Defendant doesn't take the stand in Dorn case
Story Created:
Feb 4, 2009 at 3:33 PM EST
Story Updated:
Feb 4, 2009 at 10:24 PM EST
UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - "Stupid and Greedy" - that's how former attorney M. Helene Hamlin described her actions, stealing more than $350,000 from an elderly client. Hamlin admitted her guilt.
She avoided prison time and instead, was sentenced to six months of house arrest and five years probation. Hamlin also had to surrender her license to practice law and agree to testify against her former friend, former financial advisor Dorene Dorn.
Dorn rejected a similar plea offer from the Oneida County District Attorney's Office. During her grand larceny trial today, Dorn listened to her former friend weave a tale of betrayal, greed and finally, guilt.
".....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," Hamlin said today from the witness stand.
Hamlin detailed ten transactions by which she withdrew more than $350,000 from the accounts of client John Hatfield. Hamlin said all the money went into her personal or business accounts and that she distributed at least $60,000 to Dorene Dorn.
Hamlin acknowledged that Hatfield knew nothing of the transactions, and that she did not have the legal right to withdraw money from his accounts for her or Dorn's benefit.
The prosecution rested their case Wednesday afternoon. Defense Attorney Leslie Lewis originally planned to put Dorene Dorn on the witness stand, but today, he rested their case without calling any witnesses.
Both sides will make closing arguments Thursday morning. Then, the judge will 'charge', or, instruct the jury and they will begin their deliberations.
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