News Summary
Recent incidents involving Florida attorneys have come to light, showcasing a troubling pattern of misconduct. From misdemeanor battery to attempted bombing, these cases raise serious ethical questions about the legal profession. Attorney Kelly McGraw has been convicted of misdemeanor battery for an incident involving a child at a parade, while Marion Michael O’Steen’s extortion conviction has been overturned. Additionally, attorney Mark Roher faces assault charges after a wedding incident, and Christopher Rodriguez pled guilty to attempted bombing. These cases highlight the need for accountability among legal professionals.
Attorney Kelly McGraw Convicted of Misdemeanor Battery
In a contentious trial that shed light on the behavior of legal professionals in public spaces, Kelly McGraw, a former attorney, was found guilty of misdemeanor battery on June 12. The ruling stems from a shocking incident that unfolded during the Grand Fiesta Parade on May 31, 2024. McGraw allegedly hurled a set of heavy parade beads at the face of a child who was simply celebrating the festivities, exacerbating the situation by berating the young victim and her family.
As witnesses recounted, the child in question was joyfully blowing a whistle—an item distributed by law enforcement to enhance the parade experience. However, McGraw’s actions purportedly turned a joyous occasion into a traumatic one for the family involved. Following the incident, witness Pat Jennings described the beads as “nicer” and “bigger” than conventional Mardi Gras beads, indicating that the projectiles thrown were not inconsequential.
Among the most alarming allegations were claims that McGraw used derogatory language that targeted the ethnicity of the victim and her family. This questioning of civility raised eyebrows, leading many to wonder how an attorney could display such behavior in a public setting.
Further complicating McGraw’s legal troubles was her decision to publicize an unredacted police report which leaked the victim’s information in an apparent bid to counter media inaccuracies regarding the incident. However, sharing such information violated Florida law, which protects the identities of victims unless given explicit consent or a court order. The implications of this controversial move remain to be seen.
McGraw, who once had a respectable legal career, faces a two-fold battle: the emotional consequences of her actions on the young girl and the impending sentencing, set for July 15 at 9 a.m. The court will take into account her prior criminal history, which includes disbarment in 2018 for noncompliance with a reinstatement order due to substance abuse issues. This background adds a layer of complexity to the case, as the severity of her sentence could place her behind bars.
Florida Attorney’s Extortion Conviction Overturned
In a surprising turn of events, Marion Michael O’Steen, a Florida attorney, recently had his extortion conviction overturned by the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. O’Steen had served two years in prison prior to the appellate court’s ruling, which concluded that substantial evidence was lacking regarding his alleged coercive financial maneuvers.
The case originated amidst a wider investigation by the FBI into former State Attorney Jeff Siegmeister, who had already pleaded guilty to several serious charges including conspiracy and extortion. O’Steen was implicated in a scheme linked to a payment of $60,000 made to him by an internet café owner, who mistakenly suspected it was meant as a bribe. Nonetheless, the appeals court sided with O’Steen, finding that the lower court had erred by denying a request for acquittal on certain charges concerning cash transactions exceeding $10,000.
Released from a low-security prison camp in November 2022, O’Steen’s victory in the appeals court highlights important questions surrounding the legal profession and the integrity of certain judicial proceedings in high-stakes investigations.
Attorney Arrested for Wedding Assault
In an equally unsettling development, Mark Roher, a 52-year-old Florida attorney, found himself embroiled in a legal battle after allegedly assaulting another guest at a wedding. The incident, which took place on January 18, reportedly stemmed from confrontation over a simple act of cutting in line during a wedding buffet. Roher allegedly smashed a plate over a man’s head, an act that could result in charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon—potentially leading to five years in jail.
Though the altercation did not result in lasting physical damage to the victim, the implications of an attorney committing such an act raise significant moral and ethical concerns. Roher has consistently denied the allegations. However, the reality of having to navigate the legal system while being a part of it adds a layer of complexity to this already tangled web.
Attorney Pleads Guilty to Bombing Charges
In a shocking act of violence, Christopher Rodriguez, a Florida attorney, pleaded guilty to attempted bombing involving explosives he set near the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C. This unsettling incident took place on September 25, 2023, showcasing a frightening example of law enforcement’s encounters with attorneys stepping out of legal bounds.
Rodriguez also admitted to an earlier bombing of a sculpture of communist leaders in San Antonio, Texas. He has attracted widespread condemnation for not only attempting to exploit explosive devices but for traveling cross-state to commit these violent acts. Under the terms of his plea deal, Rodriguez faces a potential prison sentence of seven to ten years, a sobering reminder of the consequences that arise from spiraling into violence as a means of expression.
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Additional Resources
- Newsweek: Attorney Kelly McGraw Convicted of Misdemeanor Battery
- Wikipedia: Misdemeanor battery
- Newsweek: Florida Attorney’s Extortion Conviction Overturned
- Google Search: Florida attorney extortion conviction overturned
- Newsweek: Attorney Arrested for Wedding Assault
- Google Scholar: Attorney Arrested for Wedding Assault
- Newsweek: Attorney Pleads Guilty to Bombing Charges
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Christopher Rodriguez bombing charges
- Newsweek: Legal Issues Attorneys Face
- Google News: Legal issues attorneys face
