A disbarred attorney pleaded not guilty Thursday to stealing about $210,000 from a client and continuing to practice law even after he lost his license.
David Allen Hiersekorn was arrested Wednesday on charges filed March 12. The former Placentia-based attorney is charged with practicing law while suspended and grand theft, both felonies. He also faces sentencing enhancement allegations for property damage exceeding $200,000 and $65,000 as well as aggravated white collar crime between $100,000 to $500,000.
Hiersekorn’s pretrial hearing has been scheduled for April 9.
In an affidavit filed by investigators who were concerned the defendant might try to use stolen funds for bail, he was accused of stealing from a client in 2012 after she died.
Patricia A. Davis hired the defendant in February 2012 to prepare a comprehensive estate plan, according to Orange County District Attorney investigator Ernest Hu. He allegedly amended the trust in March 2012 to make himself a trustee when she died, according to Hu.
Davis died May 19, 2012. From June 22, 2012, to Feb. 28, 2013, Hiersekorn took $252,876.80 from the estate and disbursed $42,042.50 in expenses, which included money given to his client’s heirs, Hu said.
From June 22, 2012, to May 31, 2013, he transferred money from his client’s account, ranging from $11,000 to $41,000 a month, to his own account, Hu alleged.
Hiersekorn spent the money on payroll as well as business and personal expenses, Hu said.
Despite the fact he was not able to practice law, he agreed to represent another victim on a probate matter and took a $2,950 fee without providing services, Hu alleged.
Hiersekorn was disbarred July 26 of last year.