| Case Digest |
Respondent is an Assistant District Attorney in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and while handling a private case, served as counsel to the executor for an estate in Washington County. Respondent, over a 2 year period, misappropriated and otherwise used estate monies for his own purposes. Respondent utilized, by depositing or cashing, 18 pre-signed estate checks into his own account. Respondent contended such misuse was an overpayment of his fee stemming from sloppy office practices; yet, Respondent's fee was fully paid within the first 9 months that the estate was opened. In addition to being charged with engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, deceit, and making misrepresentations, Respondent was further charged with lying to Office of Disciplinary Counsel during a disciplinary process but that charge was not proven by clear and convincing evidence. Respondent made repayment to the heirs of the estate prior to Office of Disciplinary Counsel's issuance of a DB-7 letter of inquiry. |
