Reprimand And Probation For Pattern Of Misconduct

The Minnesota Supreme Court has imposed a reprimand and probation of an attorney.

The misconduct involved, among other things, a pattern of misconduct in loan modification matters, misrepresentations and conflicts of interest.

The stipulated discipline credited as mitigation “her mental health issues and great personal stress in her life at the time of her misconduct.”

The attorney had previously been cleared of criminal charges as reported by the Star Tribune in November 2009

 “It was like my early birthday present,” attorney Kristi McNeilly said after all charges accusing her of witness tampering and terroristic threats were dismissed Monday at a hearing in Ramsey County District Court.

Ron Hocevar, chief deputy Scott County attorney, said the charges were dismissed because of “evidentiary problems and witness availability problems.”

The case was handled by the Scott County attorney’s office to avoid a possible conflict of interest.

According to a criminal complaint filed in July, McNeilly, 34, of Woodbury, was representing Trinis D. Edwards, 37, on domestic assault charges when she became his lover and tried to persuade his wife, Lori Edwards, either to not testify or to lie on the stand.

She also was accused of assaulting her father, Stephen McNeilly, who was to be a witness in the case, and threatening her brother, Judah McNeilly.

She originally was charged with first-degree aggravated witness tampering — which was dismissed on Oct. 7 — first-degree witness tampering and terroristic threats.

“There were serious flaws with the case, again, evidentiary-wise and witness-availability-wise,” Hocevar said. He would not elaborate.

McNeilly said the charges were all a ruse, perpetrated by a family member, whom she had accused of stealing from her St. Paul law firm.

“I’m having a good day,” McNeilly said Monday. “It’s been a long five months of having my reputation pretty much smeared.”

McNeilly said she and Edwards did have a previous relationship — “Actually, we were first loves 17 years ago,” she said. But “during the time he was my client, I never had a relationship with him.

“I’d like an apology from the county attorney for pretty much not investigating this properly before bringing these charges.”

Trinis Edwards, meanwhile, pleaded guilty in October to second-degree assault and violating a no-contact order taken out by his wife. He is scheduled to be sentenced next Tuesday.

(Mike Frisch)