| ► Attorney John Artimez, Jr. of Wheeling, WV; ethical leprechaun |
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Attorney John Artimez, Jr. of Wheeling, WV; ethical leprechaun The state of West Virginia presented John E. Artimez, Jr. with a law license in 1981.
The Lawyer Disciplinary Board found John guilty of the following misconduct.
John’s misconduct involved his representation of Frank Cook and his then-girlfriend Dana Yoho in an automobile accident. Shortly after the accident Crook and Yoho were married. While representing Mr. Crook, John dealt with various insurance companies in an attempt to settle Crook’s personal injury claim; however, he was unsuccessful and subsequently filed a civil lawsuit.
At about the time John prepared and filing Mr. Crook’s lawsuit, he and Mrs. Crook commenced a sexual relationship. Shortly thereafter, the Crooks separated and Mrs. Crook began living in an apartment near John’s law office. When John’s law partner Mr. Gellner asked him if he was having an affair with Mrs. Crook, John said no (lied).
Eventually Mr. Crook discovered that John and his wife were romantically involved. He then met with Mr. Gellner and spilled the beans on Johnny. At that time Gellner presented Mr. Crook with several options: (1) obtain new counsel; (2) Gellner would represent him and his legal fees would be reduced by 50% (John’s share). Mr. Crook elected to retain Gellner for a reduced fee.
Mr. Crook then threatened to sue Johnny for professional malpractice and to file ethics charges against him. To prevent Crook from filing a lawsuit and ethics complaint, Johnny paid him $12,000 and agree to not file suit or an ethics agreement. In truth, Johnny agreed to pay $12,000 to Mr. Crook for screwing him and his wife. What a guy!
As a consequence of his misconduct, the apologists for Attorney Misfits sitting on the West Virginia Supreme Court punished Johnny by gifting him with a complimentary reprimand.
As we speak (ca. July 2012) John continues to practice law in the Wheeling, West Virginia area.
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