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Written by: E. George
Published July 8, 2024 @ 8:30 PM ET
CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. – Authorities arrested a woman on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, for pretending to be a lawyer and “practicing” as one for years. On June 26, 2024, a Chatham County grand jury indicted Sharong Nicole Smith on 14 counts, and she faced several felony charges, including unauthorized practice of law, first-degree forgery, theft by deception, and financial identity fraud.
Smith, who also used the name Nicole Johnston, was accused of using a practicing attorney’s name and bar license number. She reportedly obtained thousands of dollars in illegitimate retainer and legal fees from “clients” and even accepted approximately $2,200 in hair care supplies as payment for her “legal services.”
Smith was detained with a bond of nearly $16,800.
The news agency WTOC called Smith for comments, and she answered the phone but quickly hung up after learning the caller’s identity. This case is pending.