In the Supreme Court of Georgia
Decided: October 6, 2014
S15Y0004. IN THE MATTER OF GREGORY BARTKO.
PER CURIAM.
This disciplinary matter is before the Court on the Petition for Voluntary
Surrender of License Following Termination of Appeal filed by Gregory Bartko
(State Bar No. 040476) pursuant to Bar Rule 4-227 (b). This Court previously
suspended Bartko pending the appeal of his 2010 felony convictions for
conspiracy, mail fraud, and sale of unregistered securities, see 18 USC §§ 2,
1341, 1342; 15 USC §§ 77e, 77x, in the United States District Court for the
Eastern District of North Carolina, Western Division, United States v. Bartko,
Case No. 5:09-CR-321-D. See In the Matter of Bartko, 289 Ga. 175 (709 SE2d
812) (2011). Bartko admits that his convictions constitute violations of Rule 8
(a) (2) of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct. See Bar Rule 4-102 (d).
The maximum penalty for a violation of Rule 8 (a) (2) is disbarment. On
January 27, 2014, the United States Supreme Court denied Bartko’s petition for
a writ of certiorari. In his petition, Bartko asks the Court to accept the voluntary
surrender of his license to practice law in the State of Georgia, subject to his
right to seek reinstatement if his motion to vacate his convictions and sentence
is granted. The State Bar asks that the Court accept Bartko’s petition.
We have reviewed the record and agree to accept Bartko’s petition for
voluntary surrender of his license, which is tantamount to disbarment.
Accordingly, the name of Gregory Bartko hereby is removed from the rolls of
persons entitled to practice law in the State of Georgia. He is reminded of his
duties under Bar Rule 4-219 (c).
Voluntary surrender of license accepted. All the Justices concur.
2