Category: Law Firm Newswire – Legal News

Northville, MI (Law Firm Newswire) June 26, 2019 - Acting Defense Secretary Patrick M. Shanahan announced in a memo that the Department of Defense has created the Sexual Assault Accountability and Investigation Task Force to investigate the pervasive issue of sexual assault in the military and to improve the processes surrounding it.

Shanahan said that the task force was established out of necessity after the “unacceptable” results of the 2018 Report on Sexual Assault and Harassment in military academies. The task force intends to review policies and processes surrounding sexual assault and make recommendations on how to better them as well as how to protect the rights of the victims of sexual crimes and those accused of them.

“Sexual assault within the military is a terrible problem,” says James G. Fausone, lead attorney at Legal Help for Veterans, and a veteran himself. “Given the devastating effect on the lives of survivors of sexual assault, it is imperative the government address it completely and implement real change to prevent it.”

The task force aims to uphold the integrity of the military justice system and provide improved support to victims of sexual misconduct.
Legal Help for Veterans is a firm which represents veterans and their family members in matters of federal benefits. The firm is comprised of former service members who understand what it means to have served our country.

Learn more at http://www.legalhelpforveterans.com

Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC
41700 West Six Mile Road, Suite 101
Northville, MI 48168
Toll Free Phone: 800.693.4800

• VA will pay Army vet $40,000 in back benefits
  A disabled Army vet from New Jersey will soon be paid $40,000 in back benefits from the Veterans Administration. Ronald Choplinski, 71, was awarded the money after the VA Board of Veterans’ Appeals decided in January 2018 to upgrade the severity of his disability and that he should have been compensated for it earlier than […]
• Study finds brain changes for veterans with TBI and PTSD
  A new study recently published by the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation found that veterans and active duty military personnel with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder and mild traumatic brain injuries have larger amygdalae than others who only have brain injuries. The amygdala is the area of the brain associated with emotions, especially fear, anxiety, anger […]
• Wilkie pledges increased government focus on veteran suicide prevention
  Early April, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie said that the entire government was focused on reducing the rate of suicide among veterans. This statement comes in the wake of several suicides committed outside VA clinics and much turmoil within the agency. Instead of seeing suicide as a stand-alone issue, Wilkie said that the government […]
• New tool seeks to help caregivers of vets with TBI
  Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most common injuries sustained by veterans and it can have a profound effect on their daily lives. Around 384,000 service members and veterans have suffered a TBI and a third of them are left with a disability. Some require regular care from a loved one. A new […]

Pennsauken, NJ (Law Firm Newswire) June 25, 2019 – The Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court ruled that a fall on ice by a corrections officer while on the way to her car to retrieve a hygiene item occurred during the performance of her regular or assigned duties, entitling the officer to an accidental disability pension.

Kristy Bowser, a corrections officer, learned she would be working a second shift at the Mercer County Correctional Center (MCCC). During the second shift, she went to her car to retrieve a feminine hygiene product. While walking to her car in the MCCC parking lot, Bowser fell on ice, resulting in permanent and total disability.

Bowser applied for an accidental disability pension with the Police and Firemen's Retirement System Board of Trustees (Board). The Board denied Bowser's application, finding that her injury did not occur during and as a result of her regular or assigned duties.

The Appellate Division, in Bowser v. Board of Trustees, Police and Firemen's Retirement System, ruled in June 2018 that Bowser's break to retrieve necessary items from her car was like an employee taking a restroom break during the workday. Bowser obtained relief from a fellow officer before leaving her post, and she was on the clock at the time.

In Mattia v. Board of Trustees, Police and Firemen's Retirement System, a decision reached by the same panel on the same day, the Appellate Division upheld the Board's denial of benefits to Paul Mattia. Mattia fell on ice in the parking lot, injuring himself, before he checked in to receive his work assignment.

Proving an injury occurred within the scope of employment or regular duties of the job can be difficult without the benefit of an experienced workplace attorney. Talk to a lawyer at Petrillo and Goldberg at 856.249.9295.

