Ellington Woman Admits Stealing From Law Firm

ELLINGTON, CT — An Ellington woman admitted stealing nearly $754,000 from a Hartford law firm and its owner during a scheme that lasted more than a decade, federal prosecutors said.

Heather Murdock, 58, pleaded guilty Tuesday in New Haven federal court to one count of bank fraud and one count of tax evasion, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.

Murdock worked as the bookkeeper and office manager for a Hartford law firm identified in court records as “Firm A.” Between approximately 2010 and 2022, prosecutors said she used the firm’s bookkeeping software to create hundreds of checks payable to herself and forged the owner’s signature.

She then changed entries in the bookkeeping system to make it appear that the checks, totaling about $578,279, had been issued to legitimate vendors, according to prosecutors.

Murdock also admitted stealing about $175,559 in cash rental payments made by tenants of properties owned by the law firm’s owner. Prosecutors said she concealed those thefts by transferring money from the firm’s bank account into the owner’s rental-income account and altering bookkeeping records.

Federal authorities said Murdock did not pay income taxes on the stolen money. She underreported her income in 2011 and 2012 and did not file federal tax returns from 2013 through 2022, leaving her with $225,991 in unpaid tax obligations.

As part of her guilty plea, Murdock agreed to pay $753,838.70 in restitution and $225,991 in back taxes, plus penalties and interest.

Bank fraud carries a maximum prison term of 30 years, while tax evasion carries a maximum of five years. U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell scheduled sentencing for Dec. 1.

Murdock remains free on a $40,000 bond while awaiting sentencing.

The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation Division investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena L. Coronado is prosecuting it.

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