In the Matter of Samuel Elias Skelton

Opinion

300 Ga. 866 FINAL COPY

S17Y0938. IN THE MATTER OF SAMUEL ELIAS SKELTON.

PER CURIAM.

This disciplinary matter is before the Court on the petition of Samuel Elias

Skelton (State Bar No. 940392) for voluntary surrender of his license following

the entry of a guilty plea to felony counts of theft by taking in the Superior

Court of Banks County. Skelton, who was admitted to the Bar in 2009, admits

that by his conviction he has violated Rule 8.4 (a) (2) of the Georgia Rules of

Professional Conduct found in Bar Rule 4-102 (d). The maximum penalty for

a violation of Rule 8.4 (a) (2) is disbarment.

The State Bar recommends that this Court accept Skelton’s petition for

voluntary surrender of his license, and based upon our review of the petition, we

agree that acceptance of Skelton’s petition for the voluntary surrender of his

license, which is tantamount to disbarment, is in the best interests of the Bar and

the public. Accordingly, the name of Samuel Elias Skelton is hereby removed

from the rolls of persons entitled to practice law in the State of Georgia. Skelton

is reminded of his duties under Bar Rule 4-219 (c). Voluntary surrender of license accepted. All the Justices concur.

Decided March 30, 2017.

Voluntary surrender of license.

Bradford & Primm, Gabriel R. Bradford, for Skelton.

Paula J. Frederick, General Counsel State Bar, Jenny K. Mittelman,

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