Ethics
Lawyer accused of storing 1,000 kilos of marijuana at legislation workplace enters responsible plea
A Virginia lawyer has been briefly suspended after pleading responsible for his function in a conspiracy to distribute massive quantities of marijuana. (Picture from Shutterstock)
A Virginia lawyer has been briefly suspended after pleading responsible for his function in a conspiracy to distribute massive quantities of marijuana.
Lawyer Matthew Taylor Morris, 38, of Virginia Seashore, Virginia, was suspended efficient Oct. 1 and ordered to point out trigger why his legislation license shouldn’t be additional suspended or revoked, in accordance with a Sept. 27 show-cause order.
The Legal Profession Blog famous the momentary suspension and a Sept. 24 press release on Morris’ responsible plea.
Morris allowed different members within the conspiracy to retailer 1,000 kilos of marijuana and money proceeds at his Virginia Seashore legislation agency, the High Tier Regulation Group, prosecutors mentioned.
The road worth of the marijuana merchandise ranged from $800,000 to $1.6 million, in accordance with a press release of info signed by Morris and filed with the show-cause order.
Morris additionally allowed a co-conspirator to retailer money proceeds from marijuana gross sales at his legislation workplace, the assertion mentioned. In a single photograph taken on the legislation workplace, a co-conspirator posed with greater than $100,000 in money. On the wall behind him are Morris’ diplomas and authorized credentials.
As compensation, Morris obtained a part of his month-to-month lease for his legislation workplace from a co-conspirator “for a number of months starting in late 2021”, prosecutors mentioned. Morris additionally obtained 70 kilos of THC merchandise, on the charge of 15 kilos monthly, that he might promote to his clients.
Morris additionally allegedly obtained a handgun from a co-conspirator, although Morris unlawfully used Adderall, cocaine, opiates and THC, prosecutors mentioned.
Morris is a former prosecutor in Portsmouth, Virginia, who resigned from the commonwealth legal professional’s workplace Sept. 6, 4 days earlier than the indictment, WVEC reported here and here.
Morris joined the prosecution workplace three months after the drug conspiracy allegedly led to Might 2022, in accordance with the Virginian-Pilot.
Morris pleaded responsible to conspiracy to own with intent to distribute marijuana and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 22, 2025.
Morris is represented by lawyer James O. Broccoletti within the prison case. He didn’t instantly reply to an ABA Journal electronic mail looking for remark.
