Opinion ID: 1674196
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Count III: Commingling of Funds

Text: The referee found through the auditor's examination and the parties' stipulation that the respondent commingled his funds with client funds in the following manner: a) On January 25, 1989, a loan of $5,000.00 from Jean Bussman, the Respondent's bookkeeper, was deposited in the trust account. b) On February 24, 1989, a loan of $15,407.79 from Rusty, a sometimes client of the Respondent, was deposited in the trust account. c) In March 1989, the Respondent deposited $22,463.55, which he says was [sic] the proceeds from the sale of his home, in his trust account. d) On August 28, 1989, the Respondent deposited $10,247.00, which he said was [sic] the proceeds from the sale of some property he owned in Las Vegas, Nevada, into his trust account. e) On November 9, 1989, $17,360.00 was deposited into the trust account and Respondent states this was the net proceeds from the sale of property on Manor Drive in St. Lucie County, Florida which he used to own. The record shows by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent deposited loans from an employee and a former client and personal funds into the trust account. The record also reveals that from January 1, 1989, through June 30, 1990, the respondent made deposits in his trust accounts which were noted in the cash receipts journal as coming from personal funds totaling $187,881.27. The referee found the respondent guilty of violating Rules Regulating The Florida Bar 3-4.2 (a lawyer shall not violate the Rules of Professional Conduct), 4-1.15(d) (a lawyer shall comply with the Rules Regulating Trust Accounts), and 4-8.4(a) (a lawyer shall not violate the Rules of Professional Conduct).