Anthony Marshall

Anthony D. Marshall, Brooke Astor’s only son, has been indicted on criminal charges that relate to his handling of his late mother’s finances and will, which was curiously amended in 2002. One of the late Manhattan doyenne’s former lawyers, Francis X. Morrissey Jr., has also been fingered in the case. According to the Times, the exact details of the case are not yet fully known, but a Manhattan grand jury has been listening to witness testimonies for a little over two months.

But the Manhattan District Attorney's office just sent out a press release (click here, or on "Read More" below to read it) with a few more details in it. Allegedly, Mr. Marshall "took advantage of Mrs. Astor's diminished mental capacity in a scheme to defraud her out of millions of dollars." Additionally, the D.A.'s release argues that Ms. Astor's only son convinced his mother to sell real estate by telling her that she was going broke.

Mr. Marshall reportedly left calls from reporters unanswered. Mr. Morrissey, on the other hand, "will plead not guilty at his arraignment" later this week, according to his lawyer.  read more »