Inmate and wife allegedly defrauded convicted murderer's father out of $10,000, Plymouth district attorney says

An inmate and his wife were indicted Tuesday for allegedly defrauding the father of a convicted murderer of more than $10,000 in fraudulent legal fees the 86-year-old paid in a fruitless attempt to reduce his son’s sentence, prosecutors said .

While incarcerated at the Old Colony Correctional Center in Bridgewater, Brian Vines, 49, allegedly lied to a fellow inmate that his wife was an experienced criminal defense attorney who, according to Plymouth County, could reduce his sentence for second-degree murder in exchange for pay. law firm.

Vines’ wife, Shayna O’Leary, 50, is not an attorney, prosecutors said.

The inmate told his elderly father that O’Leary could have his conviction reduced to manslaughter, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, prosecutors said. Second-degree murder carries a life sentence with parole after 15 to 25 years behind bars.

The father went for it, prosecutors said, and Vines and O’Leary allegedly set their plan in motion.

“Vines and O’Leary conspired to defraud the victim through a series of phone calls, forged legal documents, and continued assurances that funds paid to O’Leary were in exchange for legal services rendered,” prosecutors said. “This alleged scheme continued until August 2023, when the victim and his family became suspicious and ultimately contacted the Massachusetts Department of Corrections Investigative Services Unit.”

Vines was indicted on charges of theft by false pretense over $250 and conspiracy, while O’Leary was indicted on a single count of unauthorized practice of law, prosecutors said.

“Based on the misrepresentations, the victim paid more than $10,000 to secure the parole of his family member, even though that inmate will not be eligible for parole until November 2033,” prosecutors said.

Prosecutors have not identified the convicted killer or his father and have not said why Vines was behind bars. According to DOC records, he is now in custody at MCI-Norfolk.

It was not clear whether they had hired lawyers. Prosecutors said they will be arraigned in Plymouth Superior Court at a later date.

Travis Andersen can be reached at [email protected].