Opinion ID: 1828034
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Counts 5 & 6/Expose Matter

Text: On March 5, 1998, Charles Expose retained respondent for the sum of $500 to represent his grandsons, Corey and Antonio Expose, in connection with their arrest for possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine. According to Mr. Expose, respondent guaranteed he would get them released within twenty-four hours. However, respondent took little or no action on behalf of his clients and failed to obtain their release. Additionally, respondent neglected to communicate with Mr. Expose or with his clients, and failed to return or account for the unearned fee. In April 1998, Mr. Expose filed a complaint with the ODC. The ODC forwarded a copy of the complaint to respondent, but he failed to reply to the ODC's request for information. As a result, the ODC was required to issue a subpoena compelling respondent to appear and produce documents at a scheduled deposition. Respondent appeared for deposition in July 1998. At that time, he agreed to promptly provide restitution to Mr. Expose. However, he did not refund Mr. Expose's fee until nine months later.