Former Wheeling Lawyer Sentenced to Over 8 Years in Prison for Fraud

Paul Harris stole money and trust from his victims, judge says

Mar. 24, 2026 at 6:33am

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Former Wheeling lawyer Paul Harris was sentenced to 97 months, or 8 years and 1 month, in federal prison on Monday for 29 counts of fraud and money laundering. Harris was ordered to pay $701,623.86 in restitution to his victims, whom he manipulated and lied to in order to steal their money. Several victims gave emotional impact statements, describing how Harris betrayed their trust.

Why it matters

This case highlights the devastating impact that white-collar crimes like fraud can have on victims, many of whom trusted their lawyer to protect their interests. It also raises questions about oversight and accountability within the legal profession to prevent such abuses of power.

The details

Harris was convicted last November for using various tactics, at times resembling a Ponzi scheme, to steal money from his clients. He used client funds to buy personal items like a house and a loan related to his law practice. One victim, Michele Giovengo, said Harris had her and her late husband sign over money for a lawsuit settlement that he never even pursued. Another victim, Travis Carr, said his family lost $1.5 million they were counting on for his sister's future.

  • Harris was sentenced on March 24, 2026.
  • Harris must self-report to prison on May 6, 2026.
  • Harris' wife was unaware of his crimes, the judge noted.

The players

Paul Harris

A 62-year-old former Wheeling lawyer who was convicted of 29 counts of fraud and money laundering.

Michele Giovengo

The wife of a victim, Joe Giovengo, who died of cancer in 2022. She described how Harris betrayed their trust.

Travis Carr

A victim who said his family lost $1.5 million they were counting on for his sister's future.

Judge John Bailey

The U.S. District Court judge who sentenced Harris and noted that his wife was unaware of his crimes.

Matthew Harvey

The U.S. Attorney who said Harris broke the trust that citizens should have in lawyers to protect their rights and interests.

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What they’re saying

“We trusted him … The money was never held, it was used to pay other debts. I was in shock and disbelief. I didn't believe that someone could do this … I felt what he did was cruel. I was trying to hold my family together, carrying the weight of grief.”

— Michele Giovengo

“And it's gone…It's a sad affair. If Harris decided to apologize I would not believe him.”

— Travis Carr

“In fact he is a predator — plain and simple and true.”

— Jarod Douglas, Assistant U.S. Attorney

“Citizens should trust lawyers to protect their rights and interests, not to have their money stolen. Harris broke that trust, and the law, and now he will pay with time in prison.”

— Matthew Harvey, U.S. Attorney

What’s next

The judge noted that Harris could be released from prison for good behavior after serving 82 months, or about 6 years and 10 months.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of robust oversight and accountability within the legal profession to prevent lawyers from abusing their position of trust and exploiting vulnerable clients. It also highlights the devastating personal and financial toll that white-collar crimes can have on victims and their families.