Astor's Son Denies Charges In Court

John Marshall Mantel for The New York Times

Anthony D. Marshall, center, being escorted into court in Manhattan Tuesday for his arraignment on charges that he defrauded his ailing mother, the late socialite Brooke Astor, over a period of six years. He pleaded not guilty and was released on $100,000 bail. He also had to surrender his passport.

The 18-count indictment that was unsealed yesterday accused Mr. Marshall and one of his mother’s former lawyers, Francis X. Morrissey Jr., of numerous crimes over a six-year period, including persuading the frail and ailing Mrs. Astor to change her will so they could enrich themselves. Mr. Morrissey even stands accused of forging Mrs. Astor’s signature on an amendment to the will.

Elizabeth Loewy, an assistant district attorney, told Judge A. Kirke Bartley Jr. that Mr. Marshall “abused his position of trust to steal from” his ailing mother. She asked that Mr. Marshall provide a personal recognizance bond in the amount of $100,000 and surrender his passport, which he did.