FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
February 21, 2019
For More Information, contact:
Mike Lewis (334) 353-2199
Steve Marshall
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Page 1 of 1
Alabama Attorney General
Attorney General Steve Marshall Announces Felony Theft Convictions
of Disbarred Attorney from Walker County, Garve Ivey Jr.
Crimes Involved $381,515 Of Client Trust Funds
(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Steve Marshall announced that a disbarred attorney from
Walker County was convicted yesterday of two counts of felony theft of property. Garve Ivey Jr.,
67, of Jasper, admitted to unlawfully taking client funds from his trust account over a period of
several years to fund his extravagant lifestyle. He pleaded guilty in Walker County Circuit Court
before specially-appointed Judge Michael Streety.
The investigation into Ivey began after the Attorney General’s Office and the Alabama State Bar
received multiple complaints regarding theft of client trust funds. A thorough investigation
revealed that on several occasions, Ivey would settle cases on behalf of clients that were plaintiffs
in personal injury or wrongful death cases. Instead of informing his clients that a settlement had
been reached and disbursing to the victims their portions of the funds, he would transfer the
settlement money into his operating and personal accounts and use it to fund his lavish and
extravagant lifestyle.
In 2011, Ivey was disbarred from the practice of law by order of the Supreme Court of Alabama.
In 2012, Ivey was indicted by a Walker County grand jury on multiple charges of theft of
property. In 2013, Ivey was again indicted in Walker County with two additional theft charges.
After many years of delays, the case was specially assigned to Jefferson County Circuit Judge
Michael Streety and set to be tried this April.
However, at yesterday’s status hearing, Ivey agreed to plead guilty to two felony counts and pay
restitution in the amount of $381,515.20. Both counts are class B felonies and are controlled by the
Alabama presumptive sentencing guidelines. Sentencing will be left to the discretion of the
Court and is set for April 29, 2019.
“The victims in this case went to Ivey for help at a time of great need,” said Attorney General
Marshall. “These people were injured in an accident or a family member was wrongfully killed
and they were seeking justice. Instead, they were victimized again by the greed of an individual
who used his position of trust to enrich himself. This type of conduct erodes the trust that the
people of Alabama should be able to place in members of the Alabama bar. It will not be
tolerated.”
Attorney General Marshall praised those involved in bringing this case to a successful
conclusion, noting in particular Assistant Attorneys General Katie Langer and Chris Moore of his
Criminal Trials Division and the Special Agents of his Special Prosecutions Division. He also
thanked the Alabama State Bar for their cooperation in the investigation.
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501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.state.al.us
