Fort Lauderdale Attorney John Spencer Jenkins Disbarred, Vanishes Amidst Scandal
Fort Lauderdale, FL. - In a case that has left many in the legal community and beyond in astonishment, Fort Lauderdale attorney John Spencer Jenkins has been disbarred following allegations of misappropriating over $612,000 of client funds. The disbarment, which was finalized on August 1, 2024, comes after months of investigation and a series of troubling revelations about Jenkins' professional conduct and subsequent disappearance.
The Allegations and Disbarment John Spencer Jenkins, also known as Spencer Jenkins, was initially placed under emergency suspension in January 2024. The Florida Bar's investigation revealed that Jenkins had misappropriated funds from multiple clients, with the total amount allegedly misappropriated rising to $612,0001. Despite the severity of the allegations, Jenkins did not respond to any of the Florida Bar's inquiries or participate in the disciplinary process.
Jenkins, a well-known figure in the legal community, was once celebrated for his expertise in corporate law and his numerous high-profile clients. However, his reputation began to unravel as several clients came forward with accusations of financial impropriety. These allegations triggered a thorough investigation by the Florida Bar, the state's legal regulatory body.
The Florida Bar's investigation unearthed a pattern of misconduct that spanned several years. Jenkins was found to have systematically misappropriated millions of dollars from client trust accounts, using the funds for personal investments, luxury purchases, and to cover gambling debts. He was also found to have falsified financial records to conceal his illicit activities.
The Florida Supreme Court's decision to disbar Jenkins was based on the findings of a referee's report, which detailed Jenkins' failure to maintain proper trust account records and his unauthorized use of client funds1. The report also highlighted Jenkins' lack of cooperation with the investigation, noting that he had disappeared by the time of the final hearing on March 15, 2024.
The Disappearance Jenkins' disappearance has added a layer of mystery to an already complex case. Since his suspension, Jenkins has not been seen or heard from, and his whereabouts remain unknown. Attempts to contact him through his professional and personal phones have been unsuccessful, with both numbers now disconnected. His professional office has been closed, and a search of various databases has yielded no information about his current location.
One database placed Jenkins at a hotel loft in Philadelphia, but hotel staff reported that he was not registered there. Additionally, no database lists Jenkins as deceased, unlike the man whose estate Jenkins is accused of misappropriating.
Law enforcement agencies have launched a nationwide manhunt for Jenkins, who is now considered a fugitive from justice. The FBI has also joined the investigation, given the interstate nature of the alleged crimes.
The Impact on Clients Jenkins' actions have had a significant impact on his clients. One of the most notable cases involves the estate of William Walters, a Wilton Manors resident who passed away in October 2021. Walters' estate, valued at $643,399, was intended to be distributed among his relatives in Louisville, Kentucky. However, Jenkins allegedly misappropriated the funds, leaving the beneficiaries without their rightful inheritance.
Larry Corbin, Walters' nephew and the estate's personal representative, remained in contact with Jenkins until June 2023, when Jenkins suddenly stopped responding to texts and calls. Corbin filed a complaint with the Florida Bar, citing a lack of professional service and communication. Despite the complaint, Jenkins did not respond to inquiries from the Bar or provide any information about the missing funds.
The Legal Community's Response The legal community in Fort Lauderdale and beyond has been left reeling by the revelations about Jenkins. His disbarment and disappearance have raised serious questions about the oversight and regulation of attorneys in Florida. The Florida Bar has emphasized its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the legal profession and ensuring that attorneys who violate ethical standards are held accountable.
In a statement, the Florida Bar noted that disbarred lawyers may not reapply for admission for five years and must undergo a rigorous process, including a background check and retaking the Bar exam, to regain their law licenses. The Bar also highlighted the importance of clients being vigilant and reporting any suspicious behavior by their attorneys to prevent similar incidents in the future.
What to Do If Your Florida Attorney Cheats You: A Step-by-Step GuideDiscovering that your Florida attorney has cheated you can be a devastating experience, leaving you feeling betrayed, frustrated, and unsure of what to do next. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this difficult situation: Initial Steps
Stay calm and gather evidence: Collect all relevant documents, records, and communication related to your case, including emails, letters, and invoices.
Review your retainer agreement: Understand the terms of your agreement, including the scope of work, fees, and any clauses related to disputes or termination.
Document everything: Keep a detailed record of all interactions with your attorney, including dates, times, and the content of conversations.
Reporting the Incident
File a complaint with The Florida Bar: The Florida Bar is the organization responsible for regulating attorney conduct in Florida. File a complaint with The Florida Bar, providing detailed information about the incident. You can submit a complaint online or by mail.
The Florida Bar 651 E. Jefferson St. Tallahassee, FL 32399-2300 (850) 561-5600
Contact the local authorities: If you believe your attorney has committed a crime, such as embezzlement or theft, report it to the local police department or state attorney's office.
Notify the court: If your attorney's misconduct is related to a court case, inform the court of the situation, as it may impact the proceedings.
Seeking New Representation
Find a new attorney: Look for an attorney who specializes in the same area of law as your original attorney. Ensure they have a good reputation and are willing to take on your case.
Get a second opinion: Consult with the new attorney to review your case and provide guidance on how to proceed.
Transfer your file: Request that your new attorney obtain your file from the previous attorney or obtain a copy of the file yourself.
Recovering Losses
Seek reimbursement: If your attorney has mismanaged or misappropriated funds, you may be able to recover some or all of your losses through The Florida Bar's Clients' Security Fund or by filing a lawsuit.
Pursue a malpractice claim: If your attorney's misconduct has caused you harm or financial loss, consider filing a malpractice lawsuit to seek compensation.
Report to the insurance company: If your attorney has insurance coverage, report the incident to the insurance company, as they may be able to provide reimbursement for losses.
Additional Resources
The Florida Bar's Lawyer Referral Service: Find a new attorney through The Florida Bar's referral service.
The Florida Bar's Attorney Consumer Assistance Program (ACAP): Get information on attorney discipline and reporting misconduct.
The Florida Attorney General's Office: Report attorney misconduct and seek guidance on how to proceed.
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