Former Longwood attorney indicted on federal charges

LONGWOOD, Fla. — A disbarred Longwood attorney was arrested on federal charges Friday.

The 14-page indictment outlines alleged wire and bank fraud that investigators said Julie Kronhaus has been involved in since 2009.

“The first thought that ran through my head was, ‘It’s about time.’ We’re been waiting for this day for over two years,” said one of the victims, Allan Cook.

Documents said Kronhaus would use her clients’ money to make substantial payments for such things as traveling, clothing, dining and entertainment.

Investigators said she made eight illegal wire transfers totaling $526,000 of her client’s money.

“How could you turn around and be so cold, and steal everybody’s money, not just mine, but other people’s too and act like nothing ever happened” Cook said.

Cook and his wife had to sell their home in Oviedo after they said Kronhaus stole nearly $975,000 from them, most of which was retirement money.

Authorities said she would write checks to clients from accounts she knew had insufficient funds.

“Very excited with the fact that they followed through and they got this person that has pretty much destroyed my life,” Cook said.

If convicted, Kronhaus will be forced to pay back the money.

Cook and his wife won a $2.1 million civil lawsuit against Kronhaus, but they have yet to see any money from that.

The federal trial is scheduled to start Nov. 7.

Cox Media Group