Learn more at http://www.petrilloandgoldberg.com/

Petrillo & Goldberg Law

6951 North Park Drive
Pennsauken, NJ 08109

19 South 21st Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

70 South Broad Street
Woodbury, NJ 08096

Phone: 856-486-4343
Fax: 856:486-7979

• Workers’ compensation for worker who contracted Legionnaires’ Disease
  A Pennsylvania court ruled that a man who became disabled after developing Legionnaires’ Disease, is entitled to workers’ compensation and medical benefits. Shawn Gillen said he contracted Legionnaires’ Disease as a result of exposure to contaminated water while he was performing his job responsibilities at Nestle USA Inc. According to court records, Gillen was stationed […]
• Settlement of labor law accusations against six South Jersey gas stations
  According to their U.S. Labor Department, the proprietors of six South Jersey gas stations will pay over $460,000 to employees who worked 70 hours per week for an amount below the minimum wage, and received no compensation for overtime. USA Gas station owners Prabhit Singh and Harbir Piar were alleged to have violated the department’s […]
• Governor Christie says he will approve back pay for furloughed workers during government shutdown
  New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said he would approve legislation to restore compensation for workers who were laid off when the state government was shut down. This marked the second shutdown in the history of the state. A representative from his office said he does not possess the authority to do this on his own. […]
• Long wait for survivor benefits for the spouse of volunteer
  Following the death of Scott Danielson, a member of the Lakeland Ambulance Squad and Andover Borough Councilman, his wife was left with a number of financial setbacks. Although it has been a year and a half since her husband’s death, she has yet to receive survivor benefits from the state. Shortly after her husband’s death, […]
• Settlement in retaliation suit grants city employee $75K
  A city worker who claimed he was demoted and terminated after filing two workers’ compensation claims for injuries sustained at work has settled his lawsuit against Galloway for $75,000. Frank Chamberlain stated he received negative reviews from his supervisors and many disciplinary notices after he filed the second workers’ compensation claim in 2011. The suit […]

Corona, CA (Law Firm Newswire) June 24, 2019 - After the contested death of a nonverbal individual left a community reeling, personal injury and wrongful death attorney Eric Traut of Traut Firm has insight into the steps that the family must take in order to get the available evidence from the Costco retail security cameras before it is too late.

In April, Traut was able to obtain previously shielded retail footage by court order from a home improvement store following the life-altering injury of an employee resulting in a unanimous verdict on behalf of the person who was injured. The turning point in the trial was the retail security camera footage, only obtained by following the steps Traut outlines below:

1. Send a preservation of evidence letter to the business to maintain all records, electronic, and video data
2. Once the lawsuit is filed, serve discovery requests or subpoenas for store receipts and video footage
3. Request a court order if the business refuses
4. Match time stamps of video to receipts, if necessary
5. Hire a private investigator, if necessary, to identify witnesses
6. Obtain statements from witnesses corroborating events depicted in video footage

With 30 years of experience litigating injury and death cases including over 100 civil jury trials, Traut says, “In my opinion, the video should be made available to the public. Transparency is a must. At a minimum, family members of the victims should have immediate access to enable them to learn the truth of what actually occurred.”

Having experience as one of the attorneys representing the families of victims of the infamous “Seal Beach Shootings” in 2011, sadly, Traut knows that there are unspeakable tragedies that leave family members with a hole in their hearts and an insurmountable loss. While closure will perhaps never come, some semblance of justice can come from obtaining all available information as soon as possible after a tragedy occurs.

Says Traut, “A family with special needs should never have to fear routine community outings, but it is understood by many, including law enforcement, that interactions with community members can be dangerous for those with special needs at times. Security cameras are there to keep all members of our community safe and to receive justice when something goes wrong, including those in our community with and without disabilities.”

About Eric V. Traut

Attorney Eric Traut distinguished himself early as one of the top trial attorneys in Southern California when he was recognized as the youngest winner of the prestigious Trial Lawyer of the Year award in the history of the Orange County Trial Lawyer Association. Eric has handled high-profile cases that have resulted in appearances on Good Morning America, Fox News, Court T.V., and ABC's "Primetime."

