September 27, 2005

DILLON ANNOUNCES:

ARREST OF DISBARRED ATTORNEY

Nassau County District Attorney Denis Dillon announced today the arrest of disbarred attorney Patrick L. Rodgers, 44, of 2849 Bay Drive, Merrick, on a charge of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree for stealing $5,000 from his attorney escrow account.

"The charges stem from Rodger’s representation of the seller of a home on Winter Avenue in Uniondale. At the closing, which was held on March 3, 2004, Rodgers agreed to hold $5,000 in his escrow account to ensure a Certificate of Occupancy was obtained on an extension to the house. Records of the Town of the Hempstead Department of Buildings reveal that no attempt to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy was made by Rodgers or anyone else. Rodgers failed to return the funds to either the purchaser, Noa Ventura or his clients, Reginald and Dolores Ross and instead drew checks to himself.

Rodgers was disbarred on March 7, 2005 on unrelated misconduct charges. Before his disbarment Rodgers maintained a law office at One Station Plaza, Wantagh, NY and 2174 Hewlett Avenue, Merrick, NY.

Grand larceny in the third degree is a class D felony punishable by up to seven years in prison.

The charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.