New York Attorney Peter Giattino Accused of Stealing $855K from Clients

• Peter Giattino, a New York attorney from Wading River, was indicted for allegedly stealing over $855,000 from his clients.
• The funds were used for personal expenses, including gambling, rather than to deliver services as promised to his clients.
• Giattino faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of grand larceny and scheme to defraud charges.
• The case highlights the importance of attorneys being vigilant about financial dealings within their firms.

“This defendant allegedly exploited his position as a local attorney and diverted funds that rightfully belonged to individuals relying on him for professional integrity and fiduciary responsibility,”

Peter Giattino, a 43-year-old New York attorney from Wading River, was indicted and arraigned on charges of grand larceny, scheme to defraud, and other crimes. According to an investigation by the Suffolk County District Attorney's office, Giattino allegedly stole over $855,000 from his clients between October 2023 and October 2025. The funds were used for personal expenses, including gambling, rather than to deliver services as promised to his clients.

As a licensed attorney, Giattino had a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of his clients. However, the investigation alleges that he exploited this position for personal gain, diverting funds that rightfully belonged to his clients. The charges against Giattino include grand larceny, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison if convicted. The indictment also includes a scheme to defraud charge, which suggests that Giattino may have engaged in a pattern of deceptive behavior to conceal his actions from his clients and the authorities.

The alleged theft by Peter Giattino highlights the importance of attorneys being vigilant about financial dealings within their firms. Client funds must be properly accounted for, and red flags should be identified and addressed promptly to prevent similar allegations of theft. The case also underscores the critical role that law enforcement agencies play in investigating and prosecuting white-collar crimes committed by licensed professionals.

Lawyers should be on the lookout for red flags in their own firm's financial dealings and ensure that client funds are properly accounted for to avoid similar allegations of theft.

Source: Original reporting via PIX11