Thorpe

Petitioner Robert T. Thorpe, D.V.M., appeals the denial of his petition for writ of mandate (Code Civ. Proc., § 1094.5) following the revocation of his license to practice veterinary medicine.

On May 21, 1977, after a plea of not guilty, Thorpe was convicted in the United States District Court of conspiring to import 12,000 pounds of marijuana in violation of 21 United States Code sections 952 , 960 and 963, and with attempting to defraud American Motorists Insurance Company in violation of 18 United States Code section 1341 . The basis of the mail fraud case was he applied for insurance for two boats and an outboard motor, reported them stolen and attempted to recover insurance benefits knowing the boats and motor had not been stolen.

On June 22, 1978, the Board of Examiners in Veterinary Medicine (Board) filed an accusation against Thorpe alleging he had violated Business and Professions Code sections 490 and 4882 and sought disciplinary action under Business and Professions Code section 4875. The administrative law judge heard the case and rendered a proposed decision the felonies involved moral turpitude, they related to the qualification, functions or duties of the…