Ethics
‘Legal professionals Gone Wild’? Filmmaker criticizes bar as he seeks ethics probe of serial killer’s daughter for alleged lie
An activist filmmaker in search of an ethics probe right into a lawyer he accuses of mendacity a few lawsuit consequence has filed a criticism wherein he takes potshots on the Florida Bar, touts his award-winning work and quotes rapper Eminem. (Picture from Shutterstock)
An activist filmmaker in search of an ethics probe right into a lawyer he accuses of mendacity a few lawsuit consequence has filed a criticism wherein he takes potshots on the Florida Bar, touts his award-winning work and quotes rapper Eminem.
The filmmaker, William “Billy” Corben, mentioned in a letter to bar officials that he has “no confidence” that they may maintain accountable lawyer Monique Pardo Pope, who’s operating for the Miami Seashore Metropolis Fee.
Corben is focusing on Pardo Pope for a remark that she made to the Miami New Times after he reported that her father was a serial killer who was executed in 2012. Pardo mentioned Corben “has made a profession of slinging mud, which has even resulted in dropping a defamation case.” The case in opposition to media corporations for a Corben documentary was really dismissed, and the defendants had been awarded charges, Law.com studies.
The Florida Bar has opened an inquiry into Corben’s allegations, report Florida Politics, the Florida Phoenix, WLRN, the Miami New Times and Regulation.com. A number of publications linked to the bar’s letter in search of a response from Pardo Pope that was additionally despatched to Corben to tell him of the inquiry.
WLRN describes Pardo Pope’s father, Manuel Pardo, as “a pro-Nazi, anti-Black serial killer executed in 2012 for murdering 9 folks in South Florida.” A fired police officer, he “dealt cocaine and systematically murdered each drug sellers and bystanders alike within the Eighties,” the article says.
Pardo Pope has referred to as her father her “guiding mild” and “guardian angel” on social media, Corben mentioned.
“As my reporting rightfully notes,” Corben wrote to the bar, “if Ms. Pardo Pope intends to make use of her household historical past because the slightest foundation for her candidacy, she ought to be candid with voters concerning the sins of her serial killer father and clarify how she reconciles that historical past along with her glowing statements about him.”
Corben mentioned in his letter to the bar he beforehand filed a criticism in opposition to one other lawyer, and the case ended with a “letter of nonaction.”
“In actual fact, sooner or later, maybe I ought to produce a documentary concerning the bar’s ineptitude and unwillingness to use its guidelines to members who’re in positions of political energy. Possibly we’ll title it Decreasing the Bar or Legal professionals Gone Wild,” he wrote.
Corben’s letter touts his background as “an Emmy, Peabody and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning documentary filmmaker” and mentioned he anticipates that Pardo Pope “will possible try to blame me and my reporting for her misconduct.”
Corben challenges the “once-proud Florida Bar,” of which his grandfather was a member, to do the suitable factor. Quoting Eminem’s 2002 tune “Lose Your self,” he wrote, “You solely get one shot, don’t miss your likelihood to blow, this chance comes [once in] a lifetime, yo.”
Pardo Pope mentioned on social media she has forgiven her father, and he or she isn’t outlined by his actions, in response to Regulation.com.
“I’m assured that voters will look previous the sins of my father and perceive that I, too, am a sufferer on this,” she wrote. “These assaults on me are appalling and present precisely what’s improper with politics in the present day. I used to be 4 years outdated. I didn’t commit a criminal offense. I’ve carried this burden my whole life, and I can’t be shamed or intimidated now.”
Pardo Pope didn’t instantly reply to an ABA Journal electronic mail and a voicemail in search of remark.
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