ZANESVILLE, Ohio ( WCMH ) – A Westerville man will serve time in prison after defrauding a Zanesville family while pretending to be a lawyer.
According to the Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office, John Allen, 73, was sentenced to one year in prison for his crimes of felony theft and telecommunications fraud, as well as the unauthorized practice of law, a misdemeanor.
The prosecution’s office said that beginning in August 2023, Allen contacted the victim about drafting a trust. The victim was later admitted to the hospital and Allen had him sign documents.
Court rules Ohio University not liable in 2018 hazing death
After the victim died, Allen asked the victim’s daughter to pay for legal services that involved the creation of the trust. During a probate court hearing, Allen told the daughter to lie to the judge in saying that he was a friend of the family assisting her in the legal matter but the hearing was rescheduled because Allen had not prepared the trust correctly.
