JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A former Public Defender accused of drinking on the job, inappropriate actions toward women and revealing confidential information about a child client has been disbarred.
Matthew Shirk was ousted from office in 2016, losing to Charlie Cofer.
In 2019, it was widely reported about his distribution of guns and money to family and friends following the failed 2016 bid. In September 2019, the Florida Commission on Ethics agreed to accept a settlement with Shirk for a $6,000 fine for behavior officials called "egregious" according to the Florida Times-Union. Shirk didn't show.
In early 2021, the Florida Supreme Court rejected a deal that would have suspended Shirk for six months, and instead ordered that a formal complaint be filed against him.
"As a sanction, Respondent is disbarred from the practice of law in the State of Florida. Respondent is currently suspended; therefore, this disbarment is effective immediately," the disposition read.
The investigations started as early as 2013, when then-Gov. Rick Scott started the investigation.