Extortion Attempt Earns West Des Moines Attorney Reprimand from Iowa Supreme Court

West Des Moines defense attorney Dean Stowers attempted to extort money from his ex-wife's former employer, according to a ruling today by the Iowa Supreme Court. 

The Des Moines Business Record reports that Stowers' license to practice law was suspended and he was given a public reprimand. Supreme Court justices found that Stowers violated four disciplinary rules.

According to the Business Record:

The case has its roots in a 2005 sexual harassment complaint brought by Jan Reis against Care Initiatives Inc., a Texas-based nonprofit that is Iowa's largest nursing home operator.

At the time she brought the complaint, Reis was the company's chief operating officer. She also was married to Stowers. According to court documents, the case led to the couple's divorce in 2011.

Reis ultimately filed a lawsuit against Care Initiatives, alleging that she was fired in November 2005 in retaliation for filing the sexual harassment complaint and for being a whistle blower.

Care Initiatives settled the case for $4 million. While the case was pending, Reis and her attorneys agreed to keep certain documents confidential. She also agreed to return the documents to Care Initiatives following the settlement.

However, Stowers claimed he was not bound by the agreement.

On Feb. 12, 2008, Stowers, while he was still married to Reis, sent an email to Care Initiatives' president with the subject line: "It looks as though your time has come." The email said the executive should resign by 4 p.m. the following day.

On Feb. 13, 2008, Stowers sent an email to a Care Initiatives board member with the subject line: "Your time is up."

The email went on to say: "Don't doubt my resolve, ability to carry through, or intent to seek complete vindication ... You have a very narrow window of opportunity that you and any legal counsel representing you personally should jump on without delay before it closes. Don't make this painful for yourself."

That email also said the board member should quit the board and donate $100,000 to a charity in Reis' name.

Care Initiatives' attorneys were unsuccessful in attempts to have Stowers return the confidential documents from this then-wife's case.