Melrose man charged with stealing hundreds of thousands from clients, prosecutors say

A Melrose man faces multiple charges after prosecutors say he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from clients and continued to practice law despite his suspension.

Henry Rappa Jr., 57, was arraigned Thursday in Malden District Court on two counts of embezzlement or abuse by a fiduciary, two counts of theft over $1,200, and unauthorized practice of law, according to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan’s office.

Prosecutors say Rappa misused client funds he was supposed to protect, calling the behavior a “deep breach of trust.”

“Lawyers are charged with protecting their clients’ most sensitive matters and, in many cases, significant financial assets,” Ryan said in a press release. “The willful misuse of these funds, especially after the court explicitly ordered us to cease practicing law and relinquish control of client accounts, is as egregious as it is unlawful. These charges underscore our commitment to holding individuals accountable when they exploit positions of trust for personal gain.”

According to investigators, a client entrusted Rappa with approximately $660,000 in September 2023 to be held in a trust account while a legal dispute was pending. The client also paid a separate deposit for legal services.

After the dispute was resolved, Raba was expected to return the money. However, he instead allegedly delayed the transfer, made repeated excuses, and failed to return the money, despite requests from the client and the state Board of Bar Superintendent, according to officials. He then allegedly spent the money required to remain on the client’s credit account, according to Ryan’s office.

Rappa was administratively suspended from practicing law in July 2025 and provisionally suspended in January 2026 following a complaint to the Board of Bar Supervisors.

In both cases, the judge ordered Rappa to stop practicing law, close all credit accounts, and return the clients’ money and property. He was also ordered to step down from any fiduciary roles, including serving as a trustee or conservator.

Despite those orders, prosecutors say Raba continued to work as a lawyer. In December 2025, he allegedly handled the closing on a property for another client and did not properly distribute the proceeds, according to officials.

Instead, investigators say, Rappa allegedly kept $3,200 and an additional $18,100 that should have been distributed to the client, and spent the money.

During his arraignment, Raba was ordered to surrender his passport and not contact any witnesses. Bail was set at $2,500.

Officials urge anyone seeking legal representation to review an attorney’s record before hiring one.

“Individuals seeking an attorney are urged to do their own research, check the Bar Oversight Board website for any disciplinary action and ensure the attorney is in good standing,” Ryan said.

Officials say anyone who suspects they may be a victim of theft or fraud should request a detailed accounting of all spending, stop making payments immediately, report suspicious behavior to the Bar Superintendent Board and contact local police.