Suffolk DA: Former Patchogue Attorney Indicted For Allegedly Stealing $70,000 From Clients
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Daniel Fier, 40, of Patchogue, was indicted for Grand Larceny in the Second Degree and Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, for allegedly stealing money from clients in connection with two real estate transactions.
“Alleged theft by professional misconduct is just as serious as any other larceny,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I am committed to impactful sentences on theft that will hold offenders accountable, strongly deter future crime, and expediently restore victims’ accounts.”
According to the investigation, in January 2022, Fier was hired to represent a seller in a real estate transaction. As part of the sale, a down payment of $13,450 was transferred from the purchaser to Fier’s attorney escrow account. Fier was required to hold the money in escrow and release it to the seller upon receiving authorization from the purchaser. However, Fier instead allegedly spent the purchaser’s money on personal expenses. When the purchaser later authorized release of the funds to the seller, the seller requested that Fier release the funds, but Fier allegedly never did.
Later, in October 2023, Fier was appointed as referee on the auction of a real estate property. On October 16, 2023, the property’s purchaser provided a down payment in the form of $65,000, which Fier deposited into his attorney escrow account.
Fier was required to hold the money in escrow and release it to the bank at the time of the property’s closing. However, Fier again allegedly spent the purchaser’s money on personal expenses. In November 2023, at the time of the real estate closing, when the purchaser later authorized release of the funds to the seller, the seller requested that Fier release the funds, but Fier allegedly did not comply.
On January 13, 2025, Fier was arrested by investigators assigned to the Public Corruption Squad of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
On January 14, 2025, Fier was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz for Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C felony, and Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony.
Justice Horowitz released Fier on his own recognizance with the condition that he be placed on Supervised Release. Fier is due back in court on February 4, 2025, and faces 5 to 15 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Jeremy Scileppi, Esq.
If you believe you have been victimized by Daniel Fier, please call the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office at (631) 853-4626.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Alexander D. Sylvan of the Public Corruption Bureau.
Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.