A former Patchogue attorney was indicted for allegedly stealing money from clients connecting to two real estate transactions.
Daniel Fier was hired to represent a seller in a real estate transaction in January 2022. In relation to the sale, a down payment of $13,450 was transferred to Fier’s attorney escrow account from the purchaser. However, Fier allegedly used the money for personal expenses. When the purchaser authorized the funds to be released to the seller later on, Fier allegedly never released the funds after being requested to do so.
In October 2023, Fier was selected as a referee on a real estate property auction. On October 16, 2023, the property’s purchaser made a down payment of $65,000, which Fier deposited into his attorney escrow account.
Fier was mandated to hold the money in escrow and release it to the bank when the property closed. Instead, Fier allegedly used the purchaser’s money for more personal expenses. When the sale closed in November 2023, Fier allegedly once again did not release the requested funds when asked.
On January 13, 2025, Fier, 40, was arrested by investigators from the Suffolk DA’s Public Corruption Squad. He was arraigned the following day on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz for second-degree grand larceny, a Class C felony, and third-degree grand larceny, a Class D felony.
Horowitz released Fier with the condition that Fier be placed on supervised release. Fier is expected back in court on February 4, 2025, and is facing five to fifteen years in jail if convicted on the top count.
“Alleged theft by professional misconduct is just as serious as any other larceny.” Suffolk D.A. Ray Tierney said, “I am committed to impactful sentences on theft that will hold offenders accountable, strongly deter future crime, and expediently restore victims’ accounts.”
Anyone who believes they have been victimized by Fier are asked to call the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office at (631) 853-4626.