Prominent local attorney E. Stewart Jones has been disbarred after an investigation found that he was commingling clients’ funds.

The probe was spurred by a check associated with an escrow account at his former firm that was returned in January 2019. All of the escrow accounts at the firm were audited over a seven-year period.

After it was completed, the state Attorney Grievance Committee brought charges of misappropriation of client funds, improper bookkeeping and commingling of funds, according to the decision Thursday from the state Supreme Court, Appellate Division.

Jones admitted to the accusations and had offered to resign while the disciplinary process was ongoing.

The court accepted that resignation and immediately disbarred him from the practice of law.

Hacker Murphy, Jones’ former firm, released a statement on the decision:

“This brings an end to an impressive, storied 58-year career. We value the contributions Mr. Jones has made to this firm and its clients, and while we are deeply saddened by this ending, we must uphold the principles of transparency and integrity that define our profession. We also know that this final chapter cannot overwrite his exemplary legal work and community service that came before.”

The firm added that this issue predated the current firm.