LOS ANGELES — The State Bar Court of California recently suspended Gerald Jong Goo Koh, a Torrance attorney, after the attorney pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute hydrocodone and oxycodone
According to the March 1 decision, Koh was part of a conspiracy to mass distribute oxycodone, a Schedule II substance, and hydrocodone, a Schedule III substance, in San Diego. Koh allegedly shipped multiple packages from San Diego that contained 5,000 to 10,000 hydrocodone pills.
On July 3, 2014, Koh entered a plea agreement with a U.S. district court. He was sentenced to two years of probation with no jail time or fines because of his minor role in the operation, lack of criminal history and that he posed no physical danger or threat to anyone.
The attorney was initially placed on an interim suspension by the California State Bar so Koh could appeal the decision. After the attorney did not appeal, the state bar took disciplinary measures. Koh entered into a pretrial stipulation and showed remorse for his actions. In addition, the attorney was able to provide good character witnesses from nine individuals.
Koh will be suspended from practice for two years followed by a three-year probation. He will need to inform all current clients and opposing counsel of his status and is prohibited from accepting new clients. Before reinstatement, the attorney will also need to attend ethics school and pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam.
Koh is a graduate of the University of San Diego School of Law. He was admitted to the California State Bar in 2004 and had no prior record of discipline.