Lawyer Steals $600,000 From Church, Really?
We've all heard of robbing Peter to pay Paul, but this lawyer is ridiculous.
John Shasanmi allegedly stole $600,000 from a New York church. He was supposed to hold the money in escrow for the Second Providence Baptist Church, but instead he transferred it to his personal bank account.
It's not like he's giving lawyers a bad name -- that's a given. But he has confirmed a rumor that the devil does have an advocate.
The Devil's Advocate
Perhaps it's too harsh to say Shasanmi is the devil's advocate, but you be the judge. Here's what happened, according to the New York Post:
"A lawyer was busted Thursday for allegeding stealing over half a million dollars from a Harlem church that he represented in a real estate deal," the newspaper reported.
Shasanmi can't be Satan, but how bad do you have to be to steal from a church in Harlem?
The Manhattan District Attorney's Office said Shasanmi tried to cover his tracks by sending the pastor a forged bank statement. But the ruse fell apart when the pastor demanded the money.
The Unrepentant Lawyer
Police picked up the unrepentant lawyer in Philadelphia on a warrant. He told them it was "a big misunderstanding."
Meanwhile, Shasanmi pleaded not guilty to grand larceny and possession of a forged instrument. His lawyer, who may actually be the devil's advocate in this story, declined to comment.
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