WEST CHESTER, PA — The Chester County District Attorney’s Office, alongside Chester County Detectives, has announced the arrest of James Vassallo, 55, from Voorhees, New Jersey, on multiple theft and fraud charges. Vassallo, a former real estate attorney, is facing serious allegations of theft, including Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Funds and Theft by Deception.
Vassallo, who had his law license suspended in August 2018, is accused of taking funds intended for a home purchase and settlement process. He was hired by victims in early 2023 to act as their real estate attorney for the purchase of a home in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Despite his suspension, Vassallo reportedly agreed to oversee financial arrangements for the settlement, including deed recording fees, taxes, and title insurance.
In March 2023, the victims wired settlement funds to Vassallo, trusting him to manage the financial obligations. However, the investigation revealed that Vassallo failed to fulfill any of his responsibilities. By May 2023, the victims discovered that the deed to their property had not been recorded, and the title insurance documents provided by Vassallo were fraudulent, with no actual policy ever purchased.
Detectives believe that Vassallo retained the settlement funds for himself, defrauding the victims. After turning himself in on January 22, 2025, Vassallo was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Erin Bruno, who set his unsecured bail at $50,000. A preliminary hearing is set for February 28, 2025.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Andrea Cardamone is handling the prosecution of the case, while Chester County Detectives continue their investigation. Authorities are asking anyone with additional information to contact Chester County Detectives at (610) 344-6866.
The investigation remains ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. James Vassallo, like all suspects, is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
