Seattle Lawyer Gets 2 Years Prison Term for Fraud

A Seattle, Wash., lawyer who scammed a disabled client out of $360,000 has been sentenced to two years in prison.

Edward Joseph Callow represented a client who was permanently disabled in a car wreck. Nationwide Insurance agreed to pay her a $25,000 advance, plus a $500,000 settlement. But Callow told her the settlement was for only $250,000, and that he would keep one-third of that for attorney’s fees. He also kept the advance.

Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler says Callow fled the U.S. last December and was captured in Taiwan. He pleaded guilty in July to five felonies, including conspiracy and theft.

Former Nationwide claims associate Fairborz Rahrovi has also been charged and is awaiting trial. Authorities say he and Callow shared the money that was owed to Callow’s client.

A King County Superior Court judge sentenced Callow on Friday. He was also ordered to pay his client’s legal fees and restitution.