Lawyer Accused of Stealing from Deceased Client’s Estate

News Summary

A Murrysville attorney, Robert Klingensmith, faces serious legal challenges after being accused of stealing over $300,000 from a deceased client’s estate. The allegations point to fraudulent activities related to the estate of Anne Marie Wiley, who passed away in 2022. Klingensmith is charged with multiple counts of theft and financial exploitation. The case has raised questions about the trust placed in legal professionals and the integrity of handling client funds.

Lawyer Accused of Theft from Deceased Client’s Estate

Murrysville Attorney Allegedly Steals Over $300,000

An attorney from Murrysville, Westmoreland County, is facing serious legal troubles following accusations of stealing more than $300,000 from the estate of a deceased client. Robert Klingensmith, a 61-year-old lawyer, has been charged with multiple counts of theft and financial exploitation concerning an elderly individual.

The Case of Anne Marie Wiley

The allegations revolve around the estate of Anne Marie Wiley, who passed away at the age of 90 on April 5, 2022. Klingensmith is accused of engaging in fraudulent activities between 2021 and 2024. As an agent under Wiley’s power of attorney, Klingensmith had access to her financial accounts, which he reportedly exploited for personal gain.

Alarming Financial Transactions

Police became involved after discovering suspicious activity in Klingensmith’s IOLTA trust account, leading to a detailed investigation. Reports indicate that Klingensmith made unauthorized withdrawals and checks totaling over $311,000 from Wiley’s accounts. These transactions included multiple ATM withdrawals and bank transfers, raising red flags.

Analysis of Klingensmith’s actions shows he withdrew a staggering $95,280 from Wiley’s accounts in just five months and made a second wave of withdrawals amounting to $91,000 following the closure of her accounts. Furthermore, he created an estate account in Wiley’s name, writing checks totaling $86,000 to his own law firm during the time between April and August 2022.

Sale of Property and Missing Disbursements

In March 2024, Klingensmith sold Wiley’s share of a Washington County apartment building for $131,500 and subsequently deposited the funds into a trust account. Alarmingly, he then wrote checks for the full amount both to himself and his law firm. To date, none of the heirs named in Wiley’s will have received any disbursements from her estate.

A Troubling Standoff with Law Enforcement

As police attempted to serve an arrest warrant to Klingensmith in connection with these theft allegations, the situation escalated into a dangerous standoff. Witnesses reported that Klingensmith ignored police commands, which led to his eventual subduing by a police electronic control device. During this frightening incident, he reportedly sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was subsequently hospitalized for life-preserving surgery.

Legal Troubles Culminating in License Suspension

Klingensmith’s legal woes have not begun and ended with accusations of theft. Following the gravity of these allegations, his law license was temporarily suspended on May 13, 2024, and the suspension remains in effect as the investigation continues. Suspicious financial activity related to his handling of funds was reported to the disciplinary board in October 2024, prompting the current investigation.

Career Background

A graduate of Franklin Regional, Klingensmith attended Penn State University and Duquesne University School of Law and has been licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania since 2001. He previously ran an unsuccessful campaign for district judge in 2023, where he touted his extensive experience in various legal fields, including criminal and estate law.

Public Outcry and Ongoing Investigation

The case has drawn considerable media attention and public outcry as the community grapples with the shocking betrayal of trust. Klingensmith now faces three counts of theft and one count of financial exploitation of an older adult or care-dependent person. As legal proceedings unfold, many are left wondering how someone in a position of trust could allegedly betray a client in such a monumental way.