A former Hollidaysburg attorney will serve up to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to theft by failing to make required disposition of funds Wednesday morning in Bedford County court.

As part of his plea agreement, Michael B. Cohen, 41, will receive a to-be-determined sentence of up to seven years in prison, $15,000 in fines and $10,000 in restitution fees.

Senior Judge Patrick T. Kiniry did not make a sentencing recommendation, asking for a presentence investigation into Cohen’s background.

As part of the plea, he has yet to be ordered to a definitive sentence.

Cohen was accused of failing to send a client’s check to the proper company.

In 2022, the victim chose Cohen as his attorney for a property issue, thus paying him $60,000, according to Senior Deputy

Attorney General Megan McGoron. He then deposited $50,000 into a different bank, leaving $10,000 “unaccounted for.”

The victim subsequently lost his home and possessions, she said, requesting that the defendant pay $10,000 in restitution.

Cohen said he was trying to juggle different issues at once, going “behind the scenes” to solve the situation.

Despite Cohen’s explanation, Kiniry said the defendant’s actions still “fit the definition” of his charge.

That same year, Cohen told police officers that he believed he was losing his mind and stopped going to work, a criminal complaint states. He lost his law license in April 2023 after being disbarred on consent.

On Wednesday morning, his right hand was wrapped in a white bandage.

After being asked by the judge, Cohen said while working as a home salesman, a 120-pound Akita dog “attacked me.” He was later sent to the hospital and is currently taking pain medication.

He added that he suffers from anxiety, depression and ADHD and is taking medication daily.

After plea court concluded, Kiss said Cohen took “responsibility for the matter,” stating that they “look forward to the sentencing and presenting good things about Cohen that the criminal charges don’t cover.”

Cohen is also facing charges such as tampering with public record or information in Blair County, which will be sent to a jury trial Nov. 8. He faces two forgery charges in Blair as well, yet he waived his rights to a jury trial, and his sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 22.

He is also scheduled for sentencing in Johnstown federal court on Nov. 18 after pleading guilty in July to two charges of forgery.

His Bedford sentencing is set for 10 a.m. Oct. 27. He remains free on unsecured bail.