Carroll v. Stettler
Carroll v. Stettler
Opinion of the Court
MEMORANDUM
This lawsuit concerns monies that were transferred to defendants as part of a Ponzi scheme operated by a third party, Lizette Morice. The plaintiffs, who lost their investments in the fraudulent scheme, seek the voidance of these transfers under the Pennsylvania Uniform Fraudulent Trans
In this opinion, the Court addresses the motion as to the “insider” defendants only. For the reasons stated below, the Court grants the motion in part and denies it in part.
I. Factual Summary
A. Gaddel Enterprises and Lizette Monee
Lizette Morice was the founder and head of Gaddel Enterprises, Inc., a purported real estate investment firm, which operated from sometime in early 2006 until July 2007. Morice represented to the plaintiffs that Gaddel was in the business of buying tax foreclosed properties from the state and reselling those properties to relocation firms at a substantial profit. Tr. Change of Plea Hearing, U.S. v. Morice, No. 08-cr-132-1, at 13:10-14:14 (Pl. exh. D).
Morice’s business plan involved obtaining substantial investments from mortgage brokers as well as individual investors. As part of the investment pitch, Gaddel falsely represented that, due to state regulations, it could not be the owner of record for more than a certain number of properties per quarter. By putting forth a contribution, Gaddel investors could earn a share of its profits. Id. at 13-14.
Morice and her colleagues recruited investors at her New Jersey home, in her Pennsylvania and New Jersey offices, and at elaborate black-tie affairs paid for by Gaddel. Investors generally contributed around the sum of $1,000, but some contributed multiples of that amount. Many of the investors had personal relationships with Morice and/or her employees. Id.; Verification of Troy McClain (“McClain Verif”) ¶ 25-27 (Docket No. 537-1).
In reality, Morice and Gaddel made no such real estate transactions, and monies paid to earlier investors were actually derived from later investors — a chain of events commonly referred to as a Pond scheme.
The defendants all received financial transfers from Morice and Gaddel sometime between April 2006 and July 2007. In particular, defendants Albin E. Delgado, James Martin, and Troy McClain were salaried employees of Gaddel.
B. Albin E. Delgado
Albin Delgado was a paid employee of Gaddel Enterprises.
At a June 7, 2006 team meeting, Delgado prepared a list of rules for a Gaddel sales meeting. It included information regarding how to “become a salesperson,” namely having a credit check and a urine sample. In addition, it included substantive instructions as to how to pitch investments in properties. For example, it stated that “[n]o photos of any kind are to be taken of the properties by potential buyers or salespeople (no exceptions).” It also stated that “[u]nder no circumstance is a buyer or salesperson to be on the property or in the driveway;” instead, buyers were “only allowed to briefly park in front for a visual.” Failure to adhere to this rule would “result in termination.” The document was signed “Albie Delgado, District Manager.” Pl. Mot. exh. I.
C. James Martin
James Martin was also a paid employee of Gaddel Enterprises.
Unlike McClain and Delgado, Martin was not the head of any sales team. In his capacity as a sales consultant, he visited potential investors and discussed the program’s opportunities with them. Once a week, he attended a sales meeting in the Gaddel office.
Martin was responsible for selling investments to named plaintiffs Thomas Carroll and Kimberly Baker. As part of his sales pitch, he gave plaintiffs a “Frequently Asked Questions” document, which included references to the fact that the investment entailed no risk and was not a pyramid scheme. At deposition, Martin testified that he knew of no other opportunities that would produce such results. He also testified that at the time, he believed that Gaddel could turn a $1,000 investment into $1 million dollars in two years. Id. 347:20-34; 533:11-19; 534:3-12; see also Pl. Mot. exh. J.
It is uncontested that Martin invested at least several thousand dollars of his own money in Gaddel.
D. Troy McClain
Troy McClain was also a paid employee of Gaddel.
At the direction of Morice, McClain recruited Martin to join Gaddel. He also trained Martin and was the point person when Martin delivered investment money to the main office. Martin Dep. 143:7-144:17.
