Lawyer Charged In $8.5M Ponzi Scheme

A Philadelphia estate lawyer whom prosecutors say headed an $8.5 million Ponzi scheme that cleaned out dozens of retirement accounts has been indicted on money laundering charges in a separate case.

The state sued Michal Kwasnik in civil court last week, seeking restitution and a court order to stop Kwasnik and others associated with him from selling investment securities.

On Monday, an indictment was unsealed that accuses Kwasnik of stealing more than $1 million from a client. Kwasnik had sold investments through Liberty State Financial Holdings Corp. and its subsidiary, Liberty State Benefits of Pennsylvania. The companies, which filed for bankruptcy in July, specialize in buying life insurance policies at a discount from retirees.

Calls to Kwasnik's home and office were not returned Monday.

Kwasnik has previously maintained his innocence.