Lawyer speaks out about missing money

Stratford (WTNH) - A missing Stratford lawyer is tracked down. But the case isn't settled for his clients, some of whom say they are out thousands of dollars.

For months now a growing number of Attorney John Rodia's clients have been desperately trying to contact him with questions like where's the money? Where's my file? Why didn't you show up at my court date. And obviously, where are you?

Today, News Channel 8 found him.

Cohn: "What would you like to say to your clients?"
Rodia "That I apologize for the horror that I put into their lives and that I'm going to do everything I can to make it right."

News Channel 8 caught up with Rodia in Hartford as he was walking into a meeting at the Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel, the Judicial Branch's division, which looks into alleged misconduct by lawyers.

The probe began after a Count on 8 investigation last week uncovered allegations from a number of clients including a couple who say Rodia never paid off their mortgage as promised, after they re-financed their home.

Cohn: "The obvious question is what happened?"
Rodia: "Well at this point with the on-going administrative, criminal, and civil investigations going on, I'm not in a position to try to make a statement like that and I don't want to make it sound like I'm trying to make excuses or justify anything."

Last week, News Channel 8 found Rodia's Stratford office dark and locked. We also saw what appeared to be stacks of legal files inside his Seymour home through a window.

Since then, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has received close to two dozens complaints about Rodia resulting, as Rodia himself acknowledged, a number of investigations.

But many questions remain.

Cohn: "The money, for instance of the Turner's in Prospect, and other people who have given you money. Is that money there?"
Rodia: "Again I can't comment on that part of the investigation. There is nothing I can say about that."

Rodia has been placed on Medical Inactive Status meaning he can't practice law. His missing case files have been turned over to a trustee and will be returned to clients.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal revealed to News Channel 8 that clients who are out money will be re-imbursed 100-percent by a special fund that all Connecticut attornies pay into. And Blumenthal said he will seek re-imbursement by Rodia.

The Attorney General also explained that this is just the beginning. His office may take action. And, the State Police are investigating; there may be criminal charges as well.