Morice provided McClain with information related to the property sales, including how the program worked and which properties were purchased and sold as part of the foreclosure program. McClain then relayed this information through his sales presentations to potential investors. McClain Verif. ¶ 24-25.
McClain was an authorized signatory for the Dream Team’s corporate bank account. However, McClain has stated that he did not have access to these bank accounts, and that his signatures were forged on other corporate documents. McClain had no knowledge about the network of mortgage brokers or Morice’s corporate contacts. Id. ¶ 16-17, 25, 30; see also Tr. Hr’g 3/13/13 34:9-35:13.
In addition to being a salesperson, McClain also took on service roles for Morice. For example, he cleaned the office every six weeks. He also provided chauffeur services for guests of Morice at meetings and for social events. Id. ¶ 27.
It is uncontested that McClain invested at least seven thousand dollars in Gaddel.
II. Analysis
The plaintiffs commenced this action to void transfers related to investment profits, principal, salaries, and commissions, which were paid to the defendants from Gaddel accounts.
A. Pennsylvania Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act
The plaintiffs’ first claim derives from Pennsylvania’s version of the Uniform Fraud Transfer Act. 12 Pa. Con. Stat. § 5101, et seq. Under PUFTA, creditors may obtain voidance of a transfer or obligation made to another party under three conditions: 1) the plaintiffs are “creditors” as defined by the statute; 2) the transfers were made with actual fraudulent intent; and 3) there are no viable defenses. Id. § 5104(a)(1); 5107(a)(1); 5108(d). Courts in this district have routinely accepted the application of PUFTA in Ponzi scheme situations, so long as all three criteria are met. E.g., Hecht v. Malvern Preparatory Sch., 716 F.Supp.2d 395, 397-98 (E.D.Pa. 2010); Schwartzman v. Sierra Capital Res., LLC, No. 11-7395, 2012 WL 5354595, at *3 (E.D.Pa. Oct. 31, 2012); Schwartz-man v. Hutchison, No. 11-1349, 2011 WL 4471059, at *3 (E.D.Pa. Sept. 27, 2011).
1. “Creditor”
The plaintiffs must first establish that they are creditors of Gaddel. As defined by the statute, a person is a creditor if he “has a right to payment.” 12 Pa. Con. Stat. § 5101(b). Here, the plaintiffs have presented undisputed evidence that Gaddel investments were “100% fully refundable through the entire process.” This was made clear in sales presentations as well as on receipts. PI. Mot. exh. II. Thus, even though the right has not been reduced to judgment, the plaintiffs qualify as creditors under PUFTA. E.g., In re Arbogast, 466 B.R. 287, 321 (Bankr. W.D.Pa. 2012).
2. “Actual Fraudulent Intent”
Second, the plaintiffs must demonstrate that Gaddel transferred money to the defendants with the actual intent to defraud. The mere existence of a Ponzi scheme is sufficient to establish an actual fraudulent intent. See Hecht, 716 F.Supp.2d at 395; Schwartzman, 2011 WL 4471059 at *3; see also In re Slatkin, 525 F.3d 805, 814 (9th Cir. 2008); S.E.C v. Res. Dev. Int’l, LLC, 487 F.3d 295, 301 (5th Cir. 2007).
In the instant case, Morice has admitted that she operated a Ponzi scheme. Change of Plea Hearing, 13:10-16:11. The Court has previously granted the plaintiffs’
3. “Good Faith” Affirmative Defense
Finally, PUFTA allows for an affirmative defense commonly referred to as the “good faith” affirmative defense. A transaction is not voidable under PUFTA if a transferee demonstrates that 1) he took in good faith and 2) for a “reasonably equivalent” value. 12 Pa. Con. Stat. § 5108.
