A Hastings-on-the-Hudson, N.Y.-based attorney who fraudulently induced an elderly couple to loan him their retirement savings and daughter's college fund has been suspended for three years and ordered to repay the couple $428,000.
In the late 1980s, Erik Veski, 52, made false representations to his friends Robert and Aimee Vant in order to induce them to loan him over $220,000 for a real estate venture. A disciplinary proceeding initiated in 1997 was held in abeyance pending the outcome of a civil action.
"The Vants alleged that respondent's actions had a devastating impact on their lives. Among other things ... they lost everything except their home [and] the 80-year-old husband is depressed due to their situation," according to the Appellate Division, 1st Department, decision.
In 2002, a Westchester jury found that Veski had committed fraud. Last week, the court ordered he be suspended for three years and that he repay the money borrowed plus interest.
"The Committee recommends a three-year suspension and restitution ... given the egregious nature of respondent's misconduct, the adverse impact that conduct had upon the victims, and respondent's refusal to acknowledge wrongdoing," the panel held. The case is Matter of Veski, M-3810.
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