Nebraska Supreme Court Orders Disbarment of Bennington Attorney

Conviction for Failure to File Federal Tax Returns Leads to Disciplinary Action

Attorney Faces Loss of Law License Over Unpaid Taxes

The Nebraska Supreme Court has ordered the disbarment of Bennington-based attorney, Thomas C. Riley, for failing to file federal income tax returns for several years.

According to the court's decision, Riley was convicted in federal court in 2020 of willful failure to file income tax returns for tax years 2013, 2014, and 2015. The court found that Riley owed the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) approximately $150,000 in back taxes and penalties.

The Nebraska Attorney General's Office filed a petition for disciplinary action against Riley following his conviction. The Nebraska Supreme Court Disciplinary Counsel, representing the state, argued that Riley's conduct violated the Nebraska Rules of Professional Conduct, which require attorneys to maintain the integrity of the legal profession and to comply with the law.

In its decision, the court agreed with the Disciplinary Counsel's arguments. The court found that Riley's failure to file his tax returns was a "serious crime" that "reflects adversely on his fitness to practice law."

The court also noted that Riley had not taken any steps to rectify his situation since his conviction. Riley did not file his outstanding tax returns or make any arrangements to pay off his tax debt. This inaction, the court said, "indicates a lack of remorse and a disregard for the law."

The court ordered Riley's disbarment, meaning that he is no longer licensed to practice law in Nebraska. The court also ordered Riley to pay the costs of the disciplinary proceeding.