The indictment alleges that Harmon was hired by Christian Pantages, a computer equipment dealer charged with selling stolen high-tech goods to IT resellers, to defend state court charges. According to the indictment, Pantages signed two checks from suppliers over to Harmon, totaling $127,550. Later, Harmon wrote checks back to the client's wife totaling $45,000 — including three consecutive checks on the same day for $10,000 each. The lawyer wrote Pantages' wife another check a year later for just over $54,000.
Prosecutors allege those fees came from stolen goods, and that Harmon "knew that the property involved in the financial transactions — represented the proceeds of some form of unlawful activity." Harmon was released on $100,000 bond. Pantages received $50,000 bond.
Stalcup told The Recorder that the money transfers between his boss and Pantages was Harmon's effort to return unused retainer fees and that she had no knowledge the money originated from a criminal enterprise.
Given Harmon's recent troubles, many were not particularly surprised by the allegations. Harmon is already facing State Bar disciplinary proceedings for negligence in client representation. Harmon has been cited three times for providing incorrect legal advice. Also among the allegations, are failure to appear on behalf of clients and lying to clients.
Harmon also faced criticism when she was accused of using media hype to tout her San Jose firm, Harmon & Associates. Harmon and a fellow lawyer had claimed that they represented John Mark Karr in the high-profile Jon Benet Ramsey case when in fact they never had.
Harmon's attorney for the State Bar proceeding, Jonathan Arons, said she willing to admit some mistakes, but that most of the State Bar charges are way overblown.
State Bar prosecutor Manuel Jimenez said his office is seeking disbarment.
