Lenny Dykstra, the former star centerfielder for the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies, has been charged in Los Angeles with embezzling more than $400,000 worth of personal property from a bankruptcy estate. Dykstra pled not guilty in a Los Angeles federal Court on June 13, 2011.
Federal prosecutors charged that Dykstra sold or destroyed the property from a mansion worth $18.5 million without the permission of the bankruptcy trustee. Amazingly, Dykstra, who was apparently a very successful investor following his baseball career, required the services of a public defender due to his financial inability to retain a private attorney.
Dykstra is in Los Angeles County Jail after being hit with a total of 25 misdemeanor and felony counts, including grand theft auto, attempted grand theft auto, and identity theft. Dykstra is looking at a maximum jail term of 80 years in prison if convicted on all counts against him. A trial date has been set for May 9, 2012.
The bad news for the 48-year-old Dykstra seems to be getting worse, as he is also facing drug possession charges in a separate state case, following the discovery by police of cocaine and synthetic hGH in his home in May. He was arraigned on those charges this week.
Contact The Westchester County Criminal Defense Lawyers online or toll free at (914) 428-7386 if you are charged with a felony, misdemeanor or traffic infraction for a free consultation with an experienced defense attorney to discuss your legal rights and options.