Title: STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. CATHEY
Citation: 2011 OK 64
Docket Number: SCBD-5764
State: Oklahoma
Issuer: Oklahoma Supreme Court
Date: June 27, 2011

STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. CATHEY2011 OK 64Case Number: SCBD-5764Decided: 06/27/2011THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA
FOR PUBLICATION IN OBJ ONLY. NOT RELEASED FOR OFFICIAL 
PUBLICATION. 


STATE OF OKLAHOMA ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Association, 
Complainant,v.WILLIAM REEVES CATHEY Respondent.
O R D E R
Upon consideration of the complainant Oklahoma Bar Association's application 
for an order approving the resignation pending disciplinary proceedings of the 
respondent, William Reeves Cathey, THE COURT FINDS:
1. William Reeves Cathey, OBA #10238, was admitted to membership in the 
Oklahoma Bar Association on October 6, 1983. His official roster address is P. 
O. Box 18704, Oklahoma City, OK 73154
2. On June 17, 2011, the respondent submitted his written affidavit of 
resignation from membership in the Oklahoma Bar Association pending disciplinary 
proceedings, pursuant to Rule 8.1, Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings 
(RGDP), 5 O.S. 2001, Ch. 1, App. 1-A. Respondent requests that he be allowed to 
resign his membership in the Oklahoma Bar Association and relinquish his right 
to practice law. 
3. The respondent's affidavit states that he is freely and voluntarily 
tendering his resignation, that he is not being subjected to coercion or duress 
and that he is fully aware of the consequences of submitting his resignation 
pending disciplinary proceedings.
4. The respondent states in the affidavit that he is aware of a formal 
complaint to be filed with this Court based on a grievance filed by Stephan 
McGuigan alleging that the respondent misappropriated funds in the amount of 
$100,000.00 that he received on behalf of his client and converted to his 
personal use and benefit. The grievance further alleges that the respondent 
misrepresented facts to the client in an effort to conceal his misconduct. 
Respondent states that on August 3, 2010, a criminal information was filed 
against him and remains pending in Oklahoma County District Court, Case No. 
CF-2010-5146, charging him with one count of felony Embezzlement pursuant to 21 
O.S. ǧ1451-1463.
5. Respondent acknowledges that the allegations of the complaint, if proven, 
would constitute violations of Rules 1.3 and 1.4, RGDP and Rules 1.15, and 
8.4(a)(b) and (c) of the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct, 5 O.S. 2001, 
Ch. 1, App. 3-A, as well as his oath as an attorney. 
6. Respondent is aware that the burden of proof rests upon the Oklahoma Bar 
Association by clear and convincing evidence, but he has voluntarily waived any 
and all right to contest the allegations.
7. Respondent states that he has familiarized himself with and has agreed to 
comply with all provisions of Rule 9.1, RGDP, within twenty (20) days following 
the date of his resignation. 
8. Respondent recognizes and agrees that he may not make application for 
reinstatement to membership in the Oklahoma Bar Association prior to expiration 
of five (5) years from the effective date of this Order and that he may be 
reinstated to the practice of law only upon full compliance with Rule 11, RGDP, 
and any other rules that may apply to such reinstatement.
9. Respondent acknowledges that the Client Security Fund may receive claims 
from his former clients and he agrees to reimburse the fund the principal 
amounts, and the applicable statutory interest paid, prior to the filing of any 
application for reinstatement.
10. The complainant advises that its costs in the investigation of this 
matter were minimal and are waived.
11. The resignation pending disciplinary proceedings executed by the 
respondent is in compliance with Rule 8.1, Rules Governing Disciplinary 
Proceedings, 
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED THAT complainant's 
application and respondent's resignation pending disciplinary proceedings are 
approved.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED THAT William Reeves Cathey's 
name be stricken from the roll of attorneys, and, because resignation pending 
disciplinary proceedings is tantamount to disbarment, he may make no application 
for reinstatement to membership in the Oklahoma Bar Association prior to the 
lapse of five (5) years from the date of this Order. Repayment to the client 
Security Fund for any monies expended because of the malfeasance or nonfeasance 
of the respondent shall be a condition of reinstatement. The respondent shall 
comply with Rule 9.1, RGDP, within twenty (20) days of the date of his 
resignation. 
DONE BY ORDER OF THE SUPREME COURT IN CONFERENCE THIS 27th DAY OF JUNE, 
2011.
/S/CHIEF JUSTICE
TAYLOR, C.J., COLBERT, V.C.J., KAUGER, WATT, WINCHESTER, EDMONDSON, REIF, 
COMBS, JJ. - Concur
GURICH, J. - Not Participating