POWDER SPRINGS - Powder Springs Police have arrested a 78-year-old attorney who authorities say took money from clients to file bankruptcy on their behalf, but failed to do so.

Robert Bach, of Powder Springs, was arrested Feb. 22 and is charged with 25 counts of theft by taking and five counts of theft by conversion, police said.

Police said an investigation into Bach was initiated after several clients reported that the attorney failed to file Chapter 7 Bankruptcy paperwork in court on their behalf, after he was paid to do so.

Powder Springs Police spokesman Lt. Matt Boyd said Wednesday that police received the first report regarding Bach on Dec. 15, 2010. Since then, he said they have received several more. According to jail records, there were 25 victims.

Boyd did not know how much money was allegedly taken.

According to the State Bar of Georgia, it costs $299 to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, in addition to attorney fees if the person decides to hire a lawyer.

"Although it is possible to file a case by yourself, it is advisable to seek legal assistance, especially when your home or car is affected," according to the State Bar.

The investigation into Bach is ongoing.

"We're still receiving new cases," Boyd said. "We just want to get it out there and let people know that if they did try to get service from him and it didn't get done, then they need to report it."

Bach was released from jail on Feb. 23 through a conditional pre-trial release, meaning he did not have to pay anything, but has to comply with certain conditions during the period of time before his trial.

The phone numbers listed for Bach's law office on Marietta Street in Powder Springs and the number listed on his jail book-in sheet were all disconnected on Wednesday.

Anyone with information regarding this case should contact Det. J. Echeverry at 770-943-1616.