A Minneapolis lawyer who made false statements under oath while being interviewed as a potential juror was suspended last week for 60 days, according to an order by the state Supreme Court.
On a questionnaire, Benjamin Warpeha failed to disclose a 2004 misdemeanor conviction for indecent conduct and, while under oath, made misrepresentations. The conviction, which was under a stay of imposition, was later dismissed.
The case for which Warpeha was being considered as a juror involved a defendant charged with kidnapping and first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
In addition to the suspension, Warpeha agreed to pay $900 in court costs and retake the professional responsibility portion of the state bar exam.
JANE FRIEDMANN
