Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 1 of 30 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, Case No. 1:14-cv-01002 (CRC) Plaintiff, v. LAWRENCE P. SCHMIDT; FUTUREGEN COMPANY d/b/a FUTUREGEN CAPITAL; COMMERCIAL EQUITY PARTNERS, LTD.; FGC DISTRESSED ASSETS INVESTMENT #1, LLC; FUTUREGEN CAPITAL DDA CG FUND LLC; FGC TAX LIEN FUND #2, LLC; FGC TRADING FUND #1 LLC; FGC SPE NO 1 LLC; FGC SPE NO 2 LLC; AND FGC CM NOTE FUND LLC, Defendants. RECEIVER MARION A. HECHT’S MOTION FOR APPROVAL OF THIRD INTERIM FEE APPLICATION FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2015 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2015 WITH SUPPORTING LEGAL AUTHORITY Pursuant to the Court's Order dated July 3, 2014, Marion A. Hecht, Receiver for FutureGen Company, et al. (“Receiver”), moves for approval of payment of fees and expenses for the period January 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015 (the “Third Fee Application”) incurred by the Receiver and her supporting staff at CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (“Clifton”), by her counsel, Whiteford, Taylor & Preston L.L.P. (“Whiteford” or “Receiver’s Counsel”), and three other law Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 2 of 30 firms retained as special counsel, Law Offices of Eric Howell Sayles, P.L.L.C. (“Receiver’s Special DC Counsel”), Leach Johnson Song & Gruchow (“Receiver’s Special NV Counsel”) and Flamm, Teibloom & Stanko, Ltd. (“Receiver’s Special IL Counsel”) In support of this Motion, the Receiver states as follows: I. BACKGROUND On June 12, 2014, the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filed a Complaint (“Complaint”) (Docket Entry No. 1) against Defendant Lawrence P. Schmidt (“Defendant Schmidt”) and FutureGen Company d/b/a FutureGen Capital (“FutureGen”); Commercial Equity Partners, Ltd. (“Commercial Partners”); FGC Distressed Assets Investment #1, LLC; FutureGen Capital DDA CG Fund LLC; FGC Tax Lien Fund #2, LLC; FGC Trading Fund #1 LLC; FGC SPE NO 1 LLC; FGC SPE NO 2 LLC; and FGC CM Note Fund LLC (collectively the “FutureGen Funds”) alleging that from 2008 through 2014, Defendant Schmidt defrauded investors by creating a web of seemingly legitimate companies that were in fact simply designed to entice investment and conceal his misuse and commingling of funds. In its Complaint, the SEC sought an order: (i) Permanently restraining and enjoining Defendants Schmidt, FutureGen, the FutureGen Funds, and Commercial Partners from violating Sections 5(a), 5(c), and 17(a) of the Securities Act [15 U.S.C. §§ 77e(a), 77e(c), and 77q(a)] and Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. § 78j(b)] and Rule 10b-5 thereunder [17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-5]; (ii) Ordering Defendants Schmidt, FutureGen, the FutureGen Funds, and Commercial Partners to disgorge any and all ill-gotten gains, together with prejudgment interest, derived from the activities set forth in the Complaint; (iii) Ordering Defendants Schmidt, FutureGen, the FutureGen Funds, and Commercial Partners to pay civil penalties pursuant to Section 20(d) of the Securities Act [15 U.S.C. §77t(d)] and Section 21(d)(3) of the Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. § 78u(d)(3)]; (iv) 2 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 3 of 30 Permanently barring Defendant Schmidt from acting as an officer or director of any issuer that has a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. § 781] that is required to file reports under Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. § 78o(d)] pursuant to Section 20(e) of the Securities Act [15 U.S.C. § 77t(e)] and Section 2l(d)(2) of the Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. § 78u(d)(2)]; and (v) retaining jurisdiction of this action for purposes of enforcing any final judgments and orders. Pursuant to the Order Appointing Receiver entered June 16, 2014 (Docket Entry No. 7), the Court appointed Marion A. Hecht of Clifton, to act as temporary Receiver pending further order of this Court (the “Temporary Order”). Pursuant to the Order Establishing Receivership Estate and Appointing a Receiver entered July 3, 2014 (Docket Entry No. 17) (the “Receivership Order”), this Court took exclusive jurisdiction and possession of the Receivership Assets, including but not limited to, assets of whatever kind and wherever situated, of the following Defendants: FutureGen Company d/b/a FutureGen Capital; Commercial Equity Partners, Ltd.; FGC Distressed Assets Investment #1, LLC; FutureGen Capital DDA CG Fund LLC; FGC Tax Lien Fund #2, LLC; FGC Trading Fund # 1 LLC; FGC SPE NO 1 LLC; FGC SPE NO 2 LLC; and FGC CM Note Fund LLC (collectively, the "Receivership Defendants"). (Receivership Order ¶ 1). The Receivership Order appointed Marion A. Hecht as Receiver and empowered her to assume control of, marshal, pursue, and preserve the Receivership Assets. (Receivership Order ¶ 2). It further provided applications for compensation are to be filed within forty-five (45) days after the end of each calendar quarter. (Receivership Order ¶ 62). 3 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 4 of 30 Pursuant to the Receivership Order, the Receiver was appointed for the purposes of marshaling and preserving all assets of the Receivership Defendants and Defendant Schmidt that: (a) are attributable to funds derived from investors or clients of the Defendants; (b) are held in constructive trust for the Defendants; (c) were fraudulently transferred by the Defendants; and/or (d) may otherwise be includable as assets of the estates of the Defendants (collectively, the “Receivership Assets” or “Receivership Estate”). (Receivership Order 1-2). The Receivership Order provided that Receiver and retained personnel are entitled to reasonable compensation and expense reimbursement from the Receivership Estate as described in the “Billing Instructions for Receivers in Civil Actions Commenced by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission” (the “Billing Instructions”), subject to the prior approval of the Court. (Receivership Order ¶ 61). II. RECEIVER’S FEES AND COUNSEL’S FEES Pursuant to the Receivership Order, Quarterly Fee Applications are subject to a holdback in the amount of 20% of fees and expenses for each application filed with the Court (Receivership Order ¶ 64). The Court approved the following hourly rates for work performed by the Receiver and others at Clifton at her direction: Receiver and Clifton Forensic Fees1: Receiver $425 1 There are occasions when a Manager will perform assignments that in the estimation of the Receiver could also be performed by lower level staff; however, for expediency and in the net best interest of the estate, the Receiver has reduced the manager rate to $100 in those circumstances. 