No Longer Just Visiting

The Louisiana Supreme Court has permanently disbarred an attorney for criminal conduct

On March 4, 2016, respondent attempted to introduce contraband into the Lafourche Parish Detention Center. Specifically, on the evening of March 4, 2016 at approximately 9:15 p.m., respondent arrived at the Lafourche Parish Detention Center identifying himself as an attorney and seeking to visit an inmate client. Respondent attempted to enter the facility with a briefcase and objected to his briefcase being searched. When asked for identification, respondent produced a suspended driver’s license (expired since 2010) and an older, damaged Louisiana State Bar Association Identification Card. When the jail staff opened his briefcase, respondent reportedly became nervous and objected to them looking through his briefcase, asserting “attorney-client privilege.” After explaining that they merely intended to examine the contents for contraband, respondent opened his briefcase and attempted to obscure their view of the contents, which included several plastic heat-sealed bags. The bags contained four cellular flip phones, chargers, and tobacco, each of which is strictly forbidden as contraband. After being advised that such contraband was prohibited, respondent nervously left the detention center. Upon further investigation, law enforcement determined that, in a telephone call recorded by the prison system, respondent had prearranged his effort to smuggle contraband to an inmate within the facility. An arrest warrant was sought and obtained for his attempt to introduce contraband into a penal institution, which is a felony.

Additionally, respondent was charged with felony drug charges and possession of stolen items. These charges arose when law enforcement went to respondent’s home to arrest him on the outstanding arrest warrant. After noting the presence of drugs in plain view, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for his residence and located Suboxone, marijuana, a .50 caliber weapon, a firearm with an obliterated serial number, and a stolen outboard motor.

The attorney is presently serving a two-year prison sentence. (Mike Frisch)