Former Polk County lawyer Jason Penrod did plead guilty to grand theft and money laundering charges for stealing nearly $1.8 million from a client’s trust fund, which he admitted to gambling away at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino, claiming a gambling addiction as the reason, leading to his disbarment and facing significant prison time.
- The Crime: Penrod diverted funds from a client’s trust, transferring them to his personal account and then to the Hard Rock Casino for gambling.
- Admission: He confessed to the misuse of funds, citing a gambling compulsion and claiming he intended to pay it back with interest, viewing it as a short-term loan.
- Charges: He faced numerous charges, including grand theft and money laundering, after the client’s family filed a lawsuit and the sheriff’s office initiated an investigation.
- Consequences: The Florida Bar permanently revoked his law license, and he was held without bond, with authorities aiming for a significant prison sentence.
- Law Firm Closure: His firm, Family Elder Law, abruptly closed in 2024, leaving clients confused.
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