Podiatrist – Attorney Gets the Boot

The Indiana Supreme Court has imposed a suspension of at least four years of an attorney who engaged in criminal conduct in connection with his service as elected county clerk

Respondent’s convictions resulted from his use of federal funds to pay himself impermissible bonuses in connection with work he performed in his capacity as the elected Clerk of Lake County, Indiana.

On sanction

The parties cite no facts in aggravation. The Court, however, finds in aggravation that Respondent was an elected official who betrayed the public trust and violated both his oath of office and the oath of attorneys. The parties cite the following facts in mitigation: (1) Respondent’s lack of prior discipline; (2) Respondent’s cooperation with the Commission’s investigation and prompt reporting of criminal charges against him; and (3) Respondent’s repayment with interest of the monies in question prior to the filing of criminal charges against him.

He  must petition for reinstatement after serving the term of suspension.

NWI.com reported that he was sentenced to 18 months.

Senior U.S. District Court Judge James Moody asked himself out loud, why did Philpot, an intelligent, well-trained man familiar with the proper workings of local government commit his crime, and concluded that the evidence pointed to “arrogance, greed and a warped sense of entitlement.”

Philpot, 55, a podiatrist and attorney, served 10 years as Lake County coroner and six years as county clerk between 1992 and 2012.

 (Mike Frisch)