A judge has ordered a psychiatric evaluation for a Lexington attorney accused of extorting more than $1 million from clients.
/ FILE
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A judge has ordered a psychiatric evaluation for a Lexington attorney accused of extorting more than $1 million from clients.
U.S. District Judge Margaret Seymour made the determination Thursday for Richard Breibart
Breibart's attorney said in court papers this week his client has had multiple seizures since May. John Hare also says Breibart may have been insane at the time of his alleged crimes and might not be able to help in his own defense.
Prosecutors agreed with the request.
Breibart was charged in September with extortion, mail fraud and wire fraud.
Indictments list three people who allegedly cleaned out bank accounts, investments and retirement savings to give to Breibart. Prosecutors say he got money from clients by threatening them with criminal charges or civil penalties that did not exist.
