Lawyer Convicted of Laundering Drug Dealer's Money

A Seymour, Connecticut, lawyer has been convicted of money laundering charges and faces up to 40 years in prison.

The Republican-American reports that Seymour attorney Ralph Crozier shook his head slightly as the verdict was announced in U.S. District Court in New Haven on Thursday.

The 62-year-old Crozier says he will appeal. "There are innocent people who are convicted," he said.

His former client, Bruce Yazdzik, testified he made thousands of dollars selling pain pills and needed to launder his cash. The 31-year-old admitted Oxycontin dealer said Crozier helped him legally establish two businesses.

Federal authorities charged Crozier with conspiracy to commit money laundering after they say he helped Yazdzik invest $30,000 in a failed solar energy company, despite knowing the money had come from drug dealing.

Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 18.