Disbarred Lawyer, David Schlendorf, Charged With More Fraud
The Patch article focuses on the expanding legal troubles of David T. Schlendorf, a former Ocean County assistant prosecutor who is now facing additional fraud-related charges after more victims allegedly came forward. The case highlights a pattern of deception that prosecutors say continued even after he was formally disbarred from practicing law.
According to authorities, Schlendorf was disbarred in 2022, meaning he was legally prohibited from practicing law in New Jersey. Despite this, prosecutors allege that he continued to present himself as a licensed attorney and accepted money from individuals seeking legal representation. This alleged misconduct forms the core of the criminal case against him, which has steadily grown as investigators uncovered more victims.
The initial charges, filed in October 2025, included theft by deception and unauthorized practice of law. These charges stemmed from a complaint by a Toms River resident who reportedly paid Schlendorf approximately $10,000 for legal services that were never properly delivered. Authorities say Schlendorf misrepresented his credentials and failed to provide legitimate legal assistance, effectively defrauding the client.
As the investigation progressed, additional individuals came forward with similar allegations. Prosecutors now claim that Schlendorf took more than $60,000 in total from multiple victims under the false pretense of providing legal services. The emergence of these new victims led to additional charges being filed, significantly increasing the scope and seriousness of the case.
The case is particularly notable because Schlendorf was not just any attorney—he previously served as an assistant prosecutor. This background implies that he had a deep understanding of the legal system, which prosecutors suggest may have enabled him to carry out the alleged scheme more convincingly. His prior role also raises concerns about abuse of professional trust, as clients may have been more inclined to believe his claims due to his legal experience.
Authorities describe the alleged scheme as straightforward but effective: Schlendorf would accept payments from clients in need of legal representation, often in significant amounts, and then fail to perform the promised services. In some cases, he allegedly continued to communicate with clients in ways that reinforced the illusion that he was actively working on their cases. This prolonged deception not only caused financial harm but may have also jeopardized the legal standing of the victims who relied on him.
The legal charges against Schlendorf fall under theft by deception and unauthorized practice of law—both serious offenses under New Jersey law. Theft by deception involves intentionally misleading someone to obtain money or property, while unauthorized practice of law refers to providing legal services without a valid license. Together, these charges paint a picture of deliberate and sustained misconduct.
Further developments in related reporting indicate that Schlendorf has since pleaded guilty to multiple counts tied to the scheme, including several counts of theft by deception and unauthorized practice of law. Prosecutors have indicated that restitution to victims—amounting to tens of thousands of dollars—will be part of the sentencing process.
From a procedural standpoint, the case demonstrates how fraud investigations can evolve over time. What began as a single complaint expanded into a multi-victim case as more individuals came forward. This pattern is common in financial and professional fraud cases, where victims may initially be unaware that others have been similarly affected.
Beyond the individual charges, the case underscores broader concerns about consumer protection and professional accountability. Disbarment is intended to protect the public from unethical practitioners, yet this case illustrates how individuals can still exploit trust even after losing their credentials. It also highlights the importance of verifying professional licenses, particularly when engaging legal services.
In conclusion, the Patch article outlines a growing fraud case involving a disbarred attorney accused of deceiving multiple victims out of significant sums of money. With additional charges now filed and a guilty plea already reported in related proceedings, the case serves as a cautionary example of how professional authority can be misused and how fraud cases can expand as more victims come forward.
Key Legal Outcome
- Additional fraud charges filed after more victims reported similar allegations against the defendant.
- Defendant accused of stealing over $60,000 through deceptive legal service claims.
- Charges include theft by deception and unauthorized practice of law.
- The defendant had been disbarred in 2022 but allegedly continued practicing law illegally.
- Separate reporting indicates a guilty plea with restitution expected for victims.
Why It Matters
- Highlights risks of fraud by disbarred or unlicensed professionals.
- Emphasizes the importance of verifying legal credentials before hiring attorneys.
- Demonstrates how fraud cases can expand as more victims come forward.
- Raises concerns about abuse of trust by former legal authorities.
- Reinforces the role of prosecutors in protecting consumers from financial exploitation.