4 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 5 of 30 Other CLA Principals $350 – 400 Director $300 – 350 Manager $250 Senior Associate $200 Associate $100 Paraprofessional $90 (Receivership Order ¶ 67). Receiver’s Counsel Fees: The Court approved Whiteford as Receiver’s Counsel at the following hourly rates for work performed at the Receiver’s direction: Partner $400 Associate $250 Paraprofessional $210 (Receivership Order ¶ 70). Receiver Special DC Counsel Fees: The Court approved the Receiver’s retention of the Law Offices of Eric Howell Sayles, P.L.L.C. (“Receiver’s Special DC Counsel”) to represent the Receiver at her direction in several cases pending in the District of Columbia arising from certain Receivership Defendants’ purchase of tax liens at the following hourly rates: Partner $300 Paralegal $150 (Docket Entry No. 30, ¶ 10). Receiver Special NV Counsel Fees: 5 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 6 of 30 The Court approved the Receiver’s retention of Leach Johnson Song & Gruchow (“Receiver’s Special NV Counsel”) to represent the Receiver at her direction in several cases pending in Nevada arising from certain Receivership Defendants’ purchase of HOA foreclosure liens at the following hourly rates: Partner $300 Associate $200 Paralegal $125 (Docket Entry No. 30, ¶ 17). Receiver Special IL Counsel Fees: The Court approved the Receiver’s retention of Flamm, Teibloom & Stanko, Ltd. (“Receiver’s Special IL Counsel”) to represent the Receiver at her direction in several cases pending in the state of Illinois arising from certain Receivership Defendants’ purchase of tax liens at the following hourly rates: Partner $272 Associate $225 Paralegal $100 (Docket Entry No. 39, ¶ 12). At the close of the Receivership, the Receiver will file a final fee application, describing in detail the costs and benefits associated with all litigation and other actions pursued by the Receiver and counsel during the course of the receivership. (Receivership Order ¶ 63). The Receiver is requesting approval of 80% of her fees as well as Receiver’s Counsel, Receiver’s Special DC Counsel, Receiver’s Special NV Counsel, and Receiver’s Special IL Counsel as Approved Fees for this Third Fee Application (the “Approved Fees”). Further, the 6 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 7 of 30 Receiver is requesting 80% of the out-of-pocket expenses incurred by each of the firms, which expenses were incurred as necessary administrative expenses of the Receivership Estate. III. CASE STATUS Since the Receiver’s appointment and as a result of the Receiver’s on-going investigation, the Receiver has determined an additional six (6) entities that appear to also be Receivership Defendants (the “Additional Receivership Defendants” or “Additional Receivership Defendants”). Those Additional Receivership Defendants include the following: FGC Tax Lien Fund #3 LLC2; FGC Distressed Debt SPE No2 LLC; F G C Indiana TLC 2014 LLC; FGC Indiana Reo LLC; FGC Indiana Lake Co 2014 LLC; FGC Servicing Limited; and FGC SFR Holdings LLC3. As the Receiver’s investigation continues, there could be additional Receivership Defendants identified. The Receiver will keep the Court informed. The Receiver and her team have spent time since her appointment determining the nature, location and value of all Receivership Assets which investigation is ongoing. In addition, the Receiver and her team have communicated with most of the former employees of the Receivership Defendants, the investors and other stakeholders of the Receivership Defendants, and other parties in order to gain an understanding of the pre-receivership activities of the Receivership Defendants and Defendant Schmidt. 2 As reported in the Receiver’s First Quarterly Status Report (Docket Entry No. 45), FGC Tax Lien #3 LLC had title to at least one property, e.g., 16 Swallow Street, Pittston, PA, which has been sold pursuant to this Court’s Order. 3 Defendant Schmidt confirmed in a written communication dated December 18, 2013 that FGC SFR Holdings LLC is an affiliate of FutureGen Company. Further, the Nevada Secretary of State website reflects Defendant Schmidt as an Officer/Manager of that entity. 7 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 8 of 30 As reported to the Court, the Receiver terminated seven leases with a waiver of all past due, present and future rental obligations for one residential condominium and six offices in five states. In addition to the four law firms discussed above, the Receiver retained Triumph Property Management as the property manager of the Nevada Properties effective June 16, 2014 as approved by the Court on October 2, 2014 (Docket Entry No. 36). Further, the Receiver retained R. Scott Dugan, as the appraiser for the ten properties in Nevada as approved by this Court. A. Cash on Hand Cash on deposit in the Receivership Estate cash accounts as of April 10, 2015, is $1,444,487.25 as reflected in the Standardized Fund Accounting Report (the “SFAR”) attached as Exhibit A. This represents a net increase of $468,078.23 recovered since the date of the January 15, 2015 SFAR appended to the Receiver’s Second Fee Application less $172,467.70 paid to professionals as authorized pursuant to this Court’s Order dated March 4, 2015 with respect to the Receiver’s Second Fee Petition Application. (Docket Entry No. 64). B. Administration of the Case During the period covered by this Third Fee Application, the Receiver submitted her Second Quarterly Status Report on January 30, 2015 (Docket Entry No. 58). The Receiver also submitted her Third Quarterly Status Report on April 30, 2015. (Docket Entry No. 76). During this period of the Third Fee Application, the Receiver’s tasks essentially consisted of: Continuing to marshal, protect, manage and liquidate the Receivership Assets. Updating the public website at www.futuregenreceivership.com with all public Receivership documents. Providing notice to additional entities in jurisdictions in which the Receivership Defendants acquired assets. 