Hudson Valley Lawyer Charged With 7 Counts of Grand Larceny

A Hudson Valley lawyer is accused of taking money from multiple people but never providing legal services.

On Wednesday, New York State Police, in conjunction with the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office, arrested Michael R. Varble, 48, of Kingston on seven counts of felony grand larceny.

In May of 2017, State Police received a complaint about Varble accepting retainer fees and other payments for legal services he didn't provide.

An investigation by State Police and the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office found that for over a year Varble took payment in excess of $28,000 dollars from multiple victims promising legal services, many of which were not provided and the fees charged were never returned, police say.

In May 2018, Varble was suspended over professional misconduct which included not refunding clients. The Grievance Committee received 18 complaints from Varble's former clients. Many of the complaints said Varble failed to refund clients, totaling over $40,000 dollars, according to court documents.

Varble was arraigned before the city of Poughkeepsie Court and remanded to the Dutchess County Jail in lieu $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 secure bond.

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