As a preliminary matter, the Court holds that the submissions by defendants McClain and Martin are sufficient to invoke the affirmative defense, even if their answers do not mention the defense by name. See generally Fed.R.Civ.P. 8(c). Defendant McClain’s answer asserted “all defenses and protections available under 12 Pa. Con. Stat. § 5108.” McClain Answer (Docket No. 434). Defendant Martin’s answer asserted that he had no inside information and that he was not a Gaddel insider. Martin Answer (Docket No. 9). In light of defendant Martin’s pro se status, the Court will “apply the applicable law, irrespective of whether the pro se litigant has mentioned it by name.” Dluhos v. Strasberg, 321 F.3d 365, 369 (3d Cir. 2003).
In contrast, after answering the complaint, which also did not mention the good faith defense by name, defendant Delgado has not submitted anything else to the Court. He failed to submit any opposition to the plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment, and he did not appear at oral argument. The evidentiary record in front of this Court does not contain sufficient facts on which to support a defense of good faith on behalf of Delgado. Thus, the Court will grant the plaintiffs’ motion against Delgado and his entities as to the PUFTA claim, and it will analyze the good faith defense as to defendants Martin and McClain only.
i. “Good Faith” under PUFTA
The first prong of the good faith defense is a showing that the transferee took in good faith. To assess good faith, courts analyze “whether the investor has sufficient knowledge to place him on inquiry notice of the voidability of the transfer.” Hecht, 716 F.Supp.2d at 401. (internal citations omitted).
If the defendant ignored red flags which revealed the true nature of the scheme, or there is other evidence that the investment was too good to be true, then a court may find that the defendant has not met his burden of proving good faith. E.g., id.; In re Burry, 309 B.R. 130, 136 (Bankr.E.D.Pa. 2004). Relevant factors include the investor’s financial sophistication, the number and nature of red flags, and whether the monies the investor obtained likely deterred him from investigating or taking other appropriate action. S.E.C. v. Forte, No. 09-63, 2012 WL 1719145, at *6 (E.D.Pa. May 16, 2012). This inquiry is subjective: a transferee must demonstrate that he acted without “actual fraudulent intent.” Id., at *5.
After examining the evidence on the record in its entirety, the Court finds that there is a genuine dispute as to whether defendants Martin and McClain were on inquiry notice of the Gaddel Ponzi scheme. It holds that the plaintiffs are not entitled to judgment as a matter of law.
First, with regard to defendant Martin,
The plaintiffs rely primarily on the fact that Martin crafted certain emails that were sent to Gaddel colleagues, including Morice. PI. Mot. at 24. One email described how an $1,000 investment could become $1 million dollars in two years. The other proposed a contest for sales representatives to incentivize clearing property inventory at the end of the year. PI. Mot. exh. L-M. They also point to the fact that he stated at a deposition that he knew of no other opportunity which would offer such returns. PI. Mot. at 24.
However, Martin’s sales pitches and correspondences with Morice aligned with Gaddel’s representations in general — that investing small amounts of monies in foreclosed properties can lead to huge returns — and offered no proof that he was privy to any unique knowledge regarding the scheme. His understanding that no other investment offered comparable returns is by itself insufficient for the Court to presume inquiry notice. A reasonable jury could find that Martin’s belief in his employer, however uninformed, was not so unfounded that he should have known it was too good to be true.
As to defendant McClain, the Court also finds that there remain genuine issues of material fact regarding his level of special access. On one hand, McClain’s relationship with Gaddel began at an earlier stage and he stayed throughout the whole Ponzi scheme period, taking some leadership role. However, from the evidence on the record, the information conveyed by McClain was not unique in comparison to the information conveyed by others. It is unclear whether McClain accessed the Dream Team bank accounts, and even if he did, there are other reasons to explain why that particular account did not reflect real estate transactions.
McClain was never deposed by the plaintiffs, but in a unsworn verification he submitted to the Court, he stated that he had no knowledge of Morice’s network of mortgage brokers or corporate contacts. He has also recounted in great detail the elaborate galas thrown by Morice and the distinguished guests who attended. He emphasized that many of Gaddel’s investors were well-respected in the mortgage industry. McClain Verif. ¶ 27-29. It would not be unreasonable for a factfinder to believe McClain’s version and to find that he was not on inquiry notice of the scheme.