8 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 9 of 30 Paying ordinary and necessary disbursements as proper for collecting, marshalling, maintaining, maximizing the value of, or preserving the Receivership Estate, or for the operation of the Receivership. Continuing review of pre-receivership records and work on the reconstruction of investor accounts. Consulting with pre-receivership tax and accounting professionals to gain an understanding of the pre-receivership status of the Receivership Defendants. Negotiating abatements of penalties assessed to real property in the receivership estate. Sending subpoenas to Dawn Kil, Jeff Bowers, Esq., and Google. Soliciting and negotiating offers on receivership assets as fully described in the Receiver’s Third Status Report (Docket Entry No.76). Initiating litigation against Footprints Investments, LLC and the Guarantors. Initiating a foreclosure action on 14206 Greenview Drive, Laurel, MD (collateral for the loan to Footprints Investments, LLC. C. Assets Recovered to Date In addition to the above discussion of the Receiver’s actions from January 1, 2015 through April 10, 20154, the total asset recoveries and interest earned of $1,830,518.59 have been added to the Receivership Estate and are identified on the SFAR appended as Exhibit A to the Third Fee Application. Specific aggregate information is detailed below. The SFAR also reports changes since the filing of the Second Fee Petition. 1. Rental Income of $3,400 from 51 Terrace Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA. 2. Interest income on bank deposits. 3. Redemptions of tax liens in Lake County, Illinois of $49,731.94 and $183,325.01 in the District of Columbia. 4 The Receiver used the cut off of April 10, 2015, two weeks after the reporting period, which date coincides with the SFAR filed with the Receiver’s Third Report dated April 30,2015. 9 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 10 of 30 4. Sold office equipment from the District of Columbia and Georgia offices for a total recovery of $3,600. 5. Proceeds from loan to Luxury Properties & Interiors LLC (4425 Bradley Lane, Chevy Chase, MD) from FutureGen of $131,800.00. 6. Proceeds from loan to Home Solvestors, Inc. (3829 Massaponax Church Road, Fredericksburg, VA) from FutureGen of $21,635.56. 7. Proceeds from loan to Nova Ventures VIII, LLC (3002 Barton Avenue, Richmond, VA) from FutureGen of $129,133.33. 8. Proceeds from loan to Nova Ventures VIII, LLC (2402 Lamb Avenue, Richmond, VA) of $109,977.78. 9. Proceeds from loan to Serene Holdings, LLC (19426 Ebenezer Church Road, Round Hill, VA) from FutureGen of $659,397.19. 10. Sold real property at 16 Swallow Street, Pittston, Pennsylvania (“16 Swallow Street”) for the sum of $30,000 with a net amount of $26,823.82 to the Receivership after taxes and expenses. 11. Sold real property at 2007 Fairlawn Avenue SE, Washington, DC (“2007 Fairlawn”) for the sum of $85,000 with a net amount of $74,288.12 to the Receivership after taxes and expenses. 12. Proceeds from Alaska Financial Company III, LLC on its purchase of a loan to IMT (2857 28th Street SE, Washington, DC) from FutureGen of $257,988.73. 13. Sold Personal Property items for cash in the amount of $500.00. 14. Recovered $19.20 from Allied Collection Services, Inc. and $1,959.30 from Professional Bureau of Collections of Maryland, Inc., both related to debt pools serviced by those companies for FutureGen. 15. Recovered $15,000 from JPMorgan Chase and $6,800 from Auto Dealer in settlement on Range Rover purchased with assets from Commercial Equity Partners, Ltd. 10 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 11 of 30 16. Sold real property at 1309 Parkview Lane, Kennesaw, Georgia for $283,000 on April 3, 2015 with net recovery of $149,765.82 to the estate after payment of the mortgage and other closing costs. D. Remaining Receivership Estate Assets 1. Real Property a. 279 Mountain View, Marietta, Georgia The Receiver previously reported to the Court that the Receivership Estate likely has an interest in a second property in Georgia identified as 279 Mountain View Drive, N.W., Marietta, GA (“279 Mountain View”). Dawn Kil (“Ms. Kil”) claims this is the alleged marital residence of Defendant Schmidt and herself. The Receiver notes that Mr. Schmidt rented a DC residential condo in the District of Columbia for approximately three years during the time of the asserted marital residence until he fled the country in approximately April 2014. Ms. Kil previously advised the Receiver that Defendant Schmidt: “handled the financial affairs associated with the asserted marital residence, and paid most, if not all, costs of the residence acquired in July 2011.” Despite numerous requests for documentation, and the service of a subpoena requesting records for the purpose of determining the extent to which Receivership Assets were utilized, directly or indirectly, for the acquisition and maintenance of 279 Mountain View and 1309 Parkview, there have been no documents produced to support Ms. Kil’s asserted interest in the alleged marital residence. In fact, it is unknown if Ms. Kil is actually married to Defendant Schmidt because she has failed to produce a marriage certificate and the former employees of the 11 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 12 of 30 Receivership Defendants seemed to be unaware that one of their fellow employees (Dawn Kil) was married to Defendant Schmidt. As reported to the Court, the Receiver’s subpoena was served upon Jeff Bowers, Esq. on March 30, 20155. The responsive date for documents was April 20, 2015. Mr. Bowers has failed to respond to the Receiver’s subpoena, voice messages, and email messages from Receiver’s counsel. Despite the lack of cooperation by Mr. Bowers or Mr. Barnes6, the Receiver advised the Court in her Third Quarterly Status Report that documents demonstrate that Mr. Schmidt stole funds from the Receivership Defendants for his personal use and caused Commercial Equity Partners, Ltd. to wire the sum of $265,349.60 (approximately 96% of the sale price of $275,000) to the Bowers Law Firm with the reference “279 Mountain View.” Further, the Receiver has documented approximately $56,000 of payments from Defendant Schmidt’s salary from the Receivership Defendants to Ms. Kil during the period 2011 until he fled in approximately April 2014. The reason is unknown for those payments but that they may represent what Ms. Kil refers to as Defendant Schmidt “taking care of the financial aspects of 279 Mountain View” as discussed above. In as much as the 96% of the $275,000 purchase price has been documented as funds stolen from investors, and while the Receiver is waiting for documentation of the deposit of approximately $10,000, the Receiver is evaluating her options to recover these stolen assets from the Receivership Estate. 