Case Title: Cleveland Metro. Bar Assn. v. Sleibi

Citation: 2015-Ohio-2724

Docket Number: 

State: ohio

Court: Ohio Supreme Court

Date: 2015-07-07T00:00:00Z

Document:
[Until this opinion appears in the Ohio Official Reports advance sheets, it may be cited as 
Cleveland Metro. Bar Assn. v. Sleibi, Slip Opinion No. 2015-Ohio-2724.] 
 
 
 
NOTICE 
This slip opinion is subject to formal revision before it is published in 
an advance sheet of the Ohio Official Reports.  Readers are requested 
to promptly notify the Reporter of Decisions, Supreme Court of Ohio, 
65 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215, of any typographical or 
other formal errors in the opinion, in order that corrections may be 
made before the opinion is published. 
 
 
SLIP OPINION NO. 2015-OHIO-2724 
CLEVELAND METROPOLITAN BAR ASSOCIATION v. SLEIBI. 
[Until this opinion appears in the Ohio Official Reports advance sheets, it 
may be cited as Cleveland Metro. Bar Assn. v. Sleibi, Slip Opinion  
No. 2015-Ohio-2724.] 
Attorneys—Misconduct—Sexual activity with multiple clients—Violations of 
Prof.Cond.R. 1.8(j) and 8.4(h)—Sex addiction not a recognized mental 
disability for purposes of mitigation—Two-year suspension with six 
months stayed on conditions—Probation. 
(No. 2014-1394—Submitted February 4, 2015—Decided July 7, 2015.) 
ON CERTIFIED REPORT by the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and 
Discipline, No. 2013-050. 
_______________________ 
O’NEILL, J. 
{¶ 1} Respondent, Jalal Tamer Sleibi of Lakewood, Ohio, Attorney 
Registration No. 0076633, was admitted to the practice of law in Ohio in 2003. 
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{¶ 2} On September 11, 2013, a probable-cause panel of the Board of 
Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline1 certified to the board a complaint 
filed against Sleibi by relator, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association.  In that 
complaint, relator alleged that Sleibi had violated Prof.Cond.R. 1.8(j) and 8.4(h) 
by engaging in sexual activity with four of his clients.  The parties entered into 
stipulations of fact, misconduct, and aggravating and mitigating factors.  They did 
not agree on a sanction. 
{¶ 3} A panel of the board considered the parties’ stipulated facts and held 
a hearing on May 28 and 29, 2014.  The panel found that Sleibi had engaged in 
sexual activity with four of his clients in violation of Prof.Cond.R. 1.8(j).  The 
panel also found that Sleibi violated Prof.Cond.R. 8.4(h) by engaging in sexual 
activity with four of his clients and sending sexually explicit, lewd messages to at 
least three of them.  The panel recommended that Sleibi be suspended from the 
practice of law for two years, with one year stayed on conditions.  The board 
considered this matter on August 8, 2014, and adopted the panel’s report in its 
entirety.  Relator filed objections, seeking a sanction of indefinite suspension. 
{¶ 4} We adopt the board’s findings of fact and misconduct, however, we 
conclude that a two-year suspension with six months stayed on conditions is the 
appropriate sanction in this case. 
Misconduct 
{¶ 5} Sleibi began his solo law practice in 2005 and has offices in 
Lakewood and South Euclid.  He practices in the areas of consumer bankruptcy 
and criminal defense, including traffic and OMVI cases. 
Client No. 1 (H.W.) 
{¶ 6} In February 2008, Sleibi began representing H.W., who was facing 
traffic, OMVI, and drug and alcohol charges.  Sleibi stipulated that he knew H.W. 
                                                 
1 Effective January 1, 2015, the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline has been 
renamed the Board of Professional Conduct.  See Gov.Bar R. V(1)(A), 140 Ohio St.3d CII.   
January Term, 2015 
 