About Traut Firm

Partners of Traut Firm have litigated cases for a combined 70 years, serving as plaintiff’s attorneys primarily in areas of personal injury, wrongful death, vehicle accidents, assaults, and animal attacks.

Media Contact
Elysse Acosta
elysse@feltenmedia.com
760-490-5810

New York, NY(Law Firm Newswire) June 24, 2019 – A top executive at a Long Island-based mortgage lender pleaded guilty to several charges in connection with an $8.9 million embezzlement scheme.

Edward E. Bohm, former president of sales at Vanguard Funding, was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. The 41-year-old was also an undisclosed owner of the company. Bohm faces a prison sentence of up to 30 years along with restitution and criminal forfeiture. However, he is expected to receive a shorter sentence like his co-conspirators who pleaded guilty to the same charges.

“Fraud charges of this magnitude require an aggressive defense that protects the rights of the accused,” commented Peter Brill, a New York criminal defense attorney with Brill Legal Group, who is not involved with the case. “Embezzlement is a serious white collar crime that carries long-term consequences. If you are facing such charges, it is best to retain an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible to learn about your legal options.”

Bohm was the third executive to admit that he had a hand in the embezzlement scheme which ran from August 2015 to March 2017. In December 2018, Vanguard’s Chief Operating Officer Matthew Voss and Chief Financial Officer Edward Sypher, Jr. were sentenced to prison sentences of 24 and 18 months respectively.

The three executives acquired warehouse loans for Vanguard from lenders like Bankunited, Santander Bank and Northpointe Bank through false promises that the money would finance mortgages or provide mortgage refinancing. However, Bohm and the others actually spent the funds on personal expenses and compensation. They also paid off loans that were fraudulently obtained in the past.

According to the complaint, the embezzlement scheme came to light after an FBI agent recorded Bohm talking to Sypher about it. Bohm was heard saying that he and the other executives would not face criminal charges because their scheme was directed at lenders rather than the public. He allegedly stated in the recording, “At the end of the day, the s--- we did wasn’t to the public.”

Vanguard is a mortgage lending company that has 33 branches across the United States including in New York, California, Florida and Washington, among other states.

Learn more at http://www.brill-legal.com/.

BRILL LEGAL GROUP, P.C.
Manhattan Office
306 5th Avenue, Penthouse
New York, NY 10038
Phone: 212-233-4141

Nassau County Office
64 Hilton Avenue
Hempstead, NY 11550
Phone: 516-206-2002

Suffolk County Office
150 Motor Parkway, Suite 401
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Phone: 631-237-1919

Toll Free: 888-309-8876

Tampa, FL (Law Firm Newswire) June 24, 2019 - In September 2018, an 8-year-old student was injured in a school bus crash with an overturned semi-truck. The accident occurred on State Road 60 in Plant City, Florida at the intersection of Horton Road.

The crash was caused by the Hillsborough County School District bus driver pulling in front of the truck causing the tractor-trailer to overturn. The bus driver then failed to stop in time, crashing into the semi-truck.

The student, who attends Knights Elementary School, was transported to the hospital for treatment. The boy was the only student on the bus at the time. It was reported that the injuries were not life-threatening in nature but were serious enough that the student needed to be hospitalized.

A statement issued by the Hillsborough County School District indicated that the bus driver was issued a citation for pulling in front of the truck and causing the accident. Another vehicle was also damaged in the incident as it had to swerve on to the shoulder of the road to avoid the crash site. The Florida State Police had to divert traffic and close down all eastbound lanes of State Road 60 for several hours.

Under Florida law, after January of 2001, school districts were required to have seat belts installed in their busses. Tampa truck accident lawyer Robert T. Joyce, Esquire was quoted about the accident, “Florida’s school bus seat belt law exempts from liability the school district or bus driver for any personal injuries that might occur if a student fails to use a seat belt that was properly installed on the bus.”

