Man Charged in Connection with Embezzling Money from Clients while Acting as Lawyer
MALDEN – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has announced that Henry Rappa Jr., 57, of Melrose, has been charged with two counts of embezzlement or misapplication by a fiduciary, two counts of larceny over $1,200, and unauthorized practice of law in connection with the alleged theft of funds from two legal clients. Rappa was arraigned this afternoon in Malden District Court and bail was set at $2,500.
“This alleged conduct represents a profound breach of trust,” said District Attorney Ryan. “Attorneys are entrusted with safeguarding their clients’ most sensitive matters and, in many cases, significant financial assets. The intentional misuse of those funds, particularly after being explicitly ordered by the court to cease practicing law and relinquish control of client accounts, is as egregious as it is unlawful. These charges underscore our commitment to holding individuals accountable when they exploit positions of trust for personal gain.”
The preliminary investigation indicates that in September 2023, a client entrusted Rappa with approximately $660,000 to be held in trust pending the outcome of a legal dispute. The client also paid Rappa a separate retainer for legal fees associated with the matter. At the conclusion of the dispute, Rappa was expected to transfer the funds to the client. Instead, he allegedly delayed the transfer with repeated excuses, failed to return the money, and ignored requests from both the client and the Board of Bar Overseers (BBO). It is alleged that Rappa spent funds that were required to be held in a client trust account.
Following a complaint filed with the BBO, Rappa was administratively suspended from the practice of law in July 2025 and temporarily suspended in January 2026.
In both instances, a justice of the Supreme Judicial Court ordered Rappa to resign from all fiduciary roles, including as a guardian, executor, administrator, trustee, and attorney-in-fact. He was also ordered to provide clients with any papers or property to which they were entitled and to close all Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA), trust accounts, and other fiduciary accounts, ensuring that all client funds were properly disbursed or transferred.
Despite these court orders, Rappa allegedly continued to act on behalf of clients. As late as December 29, 2025, he is alleged to have handled a real estate closing for a separate client. Instead of properly disbursing the proceeds, Rappa allegedly retained $3,200 and an additional $18,100 that should have been distributed to the client, and spent those funds.
Because Rappa had been suspended from the practice of law, he was prohibited from accepting new clients or continuing representation and his conduct during this period constitutes the alleged unauthorized practice of law.
Individuals looking for an attorney are urged to do their own research, check the Board of Bar Overseers website for any disciplinary action and to confirm that the lawyer is in good standing. If a person has been a victim of fraud, reporting is critical, the Massachusetts Clients’ Security Board can help victims recover money stolen by attorneys.
Individuals who suspect they have been a victim of theft or fraud should:
- Request an itemized account of all spending,
- Immediately stop making payments,
- Immediately report the suspected conduct to the Board of Bar Overseers (BBO),
- Make a report to the local police.
This case remains under investigation by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Mary O’Neill. The Victim Witness Advocate is Kristen Chamberlain.
Watch the press conference here: https://youtu.be/pFBv90kG130?si=G537aoOFQHVjH0a4