5 6 Mr. Bowers’ law firm was the settlement company for the purchase of 279 Mountain View. Mr. Barnes is counsel to Ms. Kil. 12 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 13 of 30 Preliminary information suggests a market value close to $350,000 and rental income of approximately $1,650 for 279 Mountain View. It appears the taxes may be delinquent on 279 Mountain View, which delinquency may be indicative of Ms. Kil’s inability to pay the Receiver rent and to maintain the property. According to Ms. Kil, Defendant Schmidt and Ms. Kil resided at 1309 Parkview Lane before acquiring 279 Mountain View and her mother resided at 1309 Parkview Lane sometime after 2011 until shortly after the appointment of the Receiver. The Receiver’s subpoena to Ms. Kil also requested documentation with respect to 1309 Parkview Lane, none of which has been produced. The Receiver is evaluating legal remedies and will keep the Court informed. b. Real Property - Residential Properties in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania (now 4 parcels) The Receivership Estate includes four residential properties in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, acquired via Tax Claim Bureau Deeds at judicial sales prior to the entry of the Receivership Order. See Exhibit 3 to the Receiver’s Third Receiver’s Report for a list of the four properties. One of the four properties (51 Terrace) is inhabited. The person living there is sporadic with her rent payments; however, she recently agreed to bring the payments current. The Receiver expects a contract to be executed shortly for 51 Terrace, and will submit it to the Court for approval. The Receiver analyzed the net realizable value of the three other uninhabited properties (the “Three Properties”) given tax and other liens. On April 15, 2015 the Receiver filed her Motion with the Court seeking approval to sell those Three Properties on Craigslist for not less than $1 on the proviso the buyer of each property will take each property with the outstanding 13 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 14 of 30 tax amounts and other liens; the Court approved the Receiver’s Motion on April 29, 2015. (Docket Entry No. 74). The Receiver made this recommendation to the Court after she contacted Habitat for Humanity and their Executive Director determined that the properties were beyond their scope. The Receiver has tried on numerous occasions to request an abatement and/or reduction in taxes and other liens with no success. The Receiver listed the three Properties on Craigslist as authorized by this Court. On May 8, 2015, the Receiver received an offer for the Three Properties from an investor as a result of the advertisement on Craigslist. The Receiver discussed with the offeror that there are outstanding taxes and other matters, as well as the conveyance by the Receiver will be via a quit claim deed with no warranties whatsoever. The offeror acknowledged he lives near the Three Properties and has conducted his due diligence, and will execute a contract. The Receiver anticipates the closing will take place shortly. 2. Loan-Footprint Investments, LLC (“Footprint”) Footprint received two loans from FutureGen Company. On August 12, 2013, Footprint executed a Promissory Note in favor of FutureGen Company in the principal amount of $295,500.00, with interest accruing thereon at 14%, and at a default rate of 20%, plus late charges equal to 5% of any delinquent payment (the “$295,500 Note). On October 1, 2013, Footprint executed a second Promissory Note in favor of FutureGen Company in the principal amount of $13,500.00 with interest accruing thereon at 18%, plus late charges of 5% of overdue any payments (the “$13,500 Note”). The $295,500 Note and the $13,500 Note (collectively, the “Footprint Notes”) have matured and no payments have been made. The $295,500 Note is secured by a Deed of Trust on property identified as 14206 Greenview Drive, Laurel, Maryland and an Unconditional Guaranty Agreement executed by four individuals who are the members of 14 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 15 of 30 Footprint Investments, LLC (the “Guarantors”). The $13,500 Note is secured by a Second Deed of Trust on 14206 Greenview Drive. Counsel for Footprint sent an offer dated December 22, 2014 to the Receiver of $50,000 in settlement of the Receiver’s claims. The Receiver rejected this offer on January 7, 2015 and again requested Counsel provide the documents requested months ago. The Receiver and Counsel waited for Footprint’s Counsel to make an improved offer which was not forthcoming. Meanwhile, the Receiver made demand to the guarantors on January 26, 2015. Because there was no response from either Counsel or the guarantors, the Receiver filed a Motion to Commence Ancillary Proceedings Relating to Footprint and obtained approval from the Court on March 13, 2015 (Docket Entry 67) to pursue all remedies available at law including but not limited to a potential foreclosure on the real estate collateral and a lawsuit against the Guarantors for payment under their Guaranty. Counsel for the Receiver filed on March 23, 2015, a Complaint for Confession of Judgment in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland against Footprint, Case number CAL 15-06978. Receiver’s Counsel awaits the signed Order entering the Judgment by Confession which will then be served upon the Defendants. Once served, the Defendants will have thirty (30) days to file a Motion to Vacate the Judgment or risk that the Judgment shall be deemed final. Once the judgment is final, the Receiver will have the right to pursue post judgment collection rights and remedies under Maryland State law. Receiver’s counsel ordered a title report and is in the process of preparing the foreclosure action on the 14206 Greenview Dr. property and a proposed Order to Docket Foreclosure together with related forms necessary to proceed with an auction of that property. Apparently 15 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 16 of 30 real property taxes of $5,287.80 are due and unpaid by Footprint for the 2014-15 tax year. Earlier taxes were presumably paid by Footprint. A broker opinion of value dated January 15, 2015 suggests a potential market value of $329,000. The Receiver will keep the Court informed. 