Lawyer Convicted of Theft re 900 Free Calls Between Inmates and Her Roommate Gets Community Service
A suspended Washington state lawyer convicted of theft for allowing jail inmates to use her attorney phone privileges to make more than 900 free calls has been sentenced to community service and $2,290 restitution.
Kimberly Grijalva, 41, was also convicted after a bench trial last month of a misdemeanor contraband charge, for allowing an inmate to use her cellphone one day, the Yakima Herald-Republic reported.
Gang members reportedly made use of the phone calls, which were routed from Grijalva’s office to her home, to call Grijalva’s roommate, who was having romantic relationships with two inmates.
Superior Court Judge Brian Altman of Klickitat County decided the case and sentenced Grijalva after local judges in Yakima County recused themselves. Calling the matter “not the most egregious crime I’ve ever heard,” he said he was unwilling to sentence the attorney more harshly than any other first-time offender. He also noted that she has been suspended from practice and faces additional potential discipline from lawyer ethics authorities.
Local CBS affiliate KIMA-TV says Grijalva plans to appeal her conviction.
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Lawyer Convicted of Felony Theft re 900 Free Phone Calls Made by Gang Members from Jail”
