Firm Run By Well-Known Lawyer Is in Receivership as Feds Look for $3.6M

A partnership operated by a well-known South Florida lawyer and forensic accountant has been placed in receivership as federal investigators attempt to track down $3.6 million from bank accounts overseen by attorney Lewis Freeman.

The Miami Herald says Freeman told his staff today that Lewis B. Freeman & Partners is being dissolved and is now in receivership. Citing unidentified sources familiar with an FBI investigation, the newspaper says the agency is trying to locate $3.6 million reportedly missing from bank accounts he controlled.

No charges have been filed.

Earlier, the FBI reportedly raided Freeman's offices in the Miami area and Plantation, Fla. Freeman has often served as a court-appointed receiver or trustee in Florida cases and is also known for his aggressive defense of tax cases.

To oversee the operations of Freeman's firm, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Victoria Sigler appointed another veteran receiver in South Florida, Kenneth Welt of Hollywood, reports GlobeSt.com.

The Herald says Freeman sent a letter to his staff dated yesterday, saying "It pains me beyond words to advise you that, because of the circumstances, I have today filed papers with the court asking for a receiver to be appointed to oversee the dissolution of our firm.

"I know that this action raises many questions, the most important of which is how this affects each of you in terms of compensation and benefits. ... With much affection and sadness, Lew.''

The Daily Business Review (sub. req.) also has published a report about the partnership's situation.