Misconduct Allegations Lead to Suspension of Rochester Attorney
(St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Minnesota Supreme Court has ordered the indefinite suspension of a Rochester attorney’s license to practice law.
The decision handed down today by the state's highest court indicates Duane Kennedy will not be able to petition for the reinstatement of his license for two years. The punishment was handed down after the Supreme Court reviewed a complaint brought against Kennedy by the Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility.
Kennedy is accused of bartering with a client for sexual favors and making false statements to both police investigators and the Director of the Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility. He was also accused of bookkeeping failures in violation of his probation for previous misconduct.
Court records indicate Kennedy admitted to the bookkeeping violations but denies the allegations he sought sexual favors from a client in exchange for legal services and that he lied to investigators. Despite his denials, the Supreme Court agreed with the finding of a referee who reviewed the evidence and recommended Kennedy’s suspension after determining he committed the alleged misconduct.