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Lawyer won't face criminal charges

Evidence that the Pinellas attorney coerced a client into sex was not sufficient to establish sexual battery.

By ABHI RAGHUNATHAN
Published April 14, 2006

The State Attorney's Office won't file criminal charges against Pinellas attorney Bruce R. Young, who was accused of coercing sex from a female client.

Bill Loughery, an assistant state attorney and director of the felony division, said Thursday that an investigation couldn't establish that Young committed sexual battery.

"There was insufficient evidence to prove the element of nonconsent," Loughery said.

John Tuthill, Young's attorney, did not respond to several telephone messages Thursday.

The decision brings Young closer to ending a long legal ordeal. Last week, Judge Raul C. Palomino Jr. found Young not guilty of two lurid Florida Bar complaints. Palomino did find Young guilty of a third charge and recommended the Florida Supreme Court publicly reprimand him.

Young's troubles began when former client Kimberly Vullo claimed he coerced her into sex on his office sofa during their first meeting. She said Young threatened her with violence and told her she would lose her children if she didn't comply, forcing her to engage in a sexual relationship for three years. Young admitted to a sexual relationship with Vullo, but said it was consensual and sparked by Vullo. He denied threatening her, using violence, or having sex with her during their first meeting.

Palomino said Vullo's account had many inconsistencies, and dismissed the two most sensational charges. But he did find Young guilty of conduct "prejudicial to the administration of justice" based on allegations that he had a "sexual retainer contract" in his office that he showed to clients.

Young said the contract was a joke.

Times reporter Chris Tisch contributed to this report. Abhi Raghunathan can be reached at araghunathan@sptimes.com or 727 893-8472.

[Last modified April 14, 2006, 01:55:46]