San Luis Obispo Broker Surrenders License Amid Disciplinary Action

Former real estate broker and attorney John Belsher faces allegations of corruption, dishonesty, and breach of fiduciary duty.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 9:17am

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John Belsher, a former real estate broker and attorney in San Luis Obispo, California, surrendered his broker's license in October 2025 amid disciplinary proceedings with the California Department of Real Estate. Belsher is also accused of obstructing justice in a federal investigation into corruption in SLO County, and the California State Bar has filed 12 disciplinary charges against him, including allegations of corruption, dishonesty, moral turpitude, and breach of fiduciary duty.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about corruption and misconduct in the real estate and legal industries in San Luis Obispo County. Belsher's alleged actions, including conspiring to bribe a former county supervisor, raise questions about the integrity of local government and the ability of regulators to hold professionals accountable.

The details

The California Department of Real Estate filed an accusation against Belsher in April 2025 for failing to maintain a principal office in the state and not reporting the office closure as required. Belsher was permitted to surrender his license in October 2025 in connection with the disciplinary action. The California State Bar also filed 12 disciplinary charges against Belsher, including allegations of corruption, dishonesty, moral turpitude, and breach of fiduciary duty. Belsher resigned from the State Bar in January 2026, but the state bar is asking the California Supreme Court to reject his resignation because it would 'reinforce a negative rhetoric that attorneys cannot conform to their ethical and professional responsibilities.'

  • In April 2025, the California Department of Real Estate filed an accusation against Belsher.
  • On October 17, 2025, Belsher surrendered his real estate broker's license.
  • On October 24, 2025, the California State Bar filed 12 disciplinary charges against Belsher.
  • On January 12, 2026, Belsher resigned from the State Bar of California.
  • On March 13, 2026, the state bar asked the California Supreme Court to reject Belsher's resignation.

The players

John Belsher

A former real estate broker and attorney in San Luis Obispo, California, who surrendered his broker's license and resigned from the State Bar amid disciplinary proceedings.

Ryan Petetit-Wright

Belsher's former business partner, who is currently serving a five-year prison sentence for conspiracy to commit fraud.

Adam Hill

A former San Luis Obispo County Supervisor who was allegedly on the payroll of Belsher and Petetit-Wright's company, PB Companies, and helped them obtain building permits and meetings with city and county officials.

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What they’re saying

“'I freely and voluntarily surrender all my licenses and license rights under the Real Estate Law. I understand that by surrendering my license(s), the allegations in the accusation shall be deemed true and I waive all rights to a hearing and judicial review.'”

— John Belsher, Former Real Estate Broker

“'Respondent's misconduct is serious as respondent's deceitful and corrupt conduct was complex and prolonged, and it involved respondent depriving his clients of a significantly higher amount than in the referenced cases. Respondent has repeatedly failed to uphold the most basic duties of an attorney.'”

— California State Bar

What’s next

The California Supreme Court will decide whether to accept Belsher's resignation from the State Bar, which would effectively stop the ongoing disciplinary proceedings against him.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in holding real estate and legal professionals accountable for misconduct and corruption in San Luis Obispo County. It raises questions about the integrity of local government and the ability of regulators to effectively discipline those who abuse their positions of trust.