Ocean County Lawyer Admits To Stealing From Clients

Bob Novy (Center) at his law office in Toms River before he was arrested. (Photo courtesy of Bob Novy's Law Office Site)

TRENTON – A prominent radio show host and attorney pleaded guilty Friday for stealing millions of dollars from elderly clients and through various bank accounts, his attorney trust, and business accounts, laundered that money.

Robert Novy, 66, of Brick, pleaded guilty to first-degree money laundering in Ocean County Superior Court, before Judge Michael T. Collins.

The state will seek 10 years in state prison, including three years and four months parole ineligibility, as part of the plea agreement for first-degree money laundering. Novy will be sentenced Sept. 28.

Robert Novy Mug Shot (Photo courtesy of The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office)

Novy admitted to stealing millions—the state believes nearly $3 million from at least two dozen victims—from law firm clients, many of whom didn’t have close relatives to guard their interests, or suffered from dementia.

Novy must pay $4 million restitution to victims. He must also surrender his license to practice law in New Jersey and pay the state an anti-money laundering profiteering penalty of $500,000.

Novy hosted “Inside the Law,” which focused on topics of interest to senior citizens.

He was arrested Oct. 18, 2016.

Anyone who believes they or someone they know is a victim of Novy’s is asked to write to Deputy Attorney General Kara R. Webster in the State Office of Victim Witness Advocacy at WebsterK@njdcj.org, or if they do not have email access, phone 609-376-2444.