An attorney from Polk County, Florida, Jason Penrod, was arrested for stealing almost $2 million from a trust set up by a Pennsylvania father for his children. The Polk County Sheriff, Grady Judd, announced during a press conference that Penrod, a 47-year-old lawyer at Family Elder Law, had been charged with first-degree felony grand theft of over $100,000. Complaints against Penrod were received in late July, with accusations of ripping off a brother and sister who had a trust set up by their deceased father. The total amount stolen was reported to be $1.7 million, and Penrod confessed to losing the money due to a gambling addiction.
After confessing to stealing the money, Penrod made promises to repay the siblings with interest, claiming he would treat it as a short-term loan. However, the sheriff revealed that Penrod had provided a variety of excuses for his actions, including claims of repressed memories, PTSD, trauma, numbness, and stress. Further investigation revealed at least two more victims, bringing the total loss to approximately $4 million. Penrod agreed to surrender his law license, with intentions to refile to earn money to repay the embezzled funds. The sheriff expressed disbelief at Penrod’s excuses and vowed to ensure that he is sentenced to a lengthy prison term for his crimes.
Additional details provided by Sheriff Judd revealed that one victim of Penrod’s schemes was a 93-year-old woman who had received a trust from her deceased son to support her. Penrod allegedly stole this money as well, spending it at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa. Judd dismissed Penrod’s attempts to hide behind claims of mental illness, asserting that he was merely a thief. The investigation into Penrod’s actions is ongoing, with the possibility of more victims coming forward. Despite the potential for victims not realizing they have lost money, Judd emphasized the seriousness of Penrod’s actions, describing him as the worst kind of criminal who misused his professional license to commit theft.
The investigation into Penrod’s crimes may reveal further victims who have lost money without their knowledge. The sheriff warned that despite Penrod’s attempts to disguise his actions with excuses and mental health claims, he would face the consequences for his criminal behavior. Judd expressed determination to ensure that Penrod receives a harsh punishment for his actions, emphasizing that no amount of rationalization or excuses would lessen the severity of his crimes. As the investigation progresses, more details may emerge regarding the extent of Penrod’s fraudulent activities and the impact on his victims.
In light of the ongoing investigation into Jason Penrod’s embezzlement schemes, the sheriff underscored the deceptive nature of white-collar criminals who misuse their professional licenses for financial gain. Penrod’s actions have had far-reaching consequences for his victims, including a 93-year-old woman who relied on a trust left by her deceased son. Despite Penrod’s efforts to evade responsibility for his actions, he faces a jail sentence for his crimes. Sheriff Judd emphasized the importance of holding individuals like Penrod accountable for their actions, highlighting the need to protect vulnerable individuals from financial exploitation and ensuring that justice is served in cases of white-collar crime.