3
was only 18 years old at the time.  Sleibi stated that the relationship became 
sexual almost immediately, beginning in February 2008 and ending between April 
and June 2008.  H.W. testified, and Sleibi admitted, that he sent her as many as 
2,000 text messages during that time; Sleibi admitted that many were sexually 
explicit.  H.W. testified that she believed that Sleibi was divorced or in the 
process of getting a divorce.  She also believed that she was in a romantic 
relationship with Sleibi and believed him when he told her he loved her.  She 
testified that Sleibi continued to contact her after she asked him to stop.  As a 
result of Sleibi’s persistence, she changed her phone number and e-mail address.  
H.W. testified that she believes Sleibi exploited the attorney-client relationship 
and that the affair took an emotional toll on her.  Sleibi testified that it did not 
occur to him at the time that he was taking advantage of H.W.  He further testified 
that he ended the relationship with H.W. because he knew it was wrong and he 
knew he was not going to leave his wife.  Sleibi disclosed his relationship with 
H.W. to relator during its investigation. 
Client No. 2 (P.A.) 
{¶ 7} In March 2010, Sleibi represented P.A. in bankruptcy proceedings.  
Sleibi admitted that he engaged in sexual activity with P.A. during the course of 
the representation.  P.A. did not appear or testify before the panel.  Sleibi 
disclosed his relationship with P.A. to relator during its investigation. 
Client No. 3 (S.M.) 
{¶ 8} In July 2010, S.M. and her husband hired Sleibi to represent them in 
bankruptcy proceedings.  Sleibi sent S.M. sexually explicit text messages.  He 
also engaged in sexual activity with S.M. multiple times from November 2010 
until February 2011.  At the panel hearing, S.M. testified that in January 2011 she 
discovered she was pregnant and that when Sleibi learned this, he bombarded her 
with text messages and phone calls urging her to have an abortion.  S.M. testified 
that Sleibi ended their relationship, telling her he had entered into therapy for sex 
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addiction and wanted to work things out with his wife.  S.M. claimed that the 
experience with Sleibi ruined her life, that her husband had a nervous breakdown, 
and that her children suffered greatly.  She also claimed that her own mental state 
suffered.  S.M. and her husband filed grievances against Sleibi in February 2012. 
Client No. 4 (L.F.) 
{¶ 9} In 2010, L.F. hired Sleibi to represent her in bankruptcy 
proceedings.  L.F. testified that at her first meeting with Sleibi, he asked her if she 
wanted a boyfriend and asked if he could keep pictures of her.  Sleibi also sent 
L.F. sexually explicit text messages.  L.F. claimed that Sleibi raped her in 
December 2010 and that he told her to keep the incident between the two of them 
or else “the bankruptcy wouldn’t go through.”  Although this claim was 
investigated by law enforcement, Sleibi was not charged with any criminal 
violations arising from his sexual encounter with L.F. in December 2010.  Sleibi 
testified that the encounter was consensual and that it did not occur to him that he 
was taking advantage of L.F. by engaging in sexual activity with her. 
{¶ 10} L.F. filed a grievance against Sleibi with relator.  Sleibi then sought 
therapy and contacted the Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program (“OLAP”).  He was 
diagnosed with anxiety and depression and was put on medication that he 
continues to take.  Sleibi’s therapist believes that Sleibi turned to sex to self-
medicate his chronic anxiety and depression.  Sleibi signed a three-year contract 
with OLAP in March 2011, and when the contract term expired, Sleibi voluntarily 
requested an extension of the contract.  Sleibi reports to his OLAP sponsor on a 
weekly basis.  He continues to attend personal counseling on a monthly basis, and 
he regularly attends Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (“SLAA”) meetings. 
Sanction 
{¶ 11} When imposing sanctions for attorney misconduct, we consider 
relevant factors, including the ethical duties that the lawyer violated and the 
sanctions imposed in similar cases.  Disciplinary Counsel v. Bunstine, 136 Ohio 
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St.3d 276, 2013-Ohio-3681, 995 N.E.2d 184, ¶ 27.  In making a final 
determination, we also weigh evidence of the aggravating and mitigating factors 
listed in BCGD Proc.Reg. 10(B).2  Disciplinary Counsel v. Broeren, 115 Ohio 
St.3d 473, 2007-Ohio-5251, 875 N.E.2d 935, ¶ 21. 
Ethical Duties Violated 
{¶ 12} Prof.Cond.R. 1.8(j) provides that a lawyer shall not solicit or 
engage in sexual activity with a client unless a consensual sexual relationship 
already existed between them when the client-lawyer relationship commenced.  
“The client’s reliance on the ability of her counsel in a crisis situation has the 
effect of putting the lawyer in a position of dominance and the client in a position 
of dependence and vulnerability.”  Disciplinary Counsel v. Booher, 75 Ohio St.3d 
509, 510, 664 N.E.2d 522 (1996).  And this court has placed the burden squarely 
on the lawyer to ensure that all attorney-client relationships remain on a 
professional level.  Id. (“the obligation [is] on the attorney not to exploit the 
situation for his own advantage”). 
{¶ 13} The parties stipulated that Sleibi engaged in sexual activity with 
four of his clients and that a sexual relationship did not exist with any of the four 
clients when the attorney-client relationship began.  The panel and the board 
found by clear and convincing evidence that Sleibi had engaged in sexual activity 
with four clients in violation of Prof.Cond.R. 1.8(j).  We agree that Sleibi has 
committed multiple violations of Prof.Cond.R. 1.8(j). 
{¶ 14} Prof.Cond.R. 8.4(h) prohibits a lawyer from engaging in conduct 
that adversely reflects on the lawyer’s fitness to practice law.  The conduct giving 
rise to the rule violation must be so egregious as to warrant an additional finding 
that it adversely reflects on the lawyer’s fitness to practice law.  Disciplinary 
Counsel v. Bricker, 137 Ohio St.3d 35, 2013-Ohio-3998, 997 N.E.2d 500, ¶ 21.  
                                                 
