News Summary
Joseph Molina Flynn, a prominent attorney and judge, has been suspended from practicing law due to an FBI investigation into allegations of client misconduct. The Rhode Island Supreme Court took this step to protect the public and maintain legal integrity, following claims that Flynn took fees without providing adequate services. The investigation also reveals potential financial irregularities, including tax liens and mismanagement of client funds. A special master will oversee Flynn’s client files during this period.
Central Falls – Prominent attorney and municipal court judge Joseph Molina Flynn has been temporarily suspended from practicing law by the Rhode Island Supreme Court due to an ongoing FBI investigation into allegations of client misconduct. The court issued the suspension to protect the public and uphold the integrity of the legal profession amid serious claims against Molina Flynn.
The Chief Disciplinary Counsel for Rhode Island filed an Emergency Petition for Immediate Interim Suspension, which was granted by the court. The investigation focuses on accusations that Molina Flynn, who previously specialized in immigration law, took legal fees from at least twelve clients while providing little to no legal services in return.
Allegations against Molina Flynn include neglecting client files, misappropriating client funds, and co-mingling those funds with his business accounts. Additionally, he has reportedly been uncooperative with the Disciplinary Counsel’s efforts during the investigation. Records have shown troubling financial practices, including the failure to maintain client fees in a protected trust account.
An FBI raid on Molina Flynn’s law office was conducted on January 23, 2025, as part of the investigation. The state’s disciplinary counsel has expressed significant concerns following a review of Molina Flynn’s bank records, which revealed that he had been mixing client funds with his business checking account.
In conjunction with the allegations of misconduct in client dealings, Molina Flynn is also facing serious financial issues. Federal tax liens have been filed against him in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, for tax years 2009 to 2011, and he has not filed any state or federal income taxes since 2011. The fiscal irregularities have compounded the investigation into his law practice.
In a significant move, a court-appointed attorney, referred to as a “special master,” will take over Molina Flynn’s client files and have access to his former office and documents following the suspension. This measure has been put in place to ensure that clients are not adversely affected during the ongoing proceedings.
Moreover, Molina Flynn may face potential civil action from the Rhode Island U.S. Attorney’s Office concerning allegations of lying on a mortgage application for his East Greenwich home. This mortgage application involved a $585,000 loan for a home purchased for $650,000 in 2019. Federal prosecutors have indicated that Molina Flynn cannot participate in the civil discovery process without risking self-incrimination in the ongoing criminal investigation.
The implications of this case extend beyond legal and financial realms, as it raises questions about trust and accountability in the legal profession. Molina Flynn’s temporary removal from practice serves as a reminder of the ethical responsibilities attorneys hold toward their clients and the legal system.
As the investigation progresses, further developments are anticipated. The Rhode Island Supreme Court’s action underscores a commitment to maintaining a standard of ethics and professionalism within the legal community, serving both the interests of justice and public trust.
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Additional Resources
- WPRI: RI Supreme Court Suspends Law License of Former Judge
- Wikipedia: Legal Profession
- GoLocalProv: RI Supreme Court Suspends Molina Flynn
- Google Search: Joseph Molina Flynn
- Boston Globe: Immigration Attorney Suspended
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lawyer
- ABC6: FBI Investigating at Pond in Burrillville
- Google News: FBI Investigation Rhode Island
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
