By: Richard L. Smith
A Utah man previously disbarred in New Jersey is now facing multiple criminal charges after authorities say he falsely presented himself as a licensed attorney and collected tens of thousands of dollars from unsuspecting clients.
According to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, David T. Schlendorf, 54, of Holladay, Utah, has been charged with four counts of theft by deception and five counts of unauthorized practice of law.
An investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and the Toms River Township Police Department revealed that in March 2025, a Toms River resident hired Schlendorf for legal representation and paid him approximately $10,000.
Authorities allege Schlendorf misrepresented himself as an attorney, despite having been disbarred in New Jersey in December 2022.
Detectives determined that the case was not isolated.
Investigators say that between January 2023 and September 2025, at least five additional victims retained Schlendorf for legal services, collectively paying him about $60,000.
Schlendorf was initially taken into custody on October 7, 2025, in Toms River by members of the prosecutor’s office and local police.
He was processed at the Ocean County Jail and later released under New Jersey’s bail reform guidelines.
Officials say the investigation remains active, and additional victims may exist.
Anyone with information related to Schlendorf’s activities is urged to contact authorities.
Prosecutor Billhimer noted that investigators anticipated more victims could come forward, stating that those concerns are now proving to be valid as the case continues to expand.