Opinion ID: 1510088
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Complaint of Kerry D. Weller

Text: On June 19, 1998, Kerry D. Weller retained Respondent to retrieve guns and ammunition that had been seized in a police raid. Mr. Weller and Respondent agreed to an advance fee of $500.00, and Mr. Weller gave Respondent a check for $250.00. Two weeks later, Mr. Weller gave Respondent another check for $250.00 which Respondent never deposited. Mr. Weller stopped payment on the second check. On June 26, 1998, Respondent sent a letter to Officer Walter S. Dacuycuy in an attempt to retrieve Mr. Weller's firearms. Mr. Weller attempted to call Respondent several times but received no response. When Mr. Weller was able to contact Respondent, he requested that Respondent deposit his second retainer check and retrieve his firearms. Respondent informed Mr. Weller that he would deposit the check and that he was awaiting a response from Officer Dacuycuy regarding the firearms. In September 1998, Mr. Weller retrieved the firearms himself. On September 14, 1998, the Commission received a complaint from Mr. Weller based on Respondent's failure to deposit his second retainer check or retrieve his firearms. On October 16, 1998, James P. Botluk, Assistant Bar Counsel, wrote to Respondent regarding Mr. Weller's complaint and requested a response in writing within fifteen (15) days. Respondent did not reply. On November 17, 1998, Melvin Hirshman, Bar Counsel, wrote to Respondent and enclosed the October 16, 1998 letter. Mr. Hirshman requested a reply from Respondent within ten (10) days. The letter was sent by certified mail, and the return receipt was signed by Respondent. Respondent did not reply to this request.