Wrong Path

The former prosecuting attorney for Washakie County has been suspended for 30 days by the Wyoming Supreme Court.

The ethics issues arose as a result of an earlier stipulated private reprimand for a violation of Rule 3.8(b)

The Board of Professional Responsibility issued a private reprimand to a prosecuting attorney who met with several minors and their parents following an incident in which law enforcement persoimel discovered the minors after hours on school property, mixing toilet bowl cleaner with balls of aluminum foil in plastic bottles, which led to a chemical reaction that caused the bottles to burst or explode, making a loud noise. The prosecutor told the minors and their parents that they could be charged with felonies or misdemeanors and perhaps federal charges and may be subject to incarceration. The minors cooperated fully with the prosecutor and freely admitted their involvement. School district officials were contacted but declined to pursue school district discipline actions…

The prosecutor agreed to pay an administrative fee of $500 and costs of $50 to the Wyoming State Bar, and to obtain an additional three hours of CLE in ethics.

The problem here was the $550 fee and costs.

She sought to have the county pay the assessment without disclosing that it involved a penalty against her. She failed to communicate with her client (the county), engaged in a conflict of interest and dishonesty.

Here, the attorney was remorseful and acknowledged the misconduct.

She must pay the $550 and attend a bar seminar called Pathways to Professional Conduct. (Mike Frisch)