2 Effective January 1, 2015, the aggravating and mitigating factors previously set forth in BCGD 
Proc.Reg. 10(B)(1) and (2) are codified in Gov.Bar R. V(13), 140 Ohio St.3d CXXIV. 
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In Bricker, a lawyer left earned fees in his client trust account and then paid 
expenses directly from that account instead of issuing checks to himself first.  Id. 
at ¶ 24.  Because there was no evidence that he used client funds to pay his 
obligations, this court did not find a separate violation of Prof.Cond.R. 8.4(h).  Id. 
{¶ 15} Here, in addition to finding that Sleibi had caused emotional harm 
to three of the four clients in this case, the panel and the board concluded that 
engaging in sexual activity with four separate clients and sending sexually explicit 
and lewd messages to at least three of those clients constituted egregious 
unprofessional conduct in violation of the rule.  The parties stipulated that Sleibi’s 
conduct adversely reflected on his fitness to practice law.  We agree that Sleibi’s 
egregious conduct constitutes a violation of Prof.Cond.R. 8.4(h). 
Sanctions in Similar Cases 
{¶ 16} “A lawyer’s sexual involvement with a client has warranted a range 
of disciplinary measures depending on the relative impropriety of the 
situation * * *.”  Cleveland Bar Assn. v. Kodish, 110 Ohio St.3d 162, 2006-Ohio-
4090, 852 N.E.2d 160, ¶ 66.  In Disciplinary Counsel v. Moore, 101 Ohio St.3d 
261, 2004-Ohio-734, 804 N.E.2d 423, the respondent had an extramarital affair 
with a client he was representing in a family-law matter.  Id. at ¶ 7.  Moore also 
made repeated and unwanted sexually explicit remarks to a second client he was 
appointed to represent in a criminal-law matter.  Id. at ¶ 2-5.  For this conduct, we 
imposed a one-year suspension, all stayed on condition that the respondent 
continue mental-health treatment, allow the mental-health professional to report to 
OLAP, and refuse appointments to defend female clients until approved by his 
treating mental-health professional.  Id.  We also imposed two years of probation.  
Id. at ¶ 20. 
{¶ 17} In Booher, 75 Ohio St.3d at 509, 644 N.E.2d 522, the respondent 
engaged in sexual activity with a criminal client that he had been appointed to 
represent.  The conduct occurred during a meeting in a jail to discuss possible 
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prison terms.  The lawyer stipulated to the misconduct.  The panel recommended 
a public reprimand, and the board recommended a one-year stayed suspension.  
However, due to the vulnerability of the client and because of the respondent’s 
misuse of his role as an “officer of the court,” we imposed an unstayed suspension 
of one year. 
{¶ 18} In Disciplinary Counsel v. Sturgeon, 111 Ohio St.3d 285, 2006-
Ohio-5708, 855 N.E.2d 1221, the respondent bartered sexual activity with a 
family-law client in exchange for legal services, touched another client in an 
unwanted manner and solicited sex in exchange for a reduced legal fee, and 
exposed himself after soliciting oral sex from a third client.  Id.  During the 
disciplinary proceedings, the respondent lied repeatedly while under oath, was 
disruptive to the disciplinary process, and blamed his clients for his misconduct.  
Id. at ¶ 27.  For this conduct, we permanently disbarred the respondent.  Id. at  
¶ 30. 
{¶ 19} In Disciplinary Counsel v. Detweiler, 135 Ohio St.3d 447, 2013-
Ohio-1747, 989 N.E.2d 41, the respondent repeatedly made unwanted sexual 
advances to a divorce client.  When the client ignored his advances, he sent her a 
nude photograph of himself in a state of sexual arousal.  For this conduct, because 
of the disturbing escalation of the improper and unwanted conduct, we imposed a 
one-year, unstayed suspension.  Id. at ¶ 20. 
Aggravating and Mitigating Factors 
{¶ 20} Aggravating and mitigating factors may be considered in favor of a 
more or less severe sanction.  Broeren, 115 Ohio St.3d 473, 2007-Ohio-5251, 875 
N.E.2d 935, at ¶ 21.  At the conclusion of the hearing before the panel, the parties 
stipulated to four aggravating factors.  First, Sleibi acted with a dishonest or 
selfish motive.  See BCGD Proc.Reg. 10(B)(1)(b).  Second, Sleibi engaged in a 
pattern of misconduct.  See BCGD Proc.Reg. 10(B)(1)(c).  Third, Sleibi engaged 
in multiple offenses.  See BCGD Proc.Reg. 10(B)(1)(d).  And fourth, Sleibi’s 
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conduct harmed vulnerable clients.  See BCGD Proc.Reg. 10(B)(1)(h).  We agree 
that these are aggravating factors in this case. 
{¶ 21} The parties stipulated to two mitigating factors.  First, Sleibi has no 
prior disciplinary record.  See BCGD Proc.Reg. 10(B)(2)(a).  And second, Sleibi 
has exhibited a cooperative attitude toward this disciplinary proceeding.  See 
BCGD Proc.Reg. 10(B)(2)(d).  We agree that these are mitigating factors. 
{¶ 22} The panel and the board found additional mitigating factors, and 
we agree in part.  First, the panel and the board found that Sleibi made a full and 
free disclosure of his misconduct by volunteering the names of two clients with 
whom he had engaged in sexual activity, even though they had not filed 
grievances.  BCGD Proc.Reg. 10(B)(2)(d) provides that “full and free disclosure 
to [the] disciplinary Board or [a] cooperative attitude toward [the] proceedings” 
may be considered a mitigating factor.  As stated above, we agree that Sleibi’s 
cooperative attitude and disclosure constitute a mitigating factor, but we decline 
to accord additional mitigating effect because we previously found that Sleibi had 
a cooperative attitude.  Second, the panel and board found that Sleibi presented 
evidence of a good character and reputation aside from the charged misconduct.  
See BCGD Proc.Reg. 10(B)(2)(e).  In addition to favorable character testimony 
from a fellow attorney and from Sleibi’s 12-step program sponsor, Sleibi 
submitted dozens of positive character letters from clients and fellow attorneys.  
Based on these submissions and the recommendation of the panel and board, we 
agree that the additional mitigating factor of character and reputation applies in 
this case. 
{¶ 23} Third, both the panel and board reports state, “Respondent has 
expressed remorse for his conduct to [his therapist], to his SLAA sponsor, to his 
other character witness [sic], and during his hearing testimony.  Respondent in no 
way appears to blame the victims for his own misconduct.”  We are not 
convinced.  Sleibi asserts that despite the fact that his actions were unethical and 
January Term, 2015 
 
