Former Troy lawyer pleads not guilty to theft, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity

TROY — A former Troy lawyer pleaded not guilty Monday to felony indictments accusing him of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and theft involving a trust.

Jeff Brumbaugh, 63, now of Arizona, made the pleas during a video arraignment in Miami County Common Pleas Court. He was placed on indefinite suspension last year by the Ohio Supreme Court, according to court documents.

Bail was set at $100,000 cash or surety by Judge Christopher Gee.

Brumbaugh was indicted on one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of corrupt activity, two counts of theft and one count each of money laundering and grand theft of a motor vehicle.

"This is all arising out of a trust he created and managed for a ward of the court," said Miami County Prosecutor Tony Kendell. "He was hired by the now deceased father of a handicapped person and was basically trusted with the life savings."

The indictment alleges the illegal actions took place between Jan. 1, 2011, and Dec, 31, 2014. Kendell, who asked Gee to set a substantial bond, declined further comment.

The indictments list the value of theft at more than $150,000 but less than $750,000 with the victim described as a disabled adult.

The Ohio Supreme Court placed Brumbaugh on interim suspension on October 2016 and indefinite suspension in May 2017.

Defense lawyer Jack Hemm told Gee that Brumbaugh had moved to Arizona where he was active in the community. He said Brumbaugh didn't "leave this community for the purpose of hiding."

If bail is posted, Brumbaugh would live locally with relatives, Hemm said. "Jeff has no intention of leaving the area until this is resolved," he said.

A pretrial hearing was scheduled for Oct. 29.