Attempted Murder Charge Puts A Real Crimp In Man's Tax Law Practice

Scary story about a lawyer's behavior results in immediate suspension.

A North Carolina tax attorney earned a suspension over some criminal charges he faces in neighboring South Carolina. Is it anything serious? Depends on how you feel about kidnapping and attempted murder.

So… yeah, pretty serious.

Tax attorneys, man. Why is it always the quiet ones who get in this kind trouble?

The Legal Profession Blog had the terrifying story from local news outlet WRAL

A 39-year-old Cary man, who has worked as a tax attorney in Raleigh, is accused of holding his ex-girlfriend hostage at a South Carolina grocery store.

The Isle of Palms Police Department has charged Robert Howell with attempted murder, kidnapping and first-degree burglary in the incident, which happened Wednesday.

Investigators said Robert Howell followed Autumn Yee, 29, of Cary, to Isle of Palms, where she was vacationing. Howell allegedly took Yee to Hudson’s Market, where she alerted one of the clerks by silently mouthing “call police.”

In a 911 recording, the woman can be heard speaking to an emergency operator about the situation.

“I need you to come to Wild Dunes, please. There’s a man with a gun and he’s holding me hostage,” she said.

According to the report, Howell is involved in a custody battle with his ex-wife, who took news of the incident and immediately sought a protective order. Smart move.

Per his LinkedIn profile, Howell earned his law degree from UNC Law and formerly worked at Deloitte and McDermott, Will & Emery’s Chicago office. Most recently, he worked at Poynter & Spurill in Raleigh, though the firm says Howell left his job in April.

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As the court order says, the reports of this incident raise serious questions about Howell’s mental health. Thankfully, Yee is safe.

(The full suspension order available on the next page.)

Attempted Murder And Other Charges Get Attorney Suspended [Legal Profession Blog]
Cary man accused of holding ex-girlfriend hostage in SC store [WRAL]

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