Yes, there have been several instances of attorneys in Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee, who have been convicted of criminal activities. Here are some notable cases:
- Paul Springer:
In April 2022, Paul Springer, a longtime Memphis defense attorney, was convicted of theft over $60,000. He misappropriated a $150,000 settlement intended for a client in a wrongful termination lawsuit, keeping the full amount without informing her. Springer was permanently disbarred in 2018 and faced additional theft charges involving another client. Shelby County District Attorney - Leigh M. Chiles:
In March 2023, former Memphis attorney Leigh Chiles pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Appointed as executrix over an estate in 2018, she misused approximately $124,000 of estate funds for personal expenses. - George E. Skouteris, Jr.:
In April 2021, George Skouteris, Jr. was convicted on multiple counts of bank fraud. Between 2007 and 2013, he settled cases without client knowledge, forged their endorsements on settlement checks, and deposited the funds into his accounts, fraudulently obtaining over $250,000. Department of Justice - Gerald D. Waggoner, Jr.:
In July 2023, the Tennessee Supreme Court suspended Shelby County attorney Gerald Waggoner, Jr. for two years for violating disciplinary rules. Previously suspended in 2017 for misappropriating client funds, he continued to practice law during his suspension and mishandled cases involving injured children. News Channel 5 Nashville (WTVF)+1FOX13 Memphis+1 - Edgar Hardin Gillock:
A former Tennessee State Senator and attorney, Gillock resigned from his senate seat in 1983 after being convicted on influence peddling charges. He was subsequently disbarred in 1988. Wikipedia
These cases highlight serious breaches of legal and ethical responsibilities by attorneys in the Memphis and Shelby County area.
The Memphis Times
https://memphistimes.org
Published: April 3, 2025, Thursday, 04/03/2025, at 6:32PM.
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