Speak with a Tampa truck accident lawyer today. Call Joyce & Reyes at 1.888.771.1529 or visit their website.

Learn more at http://www.joyceandreyespa.com

Joyce and Reyes Law Firm, P.A.
307 S Hyde Park Ave
Tampa, FL 33606
Call: 813.251.2007

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• What to Do After a Car Accident
  Car accidents are potentially life-changing events that can do far more the physically cripple victims. Under many circumstances, car accidents also can bankrupt victims when the medical costs greatly exceed any insurance coverage amounts. The following tips should help to ensure maximum payouts when involved in a car accident. Almost everyone has a cellphone that […]
• Uber, Lyft are driving accident fatalities
  In large cities, ride-hailing services provide an affordable alternative to taxi cabs, without the hassle of mass public transportation systems. Uber is the king of ride-hailing services, with Lyft a slightly distant second across the nation. Since their sudden rise starting in 2011, a new study suggests they have increased traffic fatalities in large cities […]
• Common signs of nursing home abuse
  Placing a loved one in a nursing home is often a very difficult decision that a family has to make. Usually, a family makes this decision because ultimately they believe their loved one will have a better life and be well taken care of. However, in some Florida nursing facilities, families learn that not only […]
• Accident involving pedestrian ends in fatality
  On September 14, 2018, a fatal accident involving a Gibsonton woman occurred on U.S. 301 in Hillsborough County, Florida. The pedestrian accident occurred near Sabal Industrial Boulevard. The Florida Highway Patrol reported that the woman was walking southbound on the side of U.S. 301 when she was struck in the head by the side mirror […]
• Serious injuries caused by dump truck accident in Hillsborough County, Florida
  On August 22, 2018, three children and one adult were seriously injured when a dump truck hit their vehicle head-on. The crash occurred on US 309 in Hillsborough County, Florida. The Florida Highway Patrol reported that the dump truck driver failed to see stopped traffic in front of him and swerved into the opposite lane […]

Indianapolis, IN (Law Firm Newswire) June 21, 2019 - Attorney Marc Lopez with the Marc Lopez Law Firm is pleased to announce that he has been chosen as a 2019 Best DUI Lawyers in Indianapolis. The website Threebestrated.com uses a 50 point inspection which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence.

Attorney Marc Lopez started at the absolute bottom of the Prosecutor’s Office and worked his way up to Marion County’s highly-trained “OVWI Unit.” Along the way, he handled thousands of criminal cases and countless trials. He learned the ins and outs of the courtroom process and was happy to feel like he was making a difference in the community. Over time, though, something changed.

With non-DUI/OVWI crimes, Attorney Lopez was able to provide defendants with alternatives, some of which allowed for the case to be resolved without a life-altering conviction. When it came to DUI/OVWI charges, however, there was no discretion. At the time, the Prosecutor’s Office had a straightforward approach to DUI/OVWI: it is better to go to trial and lose than to offer the defendant a non-DUI /OVWI plea or resolution. Attorney Marc Lopez hated the thought of regular, hardworking people being saddled with a conviction because of a single mistake. This inflexible approach to DUI/OVWI charges started to make him feel like he was professionally obligated to kick people when they were down.

During his time as a Prosecutor, he learned that only a handful of attorneys in the Indianapolis area actually took DUI/OVWI cases to trial. He left the Prosecutor’s Office and started his own law firm. He made it his goal to help the little guy fight back against the State of Indiana, and he made himself a promise: Not only would he be a fantastic trial attorney, but he would learn the science of DUI /OVWI in order to better serve his clients.

