Oregon Lawyer Pleads Guilty to Stealing Money for Plastic Surgery

On the list of what-not-to-do-with-client-money, one Oregon attorney checked off the whole list.

Pamela S. Hediger pleaded guilty in federal court to stealing money from her clients, not paying income taxes and other unlawful activity. She was ordered to pay $1.9 million in restitution, plus $471,399 in federal income taxes.

But that's not what made the headlines. It was the plastic surgery and the party band.

Federal Charges

The ABA Journal headlined it this way: "Lawyer stole money to pay for plastic surgery, overdue income taxes, party with Hawaiian band and more."

The journal spared some details about Hediger's crimes, but the plea agreement said she did it for:

• Plastic surgery
• Lavish vacations
• Timeshare interest
• Automobile expenses
• Home improvements
• A Hawaiian band for a party

She also got something else for her efforts: a 46-month sentence followed by three years of supervised release.

State Charges

Unfortunately for the attorney, the list of horribles goes on in state court for:

• Aggravated theft
• Identity theft
• Income tax evasion

That was not the end of her to-do list, however. Hediger also resigned from the state bar.

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