D.C. Ethics Board Digs into Case Against ex-Prosecutor Howes

“The attorney ethics board in Washington asked tough questions yesterday of the defense lawyer representing former prosecutor G. Paul Howes, who faces misconduct charges that could lead to his disbarment.”

“Six members of the D.C. Board on Professional Responsibility took up the misconduct case against Howes on Thursday in an hour-long session.”

“Howes, a former assistant U.S. attorney, is accused of misusing witness vouchers to inappropriately pay thousands of dollars for information on homicides in the District of Columbia in the 1990s.”

“Knight argued that other prosecutors also handed out witness vouchers outside the grand jury process to gather case-related information, calling any violation ‘de minimus.’”

“Board member Ray Bolze (DC), a Howrey partner, questioned how Howes’ violations can be considered de minimus when his actions led to substantial reductions in prison sentences for nine defendants. (No convictions were reversed.)”