HOUSTON – The Harris County District Attorney’s Office and Houston Police Department executed search and arrest warrants this week at a fake law office, Friday (Aug. 17, 2018).

The Thursday morning raid led to the arrest and charges against John B. Kennedy. The 73-year-old is accused of felony offenses of falsely holding oneself out as an attorney and fraudulent use of identifying information.

The investigation began when the State Bar of Texas contacted the Harris County District Attorney’s Office about a complaint from a consumer. A woman who paid Kennedy $500 to file a divorce petition on her behalf learned, after the fact, that he had recently been arrested for prior scams. She contacted the State Bar to report her transactions with Kennedy.

The investigation revealed Kennedy was practicing law without a license by stealing the identity of licensed attorney Ruben Cartwright.

He advertised his services under the business name “Ruben Cartwright Law Firm” and collected fees from unsuspecting clients for legal services.

Kennedy, however, is accused of not providing legal services after getting paid.

The business was located on 921 FM 1960 West, Suite 104C.

It is unknown how many victims paid Kennedy for legal services, but a preliminary investigation estimates dozens.

Individuals who have paid Kennedy for legal services under the guise of him operating a legitimate law firm should contact the Harris County District Attorney’s Office’s Financial Crimes Division at (713) 274-5555.