Robbing Peter To Snort Coke
The South Carolina Supreme Court accepted the consent disbarment of an attorney for misconduct in several matters, some of which are highlighted below.
One count involved admitted misuse of entrusted funds
At an interview in September 2015, respondent admitted misconduct in this matter. With regard to the settlement funds, respondent clarified that he deposited the money from the settlement into his trust account then used the funds to buy cocaine. He explained he had another case that he believed would settle for a significant amount of money and he intended to reimburse the Client B ledger when that happened. Respondent stated that Client B received the proceeds from the settlement, but that he failed to pay Dr. Arnold.
In another matter he received and stole a settlement
New Attorney informed Client C’s president. Client C’s president was shocked to learn that respondent had received payment of $15,000 and that the judgment had been satisfied. Respondent did not remit payment to Client C. On February 20, 2015, New Attorney filed a complaint with ODC.
Respondent did not respond to the Notice of Investigation, Notice to Appear, and Subpoena for Client’s C’s file and trust account records sent by ODC on February 20, 2015. At the September 25, 2015, interview, respondent admitted the conduct described above and stated he retained the money in his trust account and, over time, removed the funds to purchase drugs. He further admitted he signed the Satisfaction of Judgment and misappropriated the settlement funds.
And
During his September 25, 2015, interview, respondent admitted to three additional matters of misconduct that were not the subject of disciplinary complaints. It is believed that the three clients discussed below are unaware of respondent’s handling of their settlement proceeds.
The court
We accept the Agreement for Discipline by Consent and disbar respondent from the practice of law in this state, retroactively to March 6, 2015, the date of his interim suspension.
(Mike Frisch)