Former Houston Attorney Pleads Guilty to Multi-Million Dollar Client Fraud and Tax Crimes

Clyde J. Moore, a former attorney, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and filing a false tax return, U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei announced.

Moore admitted to defrauding clients out of approximately $2.4 million in personal injury settlement funds between 2012 and 2021. Alongside others at his firm, including Mark Broussard, Moore misled clients by inflating medical expenses and falsely claiming higher payments to providers, resulting in clients receiving reduced settlement shares.

Funds skimmed from the firm’s trust account were used by Moore for personal expenses, including purchasing two Ferrari sports cars, paying private school tuition for his children, and funding an investment account. He also shared stolen funds with Broussard and others involved in the scheme.

Moore will pay over $500,000 in restitution to the IRS for taxes owed from understated income on false tax returns. He has also agreed to compensate defrauded clients, with the amount to be determined by the court.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 8 before U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks. Moore faces up to five years in prison for conspiracy and up to three years for tax fraud, along with potential fines up to $250,000 for each conviction.

Broussard previously pleaded guilty to the same charges and is awaiting sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Johnson prosecuting the case.