A former longtime Bridgeport attorney pleaded guilty in federal court in Hartford to one count of wire fraud for allegedly defrauding clients, family members and friends of more than $1.3 million.

Thomas Murtha, who was a partner and managing member of now-defunct Maher & Murtha in Bridgeport, resides in Newtown. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna Martinez Wednesday. Prosecutors say he operated a long-term fraud with more than 20 victims, including a client suffering from mental illness.