Lawyer Charged with Theft

A disbarred lawyer in Beach Haven, N.J., was arrested Monday and charged with stealing more than $1.3 million from a foundation he had created on behalf of a woman who left her assets to charity.

Charles D. Conway, 56, was indicted on charges of wire and mail fraud, money laundering, obstruction of justice, witness tampering, perjury and tax evasion.

The 33-count indictment alleges Conway abused his position as one of three trustees of the Rita and Harry Greenberger Foundation.

The indictment also describes Conway's efforts to conceal the embezzlement from the foundation's two other trustees and deceive an attorney they hired to recoup some of their losses.

"There was nothing charitable about Mr. Conway's stewardship of this foundation," U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie said. "His actions as alleged demonstrate a stunning depth of abuse of trust, greed and cunning."

The abuses included a scheme to transfer foundation funds to his own use through the establishment of bank and investment accounts, including offshore accounts, the formation of a Bahamian corporation and the purchase of residential and commercial properties, according to the indictment.

The Rita and Harry Greenberger Foundation was a not-for-profit organization created by the will of Elaine G. Kislak for scientific, educational and charitable purposes. Kislak, a former resident of Ocean Township, died in February 1989.

Conway's attorney, Michael Wilbert, did not immediately return a message seeking comment Monday

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Author: NBC10/AP