Attorney for Michigan money manager in SEC lawsuit is indicted on fraud charges

Lawyer for Mich. money manager also in hot water

DETROIT — A lawyer who is representing a Michigan money manager accused of fraud has his own legal problems.

Gregory Bartko was indicted this month in Raleigh, N.C., on charges of fraud, conspiracy and making false statements. Authorities say it’s related to an investment program.

Bartko disclosed the charges Tuesday in federal court in Detroit, where he’s representing John Bravata. The Securities and Exchange Commission has filed a civil lawsuit accusing Bravata of running a $53 million real-estate investment scam from his offices in Southfield.

Bartko says he’ll keep working for Bravata, who denies any fraud. Bartko says he’ll also fight the criminal charges in North Carolina. He lives in Berkeley Lake, Ga.