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wrong, his actions were at all times consensual.  This assertion ignores the plain 
language of the rule that Sleibi admits he violated as well as this court’s finding in 
Booher that the attorney-client relationship is inherently unequal.  Consensual sex 
with a client is precisely what is prohibited under the rule.  Sleibi’s insistence that 
the sex was consensual gives the impression that he does not comprehend the 
wrongfulness of his conduct.  It also bears repeating that one of Sleibi’s clients in 
this case filed rape charges against him.  The assertion that all of the sexual 
activity was consensual speaks only to whether or not Sleibi should be 
incarcerated.  Sleibi’s lack of criminal culpability adds little to the question of 
remorsefulness for his admitted unethical conduct. 
{¶ 24} More specifically on the issue of remorsefulness, we also note that 
Sleibi has not apologized to his clients.  He testified that he has not made 
apologies directly to his clients for reasons related to his 12-step program.  While 
we respect Sleibi’s adherence to his 12-step program, the hearing transcript 
contains examples of Sleibi’s attempts to discredit and embarrass the clients who 
filed grievances against him.  We find that asserting unflattering information 
about the clients he had already stipulated to having harmed is inconsistent with 
Sleibi’s assertions of remorsefulness for his conduct.  Accordingly, we do not find 
Sleibi’s expressions of remorse sufficient to necessitate a less severe sanction than 
we would otherwise impose in this case. 
{¶ 25} Finally, the panel and the board found as a mitigating factor that 
Sleibi has a mental disability.  See BCGD Proc.Reg. 10(B)(2)(g).  Relator argues 
that the board should not have admitted the testimony of licensed independent 
social worker Candace Risen, Sleibi’s treating mental-health professional, 
because she had diagnosed Sleibi with “sex addiction” and sex addiction is not a 
recognized mental-health disorder under the DSM-IV or the DSM-5.  This court 
has considered cases in which attorneys have claimed to be suffering from sex 
addiction and has rejected those cases for other reasons but not because sex 
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addiction is or is not a recognized condition.  See Dayton Bar Assn. v. Ballato, 
___ Ohio St.3d ___, 2014-Ohio-5063, ___ N.E.3d ___, ¶ 13, 17 (rejecting claims 
of depression and hypersexual disorder because the respondent had not achieved a 
sufficient sustained period of successful treatment); Columbus Bar Assn. v. 
Linnen, 111 Ohio St.3d 507, 2006-Ohio-5480, 857 N.E.2d 539, ¶ 13, 16, 22 
(rejecting sex addiction as a mitigating factor primarily due to suspicion that the 
respondent was feigning mental disability).  In Disciplinary Counsel v. Goldblatt, 
118 Ohio St.3d 310, 2008-Ohio-2458, 888 N.E.2d 1091, ¶ 23, 26, the respondent 
described himself as a sex addict, but his mental-health professional eschewed the 
term and characterized respondent as someone who had lost control of his sexual 
behavior.  The court accepted as a mitigating factor that the respondent in 
Goldblatt was in therapy and had made progress.  Id. at ¶ 26. 
{¶ 26} We agree with relator that sex addiction is not a recognized mental-
health disorder under the DSM-IV or the DSM-5 and thus is not a diagnosable 
condition for purposes of meeting the criteria set forth in BCDG Proc.Reg. 
10(B)(2)(g).  Despite our agreement with relator on this matter, we agree with the 
panel and board that Risen’s testimony regarding Sleibi’s anxiety and depression, 
which led him to act out sexually, is sufficient on its own to support a finding that 
Sleibi suffers from a mental-health disability. 
