Socialite's son, his ex-lawyer accused of looting her fortune

Article by: Samuel Maull , Associated Press
Updated: November 27, 2007 - 6:11 PM

Philanthropist Brooke Astor suffered from Alzheimer's disease.

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NEW YORK - The son of philanthropist Brooke Astor was accused Tuesday of plundering his mother's $198 million estate and conspiring to have the Alzheimer's-stricken socialite sign a will leaving her fortune to him.

Anthony Marshall, an 83-year-old Broadway producer, was charged in an indictment unsealed Tuesday and pleaded not guilty. His former attorney, Francis Morrissey, was indicted on similar allegations.

Marshall and Morrissey "took advantage of Mrs. Astor's diminished mental capacity in a scheme to defraud her and others out of millions of dollars," District Attorney Robert Morgenthau said.

As early as 2001, Astor's doctors had told Marshall that his mother suffered from Alzheimer's disease, that her ability to understand complex issues was limited and that her condition would worsen, Morgenthau said.

Three years later, the prosecutor said, Marshall and Morrissey conspired to have Astor's attorney fired and to have her sign an updated will that left Marshall virtually everything.

Marshall's current lawyer, Kenneth Warner, said in a statement that he and his client are confident Marshall will be exonerated. "Tony Marshall faithfully and effectively managed his mother's affairs for more than 25 years," Warner said.

Marshall was released and ordered to appear at a court hearing on Jan. 30.

Marshall's son, Philip, prompted the criminal investigation last year after he accused his father of neglecting Astor's care and stealing her money. Astor died in August at age 105.

Anthony Marshall, a former diplomat and Tony award-winning producer, has denied all allegations that he abused his mother's trust -- saying he cared about her more than anyone else. If convicted of the most serious charge, grand larceny, he could be sentenced to 25 years in prison.