Disbarred attorney arrested for alleged unlawful appropriations of clients’ funds

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island State Police announced that disbarred Attorney James F. McAleer was arrested for alleged unlawful appropriation.

In January state police said they received a complaint from the Supreme Court Office of Disciplinary Counsel alleging misappropriation of funds by McAleer from the estates of three victims.

Investigators said McAleer was the Executor for the Estates between 1996 and 2014, and a review of the accounts showed from July 30, 2014, to Aug. 16, 2019, $849,810 was paid out to McAleer and McAleer’s IOLTA account.

$344,220 was given to the estate’s sole beneficiary, and $89,0993.19 was used to pay for the estate expenses. Investigators said the other $406,497 McAleer allegedly used for business and personal expenses.

Authorities said McAleer was disbarred by the RI Supreme Court in December of 2023.

McAleer was charged with Unlawful Appropriation of over $1,000 and was arraigned and released on $5,000 personal recognizance.