Opinion
S24Y0857
07-16-2024
IN THE MATTER OF SHELITHA RENEE ROBERTSON.
PER CURIAM
This disciplinary matter is before the Court on the petition filed by Shelitha Renee Robertson (State Bar No. 609824) seeking the voluntary suspension of her license to practice law pending the outcome of an appeal of her criminal convictions. Robertson, who has been a member of the Bar since 1996, admits that, on December 19, 2023, she was found guilty, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of 18 USC § 1349; three counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 USC § 1343 ; and one count of money laundering, in violation of 18 USC § 1957. Robertson further acknowledges that her convictions constitute violations of Rule 8.4 (a) (2) of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct, found in Bar Rule 4-102 (d). The maximum penalty for a violation of Rule 8.4 (a) (2) is disbarment. Robertson states that she will notify the State Bar of the final disposition of her direct appeal within ten days of that disposition. The Bar has filed a response recommending that Robertson's petition be granted.
Robertson states in her petition that she was found guilty of three counts of wire fraud in violation of 18 USC § 1342, but this appears to be a typographical error: the federal case docket shows that she was found guilty of three counts of wire fraud in violation of 18 USC § 1343. See USA v. Robertson, Criminal Case No. 1:22-cr-00432-SDG-JEM, United States District Court, Northern District of Georgia (Atlanta). See also 18 USC §§ 1342 ("Fictitious name or address") and 1343 ("Fraud by wire, radio, or television").
Having reviewed Robertson's petition, we agree that the petition should be accepted. See In the Matter of Rachel, 297 Ga. 279 (773 S.E.2d 246) (2015) (accepting petition seeking voluntary suspension of license pending outcome of appeal of criminal convictions). See also In the Matter of Swank, 288 Ga. 479 (704 S.E.2d 807) (2011) (accepting petition for interim suspension during pendency of criminal charges). Accordingly, it is hereby ordered that Shelitha Renee Robertson be suspended from the practice of law in this State pending the outcome of her direct appeal and until further order of this Court. Robertson is ordered to notify the State Bar's Office of General Counsel in writing within 10 days of the final disposition of her direct appeal, and she is reminded of her duties pursuant to Bar Rule 4-219 (b).
Petition for interim suspension accepted. Suspended until further order of this Court. All the Justices concur.