Philanthropist's Son Denies Stealing Millions From Estate

The most significant charge, of grand larceny, is punishable by as much as 25 years in prison.

The investigation began last year after Marshall's son, Philip Marshall, 54, publicly accused his father of neglecting Astor and of profiting from his role as her legal guardian.

Articles appeared in the New York tabloids saying that the glamorous Astor was sleeping on a stained couch and was fed little more than oatmeal and pureed vegetables.

Several of Astor's friends, including Annette de la Renta, the wife of designer Oscar de la Renta, and David Rockefeller, signed statements supporting Philip Marshall's allegations. A court settlement removed control from Marshall and gave it to JPMorgan Chase, which published a report last year that raised questions about her mental competency in 2003.

Rockefeller, Astor's friend, was surprised and saddened at news of the indictment, said his spokesman, Fraser Seitel.

Judge A. Kirke Bartley Jr. released Marshall on $100,000 bail after he turned over his passport, and ordered him to appear at a court hearing Jan. 30.

Marshall, wearing a grey pinstriped suit, walked slowly out of the courthouse, first holding the hand of his wife, Charlene, then leaning on a gold-topped cane before stepping into his chauffeured black Cadillac. Flashes from the cameras of photographers leaning against the passenger-seat windows illuminated him sitting inside the car, perfectly still and staring straight ahead, his wife still grasping his arm.