The Issue Whether Petitioner has demonstrated that he is honest, truthful, trustworthy, of good character and has a good reputation for fair dealing as required by Section 475.17(1), Florida Statutes.
Findings Of Fact Based upon my observation of the witnesses and their demeanor while testifying, a consideration of the post-hearing memoranda and the entire record compiled herein, the following relevant facts are found. On February 13, 1982, Petitioner filed an application for licensure as a real estate salesman with the Commission. Petitioner, prior to moving to Florida, was employed as a deputy sheriff for the Los Angeles County (California) Sheriff's Department for approximately seven (7) years. He was honorably discharged from the Sheriff's Department. By letter dated April 27, 1982, the Commission denied Petitioner's application, stating therein that the specific reasons for its (the Commission's) actions were based on his answer to question number six (6) of the licensing application. The application form for licensure as a real estate salesman includes a question number six (.6), which inquires: Have you ever been arrested for, or charged with, the commission of an offense against the laws of any munici- pality, state or nation, including traffic offenses . . . without regard to whether convicted, sentenced, pardoned or paroled? The Petitioner responded "yes" to the inquiry. The question goes on to request: "If yes, state details, including the outcome in full." In response to this inquiry, Petitioner submitted the following: "Possession of a counterfeit substance, not found guilty, terms of probation, expunged record." Respondent's Exhibit No. 1, a certified copy of judgment and sentence, shows that Petitioner pled nolo contendere to the charge of sale of counterfeit controlled substance, Section 817.563, Florida Statutes, and on February 12, 1982, was sentenced to five (5) years of probation with the Florida Department of Corrections. Adjudication of guilt was withheld. Petitioner is presently serving the five (5) years of probation. (Tr. pp. 15-16) Petitioner acknowledges that the court informed him as to the charges against him in open court. (Tr. p. 26) Petitioner claims that he pled no contest to possession of a counterfeit controlled substance. Finally, Petitioner admitted that the arrest record for sale of a counterfeit controlled substance was not expunged. (Tr. p. 22) Petitioner has appealed the order of court on constitutional grounds and stated his belief that expungement will be granted upon satisfactory completion of his probationary term. At present however, his record relative to that charge has not been expunged.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED: That the Florida Real Estate Commission enter a Final Order denying Dwayne Lee Hill's application for a real estate license pursuant to Subsection 475.17(1), Florida Statutes. DONE and RECOMMENDED this 19th day of October, 1982, in Tallahassee, Florida. JAMES E. BRADWELL Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 19th day of October, 1982.
Findings Of Fact Based on the evidence presented at hearing, the Hearing Officer makes the following findings of fact: Phillip S. Wong is a convicted felon. On December 6, 1982, after entering a plea of guilty, he was adjudicated guilty of one count of each of the following crimes: aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, in violation of Section 784.021(1)(a), Florida Statutes; false imprisonment, in violation of Section 787.02, Florida Statutes; burglary of a dwelling during which an assault was made, in violation of Section 810.02, Florida Statutes; conspiracy to commit a felony, to wit: trafficking in cocaine, in violation of Sections 777.04 and 893.135, Florida Statutes; trafficking in cocaine, in violation of Section 893.135, Florida Statutes; and possession of cocaine with the intent to sell, in violation of Section 893.13, Florida Statues. For these offenses, all of which were committed in August of 1982, Wong received five 1/ separate three-year sentences of imprisonment that ran concurrently with one another. As a prisoner, Wong's conduct was exemplary. Accordingly, in May, 1984, he was placed in a work release program. He completed serving his sentence in September, 1985. Since his return to the community, Wong has married and become a father. To help support his family, he works as a chef in a French restaurant, a position he has held for the past four and a half years. Wong is now a dedicated family man concerned about the welfare of his wife and their two and a half year old child. This concern has prompted him to seek a career in real estate so that he will be better able to provide for his family.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that Respondent enter a Final Order denying Petitioner's application for licensure to practice as a real estate salesman, without prejudice to Petitioner filing a subsequent application when he is able to show that his rehabilitation is sufficiently complete to entitle him to such licensure. See Karl v. Florida Real Estate Commission, 229 So.2d 610, 611 (Fla. 3d DCA 1969)(Commission may not preclude an applicant whose application has been denied because of a prior felony conviction from reapplying for licensure and showing subsequent rehabilitation). DONE and ENTERED this 10th day of April 1989, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. STUART M. LERNER Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 10th day of April, 1989.
