Nearly 18 months after a registered nurse in Hialeah, FL, turned his cell phone into the authorities and claimed ownership of child sexual abuse material on his phone, his nursing licenses in Florida and Texas have been permanently revoked.

According to arrest reports, Odumegwu Agbo was being investigated over suspicious activity in his online accounts when he voluntarily surrendered his phone, identifying the child pornography on his phone. His primary defense to the resulting charges was that he was not aware that child pornography was a crime and that had he known, he would have deleted the material.

In the aftermath of the revelation, the Florida Board of Nursing issued an emergency suspension of Agbo's license in March 2023; the Texas Board of Nursing followed suit shortly after with its own emergency suspension. Further investigations revealed that Agbo's nursing diploma was also fake, purchased from a now-defunct diploma mill. Agbo's claim of ignorance resulted in reduced criminal penalties, but as of February 2024, Agbo's licenses have been permanently revoked.

If you are a registered nurse or other licensed professional, and you find yourself embroiled in a dispute or facing allegations that could endanger your license, the Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm can help. Call 888-535-3686 or use our online form to schedule a consultation.

Crimes of "Moral Turpitude"

How do these allegations tie into the loss of a professional license? While a license can be revoked over a wide range of issues, the key element in this case is that it falls into the category of "crimes of moral turpitude," a broad category of criminal acts that reflect adversely on an individual's honesty, integrity, or moral character. From a legal standpoint, these crimes are particularly significant because they can endanger a professional's license to practice. Licensing boards across various professions, including healthcare, hold the authority to revoke or suspend licenses based on criminal convictions, especially those involving moral turpitude. This is because professionals licensed by the state are expected to uphold not only the highest standards of professional competence but also of moral and ethical conduct.

The implications of being charged with, or convicted for, a crime of moral turpitude extend beyond immediate legal consequences. They can lead to long-term professional ramifications, including loss of licensure, which effectively bars individuals from practicing their profession. For licensed professionals, this means the culmination of years of education and training, along with the loss of the ability to earn a livelihood in their chosen field.

The case in Hialeah serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences that can follow when licensed professionals engage in conduct that violates legal and ethical standards. The implications of being charged with, or convicted for, a crime of moral turpitude extend beyond immediate legal consequences. They can lead to long-term professional ramifications, including loss of licensure, which effectively bars individuals from practicing their profession. For licensed professionals, this means the culmination of years of education and training, along with the loss of the ability to earn a livelihood in their chosen field.

Presumed Innocence Does Not Apply

While Agbo plainly admitted to the possession of child porn, it should be noted that licensing boards don't have to presume your innocence if you're accused of wrongdoing. As with this case, licensing boards commonly issue emergency suspensions of a license merely on the accusation itself, opting to "err on the side of caution." This puts you as a professional license holder at a disadvantage if any serious charges are filed against you--regardless of your guilt or innocence.

The Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm has nationwide experience in assisting licensed professionals with complex and serious allegations of wrongdoing. We are here to help you navigate the challenges ahead and work towards securing the best possible outcome. Call 888-535-3686 for an appointment or use our online form to get started.