Buckeye Reporter

A former Canton-area attorney has been sentenced to prison and ordered to pay restitution after pleading guilty to stealing from his clients. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Stark County Sheriff George T. Maier made the announcement regarding the sentencing of William Sparks, 71, of Jackson Township.

Yost emphasized the severity of the crime, stating, “Robbing elderly clients behind their backs is a disgraceful betrayal of trust that warrants stiff consequences. This sentence should serve as a warning that targeting older Ohioans for exploitation won’t be tolerated.”

Sheriff Maier echoed this sentiment, highlighting the collaborative effort in prosecuting financial crimes diligently. He said, “Our collaborative dedication to this case underscores our commitment to prosecuting financial crimes diligently. The Attorney General’s Office and our deputies worked tirelessly on this case, and this outcome reflects our resolve to ensure that those who betray public trust are held responsible. We remain dedicated to upholding the law and protecting our citizens from exploitation."

Sparks, who previously pleaded guilty to felony charges of theft from a protected class, aggravated theft, and grand theft, was sentenced to four to six years in prison and ordered to pay $339,050.38 in restitution. He utilized his title company, American Realty Title Assurance Company of Stark County, to commit the offenses against his real estate clients.

The investigation into Sparks' actions was carried out by the Stark County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Forensic Accounting Unit, with special prosecutors from the Attorney General’s Office handling the case.

The Attorney General’s Office has an Elder Justice Unit that aims to educate Ohioans about the warning signs and risks of financial exploitation, especially targeting the elderly population who are vulnerable to such crimes.

This case serves as a reminder of the consequences of financial exploitation and the commitment of law enforcement to hold those who betray public trust accountable for their actions.