Disciplinary Actions-7/29/15

The Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission brings charges against attorneys who have violated the state’s rules for admission to the bar and Rules of Professional Conduct. The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications brings charges against judges, judicial officers, or judicial candidates for misconduct. Details of attorneys’ and judges’ actions for which they are being disciplined by the Supreme Court will be included unless they are not a matter of public record under the court’s rules.

Disbarment
Steven J. Ouellette, of Allen County, was disbarred in an Indiana Supreme Court opinion dated July 21. Read more on page 25.

Suspension
Michael P. Krebes, of Howard County, was suspended from the practice of law for six months, beginning on July 8, with all suspension stayed subject to the completion of two years of probation. An employee of Krebes’ private practice who served as a paralegal, secretary and office manager stole client funds and fabricated notices to cover the conversion of funds. The court determined that Krebes failed to appropriately supervise and improperly delegated authority to the employee, violating Rules 5.3(a) and 5.3(b) of the Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct. Krebes admitted to and took responsibility for rule violations and is making restitution to affected clients.

David W. Russell, of Marion County, was suspended from the practice of law for 90 days beginning July 8, with all suspension stayed subject to the completion of at least two years of probation with JLAP monitoring. On Aug. 11, 2014, Russell was convicted on a guilty plea to operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated with a previous OWI conviction within five years, a Class D felony. The felony conviction was later modified to a misdemeanor. He violated Indiana Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4(b).

Tenneil E. Selner, of St. Joseph County, was suspended from the practice of law for at least three years without automatic reinstatement, effective July 9, in an Indiana Supreme Court opinion filed July 9. Read more on page ­­­­25.

Ayoade Adewopo, of Marion County, was suspended from the practice of law for 60 days, beginning Aug. 27, with automatic reinstatement. In March 2011, Adewopo and his now ex-wife had a confrontation at the conclusion of a therapy appointment for their minor child, and Adewopo was convicted of domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor. He failed to report his conviction within 10 days to the Indiana Disciplinary Commission. Adewopo violated Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct 8.4(b) and 23(11.1)(a)(2).