Brooke Astor’s son Anthony Marshall was convicted of tricking his late mother out of millions, and changing her will while the New York City socialite was incompetent and suffering from Alzheimer’s in her final years.

The defendant, his wife, the lawyers, the friends, the matriarch and the money.After more than five months in criminal court, jurors convicted 85-year-old Marshall of 14 criminal counts, including fraud and grand larceny. Co-defendant Francis Morrissey, Astor’s estate lawyer, was found guilty on all six counts of conspiracy, scheming to defraud and forgery.

The verdict comes as a surprise, after reports of upset jury members and a possible mistrial swirled, as the jury entered their 12th day of deliberation. The jury said that the verdict was reached unanimously.

Astor was the epitome of high society in New York and a respected philanthropist donating about $200 million to city landmarks such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the New York Public Library. She died in August 2007 at the age of 105.

The trial brought to light what prosecutors say was a tragic end for the New York City socialite, whose mental state had deteriorated to the point where she could no longer recognize her own family.

Marshall, who could spend a minimum of one year and up to 25 in prison, faced the judge and then the jury as the verdict was read. His wife Charlene Marshall, who was cast as the villain in her husband’s trial, sat silently. His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 8.

Steven Peck

About the Author

Attorney Steven Peck has been practicing law since 1981. A former successful business owner, Mr. Peck initially focused his legal career on business law. Within the first three years, after some colleagues and friend’s parents endured nursing home neglect and elder abuse, he continued his education to begin practicing elder law and nursing home abuse law.