002218-19890417-0-a.pdf (1989)
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BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
of the
SUPREME COURT OF TENNESSEE
1101 KERMIT DRIVE, SUITE 730
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37217
TELEPHONE: (615) 361-7500
(800) 486-5714
FAX: (615) 367-2480
E-MAIL: ethics@tbpr.org
RHEA, HOWARD W. BPR # 002218
April 17, 1989
Public censure on April 17, 1989. While serving as Hancock County Attorney, he failed to
appear at a hearing before the State Election Commission involving the County Commissioner.
As a result of his failure to appear, the State Election Commission found against Hancock
County and the Hancock County Chancery Court adopted the State Election Commission's
decision based in part of Rhea's failure to appear. In a separate matter, prior to being County
Attorney, he represented a client in a lawsuit who sought the rebuilding of a bridge over his
property. He sued the County Superintendent. The matter was still pending when Rhea became
County Attorney. Upon becoming County Attorney, he submitted to the judge an "agreed order"
co-signed by himself and the necessary County administrators/executives which agreed to build
a bridge. The Chancellor, not realizing what was happening, initially signed the order, but the
order was later revoked and Rhea was precluded from further involvement in the case. In a third
matter involving a lawsuit against the County Election Commission by a voter, Rhea recused
himself from being involved alleging a conflict of interest. However, his son, whom he
practiced law with, remained in the lawsuit.
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
of the
SUPREME COURT OF TENNESSEE
1101 KERMIT DRIVE, SUITE 730
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37217
TELEPHONE: (615) 361-7500
(800) 486-5714
FAX: (615) 367-2480
E-MAIL: ethics@tbpr.org