Vancouver, Canada – A former British Columbia lawyer, Steven Neil Mansfield, could face three to five years in prison after admitting to misappropriating $1.4 million from his clients to settle gambling debts. This revelation came during sentencing submissions on Wednesday, where victims expressed the deep personal losses suffered due to Mansfield’s actions.
Mansfield, who previously pleaded guilty to four counts of theft exceeding $5,000, stood before Vancouver Provincial Court Judge Donna Senniw as testimony from distraught clients unfolded. Among the victims was a retired dentist, Dr. Harold Bergman, who trusted Mansfield with $350,000 to invest in a cannabis business. Although the venture turned out profitable, Bergman’s funds were diverted to cover Mansfield’s gambling expenses.
The prosecutor, Andrew McLean, emphasized the scope of betrayal, outlining how Mansfield exploited the trust of his clients for personal gain. Mansfield, looking for leniency, expressed remorse in court, “I’m very sorry. Everything I’ve done to you is brutal. I’m doing everything I can to make it right.”
The courtroom also heard how Mansfield misappropriated $200,000 from a trust account meant for a client’s child support payments. In another major breach of trust in 2016, Cynthia Pellegrin entrusted Mansfield with over $1 million from the sale of her house to pay off her mortgages. Mansfield, however, redirected more than $800,000 to feed his gambling habit.
Further complicating the case is Mansfield’s history with the Law Society of British Columbia, from which he has been disbarred twice. Despite these professional setbacks, Mansfield claims to have conquered his gambling addiction through counseling and self-led research, asserting he has not gambled since the incidents came to light.
Some victims have received financial restitution from the law society’s indemnity fund. However, others who were affected after Mansfield had lost his legal license were ineligible for such compensation, deepening their financial and emotional plight.
The court has delayed setting a sentencing date, leaving the victims uncertain about when they might see justice served. This case highlights not only the personal devastation wrought by trusted legal advisors who turn to criminality but also underscores the ongoing discussions about monitoring and accountability within professional circles.
Mansfield’s case serves as a stark reminder of the cascading effects of gambling addiction, especially when combined with access to significant financial resources and trust. As this legal drama continues, its resolution is awaited keenly by both legal professionals and the public, offering essential lessons on the importance of ethical conduct and the mechanisms necessary to safeguard against such profound abuses of trust.