Jermaine Ryan Simms

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

The Attorney was retained to handle the sale of the complainant's property for $2,100,000. He received $1,865,600 in balance proceeds from the National Housing Trust on the complainant's account. The Attorney issued the complainant a client account cheque for $1,400,000, which was dishonoured for insufficient funds ("refer to drawer"). Despite being notified, the Attorney neither replaced the cheque nor paid the complainant, and avoided contact. The Committee, applying the criminal standard of proof, found the allegations established beyond reasonable doubt, concluded the Attorney misappropriated the monies, and found him guilty of professional misconduct in breach of Canons I(b), VII(b) and VIII(b). The decision records the finding of guilt but does not state any sanction, fine, or costs.

Duties found breached:

• Uphold public trust in the profession
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Betrayal of fiduciary trust and confidence reposed by the client
• Conduct described by the Committee as reprehensible
• Avoided contact with the complainant after the cheque bounced