Opinion
D-51 September Term 2021 086529
03-11-2022
In the MATTER OF Ana Ramona TOLENTINO, an Attorney at Law (Attorney No. 010921997)
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 21-116, recommending that Ana Ramona Tolentino of Jersey City, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1997, be disbarred for violating RPC 1.15(a) and the principles of In re Wilson, 81 N.J. 451, 409 A.2d 1153 (1979) and In re Hollendonner, 102 N.J. 21, 504 A.2d 1174 (1985) ( knowing misappropriation of client and escrow funds; failure to safeguard property belonging to a client or a third party), RPC 1.15(b) (failure to promptly disburse funds), RPC 1.15(d) (recordkeeping violations), RPC 8.1(a) (making a false statement in connection with a disciplinary matter), and RPC 8.4(c) (engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation);
And Ana Ramona Tolentino having been ordered to show cause why she should not be disbarred or otherwise disciplined;
And the Court having accepted the motions submitted by respondent, having heard oral argument, and having conducted its de novo review based on the record in accordance with Rule 1:20-16 (c);
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that Ana Ramona Tolentino be disbarred, effective immediately, and that her name be stricken from the roll of attorneys; and it is further
ORDERED that Ana Ramona Tolentino be and hereby is permanently restrained and enjoined from practicing law; and it is further ORDERED that all funds, if any, currently existing or hereinafter deposited in any New Jersey financial institution maintained by Ana Ramona Tolentino pursuant to Rule 1:21-6 shall be transferred by the financial institution to the Clerk of the Superior Court, who is directed to deposit the funds in the Superior Court Trust Fund pending the further Order of this Court; and it is further
ORDERED that Ana Ramona Tolentino comply with Rule 1:20-20 dealing with disbarred attorneys; and it is further
ORDERED that the entire record of this matter be made a permanent part of respondent's file as an attorney at law of this State; and it is further
ORDERED that respondent reimburse the Disciplinary Oversight Committee for appropriate administrative costs and actual expenses incurred in the prosecution of this matter, as provided in Rule 1:20-17.