St. Louis, MO - Stephen B. Evans was indicted on mail fraud charges for his alleged failure to pay clients and expenses by keeping client insurance monies for himself.

According to the indictment, between 2007 and 2012, Mr. Evans was a local attorney with a general practice, including the representation of people who were injured or had claims based on contract or negligence where he would enter into a contingent fee arrangement. Mr. Evans would receive a certain percentage of any successful settlement. When he prevailed on behalf of his clients, the insurance company would mail a check to Evans at his law firm address, Evans Partnership in St. Louis, payable to he and his client, which was deposited into Evans’ bank account. The indictment alleges that Evans distributed appropriately to the client, paid medical and other expenses and kept the remainder as his contingent fee, but on many occasions, would keep the entire check upon receipt rather than pay his client and expenses. The amount of money that Evans allegedly defrauded his clients by his conversion of these monies to his own use is in excess of between $70,000 and $120,000.

STEPHEN B. EVANS, St. Louis County, was indicted on three felony counts of mail fraud.

If convicted, each count of mail fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. First Assistant United States Attorney Mike Reap is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.