Date: 12-18-2014

Case Style: United States of America v. Susan Hense

Case Number: 1:14-cr-00109-LRR

Judge: Linda R. Reade

Court: United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa

Plaintiff's Attorney: Anthony Morfitt

Defendant's Attorney: Clemens Erdahl

Description: Cedar Rapids, IA - A former attorney who defrauded over a dozen clients pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.

Susan Hense, 54, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of wire fraud.

In a plea agreement, Hense admitted that she knowingly made up a scheme to defraud the clients of her law firm, Hense Law PLC, and to obtain money from her clients under false pretenses and promises. Hense admitted that she falsely represented to her clients that money belonging to them would be held in trust on their behalf in a bank account when, in fact, Hense intended to steal at least a portion of the clients’ money. Hense further admitted that over a three year period, she stole and misappropriated at least $837,011.31 in client funds. Hense has since been disbarred and can no longer practice law in Iowa.

Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Hense remains free on conditions of release set by the court pending sentencing. Hense faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine, $100 in special assessments, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment. Hense has also agreed to pay restitution to the victims of her offense.

Outcome: See Above

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

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