Fort Lauderdale (33301) Betrayal: Disbarred Lawyer Jailed – URGENT UPDATE

Fort Lauderdale (33301) – In a betrayal of public trust, Fort Lauderdale’s former attorney, John Spencer Jenkins, received a 33-month federal prison sentence for embezzling client funds—totaling well over $600,000, and in some reports more than $750,000. Jenkins, who was previously disbarred, exploited his position by redirecting client payments—often wired for legal services—into personal accounts, including funds intended for estate distributions. A federal judge, emphasizing the profound breach of fiduciary duty, deemed the lengthy sentence necessary to maintain integrity in the legal profession. Prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, the case highlighted systematic mismanagement of law firm trust accounts.

The FBI’s Miami office spearheaded the investigation, uncovering extensive misuse over several transactions. Experts warn that such misconduct erodes public confidence in the justice system. As Jenkins prepares to report to prison, the Florida Bar urges clients to audit transactions and verify their lawyer’s handling of funds. Survivors of similar crimes are encouraged to seek restitution through court filings and to report any suspicious activity. This conviction underscores that attorneys who abuse their privilege will face stiff consequences—and serves as a critical reminder: always demand transparency when your money is on the line.

Key Facts

• 🔴 BREAKING: John Spencer Jenkins sentenced in Fort Lauderdale

• 👥 IMPACT: Dozens of clients lost $600K–$750K+ in misused funds

• 🗣 OFFICIAL SOURCE: “Holding accountable people with Bar cards…” – Judge Leibowitz

• ✅ ACTION: Clients should audit trust account transactions now

Hyperlocal Impact

1. Precise Location:
   Fort Lauderdale (33301) – U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida downtown

2. Community Connection:
   “He was trusted with our inheritance—then stole it.” – Former client, name withheld

The conviction of John Spencer Jenkins delivers both relief and alarm to South Florida clients. During sentencing, Judge David S. Leibowitz underscored that “holding accountable people with Bar cards” is vital due to the trust inherent to attorneys’ roles . Jenkins admitted to diverting funds from his firm’s IOTA (Interest on Trust Account) and business accounts into his own, including over $600,000 from clients and estate accounts. One egregious example involved estate funds wired for redistributions, yet ended up in Jenkins’s personal coffers.

Prosecutors—led by AUSA Altanese Phenelus—and the FBI Miami team emphasized the depth of the abuse, launching a thorough investigation under U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne’s office. This sentencing follows alarming reports from Hoodline and WSVN, indicating the total misappropriated sum could exceed $750,000. Jenkins, disbarred prior to sentencing, now faces incarceration, a stark reminder to clients: vigilance over financial transactions is essential, and legal recourse is available through the court system. The Florida Bar advises anyone with concerns about mismanaged trust funds to immediately consult an independent auditor or file a formal grievance.

Exclusive Angle

• WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:
  In the wake of high-profile legal fraud cases, this sentencing amplifies concerns about trust-account oversight and the need for stronger attorney accountability.

Crisis Response

• IMMEDIATE RESOURCES:
  » Florida Bar Trust Accounting Hotline: 1‑800‑253‑9800
  » DOJ Victim Witness Assistance: Miami – (305) 961‑9001

• OFFICIAL GUIDANCE:
  “If you suspect your lawyer misused funds, file a grievance with the Florida Bar immediately.”
  – Judge David S. Leibowitz, U.S. District Court

Update Log

• 🆕 Jun 26, 2025: Jenkins formally sentenced to 33 months in federal prison

• 🆕 Jul 5, 2025: Local media confirm misused sum between $600K–$750K+