Disbarred Columbus attorney facing up to 20 years following guilty plea in fraud case

COLUMBUS Ga. (WRBL) – An expelled Columbus attorney pleaded guilty to a federal fraud case. George W. Snipes, 68, pleaded guilty to federal postal fraud in U.S. District Judge Clay Land on June 23, 2021.

According to US Attorney’s Middle District of Georgia officials, Snipes’ investigation revealed that the former Columbus attorney stole a settlement fee from two clients in a personal injury case.

“Lawyers are sworn to act with the greatest possible integrity for the benefit of their clients and the legal profession themselves. Not only did Snipes break his oath, he also acted criminally by diverting funds for his injured customers for his personal use, ”said Acting US Attorney Peter D. Leary.

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The charges against Snipes stem from a personal injury case in which he was involved in September 2017. The clients of Snipes in this case were involved in a car accident in August 2017 and used Snipes services in a personal injury case.

According to officials, Snipes has settled the case for $ 48,000 without the knowledge or approval of its clients. He’d sent the payment to himself, not his customers. He then used the settlement money for personal use, the officials said.

Snipes is due to be sentenced on October 19, 2021. Along with a US $ 250,000 fine, Snipes could face up to 20 years in federal prison.