3. Tax Liens and Judgments As authorized by this Court, the Receiver sent notice of her solicitation of offers for the Maryland and District of Columbia tax liens and the District of Columbia judgments acquired pre-receivership. Details of the solicitation are included in the Receiver’s motion filed April 15, 2015 seeking approval to sell: (1) DC Tax Liens for an amount not less than $24,250; and (2) DC Judgments for not less than $18,627; and (3) Maryland tax liens for not less than $1,500 (Docket Entry No. 70). Please refer to the list on Exhibit 4 to this Receiver’s Report. The Receiver also sought approval to abandon certain forfeited (before the Receiver’s appointment) DC tax liens. On April 23, 2015, Judge Cooper held a conference call in chambers with the Receiver, Receiver’s Counsel, and SEC Counsel regarding the Receiver’s Motion filed on April 15, 2015. As requested by Judge Cooper on April 29, 2015, the Receiver filed her Notice in Support of Motions of Receiver to Approve: (1) Sale of Maryland Tax Liens, DC Tax Liens and DC Judgments and (2) Sale of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania Properties. (Docket Entry No. 72, No. 72-1, No. 72-2, No. 72-3, No. 72-4 and 72-5). The Court approved the Receiver’s Motion and entered an Order on April 29, 2015. (Docket Entry No. 73 and 74). As authorized, the Receiver posted notice on her website and requested any additional offers must be received by May 8, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. eastern. No additional offers were received, and the Receiver will proceed to consummate the sales as discussed below. 16 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 17 of 30 a. District of Columbia On August 14, 2014, the Court entered an Order authorizing the Receiver to employ the Law Offices of Eric Howell Sayles, P.L.L.C. (“Sayles Law Firm”) as Special Counsel (Docket Entry No. 31) to represent the Receiver in several cases pending in the District of Columbia arising from certain Receivership Defendants’ purchase of tax liens (“DC Tax Liens”) and judgments (the “DC Judgments”). The Receiver recovered to date $183,325.01 from the District of Columbia with respect to the tax liens, and one additional lien recovery is expected from the government of the District of Columbia. See Section III.D above for a discussion of the Receiver’s Motion and Notice, and this Court’s Order entered April 29, 2015. As authorized, the Receiver posted notice on her website of: (a) the $24,500 offer to purchase six DC tax liens; (b) the $5,127 offer to purchase nine DC judgments; and (c) $13,500 offer to purchase three DC judgments. No additional offers were received, and the Receiver will proceed to consummate the sales for the amounts stated above. b. Illinois As authorized by the Court’s Order entered October 28, 2014 the Receiver retained the law firm of Flamm, Teibloom & Stanko, Ltd., as special counsel in Illinois, to assist the Receiver with Illinois Certificates of Purchase regarding real estate taxes in multiple jurisdictions in Illinois. (Docket Entry No. 40). In particular, the law firm (1) prepared and filed requests for extensions with respect to the remaining tax liens acquired in Lake County; (2) followed up on one certificate in DuPage County and the Receiver submitted a request for a duplicate Sales Certificate in order to redeem the tax lien; and (3) confirmed that there are no outstanding liens in other Illinois jurisdictions. There remain 40 certificates for 2011 taxes purchased by the 17 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 18 of 30 Receivership Defendants in Lake County. To date the Receiver has recovered $49,731.94 from two jurisdictions in Illinois. Receiver’s Special IL Counsel advised the next step in potential recovery assuming the Receiver retains the liens is conducting a title search, paying subsequent years’ unpaid taxes, filing a tax deed petition with costs for the Sheriff, clerk’s mailing, and publication, among others, which costs about $2,000 or more per file. Receiver’s Counsel believes many of the parcels are vacant land and has provided some background on the type of property in Exhibit 5 appended to this Receiver’s Report. On March 9, 2015 the Receiver filed her Motion to Solicit Offers to Purchase IL Tax Liens and Proposed Order on which this Court approved on March 13, 2015 (Docket Entry Numbers 66 and 68). Pursuant to the Court’s Order, the Receiver sent notices to investors seeking offers for the 40 Certificates. No offers were submitted by the due date of April 13, 2015, despite many conversations with investors prior to April 13, 2015. Subsequent to April 13, 2015, the Receiver spoke at length to the largest buyer of tax certificates in Lake County, who offered a nominal amount of $500 for only one tax lien and explained his firm had no interest in the other 40 certificates. The investor (“Investor A”) explained why he, and likely other investors, are not interested in the other 40 items: (1) property locations in neighborhoods that investors may not want to invest in; (2) significant taxes outstanding for periods after 2011 tax year and subsequent tax sales resulted in investors acquiring those certificates or Lake County took back the certificates and re-auctions them during later periods; (3) many parcels appear to be in wetland areas and are unimproved land with little value to investors; and (4) most significantly, the 18% bid by Defendant Schmidt at 18 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 19 of 30 the auction in 2012 (for the 2011 tax liens) means no other