Thus, the Court holds that there remain genuine issues as to whether defendants Martin and McClain were on inquiry notice of the Gaddel Ponzi scheme.
ii. Exchange for Reasonably Equivalent Value
Second, a defendant seeking to invoke the good faith affirmative defense must also demonstrate that the monies he received were exchanged for a reasonably equivalent value. 12 Pa. Con. Stat. § 5108.
This prong of the good faith affirmative defense distinguishes between the types of monies that can be avoided under PUFTA. There are three categories of monies at stake: investment principal, investment profit, and salary/commissions. A return of the principal of an investment will always be a “reasonably equivalent value” exchange, because by definition, the transferor is returning exactly the amount that was originally invested. Hecht, 716 F.Supp.2d at 401. However, the investment profits derived from a Ponzi scheme cannot, as a matter of law, have been “exchanged” for anything of reasonably equivalent value; they are by definition over and above the investment itself.
Finally, there is the issue of sales/commissions that were paid to an employee on behalf of their sales and brokerage services. Courts have been divided as to whether a transfer to a salesperson or broker in the Ponzi scheme context can ever be an exchange for reasonably equivalent value.
Some courts, including the Fifth Circuit, have been reluctant to find that the recruitment of new investors for a Ponzi scheme can ever constitute value added to the company. These courts’ inquiries take into account the nature of the Ponzi scheme and the defendant’s role within that Ponzi scheme. See, e.g., Warfield v. Byron, 436 F.3d 551, 560 (5th Cir. 2006) (taking the position that analysis of value should consider “the degree to which the transferor’s net worth is preserved.”). Because the selling of investments in furtherance of a Ponzi scheme serves only to perpetuate an illegal fraud, the value conferred by the salespeople is illegal in its nature. Thus, as the argument goes, no exchange of reasonably equivalent value could have taken place. See In re Randy, 189 B.R. 425, 438-39 (Bankr.N.D.Ill. 1995); see also Warfield, 436 F.3d at 560 (citing cases); see also id. (“It takes cheek to
Other courts have shied away from a per se rejection of the good faith affirmative defense and have determined that the defense should be considered on a case-by-case basis. The Eleventh Circuit, for example, has held that a daughter of the Ponzi scheme propagator, who received as commission a percentage of the total revenue, was entitled to present a good faith affirmative defense.
This Court is inclined to agree with the Eleventh Circuit. The statute’s iteration of the affirmative defense, as well as its definition of a “reasonably equivalent value,” makes no mention of a scheme-based analysis of the transaction; rather, in stating that a transfer is not fraudulent “against a person who took in good faith and for a reasonably equivalent value,” the focus is placed on the specific transferee and the specific transfer. 12 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5108(a); see also 12 Pa. Con. Stat. § 5103(b). Moreover, the statute’s Commentary discussing what is reasonably equivalent value also speaks in specific terms and states that such analyses of value should be “purely objective.” 12 Pa. Con. Stat. § 5103, cmt. 1, 3. To find that sales commissions in the Ponzi scheme context are by definition not reasonably equivalent would call for a broad-based analysis of the scheme at large. Yet “the statutes and case law do not call for the court to assess the impact of an alleged fraudulent transfer in a debtor’s overall business.” In re Churchill, 256 B.R. at 680.
In Balaber-Strauss, the Southern District of New York held that brokers, who had originated bogus mortgage investments and solicited investors, were entitled to an analysis of whether their services were worth an equivalent value to the company as their payout. 264 B.R. at 308. Disagreeing with Randy, the court held that the brokers’ actions as it related to the overall Ponzi Scheme “is of no relevance” to the inquiry; rather, “[v]alue is present if the debtor receives a fair equivalent in exchange for its property or obligation.” Id. Thus, “for value” should analyze the specific transaction, and whether the defendant actually performed the services for which they were paid and whether the commissions were proportionate to those paid in the industry. Cf. In re Churchill, 256 B.R. at 678.
