Aiken attorney reinstated to practice of law

Attorney: John William Harte Jr.

Location: Aiken

Bar membership: First admitted to the bar in 1971

Disciplinary action: Reinstated to the practice of law on Feb. 1

Background: Harte was disbarred in October 2011 after he knowingly conspired with a client to take actions that were intended to hide, conceal, and protect the proceeds and assets that resulted from the client’s criminal activities. He pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and money laundering in 2009, and was later committed to the custody of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons to be imprisoned for a term of 12 months and one day. He was deemed to be jointly and severally liable for restitution in the amount of $483,350. Harte filed a petition for reinstatement pursuant to Rule 33, RLDE, and after referral to the Committee on Character and Fitness, the committee recommended that the South Carolina Supreme Court reinstate him to the practice of law. The Supreme Court granted the petition upon the conditions that Harte continue making restitution payments and report quarterly his compliance with his restitution obligation to the Commission on Lawyer Conduct.

Previous discipline: None prior to the disbarment