PEOPLE v. EGBUNE, 04PDJ039 (Colo.O.P.D.J. 10-8-2004)

No. 04PDJ039.Office of the Presiding Disciplinary Judge of the Supreme Court of Colorado.
October 8, 2004.

Attorney Regulation.
The Presiding Disciplinary Judge approved the parties’ Conditional Admission of Misconduct and suspended Respondent Chuck Odifu Egbune, attorney registration number 26022, from the practice of law in the State of Colorado, effective December 1, 2004, for a period of six months, all but 30 days stayed upon successful completion of a two-year period of probation. Respondent was required to check all four pieces of his luggage on an international flight. The airline lost one of Respondent’s bags and it was never found. Respondent sued the airline in Denver County Court, stating in the complaint that the amount in controversy was under $10,000. The airline transferred the case to district court based on a counterclaim alleging that Respondent had engaged in fraud when he stated during discovery that his losses amounted to almost $50,000. Responded never produced documentary evidence in support of the specific items lost and the amounts claimed. By engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, misrepresentation, fraud, or deceit, Respondent violated Colo. RPC 8.4 (c). Respondent was ordered to pay the costs of this proceeding and comply with other conditions.