Former attorney testifies against accused co-conspirator

By By JOLEEN FERRIS

Story Created: Feb 4, 2009 at 1:15 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 4, 2009 at 1:21 PM EDT

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - She admitted her guilt, and now former attorney Mary Helene Hamlin testified against a financial advisor also charged with stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from an elderly client.

M. Helene Hamlin lost her license to practice law and avoided prison time when she pleaded guilty to grand larceny in this case.

Just before Noon on Wednesday, she was on the witness stand testifying against Dorene Dorn - her accused co-conspirator who refused a plea offer in this case.

As part of her plea deal, Hamlin agreed to testify against Dorn. Dorn - a former American Express financial advisor - faces up to 15 years in prison if found guilty of stealing more than $350,000 from John Hatfield Sr., who is now deceased.

In the early part of her testimony, Hamlin told the court she and Dorn took money from Hatfield Sr's accounts, and said they planned to pay the loans back with his own money.

When asked why she was in court Wednesday testifying, and why she pleaded guilty when facing charges of her own, Hamlin said:

"Because I was guilty and I felt, and still do feel, very remorseful. And I'm glad this has come to light and is going to bring some closure to the Hatfield Family."

Testimony is expected to wrap up Wednesday afternoon, but not before the defendant herself takes the stand to testify in her own defense.
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