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A former Patchogue attorney faces felony charges for allegedly stealing more than $78,000 from clients in two separate real estate transactions, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said Thursday.
Daniel Fier, 40, is accused of allegedly misusing funds held in escrow for personal expenses, instead of transferring the money as required, Tierney said. He has been indicted on one charge each of second- and third-degree grand larceny, and faces five to 15 years behind bars if convicted.
“Alleged theft by professional misconduct is just as serious as any other larceny,” the district attorney said. “I am committed to impactful sentences on theft that will hold offenders accountable, strongly deter future crime, and expediently restore victims’ accounts.”
In January 2022, Fier was hired to represent the seller in a real estate transaction, Tierney said. As part of the sale, a $13,450 down payment was deposited into Fier’s escrow account, the district attorney said. Prosecutors allege Fier spent the funds on personal expenses and never released the money to the seller when authorized.
A second incident occurred in October 2023, when Fier was appointed as referee for a real estate auction, Tierney said. The purchaser provided a $65,000 down payment, which was also deposited into Fier’s escrow account, according to prosecutors. Again, Fier is accused of allegedly spending the funds on personal expenses and failing to release the money to the bank at the time of closing in November 2023, the district attorney said.
Arrest and charges
Fier was arrested Monday by investigators from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Public Corruption Squad. He was arraigned Tuesday before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard Horowitz on charges of second-degree grand larceny and third-degree grand larceny.
The defendant was released without bail and is due back in court on Feb. 4. The district attorney’s office confirmed that Fier is no longer practicing law in New York.
Authorities asked that people who believe they may have been victimized by Fier to call the district attorney’s office at 631.853.4626.
Top photo: GLI file photo (Credit: Michael White).
