Lawyer’s total theft $1.3 million, officials say

Michael W. Kwasnik, a lawyer already in jail for allegedly stealing more than $1 million from a 96-year-old Cherry Hill client, faces new charges in the alleged theft of $324,000 from a personal injury settlement secured by his former law partner, New Jersey's Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa said.

Based on the new three-count state grand jury indictment, Kwasnik's bail was increased to $1.25 million from $1 million.

The latest alleged victims were a couple from Williamstown, authorities said. Kwasnik, a Philadelphia resident, allegedly used money from the October settlement to pay expenses of the law firm, as well as personal expenses and credit card debt.

Kwasnik also allegedly spent some of the money in November while he was in Florida evading capture under a previous indictment.

The new charges are theft by failure to make required disposition of property received, misapplication of entrusted property, and money laundering, all in the second degree.