In the instant case, reasonable minds could disagree about whether defendants Martin and McClain provided services that were reasonably equivalent to the value of the monies paid out to them.
The Court denies the plaintiffs’ motion as to the PUFTA claims against defendants Martin and McClain. Even though the plaintiffs have established that they are creditors under PUFTA and that the Gaddel transfers were made with actual fraudulent intent, there remain genuine issues of material fact as to whether the transfers qualify for the affirmative defense.
B. Unjust Enrichment
The plaintiffs have also put forth a parallel state law unjust enrichment claim.
The most significant element of the doctrine is whether the enrichment of the defendant is unjust. Id.; see also Hecht, 716 F.Supp.2d at 402 (denying a defendant’s motion to dismiss an unfair enrichment claim under Ponzi facts). The Court holds that the plaintiffs have not met their burden on this factor as to defendants Martin and McClain.
In conclusion, the Court denies the plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment as to defendants James and Chantel Martin, Troy McClain, and their respective entities. There remain genuine issues of material fact regarding whether the Gaddel transactions fall under the good faith affirmative defense and whether the plaintiffs are entitled to remedies in equity. However, the Court grants the plaintiffs’ motion as to defendant Delgado and Albinator Enterprises, Inc. Without any argument from Delgado, either in the form of a brief in opposition or during oral argu
An appropriate order shall issue separately.
ORDER
AND NOW, this 18th day of April, 2013, upon consideration of the plaintiffs’ Motion for Summary Judgment (Docket No. 501), the oppositions in response filed by defendants James Martin and Troy McClain (Docket Nos. 512 and 537), and the plaintiffs’ reply and supplemental memoranda thereto, and following oral argument on March 13, 2013, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, for the reasons stated in a memorandum of law bearing today’s date, that the motion is GRANTED in part and DENIED in part.
The Court denies the plaintiffs’ motion in its entirety as to defendants James Martin, Chantel Martin, Martin Marketing, Troy McClain, and Troy McClain Rental Enterprises, Inc. The Court grants the motion in its entirety as to defendants Albín E. Delgado and Albinator Enterprises, Inc. It reserves judgment on the motion as to the remaining defendants.
Judgment is hereby ENTERED in favor of the plaintiffs and against defendants Albín E. Delgado and Albinator Enterprises, Inc.
. The facts presented here are undisputed unless otherwise noted. Disputed facts are read in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party, the defendants. Sheridan v. NGK Metals Corp., 609 F.3d 239, 251 n. 12 (3d Cir. 2010).
. "A [PJonzi scheme is a scheme whereby a corporation operates and continues to operate at a loss. The corporation gives the appearance of being profitable by obtaining new investors and using those investments to pay for the high premiums promised to earlier investors. The effect of such a scheme is to put the corporation farther and farther into debt by incurring more and more liability and to give the corporation the false appearance of profitability in order to obtain new investors.” Hirsch v. Arthur Andersen & Co., 72 F.3d 1085, 1088 n. 3 (2d Cir. 1995) (internal citations omitted).
.In connection with her guilty plea, Morice admitted to the above-referenced facts. Tr. Change of Plea Hearing, at 13:10-16:11. In addition, the Court has granted the plaintiffs’ motion for judicial notice of the existence of the Gaddel Ponzi scheme. Order, 7/8/11 (ECF No. 356).
. The Court has included certain statements made by the defendants in its factual recitation. James Martin submitted a letter, which the Court docketed onto the record and instructed parties that it would be considered an opposition. Docket No. 511. Martin also appeared at oral argument. Troy McClain submitted a brief in opposition and appeared at oral argument. Of the three defendants, only McClain is represented by an attorney. Albin Delgado failed to submit any opposition to the motion for summary judgment and did not appear at oral argument.
. Albinator Enterprises, Inc. is an entity owned by Delgado. Am. Compl. at ¶ 19 (Docket No. 427); Pl. Mot. exh. H at 1.
