Seminole lawyer accused of stealing more than 840K from 16 personal injury victims, Pinellas sheriff says

SEMINOLE, Fla. – A Seminole attorney was arrested on multiple expenses of cash laundering and grand theft soon after thieving additional than $840,000 from additional than 15 own harm victims, investigators say. 

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri mentioned throughout a information conference Monday afternoon that PCSO’s financial crimes unit arrested Christopher Michael Reynolds, 44. He reported Reynolds was working a own harm regulation business in Seminole, targeting victims who were seeking assist. 

Reserving photo for Christopher Reynolds. Courtesy: Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office environment. 

“They’re licensed to follow legislation, they have obtained the boxes checked, they have bought the qualifications, they have acquired the trustworthiness that goes with that, and they’re actually just a thief who is ripping them off,” Sheriff Gualtieri mentioned. 

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When the particular injury victims retained Reynolds as their law firm, he would settle their cases with insurance vendors, but did not spend the victim’s health-related expenditures or give the victims their settlement revenue, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Place of work reported. 

Detectives said the Seminole attorney would get the settlement money from insurance coverage providers for his very own benefit. 

Photograph of Christopher Reynolds. Courtesy: Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. 

Sheriff Gualtieri claimed investigators ended up notified in October 2022 by one of the victims who experienced been represented by Reynolds following they were being hurt in a auto accident. She claimed Reynolds abruptly stopped speaking with them and never ever paid their healthcare payments or acquired payment.

The sufferer discovered out that her circumstance was settled months prior from the insurance plan corporation, which led to her contacting the sheriff’s office. 

Economic crimes detectives said they also identified out the Florida Bar acquired a number of grievances about Reynolds and have been conducting their possess investigation into systemic theft by the law firm. 

Image of Reynolds’ regulation company. Courtesy: Pinellas County Sheriff’s Business. 

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Detectives with the sheriff’s place of work explained they observed 16 full victims of Reynolds and said he stole extra than $840,000 merged. The Florida Supreme Courtroom issued an unexpected emergency suspension order on Reynolds’ Florida license to practice law back in December 2022, the sheriff reported.

Detectives feel a part of the stolen dollars was staying used to buy medications as perfectly as pornography and prostitutes. 

Sheriff Gualtieri said they are continuing to investigate the situation and do believe there are more victims of Reynolds who have yet to occur ahead. 

Any one with facts on the situation or people who feel they could be a sufferer are questioned to speak to Detective Kakalow at (727) 582-6786.