TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Supreme Court permanently disbarred Melbourne attorney Joseph Pallante III, who is currently serving two life sentences plus 90 years for sexual battery.
"Pallante was found guilty in court of 42 counts of sexual battery on a child younger than 12 years old, and other sexual battery offenses regarding children," the Florida Bar said in announcement of the Supreme Court's Aug. 23 order.
Pallante, 49, currently is serving his sentence in close custody at Columbia Correctional Institution Annex in Lake City.
Florida Department of Corrections mugshot of disbarred Melbourne attorney Joseph Pallante III
Florida court orders are not final until time to file a rehearing motion expires. Filing such a motion does not alter the effective date of Pallante's permanent disbarment.
Pallante, a University of Miami School of Law graduate, appears to no longer have a profile at the state bar website. He was admitted to the bar in Florida Sept. 16, 2004, according to a previous profile. Pallante had no other discipline before the state bar.
Pallante, a former Brevard County deputy sheriff, was arrested by Indian Harbour Beach police outside his home in February 2014 on charges of molestation and sexual battery.
Pallante was indefinitely suspended following a Supreme Court order in December.
In May, the referee assigned to Pallante's state bar disciplinary matter recommended the Supreme Court find Pallante guilty of misconduct and permanently disbarment.
"Permanent disbarment is appropriate in this case due to respondent's life sentences," the referee's report said.