On Wednesday, April 12, 2023, a misconduct complaint has been filed against Danville attorney Terrence Richard Miles before the Hearing Board of the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission for unauthorized use of trust funds.
The case is entitled ‘In the Matter of Terrence Richard Miles,’ and was brought by the Administrator of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission with case no. 2023PR00016.
The charges cited Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct 8.4(c), which prohibit:
Practicing law in a jurisdiction of the regulation of the legal profession in that jurisdiction;
Engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation.
The Rules of Professional Conduct can be found here.
The Complaint accuses Miles, who was designated as the successor trustee of a trust by the Court on August 31, 2004, of utilizing the trust’s income for personal reasons instead of disbursing it for Kenneth’s benefit and usage as specified in the trust.
The Complaint states:
“Between August 31, 2004, and April 30, 2022, Respondent did not distribute any income from the Marlo Trust to Kenneth or his legal guardian for the use and benefit of Kenneth.”
The Complaint continues:
“Between August 31, 2004, and April 30, 2022, Respondent directed Old National Bank to transfer $11,323.10 to the trust checking account. Between August 31, 2004, and April 20, 2022, Respondent drew checks on the trust checking account totaling $11,323.10 that were made payable to himself, and used those funds for his own purposes.”
The Complaint further alleges that John Kassos, an attorney and the uncle of Kenneth’s wife, contacted Miles’s office before April 20, 2022, to inquire about the Marlo Trust on Kenneth’s behalf. Despite several attempts, Miles did not respond to Kassos’ messages or calls. Later, on April 21, 2022, Kassos sent a certified letter to Miles, requesting him to distribute the proceeds of the Marlo Trust to Kenneth by forwarding a bank check that was payable to Kenneth to John. However, Miles did not comply with the request and did not contact Kassos.
Based on these acts, the Administrator requested that this disciplinary matter be assigned to and be heard by a panel of the Hearing Board, and for the panel to make findings of fact, conclusions of fact, and law, and recommend the imposition of discipline upon Miles.
Mr. Terrence Richard Miles maintained his law practice in Danville. He has been admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1988, after graduating from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. His info can be found on Avvo.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
