Attorney A. Todd Merolla of Atlanta; contemptuous loser

The state of Georgia presented A. Todd Merolla (ATM) with a law license in 1995 after he graduated from Emory University Law School. Todd also received a law license from the state of New York in 1996 and Florida in 2007.

In one matter, Todd was found guilty of Contempt of Court for interfering with a court-appointed receive to run “The Sloppy Tuna,” a wild beachfront nightspot that helped transform Montauk into a party destination. (Jason Grant, New York Law Journal)

The contempt order came about because Todd failed to appear at a court-ordered hearing by telling Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice Jerry Garguilo in a note:

“I have significant concerns regarding the procedural and jurisdictional posture of the scheduled contempt hearing for January 9-10, 2017 to the extent directed at me."

Judge Garguilo was the presiding judge in an ongoing legal battle involving four owners of The Sloppy Tuna. Judge Garguilo cited Mikes “audacity” in a lengthy contempt order. Judge Garguilo’s order said in part:

• "This court cannot stand idly by and simply accept the utter disrespect for this court's directives."
• "Additionally, Mr. Merolla has the unmitigated gall to suggest the appointment of a receiver in this most contentious litigation, represented a usurpation of power."

Mike was found in contempt of court even though he wasn’t a party to the lawsuit in Suffolk County. Despite said fact, Judge Garguilo’s contempt order went on to state:

• "Although Mr. Merolla is not a named respondent, he, as an officer of the court, can be punished for his disobedience of this court's order."
• "It is undisputed that he was aware of the 'non-interference' order."

All that remains now is to see what if any punishment is meted out to Todd by the enablers for Attorney Misfits sitting on the New York Disciplinary Committee and/or the Georgia Supreme Court.

As we speak (ca. August 2017), Todd practices with Merolla & Gold LLP at 75 14^th Street NE in Atlanta, Georgia.