Massachusetts lawyer tied to Bristol County, Haverhill, Boston, sentenced to prison for defrauding clients of over $2 million

BOSTON – A Boston lawyer was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for defrauding two of his clients of over $2 million.

According to a release from the Massachusetts Department of Justice, 60-year-old Patrick J. Dolan of North Attleboro and Haverhill, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 39 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Dolan was also ordered to pay $2,022,833 in restitution as well as $2,087,372.55 money judgment. In October 2025, Dolan pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud. Dolan was charged in July 2025.

Between November 2018 and November 2024, Dolan devised a scheme to defraud his clients and other individuals who entrusted Dolan to maintain funds in accounts he controlled for their benefit. Specifically, Dolan stole over $2 million that he was holding in escrow pending the outcome of a family trust lawsuit in which Dolan represented one of the parties. Dolan used the stolen funds for himself and his family members, including by making transfers to shell companies, using funds to make mortgage, tuition and student loan payments as well as using funds to pay for personal items and services.

In addition, Dolan stole at least $87,500 from a supplemental needs trust that Dolan established for another client and used those funds to make a down payment towards the purchase of real property located in Haverhill, where Dolan subsequently resided with his family. Dolan also made false statements to his clients and others regarding the stolen funds, falsified bank statements and falsified accounting records.

United States Attorney Leah Foley and Ted Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions prosecuted the case.