CANTON, Ohio — William Sparks, a former Canton-area attorney, has learned his sentence after pleading guilty to stealing from clients.
The Jackson Township resident was sentenced to 4-6 years in prison and ordered to pay $339,050.38 in restitution.
“Robbing elderly clients behind their backs is a disgraceful betrayal of trust that warrants stiff consequences,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said. “This sentence should serve as a warning that targeting older Ohioans for exploitation won’t be tolerated.”
The sentencing came after the 71-year-old pleaded guilty to felony charges of theft from a protected class, aggravated theft and grand theft.
“Our collaborative dedication to this case underscores our commitment to prosecuting financial crimes diligently. The Attorney General’s Office and our deputies worked tirelessly on this case, and this outcome reflects our resolve to ensure that those who betray public trust are held responsible. We remain dedicated to upholding the law and protecting our citizens from exploitation," said Stark County Sheriff George Maier.
Officials said in a news release that Sparks used his title company, American Realty Title Assurance Company of Stark County, to commit the offenses against his real estate clients.
The case was investigated by the Stark County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Forensic Accounting.
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