Opinion ID: 1195104
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Aitken Conservatorship

Text: On May 16, 1980, the respondent was appointed conservator of the estate of James J. Aitken, a protected person, by the Denver probate court. In November 1993, the respondent knowingly misappropriated $1,500 of funds belonging to Aitken. Shortly thereafter, the respondent knowingly misappropriated an additional $3,500 of the protected person's funds. On or about January 31, 1994, the respondent received a check for $25,000 from Aitken's investment account. He knowingly misappropriated this $25,000 and then engaged in further dishonesty by lying about his actions to his employees and associates and the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. Between March 1993 and April 1994, the respondent misappropriated $24,250 of additional funds belonging to Aitken. In addition, the respondent violated the probate court's October 24, 1995 order regarding the purchase of certain artwork. The respondent did not purchase the art identified and used proceeds from the estate to acquire works of art for his own private use. The respondent has admitted that the foregoing conduct violated Colo. RPC 8.4(c) (engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation); Colo. RPC 8.4(d) (engaging in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice); and Colo. RPC 8.4(h) (engaging in conduct that adversely reflects on the lawyer's fitness to practice law).