In the Matter of Everett G. Mechem

• Court: Supreme Court of Georgia
• Decided: May 15, 2017
• Docket: S17Y1190
• Status: 200

Opinion

301 Ga. 232 FINAL COPY

S17Y1190. IN THE MATTER OF EVERETT H. MECHEM.

PER CURIAM.

This disciplinary matter is before the Court on the report and

recommendation of the special master, Patrick H. Head, recommending that

Everett H. Mechem (State Bar No. 500499) be disbarred. Mechem, who was

admitted to the Bar in 2001, was convicted in the United States District Court

for the Eastern District of Tennessee on September 26, 2016, on 28 counts of

wire fraud, two counts of Supplemental Security Income fraud, two counts of

making a false statement, and one count of theft of public money.

The Bar initiated this action under Bar Rule 4-106 by filing a petition for

the appointment of a special master. The Bar attempted to serve Mechem

personally, but the sheriff filed a return of service non est inventus. The Bar

then served Mechem by publication pursuant to Bar Rule 4-203.1 (b) (3) (ii), but

still received no response. After a brief hearing, at which Mechem did not

appear, the special master entered his report and recommendation, concluding that by virtue of the convictions, Mechem had violated Rule 8.4 (a) (2) of the

Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct found in Bar Rule 4-102 (d), and

recommending imposition of the maximum sanction of disbarment. The special

master’s report was filed in this Court on March 3, 2017, but Mechem has still

failed to file a response.

Having reviewed the record, we agree that disbarment is the appropriate

sanction in this matter. Accordingly, it is hereby ordered that the name of

Everett H. Mechem be removed from the rolls of persons authorized to practice

law in the State of Georgia. Mechem is reminded of his duties pursuant to Bar

Rule 4-219 (c).

Disbarred. All the Justices concur.

Decided May 15, 2017.

Disbarment.

Paula J. Frederick, General Counsel State Bar, Andreea N. Morrison,

Assistant General Counsel State Bar, for State Bar of Georgia.