Friday, March 12, 2010

Fraudulent asbestos lawyer a Hood fundraising host

This week a federal jury determined William Guy and attorney Thomas Brock should pay Illinois Central Railroad Co. $420,000 in actual and punitive damages for their role in a fraudulent asbestos lawsuit. The "Honorable" William Guy was one of the hosts of this fundraiser for Jim Hood last year.The Associated Press reports, "Guy is a well-known attorney who served two terms as a state representative in the late 1960s and 1970s before moving to the Senate for one term. He ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor as a Democrat in 1995." He also ran unsuccessfully against Senator Bob Dearing in 2007 in the Democratic Primary (64.5% to 35.5%). He has been a donor for many years to Democratic committees, and besides Hood, candidates like John Edwards for President and Congressman Bennie Thompson.

Brock also has contributed more than $3500 to Hood (here, here, here) as well as contributions to Supreme Court Candidate Billy Joe Landrum, Supreme Court Justice James Graves, Supreme Court Candidate Frank Vollor, and others.

“Illinois Central is pleased that a Mississippi federal jury held these plaintiffs’ lawyers liable for fraud in asbestos claims against us,” said Karen Phillips, Vice President of Public and Government Affairs for Illinois Central. Illinois Central attorney Danny Mulholland of Jackson said he's obligated to report the conduct of Guy and Brock to the Mississippi Bar.

"This case is significant because it is the first time I am aware of that a jury has found that asbestos plaintiffs' lawyers committed fraud," said Mark Behrens, a Washington, D.C., attorney with Shook, Hardy & Bacon.

Add Guy and Brock to the list of shady lawyers supporting and connected to Jim Hood. At least this is just a civil verdict, and they aren't in federal prison like Hood's biggest campaign contributors.

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