Findings Of Fact The Respondent, at all times material to this matter, has been registered with the Florida Real Estate Commission as a real estate salesman. On or about April 3, 1978, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division, entered a judgment and commitment order which adjudicated the Respondent guilty of the offense of shoplifting on a military reservation in violation of Section 812.022, Florida Statutes. The Respondent pled guilty to the offense, and the adjudication was based upon her plea. A short sentence was imposed, the execution of which was suspended; a fine was imposed; and she was placed on supervised probation for a period of two years, with several special conditions of probation. The Respondent was directed to undergo psychiatric or psychological care and counselling. The Respondent is being supervised in her probation by Larry Burris, a Federal Probation Officer. Officer Burris testified on her behalf at the hearing. The Respondent had never been in any serious trouble prior to the incidents giving rise to the shoplifting charges, and she has been cooperative during the period of her probation. The expiration date of her probation is April, 1980, but it is possible that she will be released from probation before that date. The Respondent has undergone psychiatric care and treatment during her probation. Reports from her physician indicate that she has confronted serious emotional difficulties that she had, that her condition has improved, and that she will soon be released from psychiatric care. The Respondent is not presently working as a real estate salesman.
Findings Of Fact Joseph Matrascia, Respondent, is registered with FBRE as a broker- salesman and was so registered at all times here involved. On 22 September 1976, Respondent was found guilty in the Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit in and for Dade County, of the offense of receiving stolen property (Exhibit 1) and of obstructing an officer in the service of process. He was sentenced to two years confinement in the State penitentiary followed by a 6 months sentence and three years probation. This judgment was affirmed on appeal. Petitioner is presently attempting to obtain a new trial on the basis of newly discovered evidence.
Findings Of Fact While in Puerto Rico, in 1971, the Respondent was charged with violation of Article 29, Drug and Narcotics Law, which charges were brought in the Superior Court of Puerto Rico, Court of Aguadilla. These case numbers were information numbers, G-71-54 and G-71-55. These charges were made on March 9, 1971 for alleged offenses which were committed on February 16, 1971. The information which shows these case numbers can be found in Petitioner's Exhibit "D", admitted into evidence. On March 10, 1971, the Respondent was found guilty of the offenses charged in cases G-71-54 and G-71-55. The record shows that in case no. G-71-54, the Respondent was convicted by a judgement entered on March 10, 1971. On April 14, 1971, in case number G-71-54 and case number G-71-55 the Superior Court, of Puerto Rico, Court of Aguadilla, sentenced the Respondent to a term of five to eight years in prison by confinement at hard labor, which sentences were suspended. By such suspension, the Respondent was committed to the legal custody of the court until the expiration of the maximum term of the sentence under certain general conditions for the Respondent's conduct, and was given a special condition that he contact the Florida Parole and Probation Commission, District Office, at Room 180, Courthouse, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The judgement in case number G-71-54 and the conditions of sentence may be found in Petitioner's Exhibit "F", admitted into evidence. The judgement in case number G-71-55 may be found in Petitioner's Exhibit "E" admitted into evidence. On September 16, 1973, the Respondent completed an application for registration as a real estate salesman with the Florida Real Estate Commission, which application was completed under oath. Within that application for registration is found a question number "9". This question reads as follows: "9. Have you ever been arrested for or charged with the commission of an offense against the laws of any municipality, state or nation including traffic offenses, without regard to whether sentence has been passed or served, or whether the verdict or judgement has been reversed or set aside or not, or pardon or parole granted?" to which the Respondent replied, "yes". Question nine further stated, "if yes state details in full", to which the Respondent replied, "(see attached statement)". The attachment spoken of is found in the Petitioner's Exhibit "C", and this attachment sets forth the Respondent's explanation of his answer to the initial part of question nine. Subsequent to the completion of the form the Respondent was registered with the Florida Real Estate Commission as a real estate salesman, from February 21, 1974 through March 31, 1975. From May 8, 1975, up to, and including March 31, 1975, the Respondent has been accepted as a registrant, non-active real estate salesman.
