Cheng-Lu Hsieh v. Pei Ti Tung (In re Pei Ti Tung)
Cheng-Lu Hsieh v. Pei Ti Tung (In re Pei Ti Tung)
Opinion of the Court
MEMORANDUM
Debtor, Pei Ti Tung, filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceeding in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Washington on June 4, 2002. Cheng-Lu Hsieh timely brought an adversary proceeding asserting the nondis-chargeability of her claim against Tung pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 523(a)(2)(A), an exception in the Bankruptcy Code that prevents the discharge of debts resulting from fraud. Specifically, Hsieh contended that she invested $300,000 with Tung in a business venture based on Tung’s fraudulent misrepresentations, and sought a non-dischargeable judgment for that same amount. After five days of trial, the bankruptcy court ruled in favor of Tung, find
When reviewing a decision of the BAP, we independently review the bankruptcy court’s decision, “reviewing any conclusions of law de novo, while reviewing findings of fact for clear error.” In re Reynoso, 477 F.3d 1117, 1120 (9th Cir. 2007). We accept the bankruptcy court’s findings of fact unless we are left with the definite and firm conviction that the bankruptcy judge has committed a mistake. Latman v. Burdette, 366 F.3d 774, 781 (9th Cir. 2004). Whether a creditor relied upon false statements is a question of fact, as are the issues of intent to defraud, proximate causation of damages, and the materiality of the alleged fraud. In re Candland, 90 F.3d 1466, 1469 (9th Cir. 1996).
We have reviewed the record and find no clear error in the bankruptcy court’s factual findings and credibility determinations. Nor did the bankruptcy court err in reaching its legal conclusions. Accordingly, Hsieh’s contentions lack merit.
AFFIRMED.
This disposition is not appropriate for publication and is not precedent except as provided by 9 th Cir. R. 36-3.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.