Long Island Attorney Charged With Forging Signature Of Bankruptcy Judge

An indictment was unsealed today in federal court in the Eastern District of New York charging Jeffrey I. Stark, Esq., with forgery of the signature of a judge of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York. Stark is alleged to have forged the signature of a judge on a purported order in a case in which he had been retained to file for bankruptcy. However, Stark never commenced any action with the bankruptcy court on behalf of his client. Stark was arrested and his initial appearance was held before United States Magistrate Judge Lindsay at the federal courthouse in Central Islip.

The charge and Stark’s arrest were announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and George Venizelos, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office.

“As alleged, Stark violated his ethical obligation to his clients and committed a serious crime which strikes at the foundation of our judicial system,” stated United States Attorney Lynch. “Attorneys are expected to uphold the law, not to violate it.” Ms. Lynch extended her grateful appreciation to the FBI.

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Venizelos stated, “As alleged, Stark’s conduct demonstrated a lack of respect for the legal system and those who serve it. As officers of the court, attorneys are held to a higher standard and are expected to uphold the law and its ethics. The FBI is committed to investigating corrupt lawyers who commit fraudulent practices.”

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 5 years of imprisonment. The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Allen Bode.

The Defendant:

JEFFREY I. STARK

Age: 51

Levittown, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 14-CR-572 (ADS)(ARL)