Former judge Stringer disbarred by Florida Supreme Court

The Florida Supreme Court today disbarred former 2nd District Court of Appeal Judge Thomas Stringer.

The court followed the recommendation of the Florida Bar Association and stripped Stringer of his license to practice law for five years effective immediately.

The judge's attorney, John Lauro, said Stringer voluntarily requested disbarment and wanted the matter concluded before sentencing in federal court in November.

"This is part of the process of Judge Stringer accepting full responsibility in this matter,'' Lauro said. Lauro said he and Stringer felt it was important that the former judge take these steps.

Stringer pleaded guilty to bank fraud in August. That brought on disciplinary proceedings by the Florida Bar Association.

"This disbarment for five years is a death sentence for his legal career," said Pat Anderson, former Judicial Qualifications Commission prosecutor. "It's a big deal, a big deal."

Asked if this effectively puts an end to Stringer's legal career Lauro said, "At this point, he doesn't have any intention on reapplying for admission.''

An 8 On Your Side investigation in March 2008 revealed the 2nd District Court Appeal judge helped stripper Christy Yamanaka hide money from her creditors. Yamanaka owed credit card companies more than $300,000.

"The judge suggested to me to put the money into his account, due to his position nobody bothered him so it would be safe," Yamanaka told News Channel 8 in March 2008.

Bank deposit slips showed Yamanaka deposited tens of thousands of dollars into Stringer's bank accounts during the time she owed creditors hundreds of thousands.

Records also show Yamanaka showered the judge with gifts, such as Rolex watches and an expense-paid trip to New York City.

The judge failed to report the gifts, which was required by Florida law.

Stringer also purchased a house in Hawaii with Yamanaka. He left her name off the mortgage and provided false information on the loan application.

"What happened here was a long term pattern of conduct," Anderson said. "The court is pretty intolerant of judges who misbehave in a blatant way like this.''

Following News Channel 8's reports, Florida's JQC, the agency that investigates judges, began investigating Stringer. So did the FBI.

The state filed misconduct charges against Stringer in January.

Stringer abruptly retired in February, just days before JQC prosecutors were to question him under oath.

In July, the U.S. Attorney's office announced it had reached a plea agreement with the former judge. The government charged Stringer with bank fraud for filing false and misleading information on the mortgage application for the Hawaiian home.

Stringer pleaded guilty to the charge in August.

After the plea, the Florida Bar and Stringer agreed in September to a disbarment. It called for Stringer's disbarment for five years and for the ex-judge to reimburse the organization $1,250 for its expenses in the disciplinary process.