{¶ 27} Relator argues that this finding is improper because the doctor who 
diagnosed Sleibi with anxiety and depression for purposes of prescribing him 
medication did not testify at Sleibi’s hearing.  We reject this argument.  Risen, 
Sleibi’s treating mental-health professional, did testify at the hearing.  Risen is 
part owner of the Center for Marital and Sexual Health.  She served Sleibi in two 
capacities: as his individual therapist and as the coordinator of his treatment plan.  
Risen testified before the panel that at her first meeting with Sleibi in March 
2011, she observed that he was significantly depressed and anxious, and as a 
result, she referred him to Dr. Pallas for a medication consult.  Dr. Pallas 
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prescribed Prozac for depression and anxiety, and Risen addressed those 
conditions in her therapy sessions with Sleibi. 
{¶ 28} Risen’s testimony establishes that Sleibi has been diagnosed with 
the mental disabilities anxiety and depression, that they contributed to his 
misconduct, that he has undergone a sustained period of successful treatment, and 
that under specified conditions, Sleibi will ultimately be able to return to the 
competent and ethical practice of law.  We agree that Sleibi’s mental disability 
constitutes a mitigating factor under BCGD Proc.Reg. 10(B)(2)(g)(i) through (iv). 
{¶ 29} Relator seeks a sanction of indefinite suspension.  Sleibi argues for 
a one-year suspension, all stayed, based on the conditions that he remain 
compliant with his OLAP contract and commit no further misconduct.  The panel 
and the board recommend that Sleibi be suspended from the practice of law for 
two years, with one year stayed on the following conditions: (1) that Sleibi 
continue to comply with his treatment plan as specified by his therapist or a 
similar professional counselor approved by OLAP, (2) that he fully comply with 
his current OLAP contract and, upon its expiration, execute a new contract if 
recommended by his therapist or OLAP, (3) that he attend six hours of tutorial or 
continuing education that addresses ethical-boundary dilemmas for professionals 
as recommended or approved by his therapist, and (4) that he commit no further 
misconduct.  In addition, the panel and board recommend that Sleibi serve a 
probation period for the duration of the stayed suspension and for two years after. 
{¶ 30} This court has repeatedly held that the purpose of the sanction 
imposed in disciplinary cases is not to punish the offender but to protect the 
public.  See, e.g., Disciplinary Counsel v. Edwards, 134 Ohio St.3d 271, 2012-
Ohio-5643, 981 N.E.2d 857, ¶ 19, citing Disciplinary Counsel v. O’Neill, 103 
Ohio St.3d 204, 2004-Ohio-4704, 815 N.E.2d 286, ¶ 53.  The panel and the board 
believe, based on the testimony of Sleibi and his therapist, that further unethical 
conduct by Sleibi is unlikely.  That confidence notwithstanding, we believe a 
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suspension with a lengthier unstayed portion than the one year recommended by 
the board is warranted in this case.  We are concerned that Sleibi committed this 
misconduct with four clients who were vulnerable.  Sleibi was blind to the harm 
he was causing his clients.  He abused his roles as counselor and advocate to 
gratify his own sexual desires.  It is egregious that these four clients were 
subjected to this treatment only because they needed legal representation in 
bankruptcy and criminal matters. We feel that the public can only benefit from 
this court’s demonstrated commitment to professionalism and to requiring that 
lawyers consistently put the needs of their clients before their own. 
Conclusion 
 
