Conduct That Reflects Adversely
Any bets on the likely outcome of a disciplinary complaint recently filed by the Illinois Administrator?
The charges
On June 7, 2013, Respondent entered Reliance Bank in Creve Coeur, Missouri, wearing sun glasses, a scarf over his face, and gloves. He approached a teller and brandished a revolver. Respondent told the teller that “this is a hold up; no alarms; no dye packs” or words to that effect and demanded money. The teller gave $7,290 to Respondent, who then fled from the bank with the money.
On August 2, 2013, Respondent entered First National Bank in Weldon Springs, Missouri, wearing sun glasses, a scarf over his face, and gloves. He approached a teller and brandished a revolver. Respondent told the teller that “this is a hold up; no alarms; no dye packs; no bait money” or words to that effect and demanded money. Bank employees gave $5,602 to Respondent, who then fled from the bank with the money.
On September 20, 2013, Respondent entered First Bank in Marthasville, Missouri, wearing sun glasses, a scarf over his face, and gloves. He approached a teller and brandished a revolver. Respondent told the teller that he wanted “50s and 100s from the vault; spread them out; wait 60 seconds before you hit the alarm” or words to that effect. Bank employees gave $43,677 to Respondent, who then fled from the bank with the money.
Police received a description of Respondent’s car, and later on September 20, 2013, an officer of the Missouri State Highway Patrol stopped him. When the trooper stepped out of his car, Respondent stepped out of his car, raised his gun and fired four shots at the trooper. At least one shot struck the trooper in the center of his chest. The trooper was wearing a protective vest which prevented Respondent’s bullet from penetrating his body. The trooper returned fire and struck Respondent in the leg, causing Respondent to fall and lose possession of his gun. Respondent tried to regain control of the gun and the trooper fired warning shots. Respondent then stopped moving, and the officer was able to place him under arrest. A search of Respondent’s car uncovered a sawed-off shotgun that had no serial number and had not been federally registered.
Respondent entered a guilty plea in the criminal case.
As EMissourian.com reported, he was a graduate of Washington University Law School and was sentenced to a 45-year state prison term to be served after he finishes a 25-year federal sentence.
The Administrator alleges that the conduct
reflect[s] adversely on the lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer in other respects, in violation of Rule 8.4(b) of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct.
I’d say so. (Mike Frisch)