Nassau County District Attorney Denis Dillon announced that the DA.'s Special Investigations Bureau has arrested Attorney Eugene Benevenia, 65, of Washington Street, Franklin Square for embezzling $265,477.16 in escrow funds.

According to Dillon, "From July 2003 to December 2004, Eugene Benevenia, Esq. embezzled escrow funds in the amount of $265,477.16 from 14 clients, mainly involving real estate closings and estate probates."

"In one instance, Benevenia represented two complainants in the sale of their Flushing, New York home," Dillon continued. "The purchasers of the Flushing home, made the down payment to Benevenia through a bank check and a personal check totaling $63,900 on August 27, 2004. He deposited these checks into his escrow account and subsequently stole the money. The closing took place on December 22, 2004, after another attorney had been substituted for Benevenia, with the $63,900 due and owed to the sellers."

"Benevenia has been charged with Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C Felony," said Dillon. "If convicted he faces up to 15 years in prison."

The charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.