{¶ 31} After considering the facts, the stipulations of the parties, the 
ethical duties violated, sanctions in similar cases, the aggravating and mitigating 
factors, and the sanctions recommended by the panel and the board, we suspend 
Sleibi from the practice of law for two years, with six months stayed on the 
following conditions: (1) that Sleibi continue to comply with his treatment plan as 
specified by his therapist or a similar professional counselor approved by OLAP, 
(2) that he fully comply with his current OLAP contract and, upon its expiration, 
execute a new contract if recommended by his therapist or OLAP, (3) that he 
attend six hours of tutorial or continuing education that addresses ethical-
boundary dilemmas for professionals as recommended or approved by his 
therapist, and (4) that he commit no further misconduct.  In addition, Sleibi shall 
serve a probation period pursuant to Gov.Bar R. V(21) for the period of the stayed 
suspension and for two years after.  Costs are taxed to Sleibi. 
Judgment accordingly. 
PFEIFER, O’DONNELL, and KENNEDY, JJ., concur. 
O’CONNOR, C.J., and LANZINGER and FRENCH, JJ., would indefinitely 
suspend the respondent from the practice of law in Ohio. 
_______________________________________ 
January Term, 2015 
 
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McDonald Hopkins, L.L.C., R. Jeffrey Pollock, and Jennifer D. 
Armstrong, for relator. 
Koblentz & Penvose, L.L.C., Richard Koblentz, and Bryan L. Penvose, for 
respondent. 
_______________________________________