Title: Matter of Surgent
Citation: 104 N.J. 566, 518 A.2d 215
Docket Number: N/A
State: new-jersey
Issuer: new-jersey Supreme Court
Date: December 11, 1986

104 N.J. 566 (1986) 518 A.2d 215 IN THE MATTER OF JOHN W. SURGENT, II, AN ATTORNEY AT LAW. The Supreme Court of New Jersey. Argued October 20, 1986. Decided December 11, 1986. *567 Robyn M. Hill, Deputy Ethics Counsel, argued the cause on behalf of Office of Attorney Ethics. John W. Surgent, II, argued the cause pro se. PER CURIAM. This disciplinary proceeding arose from a motion filed by the Office of Attorney Ethics (OAE) before the Disciplinary Review Board (DRB), seeking final discipline of respondent, John W. Surgent, II, pursuant to Rule 1:20-6. The motion was based on respondent's criminal conviction in this State of conspiracy to commit theft by deception, contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and 2C:20-4, and his conviction in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, of 14 felony offenses that included conspiracy, stock fraud, sale of unregistered securities, and subornation of perjury, contrary to 15 U.S.C. § 77e, 77x, 78j(b) and 78ff; 17 C.F.R. § 240, 10b-5; and 18 U.S.C. § 1341, 1343, 371, 1622 and 2. The DRB recommended that respondent be disbarred. Our independent review of the record leads us to accept that recommendation. The DRB summarized the relevant facts as follows: Upon a review of the full record, the DRB concluded there was clear and convincing evidence of respondent's unethical conduct. We have independently reviewed the record and reach the same conclusion. Respondent stands convicted of a battery of serious federal crimes including conspiracy and fraud. Additionally, he entered a plea of guilty in New Jersey to conspiracy to commit theft by deception, in return for which a number of pending state criminal charges were dismissed. A criminal conviction of an attorney is conclusive evidence of guilt in a disciplinary proceeding. R. 1:20-6(b)(1); In re Kushner, 101 N.J. 397, 400 (1986); In re Infinito, 94 N.J. 50, 56 (1983); In re Rosen, 88 N.J. 1, 3 (1981). The extent of final discipline to be imposed is thus the sole issue to be determined. R. 1:20-6(b)(2)(ii). In determining the appropriate discipline, we consider the nature and severity of the crime and whether the crime is related to the practice of law. Moreover, we examine respondent's good reputation, prior trustworthy professional conduct, and general good character. In re Kushner, supra, 101 N.J. at 401. Respondent's federal and state convictions mandate disbarment. Respondent's actions for self-enrichment with regard to World Gambling Corporation as well as with regard to the *570 mortgage guarantee business may both be analogized to conspiracy and insurance fraud cases. Convictions of New Jersey attorneys on charges of insurance fraud and conspiracy to commit insurance fraud have regularly resulted in the attorneys' disbarment. In re Marcus, 63 N.J. 240 (1973); In re Toplitt, 63 N.J. 240 (1973); In re Zwillman, 61 N.J. 181 (1972); In re Yormark, 60 N.J. 175 (1972); In re Perwin, 60 N.J. 174 (1972); In re Perella, 57 N.J. 98 (1970). As the DRB found in its Decision and Recommendation: The goal of our disciplinary process is "to protect the interests of the public and the bar while giving due consideration to the interests of the individual involved." In re Infinito, supra, 94 N.J. at 57; In re Mischlich, 60 N.J. 590, 593 (1977). Here, the respondent's criminal record is appalling. The nature of respondent's criminal convictions clearly and convincingly demonstrates that respondent has engaged in "illegal conduct that adversely reflects on his fitness to practice law," conduct, that involves "... dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation." DR 1-102(A)(3) and (4). Moreover, this is not respondent's first brush with the disciplinary system. He was previously disciplined by this Court. See In re Surgent, supra, 79 N.J. at 535. We find no mitigating factors. His conduct shows a total disregard for the basic principles of being an attorney. The judgment is that respondent be disbarred. Respondent shall reimburse the Ethics Financial Committee for appropriate administrative costs, including the costs of transcripts. It is ORDERED that JOHN W. SURGENT, II, of CLIFTON, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1967, be disbarred and that his name be stricken from the roll of attorneys of this State, effective immediately; and it is further ORDERED that JOHN W. SURGENT, II, be and hereby is permanently restrained and enjoined from practicing law; and it is further ORDERED that respondent comply with Administrative Guideline No. 23 of the Office of Attorney Ethics dealing with disbarred attorneys; and it is further ORDERED that respondent reimburse the Ethics Financial Committee for appropriate administrative costs. For disbarment Chief Justice WILENTZ and Justices CLIFFORD, HANDLER, POLLOCK, O'HERN, GARIBALDI and STEIN 7. Opposed None.