DISBARRED HAZLET ATTORNEY SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR STEALING $1.18M FROM CLIENTS

Authorities in Monmouth County have announced the sentencing of a disbarred real estate attorney who stole nearly $1.18 million from dozens of clients. Steven H. Salami, 49, of Hazlet, has been sentenced to 10 years in state prison and ordered to repay the stolen funds to the New Jersey Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection, which had reimbursed his victims.

Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago shared that Salami’s sentence was handed down on Friday, January 17, by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Christie Bevacqua. The court also mandated full restitution of the stolen funds.

The investigation, led by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) Financial Crimes and Special Prosecutions Unit, initially uncovered four victims defrauded of nearly $300,000 between April and August 2019. As an attorney, Salami had accepted funds intended for various real estate transactions, deposited the money into escrow, and failed to complete the promised work. This misconduct led to missed closing dates, nullified transactions, and significant financial losses for his clients.

Salami’s October 2019 arrest marked the beginning of a broader investigation that revealed dozens of additional victims. In July 2021, a Monmouth County Grand Jury returned a 63-count indictment against him. The case was temporarily delayed until November 2023, when the Superior Court Appellate Division reinstated two charges previously dismissed by a lower court.

In October 2024, Salami pleaded guilty to second-degree Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity. Prosecutor Santiago emphasized that this outcome reflects Monmouth County’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for financial crimes and ensuring justice for victims.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences for those who exploit their professional roles for personal gain—and a testament to the relentless efforts of law enforcement to deliver justice for victims.