The North Carolina State Bar announced the latest summaries of disciplinary actions taken against attorneys in the state, detailing a range of misconduct that led to suspensions, censure, reprimands, and disbarments. This report covers disciplinary orders from the Fall 2025 Journal, reflecting ongoing efforts to uphold professional standards among licensed attorneys.
In recent months, several attorneys faced significant penalties for various violations. John Mansfield from Raleigh received a two-year suspension after engaging in criminal conduct, including assault, during a tumultuous relationship with a woman who later became his client. He may seek a stay of the suspension after six months.
Similarly, Robert Tucker of Asheville was suspended for three years for failing to file and pay income taxes withheld from employees between 2009 and 2011, with a potential stay after one year.
In cases of alleged misconduct that were dismissed, Anastasia Cowan of Charlotte had charges against her dismissed after the DHC found insufficient evidence regarding her testimony about advice from ethics counsel. Jaime Halscott from Florida faced a frivolous complaint for attempting to collect legal fees from mentally disabled clients, but the State Bar eventually dismissed the complaint.
The DHC also took action against Tiana Danise Young Morris from Houston, suspending her license for noncompliance with the grievance process.
The Six Grievance Review Panels also convened this quarter, resulting in two affirmations of original dispositions, two recommendations for lesser public discipline, and two files were remanded with a recommendation for private discipline.
For cases of reciprocal discipline, the chair of the Grievance Committee issued an order reprimanding Raymond Sitar from New Haven, Connecticut, for violating Rules 4.4(a) and 8.4(d) of the North Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct.
Among the censure cases, Jason Ryan Binette of Matthews faced disciplinary action for allowing a client’s partner to prepare and file legal documents using his credentials. Binette failed to comply with a court order to refile documents and made a false statement during the grievance process.
Courtney Bryant of Garner, who was unaware of her administrative suspension until April 2022, engaged in unauthorized legal practice from April 2022 until November 2024 and did not meet her compliance obligations during her suspension.
Jonathan Charleston of Fayetteville was also censured for improper ex parte communications with a judge without notifying opposing counsel. He also failed to disclose material information to the court during those communications.
On the other hand, Elisa Beth Jernigan of Erwin failed to engage in good faith with the State Bar’s mandatory fee dispute resolution process and did not respond adequately to a grievance inquiry, despite several extensions and reminders.
Brent F. King of Davidson was also censured for failing to properly manage a real estate closing, leading to improper fund disbursement.
Robert G. Spaugh of Winston-Salem represented a client in equitable distribution proceedings but failed to file a calendar request or secure a hearing date, resulting in a two-year delay. He also neglected to communicate with another client regarding a court order, which he failed to draft for over six months. The Grievance Committee subsequently censured Spaugh for his actions.
Sammy Davis Webb of Roanoke Rapids received a censure after failing to file a bond motion for a client and ignoring repeated requests for communication from the client and his fiancée.
The Grievance Committee issued reprimands to several attorneys for various infractions. Alan T. Briones, formerly of Raleigh, was reprimanded for failing to act diligently on behalf of a client and not obtaining leave of court to withdraw from representation. Shante Monique Burke-Hayer of Charlotte was reprimanded for signing documents without proper authorization.
Francis Albert Collins from Lake Wales, Florida, was reprimanded for failing to timely submit discovery responses and not informing his client about court orders.
Adam M. Everett of Hickory was reprimanded for inappropriate behavior while carrying a firearm and making unfounded accusations against neighbors. Sharon Keyes of Fayetteville faced reprimand for failing to notify opposing counsel of a scheduled hearing and improperly obtaining information during litigation.
Jenifer Boritas McCrea of Ocean Isle Beach received reprimands for mishandling a client’s appeal and failing to maintain effective communication in a personal injury case. Alton R. Williams of Raleigh was reprimanded for failing to respond to clients regarding fee disputes and requests for refunds.
Additionally, the report included information about completed petitions for reinstatement. Emily C. Moore Tyler of Raleigh had her five-year suspension lifted after altering a filed pleading and misrepresenting the circumstances. However, Jeffrey D. Smith from Charlotte had his petition for reinstatement denied after a suspension for trust account deficiencies.
The petitions for reinstatement of disbarred Attorneys, Charles Blackmon and David R. Payne, were also denied.
On the other hand, Mark V. Gray from Greensboro, who was suspended for four years in 2018 for failing to file timely and pay federal and state income taxes and violating multiple trust accounting rules, sought reinstatement but voluntarily dismissed his petition.
Several attorneys were placed on disability inactive status, including Duane S. Miller, Thomas E. Barwick, and Eric R. Inhaber, underscoring the Bar’s commitment to addressing issues of competency and compliance among its members.
Additionally, the report included actions from the Authorized Practice Committee. Tigress Sydney Acute McDaniel was permanently enjoined from the unauthorized practice of law. Matthew L. Boney, a federal practitioner with out-of-state licensure, received a letter of caution for failing to clarify his jurisdictional limitations in public communications.
Jhonatan Copete received a letter of caution for advertising legal advice and legal document preparation in immigration matters. Nadine Coates, a paralegal, received a letter of caution for holding herself out as competent and qualified to provide legal services directly to consumers.
Overall, the disciplinary actions taken by the North Carolina State Bar reflect ongoing efforts to maintain integrity and accountability within the legal profession, ensuring that licensed attorneys adhere to established standards of conduct.
