NY attorney sentenced in $300K adoption scheme

MINEOLA, N.Y. – A New York attorney who posed as an adoption expert and stole $300,000 from prospective parents for babies that did not exist has been sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in prison.

Kevin Cohen, of Roslyn, was convicted last month in Nassau County Court of grand larceny, forgery and other charges.

Prosecutors say Cohen scammed hopeful couples with fake sonograms and fictitious records on forged stationery from hospitals and doctors. Thirteen prospective parents testified against him at his three-week trial.

Cohen, who represented himself, said during the trial that he suffers from multiple illnesses including bipolar disorder. He apologized to his victims before being sentenced.