Recommendation It is recommended that the Respondent be released from accountability under the charge found in the subject administrative complaint. DONE and ENTERED this 20th day of July, 1976, in Tallahassee, Florida. CHARLES C. ADAMS, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings Room 530, Carlton Building Tallahassee, Florida 32304 (904) 488-9675 COPIES FURNISHED: Louis B. Guttmann, III, Esquire Florida Real Estate Commission 2699 Lee Road Winter Park, Florida 32789 Mr. Charles Lawrence Ross 3789 Southwest 41st Street Hollywood, Florida 33023
The Issue Whether the respondent's license as a real estate broker should be revoked, suspended, or otherwise disciplined because respondent entered a plea of guilty to the offense of unlawful compensation.
Findings Of Fact Respondent is and was at all times pertinent to this proceeding a licensed real estate broker with the State of Florida, holding license number 0166810. On June 18, 1982, an information was filed in the circuit court charging that between the dates of December 10, 1980 and December 1, 1981, the respondent "did corruptly request, solicit, accept or agree to accept money not authorized by law for past, present, or future performance, to wit: by sending business to Don's Alignment Shop, which said ALBERT RONALD HURLBERT did represent as having been within his official discretion in violation of a public duty or in performance of a public duty, in violation of Section 838.016, Florida Statutes." On July 16, 1982, the respondent appeared before Judge Thomas Oakley and entered a plea of guilty to the offense of unlawful compensation as charged in the information. Adjudication of guilt was withheld and respondent was placed on probation for a period of four years. Respondent was given an early release from probation on August 30, 1984.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Florida Real Estate Commission enter an order finding that the respondent has been convicted or found guilty of a crime which involves moral turpitude or fraudulent or dishonest dealing and revoking the respondent's real estate license. DONE and ENTERED this 27th day of February, 1985, in Tallahassee, Florida. DIANE A. GRUBBS Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 27th day of February, 1985. COPIES FURNISHED: Fred Langford, Esquire Department of Professional Regulation Division of Real Estate 400 West Robinson Street Orlando, Florida 32801 Mr. Albert R. Hurlbert c/o Hurlbert Realty 8117 Lakeland Street Jacksonville, Florida 32205 Salvatore A. Carpino, Esquire Department of Professional Regulation 130 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Fred Roche, Secretary Department of Professional Regulation 130 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32303 Howard Huff Executive Director Division of Real Estate P. O. Box 1900 Orlando, FL 32802
Findings Of Fact Based on the exhibits received in evidence and on the testimony of the only witness called at the hearing, I make the following findings of fact. Respondent is now and was at all times material hereto a licensed real estate salesman in the state of Florida having been issued license number 0447789 in accordance with Chapter 475, Florida Statutes. The last license issued was as a salesman, c/o Commercial Investment Real Estate, Inc., 1804 Riverview Drive, Post Office Box 3847, Indialantic, Florida 32901. On May 12, 1986, in the United States District Court, Western District of Virginia Roanoke, the Respondent was found guilty of one (1) count of conspiracy to distribute drugs and one (1) count of interstate travel to promote illegal activity in violation of federal law, whereupon the Respondent was sentenced to three (3) years confinement, a $5,000 fine, and three (3) years probation upon release from custody. The Respondent timely notified the Florida Real Estate Commission of the felony convictions. As a result of the foregoing convictions, the Respondent is presently confined to a federal prison. Am appeal of the foregoing convictions is presently pending before a federal appellate court. Respondent's wife, who has not been charged with any violations, is presently employed as a licensed real estate salesperson in Florida. Inasmuch as her last name is the same as Respondent's last name, Respondent is concerned that publication in the FREC newsletter of news regarding discipline imposed on Respondent would have a negative impact on his wife's business reputation.
