Attorney John A. Aretakis was suspended for one year Thursday by an Appellate Division, 3rd Department, panel for engaging in “undignified and discourteous conduct degrading to the court,” much of it while handling cases alleging sexual abuse by Roman Catholic priests.
The panel unanimously upheld professional misconduct charges made by the Committee on Professional Standards. While frequently rebuked and fined by judges hearing his cases, the penalty levied by the court Thursday was the first public disciplinary action against Aretakis by a professional standards committee.
