Disbarred lawyer charged with theft, deceptive business practices
A disbarred attorney and former state representative was charged by McDonald police with theft and deceptive or fraudulent business practices for allegedly accepting money from a Coraopolis man and not doing the requested legal work.
The charges against Jesse White, 39, of 3249 Millers Run Road, Cecil, were sent by summons Monday from the office of District Judge Traci McDonald.
The state Supreme Court issued an order in June that White was disbarred on his own consent after allegations he misappropriated more than $100,000 that clients had entrusted to him in 2015 and 2016. His attorney said he had sought help for a gambling addiction.
White tendered his unconditional and voluntary resignation from practicing law in Pennsylvania. White had a law practice at 107 S. McDonald St., McDonald.
In July, the man reported the theft of $2,500 for legal services that were not performed to Officer William Nimal.
The Coraopolis man told Nimal he hired White in April 2016 to enforce a surface agreement against Consol Energy. He reportedly gave White a check and received a copy of an invoice showing the payment was received by White.
The man learned last March White’s law license was being suspended. He then reportedly received notification from White’s law office requesting he collect his personal files because the office was closing.
The Coraopolis man told Nimal he met with White to discuss the case March 30. After reviewing his file, the man found nothing to show that any legal work was performed. After following up with various agencies, he reportedly learned White allegedly failed to file any receipts showing that any work was done on the case. White also reportedly failed to return any money for the uncompleted services.
White did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
White was admitted to the bar in 2003. He was elected to the state Legislature representing the 46th district in 2006, serving until he was defeated in 2014.
White is scheduled for a March 1 hearing on the charges before McDonald.