. Martin Marketing is an entity owned by Martin. Am. Compl. ¶ 16. Chantel Martin is the wife of James Martin. She was not employed by Gaddel or Morice in any capacity. Tr. Hr'g 3/13/13 at 52:20-53:6.
. In the excerpted portion of Martin’s deposition accompanying the plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment, the Court did not see testimony from Martin regarding the frequency of his presence in Gaddel offices. During oral argument, Martin represented that he only went to the office for Monday sales meetings. Tr. Hr’g 3/13/13 53:19-24. The plaintiffs did not contest Martin’s statement.
.Specifically, the plaintiffs contend that Martin invested $8,000. PI. Mot. at 26. Martin stated during deposition that he invested around $80,000. Martin Dep. 454:6-9; see also Tr. Hr'g 3/13/13 51:14-17. This discrepancy reflects an issue regarding amounts purportedly invested in Gaddel commercial properties, which was a disputed subject among a number of defendants.
. McClain also owns and operates the entity Troy McClain Rental Enterprises, Inc. Am. Compl. ¶ 21.
. Plaintiffs contend that McClain only invested $7,000 in Gaddel. Pi. Mot. at 26. McClain stated that he invested $20,000 — $9,000 in the residential property program and $11,000 in
. These monies would subsequently be distributed pro rata among the plaintiffs and class members.
. The defendant is entitled to summary judgment if there "is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(a). The moving party bears the initial burden of demonstrating an absence of genuine issues of material fact. Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 323, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986). An issue is genuine if there is a sufficient evidentiary basis for a reasonable jury to find for the non-moving party; it is material if it may affect the outcome of the suit under governing law. Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986).
. The Court pauses to address a concern that Martin raised in his letters and during oral argument regarding his wife, Chantel Martin. It is undisputed that Chantel Martin
. To the extent that the Court denies the motion for summary judgment as to Martin and McClain, it denies it as to the entities Martin Marketing and Troy McClain Rental Enterprises, Inc., as well. The plaintiffs have not pointed to any facts that would lead the
. In the instant case, the plaintiffs have conceded that McClain did not receive any investment profits from Gaddel. PL Supp. Memo, at 2 (Docket No. 570). There remain genuine issues as to the amount invested by Martin, which subsequently affects how much of the monies transferred were a return on principad and how much was pure profit. Martin has consistently maintained that he invested $80,000, making him a net loser in terms of investment even when taking his salary into account. See, e.g., Martin Dep. 454:6-9; Tr. Hr'g 3/13/13 51:14-17. The plaintiffs have stated that only $8,000 of these transactions is reflected in Gaddel and Martin bank accounts. Due to these issues of material fact, the Court denies the plaintiffs' motion with respect to Martin's investment profits. Furthermore, because Chantel Martin's liability is tied to James Martin’s liability, the Court denies the plaintiffs' motion with respect to Chantel Martin, as well.
. The Court notes that In re Financial Federated, as well as the BalaberStrauss case discussed below, interpret "reasonably equivalent value" in the context of Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code, not of a Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act. However, the constructive fraud provisions of PUFTA and the Bankruptcy Code should be construed uniformly. E.g., Fidelity Bond & Mortg. Co. v. Brand, 371 B.R. 708, 719-20 (E.D.Pa. 2007); cf. In re Hemstreet, 258 B.R. 134, 137 (Bankr. W.D.Pa. 2001).
. To a large extent, the plaintiffs’ unjust enrichment arguments mirror their PUFTA arguments. Cf. Pl. Mot. at 26 ("For similar reasons as set forth above, Plaintiffs are also entitled to prevail on their unjust enrichment claim.”). It does not appear that the plaintiffs seek any additional remedies in equity above that which is required under PUFTA.
. Because defendant Delgado did not submit a brief in opposition or appear at oral argument, the Court does not have any evidence on the record that would support his position in equity, either. Thus, the Court grants the plaintiffs’ motion as to their unjust enrichment claim against Delgado.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Thomas CARROLL v. William STETTLER, III
- Cited By
- 7 cases
- Status
- Published