Real estate license not revoked in light of reputation for honesty.

Respondent ran for mayor of Covington in 2011. During his campaign, a young man offered to sell Respondent his opponent’s yard signs that were taken from yards. Respondent took the signs, but stated that he intended to return them to his opponent. Respondent pled guilty to making a false statement and theft by taking. Under the First Offender Act, no adjudication of guilt was made on any of these charges. Respondent stated that he would suffer significant financial harm if he lost his license and presented credible witnesses who testified that Respondent had an excellent reputation for honesty and trustworthiness in the community. The Judge concluded that Respondent did not present a risk to the public in connection to his work in real estate. Accordingly, the Judge concluded that Respondent’s license should not be revoked.