Solicitation of a prostitute and having sex with a client has resulted in a one-year suspension with six months stayed for attorney Thomas Mason of Ashland, Ohio. Mason responded to a Craigslist advertising stating “Call me. We can help each other out.” Mason and the woman met and had intimate relations on three occasions. The police discovered Mason’s conduct as part of a sting operation. Mason was charged with misdemeanor counts of soliciting sexual activity for hire, possession of criminal tools, intimidation of a witness, obstructing justice, and falsification. Mason entered an Alford plea to the solicitation charge for the dismissal of the remaining charges. The Supreme Court of Ohio found his conduct violated Prof.Cond.R. 8.4(h) conduct adversely reflecting on an attorney’s fitness to practice law.
Mason also agreed to represent a woman in a divorce proceeding. He visited the client at her home to complete paperwork and, subsequently, had sexual relations with her on multiple occasions. Mason represented her throughout the divorce and thereafter, billing for his services, although his client never paid the bill. Mason said he would not attempt to collect on the bill. This conduct violated Prof.Cond.R. 1.8(j) prohibiting a lawyer from having sex with a client and Prof.Cond.R. 8.4(h) conduct adversely reflecting on an attorney’s fitness to practice law.
Eye on Ethics 