Hermitage Attorney and notary cleared of theft, other charges

A Mercer County judge has dismissed criminal charges against a Hermitage attorney and notary public accused of cheating a Springfield Township man out of his home.

Common Pleas Court Judge Kim Berkley Clark dismissed the charges against attorney Dustin Cole and notary public Jenny Laslow following a hearing in November.

The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office had accused the pair of exploiting a man in financial distress, allegedly manipulating him into signing over his home and then charging exorbitant interest rates.

The alleged victim claimed that Cole had offered to loan him money to pay off his mortgage and that the attorney's fees would serve as interest. The man further alleged that Cole later demanded a significantly higher interest rate and ultimately took ownership of the man's home through a deed transfer notarized by Laslow.

The state's case centered on the claim that the man was coerced into signing the deed and that the interest rates charged were excessive. However, the judge found the state's evidence lacking.

The Office of Attorney General greatly overreached in this matter and relied upon an incredible and not credible witness," wrote Attorney David Ristey in a news release. "The dismissal by the Judge vindicated both Mr. Cole and Ms. Laslow."