Ring Of Truth

 The Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board has found no misconduct in a matter that came to light during a disciplinary proceeding against another attorney.

The attorney was charged with dishonesty after testifying at a deposition about a ruby ring given to her by another attorney

During her sworn statement, Respondent admitted that she had the ring at one time as it was given to her as a gift by Mr. Austin but claimed it was lost during Hurricane Rita. When Deputy Disciplinary Counsel asked Respondent during the sworn statement when she received the ring from Mr. Austin, Respondent testified that she received the ring for Christmas 2005. Upon undersigned Deputy Disciplinary Counsel pointing out to Respondent that it was inconsistent for her to claim the ring was destroyed during Hurricane Rita in September 2005, when she claims to not have received it until December 2005, Respondent attempted to change her prior testimony regarding the ring. By the end of the sworn statement Respondent admitted that she may have hidden the ring and would attempt to locate the ring. Following the sworn statement, Respondent’s Counsel contacted undersigned Deputy Disciplinary Counsel informing her that Respondent had found the ring and attempted to retract her prior statements to the ODC that she did not have the ring in her possession. Respondent’s Counsel also instructed Respondent to return the ring to Lillian Beter, and Respondent did return the ring.

The Disciplinary Board affirmed the Hearing Committee’s finding of no violation

Respondent admitted that she may have hidden the ring and would attempt to locate the ring. Following the sworn statement, Respondent’s Counsel contacted undersigned Deputy Disciplinary Counsel informing her that Respondent had found the ring and attempted to retract her prior statements to the ODC that she did not have the ring in her possession. Respondent’s Counsel also instructed Respondent to return the ring to Lillian Beter, and Respondent did return the ring.

The ring was found in a sock in a dresser along with other jewelry. (Mike Frisch)