Attorney Marc Lopez made good on his promise. In 2010, he completed a week-long Trial Practice course on DUI/OVWI defense led by nationally-renowned DUI/OVWI Attorney Pat Arata and Attorney Mike McDaniel. In 2011, he spent a month at Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyer’s College in the mountains of Wyoming. While the Trial Lawyer’s College was not DUI/OVWI-specific, he learned valuable trial practice skills and insight into how to meaningfully connect with juries. There was no Internet. There was no cable television. Over the course of four weeks, a group of 50 attorneys shared two landlines. There was no cell phone reception unless you were willing to walk two miles up a mountain. Without distractions, it was much easier to focus on interpersonal relations, and it is impossible to overestimate the importance of good communication, especially for lawyers. Years later, he still gets together with the local Trial Lawyer’s College group to work on cases.

While trial practice is important, he has also learned the science behind blood and alcohol testing. Through the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD), he spent a week in Colorado learning the science behind blood alcohol testing. A separate week was spent in Texas with hands-on learning in the science of blood drug testing. Another three days were spent in Georgia learning about metrology, which is a fancy way of referring to the study of lab tests to determine the accuracy of their measurements. He then also completed NCDD’s Mastering Scientific Evidence seminar held in Louisiana. In 2017 the National College of DUI Defense commended him for completing the NCDD Advanced Curriculum in Forensic Science and Trial Advocacy.

Armed with experience and advanced training, Attorney Marc Lopez is now able to use his knowledge of the physical laws of nature to better apply the normative laws of society. He has helped hundreds of people. He has won cases that were professionally assessed as “hopeless.” He has lost cases at trial that nevertheless produced a better outcome for his clients than the most generous plea offer. In order to keep his promise to himself, he has basically been compelled to learn everything there is to know about an Indiana driver’s license, including how to legally get people back on the road. There is no DUI/OWVI situation where he cannot help. While he cannot promise to beat your case, he can promise to fight like all hell.

Contact:
Marc Lopez, Esq.
120 E. Market St., Suite 710,
Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Phone:(317) 632-3642

Los Angeles, CA (Law Firm Newswire) June 21, 2019 - In the wake of the #MeToo and #TimesUp campaigns, sexual harassment and misconduct in the workplace has been a primetime topic more than ever before. Besides uncovering the enormity of the issue, these viral hashtags and the movement they represent have also started a national conversation about what constitutes sexual harassment and what does not. Most people know that there is a line that should not be crossed; however, where that line is depends on who is asked.

Data from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) shows that between 25 and 85 percent of women report having experienced sexual harassment sometime in their careers. Why the huge range in those figures? That is because sexual harassment is not always clear, and it very often goes unchecked.

“When it comes to your job, you have the right to work in an environment that is free from abuse and harassment. It can be hard to tell what sexual harassment is,” said Betsy Havens, executive director of Los Angeles employment law firm Strong Advocates. “Complicated emotions may further obscure a situation. However, if you feel uncomfortable with something that is happening, that is a good indicator that something is amiss.”

There are two categories of sexual harassment, quid pro quo and hostile work environment, and they are both illegal. Quid pro quo means “this for that” and is a proposition for sexual favors in exchange for a benefit. For example, an employer suggesting that in order to be promoted and get a pay raise an employee would need to perform sexual acts with them is definite sexual harassment. This can be a onetime occurrence.

The lines start to blur around a hostile work environment claim. What makes a hostile work environment is open to interpretation but the basis of it is behavior that is unwanted and based on sex, gender or sexuality. The acts must be persistent too; a hostile work environment claim would not be based on a singular incident.

Sexual harassment takes many forms, and some may be surprising. Recently, presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden has been in the news for hugging and touching female associates and acquaintances too much. Although he is not accused of outright indecent touch such as fondling, his behavior could still be considered harassment if it were persistent enough. For more examples of surprising types of sexual harassment see Three Types of Sexual Harassment That Might Surprise You.

Questioning whether sexual harassment is occurring at work, visit Strong Advocates here for free resources on sexual harassment.

Austin, TX (Law Firm Newswire) June 20, 2019 – Knowing which breeds of dogs are considered to be a high risk for biting is something people choosing what type of dog they want must consider, particularly if they have children, plan to have children or take their dog places where there are children.

