The Rhode Island Supreme Court is considering an emergency petition to immediately suspend attorney Joseph Molina Flynn amid allegations of client fund misappropriation and ongoing federal investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies.
On Oct. 6, 2025, the state's Chief Disciplinary Counsel filed an Emergency Petition for Immediate Interim Suspension against Flynn, a solo practitioner who primarily focused on immigration law with some criminal and family law matters. The petition seeks Flynn's immediate suspension and the appointment of Disciplinary Counsel as Special Master under Article III, Rule 5(b)(6) of the Supreme Court Rules.
The disciplinary action stems from a May 12, 2025 Petition for Discipline involving 12 former clients. According to the petition, Flynn allegedly took legal fees from clients while performing little or no services, neglected client files, misappropriated and co-mingled client funds, and was uncooperative during the disciplinary investigation. The petition also alleges Flynn made misrepresentations to Disciplinary Counsel during their investigation.
The attorney discipline case coincides with a multi-agency federal criminal investigation targeting Flynn for financial crimes. The investigation involves the Providence Police Department, Department of Homeland Security, Internal Revenue Service, and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On Jan. 23, 2025, federal agents and Providence Police executed a search warrant at Flynn's law office. The coordinated search involved agents from Homeland Security, the IRS, and the FBI, indicating the scope and seriousness of the federal investigation.
Flynn's financial troubles extend beyond the current allegations. The petition reveals he has outstanding federal tax liens filed in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, for tax years 2009, 2010, and 2011. According to the disciplinary counsel, Flynn has not filed state or federal income taxes since 2011, suggesting a pattern of tax non-compliance spanning more than a decade.
The emergency suspension petition represents one of the most serious forms of attorney discipline available to the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Emergency suspensions are typically reserved for cases where an attorney poses an immediate threat to clients or the public, or where there is evidence of serious misconduct that could continue if the attorney remains licensed.
Flynn's practice concentration in immigration law makes the allegations particularly concerning, as immigration clients often face time-sensitive deadlines and vulnerable circumstances. Immigration attorneys handle matters involving deportation proceedings, asylum claims, family reunification cases, and other issues where delays or neglect can have severe consequences for clients' legal status and family stability.
The co-mingling and misappropriation of client funds represents a fundamental violation of attorney ethics rules. Attorneys are required to maintain client funds in separate trust accounts and never use those funds for personal expenses or other purposes. When attorneys improperly handle client money, it can result in both disciplinary action and criminal charges.
The involvement of multiple federal agencies suggests the investigation may encompass various financial crimes, potentially including tax evasion, money laundering, or fraud. The IRS's participation indicates possible tax-related violations, while Homeland Security's involvement could relate to immigration fraud or other federal crimes within their jurisdiction.
The disciplinary petition's allegation that Flynn was uncooperative during the investigation adds another layer of professional misconduct. Attorneys are required to cooperate with disciplinary investigations, and failure to do so can result in additional sanctions even if the underlying allegations are not proven.
For Flynn's current clients, an emergency suspension would require immediate action to protect their interests. If the court grants the petition to appoint Disciplinary Counsel as Special Master, that person would be responsible for securing client files, protecting confidential information, and ensuring clients can access their files and funds.
The case highlights the dual nature of attorney misconduct proceedings, which can involve both professional discipline through state bar authorities and criminal prosecution through federal or state courts. While disciplinary proceedings focus on protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the legal profession, criminal investigations address potential violations of federal law.
The timing of the emergency petition, filed months after the initial disciplinary case and federal search, suggests the situation may have deteriorated or new evidence emerged that prompted urgent action. Emergency suspensions are not granted lightly and typically require clear evidence of serious misconduct that poses an ongoing risk.
Flynn's case serves as a reminder of attorneys' fiduciary duties to their clients and the serious consequences of violating those obligations. The legal profession's self-regulation system relies on disciplinary authorities to identify and address misconduct that undermines public trust in the legal system.
The Rhode Island Supreme Court has not yet ruled on the emergency suspension petition. If granted, Flynn would be prohibited from practicing law pending resolution of the disciplinary proceedings and any criminal charges that may result from the federal investigation.