Former lawyer pleads guilty to forgery charges

UPDATED 5:25 p.m.
Former Christiansburg lawyer Gerard Marks pleaded guilty to seven counts of forgery of a public record this morning in Montgomery County Circuit Court.

Back in April, Marks was indicted on 21 felony charges for forging court documents for property easements, divorces and adoptions.
   
As part of a plea agreement, 14 of those charges were dropped and Botetourt County Commonwealth’s Attorney Joel Branscome will not ask for more than two years jail time.

“He accepted his responsibility from the beginning with the state police and all parties concerned and has done what he could to make right this wrong, said Defense Attorney Mac Doubles.

Marks will remain out on bond until his sentencing next March.

Branscome says it’s possible more victims are out there. If you’re a victim, you’re asked to call the Botetourt County Commonwealth’s Attorney office at 540-473-8227.

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Former Christiansburg lawyer Gerard Marks pleaded guilty to seven counts of forgery of a public record this morning in Montgomery County Circuit Court.

Marks will be sentenced on March 12, 2009.

As part of the plea agreement Joel Branscom, commonwealth’s attorney for Botetourt County, says he will not recommend more than two years jail time.

Marks admitted to forging judges signatures for several cases including property easements, divorces and adoptions.

He will remain out on bond until sentencing.

WSLS 10 on your side’s Ashley Roberts will have more on this story tonight at 5:30 and 6.