Michael M. Lippman, former Counsel to the Bronx Public Administrator, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of grand larceny, scheme to Defraud, Offering a False Instrument for Filing and Falsifying Business Records for conspiring and defrauding the Public Administrator’s office of more than $300,000 in excessive legal fees.

Between 2002 and 2010, Lippman allegedly conspired to defraud the Bronx Public Administrator’s Office by abusing his authority as administrator for five estates in New York City. Lippman purportedly charged advance fees totaling of more than $300,000 for work he never performed and did so without the court’s approval.

If convicted, Lippman can face a maximum penalty of more than 22 years in prison.