A Southern California lawyer has been sentenced to two years in state prison for defrauding clients of approximately $300,000 to fund a gambling addiction. Sergio Valdovinos Ramirez, a Manhattan Beach attorney, also pleaded guilty to fabricating a terminal cancer diagnosis to conceal his criminal activities.
Ramirez pleaded guilty on Monday to multiple charges, including grand theft by embezzlement, insufficient funds checks, and a special allegation for crimes resulting in losses of $100,000 or more. As part of his plea agreement, he was sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution prior to sentencing, with an additional $310,000 to be paid later.
Authorities stated that between 2019 and 2023, Ramirez misappropriated funds that clients were expecting from settlements and other legal matters. He also issued checks to clients that were returned due to insufficient funds in his bank account.
In addition to financial misconduct, Ramirez falsely claimed to be suffering from a life-threatening disease and provided a fabricated name of a doctor treating him as part of his efforts to hide his actions. The California State Bar disbarred Ramirez in 2024 after finding him guilty of 19 ethical violations. The ruling noted his dishonesty was exacerbated by the additional deception regarding his health.
Ramirez appealed his disbarment to the California Supreme Court, which upheld the decision, permanently barring him from practicing law in the state. Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman stated that Ramirez not only lost his ability to practice law but must also repay the stolen money and serve a prison sentence.