Harold J. Pickerstein Explained

Harold J. Pickerstein
Office:United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut
President:Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford
Term Start:1974
Term End:1974
Predecessor:Stewart H. Jones
Successor:Peter Collins Dorsey
Birth Date:9 July 1946
Birth Place:Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.
Death Place:Fairfield, Connecticut, U.S.
Alma Mater:University of Pennsylvania (B.A.)
Boston University (J.D.)
Profession:Attorney
Spouse:Marjorie Feldman
Children:3

Harold James "Jim" Pickerstein (July 9, 1946 – August 30, 2022) was an American attorney who served as the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut in 1974.

Early life and education

Pickerstein was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on July 9, 1946. He attended the Unquowa School and The Gunnery School, graduating in 1963. He earned his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1967 and a Juris Doctor degree from Boston University School of Law in 1970.[1]

Career

After law school, Pickerstein joined the U.S. Department of Justice's Honor's Program in Washington, D.C., and later moved to Connecticut, joining the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut. In 1974, he was appointed Acting U.S. Attorney following the stroke of Stewart H. Jones.[2] [3] After leaving office in 1974, Pickerstein entered private practice.

Legal troubles

In 2015, Pickerstein pled guilty to one count of mail fraud for stealing over $600,000 from James Galante’s trust fund between 2011 and 2013.[4] He used the funds for personal expenses, including settling tax debts. After his guilty plea, Pickerstein resigned from the Connecticut Bar in December 2014. He faced a potential sentence of 20 years in prison, along with fines and restitution.[5] [6]

Personal life

Pickerstein married Marjorie Feldman in 1968, and they had three sons: Andrew, Michael, and Edward. Pickerstein passed away on August 30, 2022, following a long battle with cancer.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Obituary information for H. James Pickerstein . 2024-09-10 . www.greensfuneralhome.com.
  2. News: Fellows . Lawrence . May 12, 1974 . WEICKER WEIGHTS 4 FOR U.S. ATTORNEY . New York Times . 35.
  3. Web site: 2015-03-18 . District of Connecticut About the Office . 2024-09-10 . www.justice.gov . en.
  4. News: Tepfer . Daniel . May 10, 2016 . Former federal prosecutor gets 30 days for stealing $600,000 from mobster .
  5. Web site: 2016-01-14 . Southern District of New York Connecticut Attorney Admits Stealing More Than $600k From Client's Trust Account United States Department of Justice . 2024-09-10 . www.justice.gov . en.
  6. Web site: 2016-01-15 . Former U.S. Prosecutor In Connecticut Guilty Of Fraud . 2024-09-10 . Hartford Courant . en-US.