Brooklyn, July 1, 2008 – Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes today announced the sentencing of former Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Michael Garson, who pleaded guilty in April to possessing a forged document giving him unlimited power of attorney over an elderly aunt’s assets. The document was to be filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, in a proceeding to determine whether his aunt was competent to manage her affairs.

Garson, 63, pleaded guilty April 22, to Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree, a Class-A Misdemeanor. As part of the plea deal, he was ordered to pay full restitution, plus interest, to the estate of his now-deceased aunt, Sarah Gershenoff. The estate had been looted of more than $160,000. Additionally, he waived his right to any inheritance from the estate and resigned from the New York State Bar. In April, Garson made his final restitution payment, of $48,000, bringing the total paid to $219,000.

Rackets Division Bureau Chief Gavin Miles, Deputy Bureau Chief Joseph DiBenedetto and Executive District Attorney Anne Gutmann prosecuted the case. Michael Vecchione is Chief of the Rackets Division.

(YWN Desk)