New Hampshire Attorney General Kelly A. Ayotte announces that Thomas M. Walsh, Jr., of Manchester was sentenced to serve 3 ½ to 7 years in prison for stealing from numerous clients between 2001 and 2004. In February 2007, the New Hampshire Supreme Court disbarred Walsh. Walsh pled guilty in Hillsborough County Superior Court, Northern District, to two class A felony charges of Theft by Deception for conduct that included forging his clients' signatures and falsifying real estate records. Judge James J. Barry, Jr., adopted the State's sentencing recommendations, which included restitution in the amount of $311,278.00.

In addition to the 3 ½ to 7 years stand-committed prison sentence, the Court imposed a suspended 3 ½ to 7 years prison sentence, which may be imposed consecutively within ten years, if Walsh fails to remain of good behavior and comply with all the terms of his sentences.

Attorney General Kelly A. Ayotte stated, "Unlawful conduct by attorneys erodes the important trust that citizens expect and deserve from the legal profession. Any allegations of unlawful conduct by attorneys will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent by this Office to preserve the public's trust."