Opinion ID: 1184437
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: first item of complaint

Text: This complaint was made by one Ed Garner and his mother, Evelyn Garner. Essentially this complaint alleges an overcharge for services rendered to Ed Garner, for which services Mrs. Evelyn Garner agreed to pay. Ed Garner, a narcotics addict in his early thirties, was in the Pierce County jail in 1968. He had been brought from Minneapolis, Minnesota, under the authority of the Washington State Board of Prison Terms and Paroles, for a violation of parole. The violation was based upon a conviction for assault in Minneapolis, for which he had served 4 months in jail. Respondent was consulted by Garner. Respondent made a plan to have Garner sent to a narcotic rehabilitation center, probably in Fort Worth, Texas. Respondent explained to Garner that such a plan would require an order from the United States District Court and the approval of the board of prison terms and paroles. Respondent explained the plan and the steps necessary to carry it out to Garner. Respondent said his fee would be $1,500 payable in advance. Garner did not have the money, but suggested his mother would give a mortgage on her home to secure payment. She did sign a note and mortgage for $1,500 payable at $29 per month. Respondent immediately sold the note and mortgage to one George Dixon, a former associate, for $1,050. Respondent received the payments and forwarded them to Dixon. On September 10, 1972, the balance due on the note and mortgage was $482.02. Garner and his mother contended respondent had guaranteed results, which respondent denied. The hearing panel believed respondent and found there was no guarantee. Respondent did do a substantial number of things in furtherance of his plan for Garner. He obtained an oral commitment from a member of the board of prison terms and paroles to approve the plan. He also talked to the board chairman, to an employee of the board, and to people at the reception center in Shelton. He secured the approval of the United States District Attorney. He obtained the services of Nicholas A. Godfroy, M.D., who examined Garner and issued a report stating Garner needed treatment for narcotics addiction. Respondent was not present at the hearing before the board in Shelton in February 1969. It appears his absence may have been due to misinformation given him by a state employee as to the date of the hearing. The hearing was before board members other than those with whom respondent had had communication. In any event the plan was not approved. The board stated the recommendation of respondent had been considered even though he was not present. Garner received a minimum term of 7 1/2 years. Garner wrote and accused respondent of doing nothing. Respondent sent a detailed list of what he had done and Garner apologized. Thereafter, respondent did little or nothing for Garner. Garner was released from the state penitentiary at Walla Walla, Washington, in February 1972, but not through any effort by respondent. Respondent had offered to the local administrative committee to refund any part of the fee the committee felt proper. That offer was never answered by the committee. The hearing panel concluded the fee charged was excessive and ordered a reduction by one-half to $750. Respondent complied and satisfied the mortgage together with a refund to Mrs. Garner of a sufficient sum to reduce the fee to $750.