State Bar Reprimands Ex-Mayor of Brea Over Conflict of Interest

The State Bar of California has reprimanded attorney Ronald E. Isles, the former mayor of Brea who pleaded guilty last October to misdemeanor charges of failing to report a loan on economic disclosure statements and conflict of interest.

Bar officials announced Friday that Isles, 55, of Brea was issued a public reprimand, the second lowest form of discipline a lawyer in California can receive for impropriety. Private reprimand is the least serious finding.

The State Bar action stems from a 1992 criminal case, in which Isles was charged with failing to report a $5-million loan on economic disclosure statements, and making decisions as a Brea City Council member that benefited entities in which he had a financial interest.

Isles ended up pleading guilty to seven of 21 misdemeanor counts under a provision of law that allowed him to do so without admitting any wrongdoing. He was placed on three years’ probation and ordered to pay fines and assessments of $13,500.

According to State Bar investigators, Isles committed no acts of moral turpitude, nor did he harm a client. The findings of a Bar report on the case also show that he did not gain or stand to gain any financial advantage from his City Council votes or his failure to disclose the loan.

Under the terms of his discipline, Isles must complete a one-day course at the State Bar Ethics School within a year of receiving his reprimand letter.