigan faces 20 years of prison on each of the four counts.

Investigators say Murtha fraudulently obtained and converted hundreds of thousands of dollars from his victims including clients, family members and friends. Murtha allegedly falsely represented that he had safeguarded and disbursed proceeds from legal representations when he had used them for his own benefit.

Murtha allegedly used some of the funds to buy a $725,000 house in Michigan, a 2.11 carat diamond engagement ring and more.

The indictment seeks the forfeiture of the Michigan house and the engagement ring, as well as a money judgement of at least $1,991,628.83.

He was arrested in April and released on a $10,00 bond. He resigned from the bar after three grievance complaints were filed against him.

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