Disbarred Billings attorney denies wire fraud charges

BILLINGS — A Billings attorney who was disbarred last summer now faces federal wire fraud charges for keeping $65,500 that should have been distributed to the family of a man who was killed in a car crash.

The Billings Gazette reports Randy Scott Laedeke pleaded not guilty to two counts of wire fraud during his arraignment in U.S. District Court on Friday.

Laedeke was hired to represent a man who was killed in a 2005 car crash and won a $300,000 settlement.

Prosecutors say Laedeke deducted $184,600 for his fee and legal expenses, leaving $115,000 to distribute among the man’s heirs. Prosecutors say he dispersed nearly $50,000 to the victim’s wife, but used the remaining $65,500 for personal expenses.

In issuing the disbarment, the Montana Supreme Court ordered Laedeke to pay $65,500 in restitution.