Attorney Arrested in Fraud Case, Attempted Escape

Fort Myers attorney arrested in fraud case attempted escape, authorities say
The Naples News by Jessica Lipscomb  -  May 23, 2012

Fort Myers, FL - A Fort Myers attorney jumped out of an investigator's car after he was arrested in Collier County by the State Attorney's Office on Wednesday afternoon.  His arrest follows a seven-month investigation into economic crimes, officials said.  Sebastian John Balliro, 41, tried to escape around 2:45 p.m. near the intersection of Wiggins Pass Road and U.S. 41 North after he was taken into custody, authorities said. Balliro, who was in handcuffs at the time, was taken to an area hospital "for precautionary reasons," said Samantha Syoen, spokeswoman for the State Attorney's Office.  Balliro is accused in three separate crimes between October of 2010 and April of 2012: stealing his law partner's identity to fraudulently purchase vehicles; defrauding a client of more than $100,000; and defrauding investors in pain clinics, a Wolfgang Puck franchise and the now-defunct Racks and Tails restaurant, Syoen said in a news release.  Investigators estimate Balliro stole $830,000 altogether.  Balliro, who also practices law in Fort Lauderdale, faces 10 felony charges out of Lee County, including grand theft and organized scheme to defraud. State investigators also expect to charge Balliro for offenses in Broward County involving "frauds and thefts related to his law practice there," Syoen said.  Balliro was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1998, but he was suspended on Sept. 7 and disbarred by the Supreme Court of Florida on April 20, state records show.