Case Title: Matter of Johnson

Citation: 298 N.W.2d 462

Docket Number: 

State: minnesota

Court: Minnesota Supreme Court

Date: 1980-11-07T00:00:00Z

Document:
298 N.W.2d 462 (1980) In the Matter of the Application for the Discipline of Kenneth Allen JOHNSON, an Attorney at Law of the State of Minnesota. No. 50660. Supreme Court of Minnesota. November 7, 1980. Michael J. Hoover, Administrative Director on Professional Conduct and Bruce E. Martin, Asst., Lawyers Professional Responsibility Board, St. Paul, for appellant. Ruvelson & Kautzer and Edward Kautzer, St. Paul, for respondent. Heard, considered, and decided by the court en banc. PER CURIAM. Kenneth Allen Johnson has been duly licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota since October 21, 1977. His legal practice has been limited to serving as corporate counsel for a six-month period in 1978. In 1977, Johnson's duties as a credit manager led to his involvement with other employees in a scheme to divert funds obtained in the resale of repossessed house-trailers. As a result of these activities, Johnson pled guilty to theft of over $2,500 and is currently on probation for this offense. Sentencing has been deferred until September 9, 1984, and if the conditions of probation are fulfilled, Johnson will have no felony record. The Board of Professional Responsibility initiated disciplinary proceedings against Johnson. The matter was referred by this court to the Honorable Ben F. Grussendorf, retired district judge, who made in part the following findings of fact: Based on all of these findings, the referee concluded that the acts of Johnson were a violation of the Code of Professional Responsibility. The referee recommended to this court that the following discipline was appropriate: In a memorandum accompanying his recommendations, the referee stated in part: We accept the recommendations of the referee with modifications as follows: 1. Kenneth Allen Johnson shall be indefinitely suspended from the practice of law in the State of Minnesota. 2. Johnson may apply to this court for readmission to the practice of law after January 1, 1983, upon a showing and agreement that the following conditions will be complied with: Kenneth Allen Johnson is indefinitely suspended from the practice of law with right of readmission subject to the conditions set forth in this opinion.