Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 7, 1994 TAG: 9404070119
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MICHAEL STOWE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Theresa Shell would not reveal terms of the settlement. She said only that the money would be used to pay counseling expenses for her daughter Melanie, 15, whom Read also was accused of harassing.
"I'm glad this part's over, but I wouldn't consider it completely behind us," Shell said Wednesday. "I'm not finished until he can't practice law ever again."
Calls to Read's attorney were not returned.
The Virginia State Bar suspended Read's license for the second time in nine years last month as a result of Shell's allegations and after the former commonwealth's attorney submitted a letter detailing a severe personality disorder.
The indefinite suspension doesn't prohibit Read from reapplying for his law license after counseling. Shell said she'll do anything in her power to make sure that never happens.
"I'm certainly not out to get John," she said. "I just don't want this to happen to anyone else."
Shell hired Read last fall to represent her regarding problems caused by defective breast implants. She also hired him to represent Melanie, who suffered injuries in an auto accident.
She said Read abused their trust by humiliating her with vulgar sexual remarks and by making physical advances on both of them. Shell, who now lives near Richmond, said her daughter still suffers post-traumatic stress from the incident and is receiving counseling.
Shell never filed a malpractice suit against Read. She said she was ready to file two suits - one for her and one for Melanie - when the settlement was reached.
Read's law license was previously suspended in 1986 after seven women testified that Read had fondled them or rubbed his sock-clad feet over their legs.
by CNB