Lexington Attorney Indicted on Extortion, Fraud Charges

A Lexington attorney whose offices closed suddenly over the summer has been indicted on 10 federal charges of extortion and fraud, according to U.S. Attorney Bill Nettles.

A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a 10-count indictment against Richard J. Breibart that includes Hobbs Act Extortion, Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud, violations of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1951, 1341 and 1343.  

Breibart faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment on each count. 

According to the Associated Press, Breibart took more than $1 million from clients after threatening them with made-up charges.

Magistrate Judge Shiva Hodges set bond at $100,000.

According to a news release, the case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorneys Jim May and Winston Holliday of the Columbia office for prosecution.