The Floyd County Attorney has had his license suspended for at least six months after a 5-2 decision today by the Iowa Supreme Court. The Iowa Supreme Court Attorney Disciplinary Board alleged that Jesse Marzen committed numerous violations of Iowa Rules of Professional Conduct by engaging in a sexual relationship with a client, disclosing client confidences to the public and making a misrepresentation to a judge.
The Court’s grievance commission found there was insufficient evidence of an ethical violation on the charges of a sexual relationship with a client and misrepresentation to a judge, but found Marzen violated disciplinary rules by disclosing client confidences. The Supreme Court says on its review, they find that Marzen violated the rules of professional conduct and are imposing an indefinite suspension for not less than six months.
The opinion also says the most serious circumstance is that Marzen became sexually involved with his client at a time when she was most vulnerable and the trust of a lawyer was most needed and expected.
By Bob Fisher, KRIB, Mason City