bidders were competing at that point and, if Defendant Schmidt had not bid, Lake County would have acquired the liens. According to the seasoned investor, the 18% is indicative of a property considered less than worthwhile due to the fact most investors in last couple of years, bid 1-2% interest and a more seasoned investor would have no interest in 18% certificates. The Receiver learned on April 27, 2015 that one of the remaining 41 certificates redeemed late April 2015, and an additional recovery of $3,811.27 is anticipated later in May. Investor A suggested the Receiver could send letters to the tax payers for the Lake County, Illinois parcels which may or may not result in redemptions. On April 30, 2015, the Receiver sent letters to all taxpayers for the remaining 40 tax certificates at the address the most recent tax bills were sent. The Receiver will also file an extension request with Lake County prior to June 1, 2015 to seek an additional six months through November 25, 2015 (and final statutory period of extensions). Investor A appears to continue to have an interest in one tax certificate; the Receiver anticipates an improved offer will be submitted to the Receiver in the near future. Investor B made similar comments as described above, and made an offer of $1,000 (also after the deadline of April 13, 2015) for the entire 41 certificates, which the Receiver countered at $5,000, to which Investor B again countered on April 24, 2015 at $1,500. The Receiver has since rejected this offer because she is now aware that one of the properties on Exhibit 5 is actively marketed for sale, and will likely redeem at an amount much higher that the $1,500 offer for the entire portfolio. 19 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 20 of 30 The Receiver also contacted investors who purchased 2012 certificates on the same 41 parcels to ascertain any interest and learned there was no interest. Many of the 2012 certificates were acquired by Lake County. The Receiver’s strategy over the course of the next couple of months is to pursue recovery on the remaining tax certificates. Exhibit 5 reflects the outstanding taxes due for the 2012 unpaid taxes according to the Lake County website; however, the amount of 2013 and successive taxes are unknown and not available on the website. The Receiver will keep the Court informed. c. Maryland In May 2013, FGC Tax Lien Fund # 2 LLC purchased tax liens on real property located in Baltimore City, Maryland (“Maryland Tax Liens”). A list of the Maryland Tax Liens is attached as Exhibit 4 to the Receiver’s Report. As authorized by this Court’s Order entered November 7, 2014, the Receiver sent notice on March 9, 2015 to investors regarding the solicitation procedures for the Maryland Tax Liens; DC Tax Liens and DC Judgments. On April 15, 2015 the Receiver filed her Motion seeking approval to accept an offer of not less than $1,500 for the two Baltimore City tax liens on Exhibit 6 appended to this Receiver’s Report. (Docket Entry No. 70). See Section III.D above for a discussion of the Receiver’s Motion and Notice, and this Court’s Order entered April 29, 2015. As authorized, the Receiver posted notice on her website of the $1,500 offer to purchase two Baltimore City tax liens. No additional offers were received, and the Receiver will proceed to consummate the sale for the amount stated above. 4. HOA Liens (“Nevada Real Property”) 20 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 21 of 30 On October 24, 2014, this Court entered an Order Approving Receiver’s Solicitation of Offers to Purchase the Nevada Properties (the “Nevada Properties”) and Authorizing Payment of any Outstanding Amounts Due to Homeowners’ Associations with Respect to the Nevada Properties was entered on October 24, 2014. (Docket Entry No. 38). The list of the ten Nevada Properties is reflected in Exhibit 7 of the Receiver’s Third Status Report. As previously reported to the Court, the Receiver obtained a Broker’s Price Opinion for the Nevada Properties. (Solicitation Procedures Motion ¶ 16). Based on such Broker’s Price Opinion, the market value of the Nevada Properties is $1,630,000.00. Further, as reported to the Court in the Third Receiver’s Report filed April 30, 2015 at Section III.E the Receiver did not did not receive an acceptable offer to purchase the Nevada Properties, and countered an offer from an investor on April 24, 2015. (Docket Entry No. 76). The Receiver also reported two unacceptable offers based on the face amount paid by the Receivership Defendants ($203,600), and another offer that she countered on April 24, 2015. Receiver has ascertained that investor is conducting his due diligence and will make a revised counter to the Receiver. The Receiver will keep the Court informed. 5. Distressed Assets The Receiver’s investigation is ongoing and she will keep the Court informed. Recoveries to date total $1,978.50 IV. FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE COURT IN AWARDING FEES This Court has the power to appoint a receiver and to award the receiver fees for the receiver’s services and for expenses incurred by the receiver in the performance of his or her duties. See Sec. & Exch. Comm’n v. Byers, 590 F. Supp. 2d 637, 644 (S.D.N.Y. 2008) (”A receiver appointed by a court who reasonably and diligently discharges his duties is entitled to be 21 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 22 of 30 fairly compensated for services rendered and expenses incurred.”) (citations omitted). The case law on equity receiverships sets forth the standards for approving receiver compensation and the fees and expenses for the receiver’s counsel. The District Court has discretion to determine compensation to be awarded to a court-appointed equity receiver and the receiver’s counsel. Id.; see also Gaskill v. Gordon, 27 F.3d 248, 253 (7thCir. 