Elderly Couple Among Victims in Korey Kiger’s $1.8M Embezzlement Scheme
Former attorney Korey Devin Kiger, 36, of Raleigh, has been arrested and charged with multiple felony counts related to an alleged embezzlement scheme totaling approximately $1.8 million. The accusations involve diverting client funds and exploiting vulnerable individuals, including an elderly couple, from his former law firm, Walker Kiger PLLC, in Johnston County.
Kiger, who specialized in business, real estate, and family law, was taken into custody Thursday in Wake County on warrants issued from both Johnston and Durham counties.
Authorities allege that between May and August 2025, Kiger systematically siphoned money from an attorney trust account he controlled, using the funds for personal gain rather than safeguarding them for clients as required by ethical standards.
The North Carolina State Bar has launched an investigation, and Kiger faces court appearances in October 2025 in both counties.
According to court records and warrants, Kiger is accused of embezzling over $1 million directly from Walker Kiger PLLC, with additional losses exceeding $700,000 from individual clients. One of the most egregious allegations centers on an elderly couple from Durham County, from whom Kiger allegedly stole $710,019.
The victims, whose proceeds from a home sale were intended for medical and care expenses, include one spouse diagnosed with dementia and residing in an assisted living facility.
Specific transactions detailed in the warrants paint a picture of deliberate financial manipulation. Between August 7 and August 29, 2025, Kiger reportedly transferred more than $975,000 from his attorney trust account to personal accounts – leaving the trust with only $3,000.
This included issuing a check for $274,841 to sellers involved in a Durham home closing, which later bounced due to insufficient funds. In total, the scheme is estimated to have defrauded victims of more than $1.6 million.
The embezzlement came to light after discrepancies were discovered in the trust account, prompting immediate action from Kiger’s former partner.
Steven Walker, Kiger’s former practicing partner at Walker Kiger PLLC, expressed profound dismay in a public statement released.
“In my 20 years of practicing law, I have always conducted my practice in an ethical and moral manner—always putting my clients’ interests first, and I will continue to do so,” Walker said. “Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for Korey Kiger, a former member of Walker Kiger, PLLC.”
He described himself as “shocked, saddened, betrayed, and angered” upon uncovering the irregularities on September 3, 2025, when he reported Kiger to the North Carolina State Bar and law enforcement.
Walker emphasized the personal toll of the discovery:
“Mr. Kiger had hidden these actions from not only his clients, but from me and others. I trusted Mr. Kiger, and what has transpired was not consistent with the honest, family-oriented individual that I believed Korey to be when I brought him into the office to practice with me.”
He assured the public that funds in his separate trust account remain safe and fully accounted for, and pledged to work tirelessly to assist affected clients.
“I am deeply sorry for the harm caused to Mr. Kiger’s clients, and I am committed to helping them through this difficult process,” Walker added.
The firm’s website has been updated to reflect Kiger’s departure, stating:
“Korey Kiger is no longer with Walker Kiger PLLC, and we are saddened, disheartened, and shocked by the events that have transpired. The team is working diligently to try to assist his current clients as quickly as possible. Please be patient with us as we sort through files, attempt to reach clients, and provide viable options for those clients.”
