A Chester County attorney who stole from clients and family is sentenced to state prison

A Chester County attorney who defrauded both his clients and family was sentenced Monday to 11 to 23 years in state prison.

Joshua Janis, 40, was found guilty in December of 31 counts of fraud for stealing from his clients at a West Chester law firm. In a separate case — evidence of which was discovered while investigators were probing the fraud — Janis pleaded guilty in February to identity theft and forgery for opening up bank accounts in the names of his ex-wife and former mother-in-law.

In a statement, District Attorney Deborah Ryan commended the victims for coming forward to “reclaim their lives from the damage he caused.”

“He stole money and caused irreparable legal and emotional damage to victims of all ages in a callous and depraved manner,” Ryan said. “More than that, he stripped them of the valued trust between a client and their lawyer, tarnishing the profession.”

Janis’ attorney, Ryan Hyde, declined to comment.

» READ MORE: Chester County attorney admits stealing the identities of his ex-wife and mother-in-law

The investigation into Janis’ conduct began in 2015, when his law license was suspended after clients filed complaints with the state Supreme Court Disciplinary Board.

After a criminal investigation triggered by that suspension, Janis was accused of stealing a total of $90,000 from dozens of clients. Prosecutors said he collected legal fees without working on their cases.

Prosecutors later learned that Janis had opened up several unauthorized credit card accounts in the name of his ex-wife, Jennifer Hulnick. He also created accounts in the name of Hulnick’s mother, Ellen.

Prosecutors estimate he spent $80,000 in the name of Jennifer Hulnick and $5,000 in her mother’s name, using the money for pornography and strip-club visits, among other expenses.