Opinion ID: 7314255
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Asmar Matter

Text: In 1977, respondent filed a civil complaint on behalf of patrolman Robert Oches of the Middletown Police Department (“MPD”) against Robert Asmar (“Grievant”) for defamation and malicious prosecution. This complaint arose as a result of a criminal complaint for perjury that grievant filed against Oches in 1977. In early 1979, while the Oches suit was in process, another MPD patrolman, James Wladyko, filed various charges against respondent with the Monmouth County Ethics Committee (“Committee”). The committee, after investigation, filed a presentment on July 17, 1980. The presentment found that respondent, who had been previously employed with the MPD, was involved in various police investigations relating to grievant and either used or could have used such information in pursuit of the Oches matter. The information was acquired solely as a result of respondent’s employment with the MPD. The committee, therefore, concluded that respondent had violated DR 9-101(B) by accepting “private employment in a matter in which he had substantial responsibility while he was a public employee.” After considering the committee’s presentment, this Board determined that a private reprimand was appropriate. A letter of private reprimand was issued on March 5, 1981. The letter stated that respondent had placed himself “in a situation where there could be a conflict of interest in filing the civil suit against Mr. Asmar” and that such conduct resulted in an appearance of impropriety. The letter stated further that respondent had violated DR 9-101(B). This notwithstanding, respondent continued to represent Oches in the civil complaint against grievant, even after he received the letter of reprimand. On March 26, 1981, respondent filed a motion to compel grievant (defendant) to comply with the terms of a settlement agreement negotiated in November of 1980. This “settlement” involved the payment of $450 and a letter of apology to Oches. There was considerable disagreement as to the nature of the apology.. Further motions and cross-motions were filed by both respondent and grievant’s attorney. On June 11, 1981, respondent filed a cross-motion requesting that grievant be compelled to comply with a court order dated May 28, 1981. This motion was filed ten months after respondent received a copy of the committee’s presentment and three months after the letter of private reprimand was issued. Finally, grievant signed a letter of apology dated July 1, 1981. This letter was considerably pared down from an earlier draft suggested by respondent on March 26, 1981. On June 25, 1984, a formal hearing was held before the committee as a result of a complaint filed by grievant on June 20, 1981. Respondent, his attorney, and grievant appeared at the hearing. On September 19, 1984, the committee issued a presentment to the DRB. The presentment found that: Respondent’s continued representation of [Oches], in the ‘settled’ matter was a continued unethical and unprofessional act in direct violation of the letter of reprimand setting forth that his conduct resulted in the appearance of impropriety being created concerning the possible use of his position with the Middletown Police Department for his private advancement. The presentment found further that respondent had violated DR 1-102(A)(1), which states that “a lawyer shall not violate a Disciplinary Rule” and, again, DR 9-101(B), which states that “a lawyer shall not accept private employment in a matter in which he had substantial responsibility while he was a public employee.”