Attorney Juan "Tony" Arreola, who is being investigated for fraud by the Wilson Police Department, has been placed on "disability inactive status" by the North Carolina State Bar.
While Wilson police are investigating formal complaints filed since November, Arreola submitted a doctor's letter on Dec. 9, according to a report by the association, reporting mental health issues that affect his professional capacity.
Arreola was accused in social networks of taking more than $100,000 from his clients and disappearing without fulfilling the agreed upon legal services.
The situation has raised concerns among affected customers and local organisations involved.
What are the charges against lawyer Juan Arreola?
More than 30 clients paid for services to the Arreola Law Office attorney without receiving their services, according to complaints on social media.
The message alleges that attorney Juan Arreola fired his staff without notice, turned off his phone and closed his business without providing information to those affected.
According to the publication, the total sum of the payments amounted to more than $100,000. The legal services include DWI (driving under the influence), criminal and immigration cases.
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Police investigation underway
The Wilson Police Department is investigating formal complaints of fraud filed by at least 13 victims since November.
“At this time, Mr. Arreola’s cases are still under investigation,” Sergeant Eric J. McInerny told Enlace Latino NC “Detectives have been speaking with potential victims and are awaiting court orders to obtain financial records.”
The sergeant said they are working closely with the state bar association and the Wilson County Attorney's Office on this matter.
“Fraud investigations typically take longer to resolve due to financial records, institutions, court orders, etc.,” McInerny explained.
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“Inactive” due to mental health issues
Attorney Juan Arreola, admitted to the North Carolina Bar in 2017, was placed on “disability inactive status” after submitting a letter from his mental health provider on December 9, 2024, according to an agency report.
“Arreola currently suffers from a mental condition that significantly impairs his professional judgment, performance or competence as an attorney,” the document reads. “Arreola consents to be transferred to inactive disability status.”
Any pending complaints or disciplinary actions against Arreola will be suspended while he is on disability inactive status. Those complaints will not be processed until Arreola returns to active practice.
However, “the Bar may continue to investigate allegations of professional misconduct and may preserve evidence of Arreola's alleged professional misconduct while he is on inactive disability status,” the order explains.
What's next for your customers?
Attorneys Christopher Lusby and Alejandro BuenRostro will serve as joint trustees of Arreola's law practice.
Both attorneys will have access to Arreola Law Office documents and will be required to contact and address the concerns of affected clients.
The North Carolina Bar Association administers a Client Security Fund to reimburse persons affected by the dishonest conduct of privately practising lawyers.
“In cases where there may be financial loss and/or an attorney is no longer providing representation, the Bar Association will, where possible, provide general guidance to clients to help them resolve their situation,” Philip Kulczewski, the organization’s director of communications, told Enlace Latino NC .
Affected customers who wish to share their experience can contact Enlace Latino NC through our WhatsApp number: http://wa.me/19195205159.
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Wilson's Blue House and its relationship with Arreola
Arreola was a member of the board of directors of Wilson's Casa Azul organization and rented his office in the same building.
In response to the allegations, Casa Azul de Wilson clarified in a statement that his connection with Arreola was limited to the shared leasing of the physical space and that the lawyer was part of his board of directors in 2022, but retired in 2023.
According to the statement, clients who have visited the office looking for the lawyer have been informed that they have also lost contact with him.
“We are deeply saddened by this situation and understand the community members who are upset,” the statement read. “As an organization, we remain committed to our mission of serving and supporting our community through our four pillars of work: educational equity, culture, civic engagement, and community development.”
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