Opinion ID: 1828034
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Counts 8 & 9/King/Belt Matter

Text: In January 1998, Cora Lee Belt King contacted respondent for the purpose of having a bond set for the release of her son, James Belt, who was incarcerated on a charge of burglary. Ms. King paid respondent a fee of $400. After being retained, respondent met with Ms. King on four occasions, but did not obtain the release of her son. Dissatisfied with his handling of the matter, Ms. King discharged respondent and demanded a refund of the unearned fee. Respondent neglected to account for or return the unearned fee upon request. In May 1998, Ms. King 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.