Ex-lawyer gets 5 years in prison for embezzlement

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A disbarred attorney has been sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for embezzling more than $1 million from clients and spending it at fancy restaurants and on other "high living."

The Courier-Journal reported that U.S. District Judge Joseph McKinley on Tuesday rejected pleas for leniency from 63-year-old Louis M. Smith of Louisville, who sought a lighter sentence because he has worsening Parkinson's disease.

Smith was convicted earlier this year in federal court in Louisville of two counts of unlawful transfer of stolen money and four counts of wire fraud. Prosecutors said he gained the trust of two women, gained legal power to manage their assets and then stole their money.

The daughter of one of Smith's clients, Barbara McDonald of Monroe Township, N.J., said justice was served.