Indianapolis attorney suspended by the Indiana Supreme Court over invasion of privacy charges

On Friday, June 23, 2023, the Indiana Supreme Court suspended attorney Guerino John Cento for two charges of invasion of privacy.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of Guerino John Cento,” with case no. 22S-DI-27.

The charges cited Indiana Supreme Court Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 8.4(b).

The respondent, in this case, entered a guilty plea to two charges of invasion of privacy, both classified as class A misdemeanors. These charges stemmed from the respondent’s actions of violating a protective order that had been obtained by his ex-girlfriend. The first instance of violation involved the respondent sending an electronic invitation to his ex-girlfriend, specifically for a dance lesson. This act directly contradicted the terms of the protective order, which prohibited any form of contact between the two parties.

In the second instance, the respondent sent an email to his ex-girlfriend, expressing remorse for reaching out to her and admitting that he missed her. Furthermore, he pleaded with her not to report the contact and assured her that he would refrain from harassing or contacting her in the future. Once again, this communication violated the provisions set forth in the protective order. By pleading guilty to these charges, the respondent acknowledged his wrongdoing and accepted responsibility for his actions.

The Disposition states:

“For Respondent’s professional misconduct, the Court suspends Respondent from the practice of law for a period of 120 days, effective immediately, with 60 days actively served and the remainder stayed subject to completion of at least one year of probation with monitoring by the Indiana Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP). During his probation, Respondent shall continue receiving counseling as recommended by JLAP and shall comply with all other recommendations made by JLAP.”

Mr. Cento is listed in the law firm Riley Bennett & Engloff, LLP as a practicing attorney. He practices in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is licensed in Indiana. Hus info can be found on lawyersjustia.com.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.