Disbarred Attorney Sentenced for Stealing $2 Million from Clients

MA Attorney General Press Releases

Filed March 12th, 2026

Detected March 14th, 2026

Summary

The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office announced the sentencing of Benjamin Tariri to 3-5 years in prison for embezzling nearly $2 million from eight clients. He was also ordered to pay $575,000 in restitution and seek treatment for his gambling addiction.

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What changed

Benjamin Tariri, a disbarred Boston attorney, has been sentenced to 3-5 years in state prison and three years of probation for embezzling approximately $2 million from eight clients. He was found guilty on multiple counts including Fiduciary Embezzlement and Larceny. In addition to his prison sentence, Tariri must pay $575,000 in restitution and undergo treatment for a gambling addiction.

This case highlights severe professional misconduct and financial crime. While this is an individual sentencing, it serves as a stark reminder for legal professionals to maintain strict fiduciary duties and ethical standards. The consequences of embezzlement and obstruction of disciplinary proceedings are significant, including lengthy prison sentences, substantial financial penalties, and permanent disbarment. Regulated entities should ensure robust internal controls and client fund management practices are in place to prevent such abuses.

What to do next

Review client fund handling procedures
Reinforce ethical conduct training for legal staff

Penalties

3-5 years in state prison, three years of probation, $575,000 in restitution

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Press Release

Press Release Disbarred Boston Attorney Sentenced To Prison, Ordered To Pay Restitution For Stealing Nearly $2 Million From Clients

Defendant Stole Funds from Clients to Sustain his Gambling Addiction and Lifestyle

For immediate release: 3/12/2026
- Office of the Attorney General

Media Contact

Allie Zuliani, Deputy Press Secretary

Phone

Call Allie Zuliani, Deputy Press Secretary at (617) 727-2543

Online

Email Allie Zuliani, Deputy Press Secretary at Allie.Zuliani@mass.gov

The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office (AGO) announced that Benjamin Tariri, 68, of Boston was sentenced today to 3-5 years in state prison, followed by three years of probation, for embezzling nearly $2 million in funds entrusted to him by eight of his clients and for falsifying client ledgers in an attempt to prevent the Board of Bar Overseers (BBO) from taking further action against him. In addition to his state prison sentence and probation, Tariri was ordered to repay $575,000 in restitution and seek treatment for his gambling addiction.

On March 6, 2026, a Suffolk Superior Court jury found Tariri guilty on six counts of Fiduciary Embezzlement, one count of Larceny over $250 from a Person over 60, two counts of Larceny over $1200, and five counts of Attempted Obstruction of BBO proceedings.

Tariri was an attorney with a general practice in Boston. According to the AGO, he developed a gambling addiction and began embezzling money from clients to sustain his addiction and lifestyle. Several clients and attorneys complained to the BBO, which conducted an investigation that ultimately led to Tariri’s disbarment in 2023. During the course of the BBO’s investigation, Tariri submitted ledgers that falsely indicated he was holding funds for clients when he had already spent those funds on unauthorized transactions.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Richard Langweber of the AGO’s White Collar and Public Integrity Division (WCPID) and Shane O’Sullivan of the Gaming Enforcement Division, with invaluable collaboration from Financial Investigator Shannon Chan, Victim Witness Advocate Lia Panetta, Paralegal Natalie Caffrey, and Massachusetts State Police Troopers assigned to the AGO. Members of the Office of Bar Counsel also assisted with the prosecution.

The AGO’s White Collar and Public Integrity Division investigates and prosecutes serious criminal misconduct involving crimes against public agencies, corrupt public employees and public entities, crimes that have a harmful effect on public confidence in our government and other trust institutions, and financial crimes.

Media Contact

Allie Zuliani, Deputy Press Secretary

Phone

Call Allie Zuliani, Deputy Press Secretary at (617) 727-2543

Online

Email Allie Zuliani, Deputy Press Secretary at Allie.Zuliani@mass.gov

Office of the Attorney General

The Attorney General is the chief lawyer and law enforcement officer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Media Contact

Allie Zuliani, Deputy Press Secretary

Phone

Call Allie Zuliani, Deputy Press Secretary at (617) 727-2543

Online

Email Allie Zuliani, Deputy Press Secretary at Allie.Zuliani@mass.gov

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