Opinion ID: 2534822
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Count IIThe Hatton Matter

Text: In January 2000, Johnny and Vickie Hatton retained respondent to resolve their debt collection matter with Greentree Financial Company. Respondent subsequently advised his clients he had negotiated a reduction of their debt to $8,788, the payment of which would extinguish their loan obligation. In May 2000, Mrs. Hatton issued her check in that amount payable to respondent. Respondent did not deposit the check into his client trust account; rather, he cashed the check and disbursed two payments totaling $3,000 to the finance company. Thereafter, respondent took no further action on behalf of his clients and retained the balance of the funds without his clients' knowledge or consent. [5] Respondent also failed to return numerous calls and letters from Mrs. Hatton requesting an accounting and information as to the status of the legal matter. In August 2006, Mr. and Mrs. Hatton were informed their Greentree account had been purchased by Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC. The account balance at that time was $16,477.84. The ODC alleged respondent's conduct in the Hatton matter violated the following provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct: Rules 1.2(a), 1.3, 1.4, 1.5(f), 1.15, 8.4(a), 8.4(c), and 8.4(d) (engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice).