Former Wichita Lawyer Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement

WICHITA, KAN. – A former lawyer in Wichita pleaded guilty Monday to a federal embezzlement charge, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Christopher O’Brien, 69, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement from an estate. In his plea, O’Brien admitted he embezzled more than $132,000 from the bankruptcy estate of Roger L. and Maria K. Altis while he was representing the couple.

O’Brien voluntarily surrendered his license to practice law in Kansas. In his plea, he agreed to an order of restitution for more than $728,000, including the Altis case and two others.

Sentencing is set for June 3. He faces a penalty of up to five years. McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind for their work on the case.