Former Haddonfield attorney Arobert Tonogbanua, who was disbarred in 2013, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Noel L. Hillman in federal court. Tonogbanua admitted to having falsified the names of defendants in more than 100 asbestos lawsuits.
According to authorities, between 2008 and 2012, Tonogbanua replaced the names in legitimate suits with the names of his former clients. He then undertook representation of the clients, attending depositions, answering discoveries, and even settling claims. It is estimated that Tonogbanua charged more than $1 million in fraudulent defense fees.
Part of Tonogbanua’s plea included an agreement for full restitution to his former firm, which has already repaid its clients. No one else at the law firm, which specializes in toxic tort litigation, was aware of Tonogbanua’s misconduct.
U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman posited that Tonogbanua’s motivation was an improved standing at his firm, but the former attorney also benefited financially through bonuses and compensation. Fishman gave credit for the guilty plea to FBI special agents, who investigated Tonogbanua’s actions under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Hanko in Philadelphia.
Tonogbanua may serve up to 20 years in prison and will pay either $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the scheme, whichever is greater. His sentencing is set to occur on June 17.
Recently, asbestos lawsuits have been prevalent, with juries sometimes awarding millions of dollars in wrongful death suits. The hazardous material was banned in the ’70s, after its harmful properties were known to lead to a variety of respiratory illnesses, including mesothelioma. Each year, there are approximately 3,000 new mesothelioma diagnoses.