Thomas Mutha, 62, of Birmingham, Michigan, and formerly of Newtown, Connecticut, was sentenced last week to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stealing nearly $2 million.

Murtha operated a law practice under the name Maher & Murtha LLC in Bridgeport. Beginning around November 2011, Murtha stole approximately $2 million from more than 20 individuals, including law clients, friends and family members.

More than $516,000 of the stolen funds were for the benefit of an individual with mental health issues. As part of the scheme, Murtha submitted false or forged documents to victims. He also incurred charges on credit cards in the names of others without their knowledge or permission.

The investigation revealed that Murtha used some of the stolen funds in connection with the purchase of a $725,000 house in Birmingham, Michigan, and on other lavish expenses including the purchase and care of show horses.

Murtha was ordered to pay total restitution of nearly $2 million. Murtha also has agreed to forfeit his interests in the house in Michigan and a 2.11 carat diamond engagement ring that the government has seized.

Murtha resigned from the bar in September 2016 after three grievance complaints were filed against him. He was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on April 5, 2017, and a grand jury returned a multi-count indictment against him on Aug. 16, 2017. He pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud on May 30, 2018.

Currently released on bond, Murtha was ordered to report to the U.S. Marshals Service on Nov. 26 to begin serving his sentence.