FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A South Florida attorney was sentenced Monday to 10 years in prison after he embezzled more than $500,000 from foreclosure transactions.
Nicholas Steffens was arrested last year on grand theft charges.
Two of the illegal transactions happened in Miami-Dade County, and another two were in Broward County.
Steffens apologized to the victims and his family during his sentencing hearing.
"Unfortunately, I let depression that set in after my first divorce cripple me, and instead of reaching out for help, I wound up with several bar complaints," Steffens said, reading from a prepared statement.
Steffens said he became greedy and was solely responsible for the money that he stole.
"I committed these acts alone to enrich myself and live a false lifestyle," Steffens said.
Steffens also thanked the court for allowing him to spend Father's Day with his daughter before he was sentenced.
Assistant state attorney David Schulson said most of Steffens' 49 victims believe the sentence is fair.
"The claims are in excess of $1 million," Schulson said.
Steffens' defense attorney, Larry Davis, said his client took responsibility for his actions and is paying the price for it.
Davis said he doesn't know what became of the money.
The Florida Bar revoked Steffens' license to practice law last December.
Steffens is expected to serve his sentence at Moore Haven Correctional Facility.