Attorney-Architect Disbarred

The New Jersey Supreme Court has rejected a proposed three-year suspension from the Disciplinary Review Board and ordered the disbarment of an attorney-architect convicted of false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The criminal conduct involved a series of false and misleading statement concerning payments to a member of the Union City zoning board of adjustment. The attorney falsely stated that he was repaid by the co-schemer "approximately $3,417 for his purchase of a Pomeranian dog and pet supplies for the co-schemer's girlfriend." He further falsely denied that he had provided money and things of value to the co-schemer.

The court imposed disbarment "for respondent's unethical conduct for which he derived personal benefit." (Mike Frisch)