1994); United States v. Code Prods. Corp., 362 F.2d 669, 673 (3d Cir. 1966). The court may “consider all of the factors involved in a particular receivership in determining an appropriate fee.” Gaskill, 27 F.3d at 253. Many authorities provide “convenient guidelines,” but in the final analysis, “the unique fact situation of each case renders direct reliance on precedent impossible.” Sec. & Exch. Comm’n v. W.L. Moody & Co., 374 F. Supp. 465, 480 (S.D. Tex. 1974), aff d, 519 F. 2d 1087 (5th Cir. 1975). In allowing counsel fees in Securities Act receiverships, “[t]he court will consider . . . the complexity of problems faced, the benefit to the receivership estate, the quality of work performed, and the time records presented.” Sec. & Exch. Comm’n v. Fifth Ave. Coach Lines, Inc., 364 F. Supp. 1220, 1222 (S.D.N.Y. 1973); see also Code Prods. Corp., 362 F.2d at 673 (noting that the court should consider the time, labor and skill required (but not necessarily expended), the fair value of such time, labor and skill, the degree of activity, integrity and dispatch with which the work is conducted and the result obtained). “[R]esults are always relevant.” Sec. & Exch. Comm’n v. Elliott, 953 F.2d 1560, 1577 (11th Cir. 1992) (quoting Moody, 374 F Supp. at 480). However, a good result may take a form other than a bare increase in monetary value. Id. (“Even though a receiver may not have increased, or prevented a decrease in, the value of the collateral, if a receiver reasonably and diligently discharges his duties, he is entitled to compensation.”). Obviously, overall results can be determined only at the conclusion of the case. 22 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 23 of 30 Another “basic consideration is the nature and complexity of the legal problems confronted and the skill necessary to resolve them.” Moody, 374 F. Supp. at 485. Moreover, “[t]ime spent cannot be ignored.” Id. at 483. Under these standards the Receiver has demonstrated that the amount of fees requested for payment at this time is appropriate. The following exhibits as well as the narrative descriptions in this Third Fee Application evidence the time and labor employed in processing this case. Exhibit A – Standard Fund Accounting Report Exhibit B – Summary of Clifton’s Fees by Each Professional Exhibit C – Summary of Clifton’s Fees by Month and Activity Exhibit D – Summary of Clifton’s Expenses by Month Exhibit E – Summary of Clifton’s Fees and Expenses by Activity Exhibit F – Summary of Clifton’s Fees by Task Code and Expenses Exhibit G – Detailed invoices of Clifton’s Professional Time Exhibit H – Certification of Receiver Exhibit I – Summary of Receiver’s Counsel’s Fees by Each Professional Exhibit J – Summary of Receiver’s Counsel’s Fees by Month and Activity Exhibit K – Summary of Receiver’s Counsel’s Expenses by Month Exhibit L – Summary of Receiver’s Counsel’s Fees and Expenses by Activity Exhibit M – Summary of Receiver’s Counsel’s Fees by Task Code and Expenses Exhibit N – Detailed Invoices of Receiver’s Counsel Professional Time Exhibit O – Receiver’s Counsel’s Certification Exhibit P – Detailed Invoices of Receiver’s Special DC Counsel 23 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 24 of 30 Exhibit Q – Receiver’s Special DC Counsel Certification Exhibit R – Detailed Invoices of Receiver’s Special NV Counsel Exhibit S – Receiver’s Special NV Counsel Certification Exhibit T – Detailed Invoices of Receiver’s Special IL Counsel Exhibit U – Receiver’s Special IL Counsel Certification Exhibit V – Table of Receiver’s and Law Firms’ Fees and Costs by Project The Receiver and her professionals’ compensation in this matter are subject to the final approval of this Court. Based on the foregoing, the Receiver respectfully submits that the compensation sought by the Receiver and her professional is reasonable and conducted in the best interest of the Receivership Estate. A table which includes a breakdown of the Receiver’s and the law firms’ and fees and costs by project or matter during this billing period is attached hereto as Exhibit V. The following table includes a breakdown of the Receiver’s and the law firms’ fees by activity category during this billing period:7 7 Categories are determined and defined in the “SEC’s billing guidelines”. 24 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 25 of 30 Activities Eric Sayles Receiver's Special DC Counsel WTP Receiver's Counsel Clifton Accounting/Auditing 2,687.00 Asset Analysis & recovery 8,287.50 7,788.00 40,254.00 9,130.00 Asset disposition - Leach Johnson Receiver's Special NV Counsel Stanko TOTALS - - - 2,687.00 - - - 16,075.50 1,710.00 2,533.50 1,088.00 54,715.50 Business Analysis - - - - - - Business operations - - - - - - Case Administration 992.50 - Claims administration, objections - - - - - - Court Hearings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 35,316.50 - 14,736.75 Data analysis 33,381.25 15,058.00 1,350.00 50,781.75 - Forensic accounting 35,316.50 Litigation consulting 526.25 9,208.00 - Status reports 10,707.50 400.00 - - - 11,107.50 Tax issues 20,664.00 950.00 - - - 21,614.00 151,824.00 42,534.00 Total 3,060.00 5,002.50 8,528.50 1,088.00 207,034.50 By this application, the Receiver seeks the immediate payment of $121,459.20 in fees and $162.23 in expenses to Clifton; payment of $34,027.20 in fees and $348.18 in expenses to Receiver’s Counsel; payment of $2,448.00 in fees and $13.16 in expenses to Receiver’s Special DC Counsel; payment of $6,822.80 in fees and $97.48 in expenses to Receiver’s Special NV Counsel; and payment of $870.40 in fees to Receiver’s Special IL Counsel. In light of the complexity of the problems presented in the Receivership Estate, the quality and quantity of work performed, the benefits thus far rendered to the Receivership Estate, and the prospects of future recoveries predicated in part on the preliminary work performed during this Third Fee Application Period as reflected herein and in the attached Certifications, the Receiver respectfully submits that the amounts requested to be paid at this time are fair and reasonable. Counsel for SEC has reviewed the Receiver’s Third Fee Application and exhibits thereto and advised they have no objection. 