Opinion ID: 2037548
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: False Statements to Mr. Auger and to the Disciplinary Authorities

Text: On several occasions throughout 1990, Mr. Auger, who had cancer and was extremely ill (and who is now deceased), called or wrote to inquire as to the status of his funds. Respondent informed Mr. Auger that the money was in an account drawing interest. These statements were false. Respondent did not provide Mr. Auger with any written accounting during this time to verify his statements.
In October 1990, Mr. Auger filed a complaint with the office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility, which was forwarded to Respondent on or about November 8, 1990. Respondent's answer to the district ethics committee investigator was due November 23, 1990.
On November 23, 1990, Respondent submitted an answer to the district ethics committee investigator. In that answer, Respondent represented that the Como Northtown account had been opened on January 2, 1990, and that the Auger funds had earned $1,098.75 in interest to date. Respondent admits these statements were false. Respondent also provided to the investigator copies of trust account client subsidiary ledgers for the Auger funds. These ledgers were in fact created by Mrs. LaChapelle on or before November 23, 1990, and Respondent admits they were false.
On March 19, 1991, Respondent was requested by the Director's Office to provide original records relating to the Como Northtown account, including bank statements and the original deposit ticket. On March 29, 1991, Respondent stated that Como Northtown does not produce statements on such accounts and that the original deposit ticket as well as Respondent's only copy of that deposit document had been sent to Mr. Auger in February 1990. These statements were false.
Respondent claims that he relied on false statements provided to him by his wife. While it is believable that Respondent did not have personal knowledge of the initial misappropriation of funds, Respondent's lack of knowledge becomes unbelievable beginning some time in November. The sequence of events which occurred from November 8, 1990 through April 1991 are such that lead to only one conclusion. That conclusion is that Respondent gained direct knowledge of the misappropriation and tried to cover it up. He intentionally provided false information to the Director in order to conceal what he or his wife had done.