A former Michigan attorney has been handed a jail sentence for swindling over $140,000 from a nonagenarian client. James O'Briant, 64, was sentenced to 120 days in the county jail and three years of probation, as per the Michigan Department of Attorney General's statement.

O'Briant was convicted on multiple charges, including larceny and tax evasion."Mr. O’Briant preyed on a client who entrusted his employer with her finances," Attorney General Dana Nessel said, according to FOX 2 Detroit. Despite a plea agreement that would have reduced the number of sentences contingent on the restitution payment, O'Briant failed to meet the deadline.

O'Briant's deceit unfolded while he was working with an attorney who had a legitimate representation agreement with the elderly victim. Under the guise of safeguarding the client's funds in a law firm’s trust account, O'Briant illicitly transferred the money into the firm's business accounts and onward into his personal investment portfolios.

He is also required to make restitution totaling $168,067.73, which includes reimbursing the Michigan Department of Treasury. O’Briant did not report the embezzled sum on his taxes for the years 2018 and 2019. “This sentence is a testament that those who take advantage of their clients and have such blatant disregard for the law will be held accountable. My office will continue to protect our most vulnerable from thieves.” Nessel continued in a statement obtained by Michigan Department of Attorney General.