A local attorney, Michael Tulchiner, 61, of Bellmore, has been charged with grand larceny for allegedly stealing over $413,000 from a client's real estate transaction. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced the arrest, emphasizing the breach of trust involved when a professional is accused of using their position to steal.
The Allegations
According to the investigation, Tulchiner, who runs The Law Office of Michael J. Tulchiner in Melville, was hired to represent a client in a property sale. As part of the closing, a portion of the client's new refinance loan, specifically $413,237, was meant to pay off a previous loan on the property.
The funds were placed in Tulchiner's mortgage disbursement account with the specific instruction that they were to be used for the closing. On August 26, 2022, Tulchiner ordered a bank check for the required amount. However, instead of delivering it, he allegedly redeposited the money into his account just three days later. An analysis of his bank records showed he then spent the money on expenses for his law firm and other transactions not related to the client's property sale.
Legal Proceedings
Tulchiner was arraigned on August 8, 2025, before District Court Judge John B. Zollo on one count of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C felony. Under current New York State law, this charge is considered non-bail eligible, which means the judge was unable to set bail, and Tulchiner was released on his own recognizance.
The attorney is scheduled to appear in court again on September 2, 2025. If convicted, he faces a potential prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Seeking Other Victims
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Tara K. O’Donnell of the Public Corruption Bureau. If you believe you have been victimized by Michael Tulchiner, please contact the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office at (631) 853-4626.
As with all criminal cases, Tulchiner is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
Post a Comment