Melrose attorney allegedly embezzled over $680,000 from clients
A Massachusetts lawyer has been charged for allegedly embezzling over $680,000 from clients.
Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said that the lawyer, identified as 57-year-old Henry Rappa of Melrose, allegedly stole about $660,000 from a civil litigation client while handling an estate. Rappa began handling the estate in March of 2023 and allegedly told the client he would hold the money on their behalf, according to prosecutor Mary O'Neil. When the client tried to have Rappa return the money in April of 2025, he allegedly made several excuses, saying he was on vacation or with family.
Rappa had allegedly already spent the money and had only around $3,000 in his Rappa Law business account last May, O'Neil said.
In July, a court ordered Rappa to immediately stop practicing law, close any trust accounts he had, step away from any fiduciary responsibilities, and return the client funds, according to Ryan.
However, around six months later, in December of 2025, Ryan said they discovered Rappa was still practicing law. She explained that he represented a client in a real estate closing in October of 2025 and allegedly kept a combined $21,300, which was meant to be given to the buyer of the property.
Rappa has been charged with two counts of embezzlement or misapplication by a fiduciary, two counts of larceny over $1,200, and the unauthorized practice of law. He pleaded not guilty in court on Thursday and declined to comment on the charges.
He is being held on $2,500 bail. Rappa posted bail and was ordered to turn over his passport, stay away from any witnesses, not travel outside of New England, and comply with any orders from the Supreme Judicial Court. He will return to Malden District Court on May 27.
Ryan said that Rappa is not the only embezzlement case they are currently exploring. She said there are a "number of similar cases" and recommended that people properly research any attorneys before handing over their money.
"Be certain you understand where the money is going, and if you are not satisfied, make that report," Ryan said. "Massachusetts does protect clients of attorneys, and as a result of the client security board, you have the possibility of recovery. Sometimes people think that they can't do anything about what's happened."
Anyone who thinks they may be a victim of embezzlement or fraud is asked to report it to the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers.