25 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 26 of 30 WHEREFORE, the Receiver respectfully requests that the Court grant this Third Fee Application and enter an Order approving and authorizing the following: 1. Payment to Clifton in the amount of $121,459.20 for services performed during the period January 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015, such payment representing eighty percent (80%) of its fees; and 2. Payment to Clifton in the amount of $162.23 for expenses incurred (80%) during the period January 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015; and 3. Payment to Receiver’s Counsel in the amount of $34,027.20 for services performed during the period January 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015, such payment representing eighty percent (80%) of its fees; and 4. Payment to Receiver’s Counsel in the amount of $348.18 for expenses incurred (80%) during the period January 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015; and 5. Payment to Receiver’s Special DC Counsel in the amount of $2,448.00 for services performed during the period January 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015, such payment representing eighty percent (80%) of its fees; and 6. Payment to Receiver’s Special DC Counsel in the amount of $13.16 for expenses incurred (80%) during the period January 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015; and 7. Payment to Receiver’s Special NV Counsel in the amount of $6,822.80 for services performed during the period January 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015, such payment representing eighty percent (80%) of its fees; and 8. Payment to Receiver’s Special NV Counsel in the amount of $97.48 for expenses incurred (80%) during the period January 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015; and 26 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 27 of 30 9. Payment to Receiver’s Special IL Counsel in the amount of $870.40 for services performed during the period January 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015, such payment representing eighty percent (80%) of its fees; and 10. Authorizing the Receiver to immediately pay all such approved fees and expenses from funds held by the Receiver; and 11. Granting such other relief as the Court deems just and proper. Dated: May 19, 2015 Respectfully submitted, /s/ David Daneman David Daneman (DC Bar No. 467386) Whiteford, Taylor & Preston L.L.P. Counsel for the Receiver Seven Saint Paul Street Baltimore, Maryland 21202 Telephone: (410) 347.8737 Facsimile: (410) 223-3737 27 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 28 of 30 EXHIBIT LIST TO RECEIVER’S THIRD FEE APPLICATION Exhibit A – Standard Fund Accounting Report Exhibit B – Summary of Clifton’s Fees by Each Professional Exhibit C – Summary of Clifton’s Fees by Month and Activity Exhibit D – Summary of Clifton’s Expenses by Month Exhibit E – Summary of Clifton’s Fees and Expenses by Activity Exhibit F – Summary of Clifton’s Fees by Task Code and Expenses Exhibit G – Detailed invoices of Clifton’s Professional Time Exhibit H – Certification of Receiver Exhibit I – Summary of Receiver’s Counsel’s Fees by Each Professional Exhibit J – Summary of Receiver’s Counsel’s Fees by Month and Activity Exhibit K – Summary of Receiver’s Counsel’s Expenses by Month Exhibit L – Summary of Receiver’s Counsel’s Fees and Expenses by Activity Exhibit M – Summary of Receiver’s Counsel’s Fees by Task Code and Expenses Exhibit N – Detailed Invoices of Receiver’s Counsel Professional Time Exhibit O – Receiver’s Counsel’s Certification Exhibit P – Detailed Invoices of Receiver’s Special DC Counsel Exhibit Q – Receiver’s Special DC Counsel Certification Exhibit R – Detailed Invoices of Receiver’s Special NV Counsel Exhibit S – Receiver’s Special NV Counsel Certification Exhibit T – Detailed Invoices of Receiver’s IL Counsel Exhibit U – Receiver’s Special IL Counsel Certification 28 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 29 of 30 Exhibit V – Table of Receiver’s and Law Firms’ Fees and Costs by Project 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79 Filed 05/19/15 Page 30 of 30 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY on this 19th day of May, 2015, that a copy of the forgoing Receiver Marion A. Hecht’s Motion for Approval of Third Fee Application for the Period From January 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015 with supporting legal authority was mailed via first class mail, postage prepaid, and/or via electronic mail, to: John V. Donnelly III Securities & Exchange Commission One Penn Center 1617 JFK Blvd., Ste. 520 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Seth Slomovitz, Esq. Law Offices of Eric Howell Sayles, PLLC 11 DuPont Circle, Suite 750 Washington, DC 20036 Jack C. Easton Securities & Exchange Commission One Penn Center 1617 JFK Blvd., Ste. 520 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Sean L. Anderson, Esq. Leach Johnson Song & Gruchow 8945 W. Russell Road, Suite 330 Las Vegas, NV 89148 Lawrence Schmidt [email protected] [email protected] /s/ David Daneman David Daneman (DC Bar No. 467386) Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 1 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 2 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 3 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 4 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 5 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 6 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 7 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 8 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 9 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 10 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 11 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 12 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 13 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 14 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 15 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 16 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 17 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 18 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 19 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 20 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 21 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 22 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 23 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 24 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 25 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 26 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 27 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 28 of 29 Case 1:14-cv-01002-CRC Document 79-1 Filed 05/19/15 Page 29 of 29
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