Melville Attorney Pleads Guilty to Stealing From Clients, Forfeits License, Pays $499K

A 61-year-old attorney pleaded guilty to grand larceny for taking funds entrusted to him during a real estate closing and was ordered to make full restitution and surrender his law license, Suffolk County prosecutors announced. Michael Tulchiner admitted to misappropriating $413,237 from a mortgage disbursement account between August and December 2022, officials said.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on January 28, 2026, that Tulchiner pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C felony, for taking refinance loan funds that were designated only to pay off a prior mortgage on the property being sold. Tulchiner pleaded guilty before Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice John Collins and was ordered to pay $499,000 in full restitution and to permanently forfeit his license to practice law, prosecutors said.

“This sentence, including full restitution of $499,000 and the permanent forfeiture of his law license, is a reminder that no one is above the law - especially those sworn to uphold it,” Tierney said. “This betrayal not only harmed an innocent client but undermined the integrity of our legal profession.”

Officials identified the funds as coming from a mortgage disbursement account at a closing where Tulchiner was acting as the client’s attorney. Sources describe Tulchiner as formerly of Melville and practicing in Bellmore. The restitution amount ordered by Justice Collins exceeds the dollar value reported as taken; prosecutors did not specify whether the $499,000 includes interest, fees, or other costs.

The DA’s announcement did not include any information about incarceration, probation, or other criminal penalties beyond the restitution order and the permanent forfeiture of Tulchiner’s license. Court records and the Suffolk County Supreme Court docket will provide the formal plea allocution and the judge’s order.

For Suffolk County homeowners and anyone involved in real estate transactions, the case underscores the risks tied to closing funds and the importance of oversight at the closing table. Local buyers and sellers should confirm the handling of disbursement accounts and may wish to verify an attorney’s standing with state licensing authorities before significant transfers are made.

The matter will remain on the court docket as restitution is processed and the formal record is entered. Residents seeking more detail can follow filings in Suffolk County Supreme Court or statements from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office as the case moves forward.