The Florida Supreme Court has taken disciplinary action against 20 lawyers in a recent crackdown addressing allegations ranging from fraud to sexual crimes involving minors, and even an alleged conspiracy to murder a singer.
The Florida Bar announced that orders issued between late August and September resulted in 15 lawyers being suspended, three having their licenses revoked, one being disbarred, and another receiving a public reprimand.
Central Florida Attorney Faces Serious Charges
Among the most sensational cases is that of Central Florida attorney Francisco Javier González, who has been temporarily suspended for a felony after being arrested in May in Seminole County on a warrant issued in California.
González is charged with conspiracy, attempted premeditated murder, and solicitation of murder, with all charges still pending.
The case involves more than just professional misconduct. According to WFTV, citing information from the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, González, his daughter Gabriela Lauren González, and a third individual are accused of plotting to kill singer Jack Avery, a former member of the band Why Don't We.
Prosecutors allege that the plan emerged from a custody dispute over Avery's daughter with Gabriela González, with the accused attempting to hire a hitman via the dark web. All three face charges and retain the presumption of innocence as the legal process continues.
Fraudulent Appropriation of Funds
Another attorney, Melissia K. Gauthreaux, who is both a lawyer and a certified public accountant, faces six federal charges of wire fraud.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida alleges that Gauthreaux used an accounting firm she founded to embezzle over $890,000 from a client described as a public figure. Between 2017 and 2021, she reportedly had authorization to manage the victim's bank accounts and allegedly withdrew funds without their knowledge or consent. Federal authorities are seeking the forfeiture of $894,274 connected to the alleged crimes. Charges remain pending, and Gauthreaux holds the presumption of innocence.
Allegations Involving Minors
Jackson Santiago Lainez, a Coral Gables attorney and Florida Bar member since 2006, has also been suspended. He was formally charged on February 26 with two counts of lewd conduct involving minors. The charges allege that he performed sexual acts in the presence of his two young children, with proceedings pending in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court in Miami-Dade.
Another lawyer, Alejandro Rafael López of Orlando, has been temporarily suspended for charges involving the use of a computer to solicit or attempt to entice a minor into a sexual act, unlawful use of a communication device, and harmful communications to a minor, all third-degree felonies. The charges stem from an arrest in December 2025, with formal charges filed in January of this year. The case is ongoing.
Forgery and Property Fraud
Ashley Ruth Morin, an attorney linked to Boca Raton, has been suspended for a year after pleading no contest in 2025 to charges of filing false documents related to property and criminal use of personal identification information. She received four years probation, with adjudication withheld.
The case originated in Broward, where authorities accused Morin of assisting a woman in using a false deed to remove her son's interest in a jointly-owned property. The police report indicated an unauthorized seal with the man's signature was used to complete the document. Morin later admitted involvement in certain acts related to the deed but claimed ignorance of the document's fraudulent nature.
Disbarment for Deceitful Conduct
The most severe sanction was imposed on Belinda Noah, a Tampa attorney, who was disbarred for intentionally providing false statements in response to questions from the Florida Supreme Court's Judicial Nominating Commission, as well as making misleading public and campaign finance statements.
Noah's disciplinary record also includes past attempts to secure judicial positions. The disbarment decision was issued on September 11 and will take effect 30 days thereafter.
Police Officer and Lawyer Among Those Disciplined
Osvaldo Pérez, a lieutenant with the Hollywood Police Department who also practices law, is among the sanctioned professionals. The incident dates back to November 2, 2025, when Pérez allegedly pushed a woman over 65 against a parked vehicle, causing her to fall and fracture a shoulder.
According to a Miramar Police arrest warrant cited by the Miami Herald, the incident took place in a residential area of Broward County. Pérez, a 25-year police veteran, surrendered to authorities the next day and was released on a $75,000 bond.
Hollywood Police Chief Jeff Devlin stated that Pérez was placed on administrative leave and that the department is cooperating with Miramar Police, who are leading the investigation.
The Florida Bar emphasized that disciplinary orders are not final until the period for reconsideration expires or, if a petition is filed, until it is resolved. Pending criminal charges are not admissions of guilt, and accused individuals maintain their presumption of innocence.
Key Information on Florida Legal Disciplinary Actions
What charges are faced by Francisco Javier González?
Francisco Javier González is charged with conspiracy, attempted premeditated murder, and solicitation of murder, all of which are pending.
What is Melissia K. Gauthreaux accused of?
Melissia K. Gauthreaux faces six federal charges of wire fraud, accused of embezzling over $890,000 from a client's bank accounts without their consent.
Why was Belinda Noah disbarred?
Belinda Noah was disbarred for making intentionally false statements in her application to the Judicial Nominating Commission and for misleading public and financial statements.