A recent study revealed that in fact some dog breeds bite more frequently than others. The study identified the physical traits and breeds that tend to bite, most often the face, resulting in severe injuries. “It’s good information to have,” stated Austin dog bite attorney Brooks Schuelke, “particularly since Americans own an estimated 83 million dogs.”

The study took into account the dog’s head structure, breed and size. Researchers found pit bulls and mixed breed canines have the highest risk of biting and also cause the most damage per bite. Additionally, the same warning applies to dogs with short, wide heads weighing between 66 and 100 pounds.

According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 4.7 million people across the nation are bitten by dogs each year. At least 20 percent of those victims are predominantly kids aged 5- to 9-years old.

The study evaluated 15 years of facial trauma cases from Nationwide Children's Hospital and the University of Virginia Health System. The victims’ injuries included bone fractures, wounds, tissue tearing and other traumatic injuries. The cases typically involved facial trauma which required a reconstructive surgeon. Researchers also thoroughly studied literature on dog bites dating from 1970 to the present and hospital data to score the risk of biting and what constituted average facial tissue damage.

“The most vulnerable victims are the kids who do not notice the often subtle signs of an impending dog bite,” added Schuelke. “Not even all dog owning adults are aware of the signals that a dog may bite.”

Other factors that may cause a dog to bite include the breed behavior, the behavior of the victim, and the dog owner and their behavior — for example, a child mimics what they see parents do and if the parents treat the dog roughly, chances are the child may attempt the same thing.

“Teach your children how to respect a dog’s space and help them understand that dogs have personal boundaries too,” Schuelke said. “A little respect and caution goes a long way toward avoiding being bitten.”

Tips for dog owners with children
· Keep children away from dogs while they are eating
· Offer a quiet eating space for the dog
· Only give high value treats, chews and toys to a dog that is separated from children
· Teach a child that if the dog takes one of their toys, they must find an adult for help
· When a dog is resting, the child(ren) must not bother the dog
· Offer an area for the dog to rest in where children cannot bother it
· Never leave a child unsupervised in a room with a dog
· If the adult needs to leave the room, make sure there is a barrier in place to separate the child and dog
· Teach children that the dog’s resting places are only for the dog

Bitten by a dog? Reach out and talk to an Austin dog bite attorney and find out how to seek compensation for any injuries sustained.

Learn more at http://www.civtrial.com

Schuelke Law PLLC
3011 N. Lamar Blvd
Ste. 200
Austin, TX 78705
Call (512) 476-4944

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Northville, MI (Law Firm Newswire) June 19, 2019 - According to data from the Pentagon, 71 percent of young people are ineligible for military service thanks to several complex social and physical issues, including obesity, criminal records or not graduating high school.

This leaves the approximately 30 percent of young people who are qualified to be recruited by the military, colleges and potential employers. While this is good for them, it poses a potential threat to national security if the numbers continue to decline.

“This is an issue that cannot be accepted at face value,” says James G. Fausone, lead attorney at Legal Help for Veterans and a veteran himself. “We have a greater percentage of youth qualified for military service.”

Other factors that may affect eligibility are taking prescription medication for conditions like ADHD or tattoos and other permanent body modifications, like ear gauges. These requirements may be loosened. For example, during the war in Iraq the military changed the acceptable amount of body fat.

A solution for this issue is not simple. Many of the things which keep America’s young people from being qualified for service, and in the job market too, are deeply rooted problems within society.

According to the Department of Defense, only one percent of youth are both eligible and willing to be recruited. Every year around 180,000 men and women enlist for active-duty military service.

Legal Help for Veterans is in Northville, Michigan and is proud to handle only veteran disability claims.

