Disbarred Attorney Pleads Guilty to Stealing 9/11 Victim Funds

Disbarred New York attorney Gustavo L. Vila pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $1 million from the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund that was awarded to his client, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York announced. Vila, 62, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government funds on Thursday. He is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 5. Prosecutors said claimants seeking compensation from the fund established in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks to compensate first responders were authorized to work with attorneys to submit claims. Attorneys were allowed to charge fees of up to ...