A Florida lawyer from Coral Gables is currently under fire for serious allegations of stalking and harassing a fellow attorney, causing such distress that the victim felt compelled to send his employees home from his law office. The accused lawyer, Carlos L. Santi, 43, was taken into custody with damning evidence in hand – pizza boxes bearing the names of the targeted lawyer and his spouse, as reported by Law.com, the Miami Herald, and WPLG.
The victim, also a lawyer based in Coral Gables, took the brave step of contacting the authorities on February 4th to report the disturbing behavior exhibited by Santi. According to the allegations outlined in an arrest report and an affidavit referenced in various news outlets, Santi’s actions included unwelcome visits to the victim’s workplace, lurking outside his residence while sending intimidating texts, and even sending threatening rap lyrics to the victim, mentioning his children in the process.
The gravity of the situation was further highlighted by video evidence capturing Santi’s unsettling behavior as he surveyed the victim’s home while appearing fixated on the property. In response to these distressing events, Judge Mindy S. Glazer of the Miami-Dade circuit court swiftly issued a stay-away order to safeguard the targeted attorney and his family from any further harm or harassment.
This alarming incident comes on the heels of Santi’s recent reprimand in a civil case presided over by U.S. Magistrate Judge Nicholas P. Mizell in the Middle District of Florida. In a condo association lawsuit, Santi faced criticism for neglecting to submit a required disclosure and appoint lead counsel, despite repeated reminders. Judge Mizell’s stern response included referring Santi to the court’s grievance committee for counseling on refining his legal practices and addressing any necessary corrective measures. Additionally, Santi was directed to contribute $200 to the Southwest Florida Federal Court Bar Association to support ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing the standards of legal practice.
As this unsettling saga unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding professional conduct and respecting boundaries within the legal realm. The repercussions of such egregious behavior not only tarnish individual reputations but also cast a shadow over the legal community as a whole. Let us strive to uphold the principles of integrity, respect, and ethical behavior in all our interactions, both within and beyond the legal profession.
