Opinion ID: 1614947
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: denton's lack of candor

Text: For purposes of determining the proper discipline of an attorney, the Nebraska Supreme Court considers a respondent's acts both underlying the events of the case and throughout the proceeding. State ex rel. NSBA v. Miller, 258 Neb. 181, 602 N.W.2d 486 (1999); State ex rel. NSBA v. Johnson, 256 Neb. 495, 590 N.W.2d 849 (1999). From the start, Denton adamantly denied the existence of any sexual relationship whatsoever with K.J. The evidence in the record, however, overwhelmingly indicates that a sexual relationship did in fact exist between Denton and K.J. Despite this evidence, Denton presented numerous implausible theories to show that he did not have a sexual relationship with K.J. First, Denton claimed that he was impotent at the time of the encounters. He proffered medical evidence regarding his alleged impotency, and his wife testified about his professed condition. However, the affidavit and testimony of Jane Doe, another of Denton's former clients, convincingly shows that Denton misrepresented the truth by advancing the theory of his impotence. Jane Doe testified that on approximately four separate occasions, Denton held his pant leg up against his body to show her that he had an erection. She also testified that when she performed oral sex on Denton, it was quite obvious that he had an erection. From this testimony, it is clear that Denton misrepresented the truth when he presented evidence to the effect that he could not have engaged in sexual relations with K.J. because of his impotency. Next, Denton offered unbelievable explanations regarding the taped conversation between himself and K.J. At the initial hearing before the Committee, Denton tried to explain the taped conversation by saying that he did not know what K.J. was talking about and that her questions were out of the blue. Denton made an implausible attempt to relate the conversation to the outcome of the divorce proceeding. Clearly, however, the taped conversation was not about K.J.'s divorce trial. Denton's explanations for his statements on the tape recording were neither convincing nor believable. Moreover, Denton continues to deny the allegations of his sexual relationship with K.J., despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. In effect, Denton asks this court to deny the undeniable truth, which is that he engaged in sexual relations with K.J. and then refused to acknowledge any wrongdoing whatsoever. Denton has utterly failed to take any responsibility for his actions. This behavior demonstrates neither a present nor a future fitness to continue in the practice of law.