W. Anthony Pearson

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

The Disciplinary Committee of the General Legal Council of Jamaica found Attorney William Anthony Pearson guilty of professional misconduct for failing to repay approximately $9.97 million mistakenly overpaid to his firm by the complainant building society (via DunnCox) in a property transaction. Although the liability decision did not use the word 'dishonest,' the Panel at sanction expressly found that the retention of the money was dishonestly done, as Pearson knew the money was not his and repeatedly failed to return it. Despite strong good character evidence and mitigation, the Panel ordered him struck off the roll and to pay costs of J$400,000.

Duties found breached:

• Uphold public trust in the profession
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money

Aggravating factors:

• Retention of the money for an extended period requiring him to be sued
• Judgment obtained against him yet he still failed to pay
• Charging order had to be obtained against his residence
• Large sum involved ($9,972,979.53)

Mitigating factors:

• Previously unblemished/good character at the Bar
• Strong character evidence from retired Court of Appeal President and a consultant psychiatrist
• Repayment of a substantial sum of over $7 million
• Personal difficulties including marital breakdown, heavy workload, and alcohol problems affecting his judgment
• Cooperation in allowing valuation and facilitating sale of property to settle indebtedness