Pay To Play Scheme Gets Lawyer Convicted, Suspended
ABA 6 reports (via the web page of the Ohio Supreme Court)
An immigration attorney who reportedly made illicit cash payments to the former Ohio treasurer, has been suspended from practicing law, according to an order filed Friday in the Ohio Supreme Court.
Mohammed Noure Alo failed to answer a formal complaint pending before the Board of Professional Conduct.
A complaint was filed in September alleging Alo was guilty of misconduct after he pleaded guilty in federal court to honest services wire fraud in December 2013. He admitted he bribed a public official through kickbacks. He received more than $120,000 wire transfer into his personal account and facilitated a $100,000 wire transfer from a co-conspirator, according to records.
In November 2014, he was sentenced to 48 months in prison.
A U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission investigation shows $60,000 in campaign contributions were given to former Ohio Treasurer Kevin L. Boyce’s election campaign, as part of a pay-to-play scheme.
Boyce now serves as House Minority Whip and has denied any involvement. He was not named in the federal documents. He’s also running for Franklin County Commissioner.
Boyce’s former deputy treasurer, Amer Ahmad, is at the center of the alleged scheme. The investigation found State Street executive, Vincent DeBaggis, entered into a lobbying agreement with Alo. DeBeggis was charged by the SEC and agreed to pay $174,000 and a $100,000 penalty.
Alo made illicit cash payments and campaign contributions in exchange for three separate contracts to maintain and secure investment assets, according to the SEC. The bribery money was funneled into then-Ohio Treasurer Boyce’s election campaign.
As part of the suspension with the Ohio Supreme Court, Alo cannot practice law or provide legal counsel. He has to complete one credit hour of continuing legal education each month that he is suspended, according to the order.
He has 30 days to notify any clients, return any fees paid in advance as well as notify any opposing counsel there is pending litigation. He has to file affidavit with the Supreme Court showing that he has complied.
Alo began practicing law in the state of Ohio in 2004.
(Mike Frisch)