I hear an, uh, "interesting" story is soon to break regarding Scott Rothstein and FLPD, and I'll link it as soon as it does. I'm trying to get a piece of it as we speak.
In the meantime, and mostly as a comment cleaner, what follows is the "confidential" memo sent to investors regarding George Levin, pictured at left with Rothstein, and the Banyon Group's hiring of Colson Hicks Eidson. It's mildly interesting in that it says the sole reason for hiring the firm is to fortify its efforts to expose TD Bank's alleged role in the fraud. The South Florida Business Journal reported that the reason was to defend the firm in Bill Scherer's lawsuit. The memo also specifies that the firm has hired Bob Martinez, Curtis Miner, and Mike Eidson.Interestingly, Martinez is the receiver in the billion-dollar Joel Steinger Ponzi. So I'll say it again: This is the biggest small town in America.
--------------------------------------
CONFIDENTIAL
December 8, 2009
Re: Retention of Colson Hicks Eidson
Dear Banyon Colleagues,
In our continuing effort to keep you current, we wanted to provide you with a confidential update on the Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler PA matter and our recent retention of the law firm Colson Hicks Eidson.
We applaud the federal prosecutors' swift efforts to bring Scott Rothstein to justice. However, we are of the mind that in reaching true resolution on this matter, there are additional fingers to point, namely at
TD Bank. Banyon believes that TD Bank created and fostered an environment in which Mr. Rothstein was able to commit his fraudulent acts.
That is why Banyon has decided to retain the law firm of Colson Hicks Eidson to pursue the potential wrongdoing committed by TD Bank. Colson Hicks Eidson is one of South Florida 's oldest and most reputable litigation firms. The three lead attorneys representing us are Roberto ("Bob") Martinez, Curtis Miner and Lewis ("Mike") Eidson.
Mr. Martinez joined Colson Hicks Eidson in 1997, after serving as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, where he was the chief federal law enforcement officer in a district that extends from Key West to Ft. Pierce , Florida . He also served on the United States Attorney General's Advisory Committee. Mr. Eidson, a nationally recognized trial lawyer, became a partner at Colson Hicks Eidson in 1982. He concentrates his practice on products liability, medical and legal malpractice, aviation litigation, and class action and multi-district litigation. Mr. Miner, who joined the firm as a partner in 2004, practices in the areas of complex civil litigation, class actions, personal injury and products liability, as well as white-collar criminal defense. From 1999-2004, he served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Florida, where he worked in the Major Crimes, National Security and Public Corruption Sections. He received his undergraduate degree from Yale University summa cum lade and his law degree from Harvard Law School, where he graduated with honors and served as an editor of the Harvard Law Review.
We are confident that the expertise and distinction of Colson Hicks Eidson will further strengthen our efforts to recover the losses we have suffered. These efforts remain our first priority, and we intend to pursue each and every culpable party.
In addition, we have retained Peter Russin of the law firm Meland Russin & Budwick to pursue Banyon's funds in the Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler PA bankruptcy protection action. Mr. Russin co-founded Meland Russin & Budwick in 1993 and is recognized as one of Florida 's premier bankruptcy attorneys.
We continue to move forward aggressively on every possible front, committing all of our efforts to recovering the funds we are owed. We will keep you updated accordingly.
Thank you,
The Banyon Group
