BLOOMINGTON - A Lincoln attorney accused of secretly videotaping sex with five women and drunk driving was suspended from practicing law for nine months by the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission.

The sanctions were handed down Oct. 7 against Nick Burgrabe, a former Lincoln city attorney, who is in private practice in Logan County.

The disciplinary panel suspended Burgrabe's law license for three years but stayed the sanction after nine months. He also must complete a three-year term of probation.

The charges accused Burgrabe of videotaping the women, including three former clients and his secretary.

"This was not an isolated incident but rather the videotaping continued over the course of about six years, 1991 to 1997," said the ARDC ruling.

Burgrabe also received two DUI citations in 2001 and 2005.

Alcohol dependence and a personality disorder contributed to Burgrabe's problems, according to the ruling.

Mandated psychiatric and alcohol treatment are part of the ARDC order involving the Logan County lawyer.

Witness testimony at the disciplinary hearing indicated that Burgrabe has not used alcohol since 2005. A public apology issued by Burgrabe in February 2007 also suggested he is remorseful for his actions, noted the panel.