Disbarred Attorney Stole $40K From Hicksville Homeowners: DA

A disbarred attorney was arraigned Wednesday on charges in connection to stealing $40,000 from a Hicksville couple selling their home, according to Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas.

Constantine Giannakos, 51, of Hicksville, was arrested and charged with third-degree grand larceny.

“[Giannakos], a disbarred attorney, is accused of stealing a down payment of $40,000 from his clients and using the money for his own personal expenses,” Singas said in a press release.

According to the DA, Giannakos, who was disbarred in August 2012, was hired by a Hicksville homeowner and her ex-husband to represent them in the sale of their home.

The couple and the home purchasers entered a sales contract on Feb. 4, 2017. At the time of the signing, the buyers' attorney provided a $40,000 down payment check made out to "Constantine Giannakos, as attorney" that was intended to be deposited into Giannakos’ escrow account and held there until the closing, the DA says.

Giannakos was supposed to remit the $40,0000 down payment to his clients following the closing on Sept. 27, but failed to do so despite his clients making several requests, via phone and text messages, for the money, the DA says. The couple made a complaint to the NCDA on Oct. 24, 2017, which launched the investigation.

The DA determined Giannakos spent the $40,000 at Home Depot, on credit card payments, department stores, mortgage payments, and unrelated business expenses.

Authorities also say Giannakos claimed to have met with one of the complainants in his Syosset office when he actually met them at public locations, including a Dunkin' Donuts on Newbridge Road in Hicksville between Feb. 4 and Sept. 27.

Bail was set at $40,000 bond or $30,000 cash and Giannakos is due back in court on Sept. 28. He faces 3 1/2 to seven years in prison if convicted of the top charge.

“Anyone interested in hiring an attorney is encouraged to check that person’s standing and registration with the Office of Court Administration," says Singas.

If you believe you may have been a victim of an unscrupulous attorney, please call the NCDA’s Tip Line at 516-571-7755.

Image via NCDA