Learn more at http://www.legalhelpforveterans.com

Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC
41700 West Six Mile Road, Suite 101
Northville, MI 48168
Toll Free Phone: 800.693.4800

• VA will pay Army vet $40,000 in back benefits
  A disabled Army vet from New Jersey will soon be paid $40,000 in back benefits from the Veterans Administration. Ronald Choplinski, 71, was awarded the money after the VA Board of Veterans’ Appeals decided in January 2018 to upgrade the severity of his disability and that he should have been compensated for it earlier than […]
• Study finds brain changes for veterans with TBI and PTSD
  A new study recently published by the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation found that veterans and active duty military personnel with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder and mild traumatic brain injuries have larger amygdalae than others who only have brain injuries. The amygdala is the area of the brain associated with emotions, especially fear, anxiety, anger […]
• Wilkie pledges increased government focus on veteran suicide prevention
  Early April, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie said that the entire government was focused on reducing the rate of suicide among veterans. This statement comes in the wake of several suicides committed outside VA clinics and much turmoil within the agency. Instead of seeing suicide as a stand-alone issue, Wilkie said that the government […]
• New tool seeks to help caregivers of vets with TBI
  Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most common injuries sustained by veterans and it can have a profound effect on their daily lives. Around 384,000 service members and veterans have suffered a TBI and a third of them are left with a disability. Some require regular care from a loved one. A new […]

Fort Lauderdale, FL (Law Firm Newswire) June 19, 2019 - The Wolper Law Firm is currently investigating potential claims against various brokerage firms that received a total of $100 million in commissions by recommending their clients invest in private placement securities issued by GPB Capital Holdings.

GPB Capital Holdings, LLC is a New York based alternative asset management firm that started in 2013. Initially, the company accepted investments from 4,000 investors, receiving hundreds of millions of dollars in capital. In addition, GPB Capital Holdings encouraged brokerage houses to recommend its products by offering lucrative commissions, up to nearly 8 percent of the investment amount. In total, GPB Capital Holdings took in $1.5 billion. It is believed that brokerage firms Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., Sagepoint Financial, Inc., FSC Securities Corp., Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., Newbridge Securities, Ladenburg Thalmann, and Hightower Securities also sold GPB Capital Holdings Funds.

GPB Capital Holdings invested through a variety of different private placements, including the following:

· GPB Automotive Portfolio, LP
· GPB Cold Storage, LP
· GPB Eurobond Finance PLC
· GPB Holdings II, LP
· GPB Holdings, III, LP
· GPB Holdings Qualified, LP
· GPB Holdings, LP
· GPB NYC Development
· GPB Scientific, LLC
· GPB Waste Management, LP formerly: GPB Waste Management Fund, LP.

In 2017, GPB Capital Holdings was involved in a dispute with a former partner, who allegedly reneged on an agreement to sell several car dealerships. GPB Capital Holdings filed several claims against the former partner, among them a claim for $42 million. In the course of litigation, the former partner explained that GPB Capital Holdings is nothing more than a “very complicated and manipulative Ponzi scheme.”

In 2018, GPB Capital Holdings failed to file necessary financial reports with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC). Shortly after that, the company announced that it was no longer accepting new investments and that it was “straightening out” the accounting for two of its larger funds – GPB Holdings II and GPB Automotive Portfolio. Amidst this uncertainty, the company’s auditor resigned, citing perceived risks.

These issues prompted several regulatory authorities, including the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the SEC, to look into GPB Capital Holdings. In addition, an investigation is pending into the 63 broker-dealers that sold private placements by GPB Capital Holdings. As a result of these investigations, investors stand to lose significant capital, including their principle investment. The brokerage firms that recommended private placement securities that were issued by GPB Capital Holdings may not have conducted the necessary due diligence before recommending these products and may be liable for investors’ losses.

The Wolper Law Firm represents investors nationwide in securities litigation on a contingency fee basis. Matt Wolper, the Managing Principal of the Wolper Law Firm, is a veteran trial lawyer who has handled hundreds of securities cases during his career. The Wolper Law Firm can be reached at 800.931.8452 or at https://wolperlawfirm.com/

Contact:
Wolper Law Firm, P.A.
Matt Wolper
Main Office
Fort Lauderdale, FL
1250 S. Pine Island Road
Suite 325
Plantation, FL 33324
Toll-Free: 800.931.8452
mwolper@wolperlawfirm.com

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