A federal district judge in Ft. Lauderdale sentenced John Spencer Jenkins, a disbarred lawyer from South Florida, to 33 months in prison for misusing over $750,000 of client funds. According to plea documents and details shared during the sentencing hearing, Jenkins' clients transferred money into his law firm's Interest on Trust Account (IOTA) and general business account to receive legal services.
In one instance related to an estate representation, Jenkins admitted that the executor of the estate wired funds into his accounts for asset distribution among designees. However, he redirected those funds into separate accounts for personal use.
Judge David S. Leibowitz underscored the need for accountability among lawyers due to their role in holding public trust as licensed attorneys.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of FBI Miami. The investigation was conducted by FBI Miami, with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorney Altanese Phenelus.
Court documents and information are available on the District Court for the Southern District of Florida's website or through PACER under case number 24-CR-60172-DSL.