Recommendation Based on all of the foregoing, it is recommended that the Florida Real Estate Commission enter a final order in this case to the following effect: Finding the Respondent guilty of viola- tions of Section 475.25(1)(f) and (n), Florida Statutes, as charged; Suspending the Respondent's license for a period of five (5) years; Providing that in the event the appeal of Respondent's criminal convictions is successful, the suspension of Respondent's license will be rescinded; and Providing that notice of disciplinary action against Respondent will not be published in the Commission's newsletter until the appeal of Respondent's criminal convictions is final, and then only if that appeal is unsuccessful. DONE AND ENTERED this 18th day of March, 1987, at Tallahassee, Florida. M. M. PARRISH Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 18th day of March, 1987. COPIES FURNISHED: James H. Gillis, Esquire Department of Professional Regulation 400 W. Robinson Street Post Office Box 1900 Orlando, Florida 32802 Mr. James E. Stivers 31492-083 Post Office 600 Dorm 1 F.P.C. Eglin Eglin AFB, Florida 32542 Harold Huff, Executive Director Division of Real Estate Florida Real Estate Commission 400 W. Robinson Street Post Office Box 1900 Orlando, Florida 32802 Van Poole, Secretary Department of Professional Regulation 130 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0750
Findings Of Fact The Defendant was at all times material herein registered with the Florida Real Estate Commission as a real estate salesman. On May 3, 1974, the Acting State Attorney filed before the Circuit Court in and for Broward County, Florida an Amended Information charging the Defendant with the offenses of the sale of unregistered securities and the sale of unregistered securities without being registered as a dealer or salesman in violation of Florida Statutes 517.02(1), 517.07, and 517.12(1). On October 11, 1973, the Defendant entered a plea of N0L0 CONTENDERE to both offenses and Judge Humes T. Lasher, Circuit Judge in and for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, Broward County, Florida, entered an order withholding adjudication of guilt and placed the Defendant on probation for a period of two years. See Commission's Exhibits 1 and 2. Counsel for the Commission takes the position that the Defendant's entry of a NOLO CONTENDERE plea amounts to an admission and therefore a violation of Chapter475.25(1)(a) and (e), Florida Statutes. The Defendant contrary to the position taken by the Commission, avers that no such inference should be deduced from his entry of a NOLO CONTENDERE plea. He further contends that the plea was entered only because of his wife's mental condition and the extreme hardships brought about by above cited charges, and further that he had never been found guilty or the convicted of any crime in this or any other state. In mitigation, the Defendant testified to his honorary and exemplary military service. Chapter 475,25 sets forth grounds for revocation or suspension of a registrant's license with the Florida Real Estate Commission. Subsection 1(a) thereof provides in pertinent part that a registrant's license may be suspended based upon a finding of fact showing that the registrant has: (a) Been guilty of fraud, misrepresentation, concealment, false promises etc. in this state or any other state, nation or territory. . . or (e) Been guilty of a crime against the laws of this state or any other state or of the United States involving moral turpitude, or fraudulent or dishonest dealing; and the record of a conviction certified or authenticated in such form as to be admissible in evidence under the laws of this state, shall be admissible as prime facie evidence of such guilt. On April 30, 1975, Defendant, through his attorney, filed a Motion to Terminate Probation, Adjudicating Petitioner Not Guilty and Set Him Free, which was denied by Judge Lasher on May 12, 1975. In denying said motion to terminate probation, the Judge stated that the Defendant had failed to abide by the rules set forth by the Parole and Probate Commission. No further evidence was presented respecting this motion and/or its disposition. Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact, I hereby make the following: CONCLUSIONS OF LAW The Division of Administrative Hearings has jurisdiction over the subject matter and the parties to this action. The burden of proving that a licensed real estate salesman has violated the Real Estate Licensing Law lies with the Florida Real Estate Commission or its representative. State ex rel Vining v. Florida Real Estate Commission, 281 So.2d 487 (Florida 1973). Insufficient evidence was offered at the hearing to establish that the Defendant based on the allegations contained in Counts 1 and II of the Administrative Complaint filed herein, has engaged in conduct violative of Florida Statutes 475.25(1)(a) and (e). The conduct here alleged and claimed to be violative of the above cited statutes if proven, must rest on a showing that the Defendant has "been guilty of a crime. . ." From the evidence here presented, there was no such showing but rather there was only a showing that an order was entered withholding adjudication of guilt. In view thereof, and since there was no showing that the Defendant has "been guilty of a crime" as set forth in Chapter 475, Florida Statutes, insufficient evidence was offered to establish the allegations.
Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law it is hereby recommended that the Administrative Complaint filed herein be dismissed in its entirety. RECOMMENDED this 1st day of April, 1977, in Tallahassee, Florida. JAMES E. BRADWELL, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings Room 530, Carlton Building Tallahassee, Florida 32304 (904) 488-9675 COPIES FURNISHED: Bruce I. Kamelhair, Esquire 2699 Lee Road Winter Park, Florida 32789 William B. Seidel, Esquire Justice Building 524 South Andrews Avenue Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33301
