Man confined to sexually violent facility sues attorney facing solicitation of sex and pot charges

A man confined to a facility that houses residents classified as sexually violent is suing a Madison County attorney who awaits trials on solicitation of sexual acts and possession of cannabis.

Larry P. Moore, who resides at Rushville Treatment and Detention facility in Rushville, filed suit against attorney Bradford E. Hunt of Alton on March 3, claiming legal malpractice stemming from the state’s case against Moore.

“Defendant Hunt told Plaintiff and his late mother that he could have plaintiff released from under the Illinois Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act…if Plaintiff had his mother give him $2,500,” the complaint states.

Moore claims his mother paid Hunt because he allegedly promised to get the commitment case dismissed, yet he “never did anything.”

“Defendant Hunt instead took this money and only appeared at about three of the approximately 11-12 scheduled court appearances” in 2012 and 2013, Moore claims.

He says he terminated Hunt in February 2013.

On top of the Madison County criminal charges, Hunt is facing possible discipline from the state’s high court on unrelated matters.

The Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) lodged a complaint against Hunt last May, accusing him of using $60,000 in client funds for his own purposes.

The ARDC amended the complaint in February, charging him with unauthorized practice of law, saying that he had been removed from the master roll of attorneys by April 2013, yet continued to represent clients by appearing before the court, filing pleadings and filing his appearance on behalf of at least one client.

Hunt is scheduled to appear for trial on marijuana charges March 10. He is accused of growing 24 pot plants in his Alton home.

His solicitation trial is scheduled to begin April 10. Grand jurors indicted him last year on charges that he solicited two women in exchange for legal services.

Moore is representing himself in the lawsuit against Hunt. He seeks the return of the $2,500 payment, as well as $60,000 in compensatory damages and costs of the suit.

Madison County case number 14-L-337.