V. IN SUPREME COURT
DAVID CARY FORD RESPONDENT
OPINION AND ORDER
David Cary Ford was admitted to the practice of law in the
Commonwealth of Kentucky on October 19, 1988. His Kentucky Bar
Association (KBA) number is 82505, and his bar roster address is 239 S. 5th
St., Ste. 900, Louisville, KY 40202. The KBA's Board of Governors considered a
two-count charge against Ford. The case came before the Board as a default
case under SCR 3.210 after Ford failed to respond to the charge. With two
members recusing, the remaining members of the Board unanimously found
Ford guilty of the two charged colJnts. The Board also unanimously
recommended this Court permanently disbar Ford.
Under SCR 3.370(7), after the Board of Governors files its decision with
the Disciplinary Clerk, either Bar Counsel or the Respondent may file a notice
of review with this Court. If neither party files a notice of review (as is the case
here), this Court has two options: 1) under SCR 3.370(8) we may inform Bar
Counsel and Respondent that we will review the decision and order the parties
to file briefs, or 2) under SCR 3.370(9) we may enter an order adopting the
Board's decision. Here, we exercise our authority under SCR 3.370(9) and
. adopt the Board's recommendation.
I. BACKGROUND
Ford pleaded guilty in federal court to criminal charges of fraud and
money laundering. He ac~ed as the executor of seven estates between 2008
and 2015, from which he took approximately $1.7 million for, as the Board of
Governors indicated, "his personal expenses· and epjoyment, as well as his
significant gambling activity." The money Ford stole should have gone to
charities throughout Louisville and to the decedents' families. A portion of his
plea agreement in federal court included his paying restitution to the
beneficiaries of these estates:
The Inquiry Commission issued a two-count charge against Ford,
alleging violations of SCR 3. l30-8.4(b) and (c). Specifically, the Commission
alleged in Count I that Ford violated SCR 3.130-8.4(b) when he committed a
criminal act reflecting adversely on his "honesty; trustworthiness, and fitness
as a lawyer in other respects." It further alleged in Count II that he violated ·
SCR 3.130-8.4(c) when he engaged in "conduct involving dishonesty, fraud,
deceit or misrepresentation."
The KBA attempted to serve Ford with the complaint, and later the
charge, but all attempts were unsuccessful. Service was finally completed via
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the KBA's Executive Director under SCR 3.175(2). Ford never responded to the
charge.
II. ANALYSIS
We agree with the Board's findings that Ford is guilty of both charged
counts. As to Count I, Ford pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud and
money laundering. These crimes clearly reflect adversely on his "honesty,
trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer in other respects." As to Count II, we
also agree that Ford's conduct in committing these crimes amounted to
conduct "involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation."
In reaching its recommended discipline in this matter, the Board
considered the fact that Ford was suspended on January 15, 2016, for failing
to pay his 2015-16 bar dues.
In reviewing our past disciplinary sanctions for similar ethical violations,
we acknowledge that "[p]ermanent disbarment is a severe sanction. But this
Court has been stern and consistent in matters related to financial misconduct
by attorneys." Orr v. Kentucky Bar Association, 355 S.W.3d 449, 450 (Ky.
2011). Given the nature of Ford's violations and their gravity, we agree with
the Board of Governors that permanent disbarment is the appropriate sanction ·
in this.case.
III. ORDER
Agreeing that the Board's recommendation is appropriate, it is
ORDERED that:
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1. David Cary Ford is found guilty of violating the Rules of Professional
Conduct as outlined above.
2. Ford is permanently disbarred from the practice of law in this
Commonwealth.
3. In accordance with SCR 3.450, Ford shall pay all costs associated
with these proceedings, said sum being $482.32, for which execution
may issue from this Court upon finality of this Opinion and Order.
4. Under SCR 3.390, Ford shall, within ten days from the entry of this
Opinion and Order, notify all clients, in writing, of his inability to
represent them; notify, in writing, all courts in which he has matters
pending of his disbarment from the practice of law; and furnish copies
of all letters of notice to the Office of Bar Counsel. Furthermore, to
the extent possible, Ford shall immediately cancel and cease any
advertising activities in which he is engaged.
All sitting. All concur.·
ENTERED: April 27, 2017.
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