The Law Offices of Gordon Mehler, PLLC
Representative Cases
Our firm represents individuals and businesses in three primary areas: white-collar criminal defense, civil litigation and administrative/regulatory matters. Our white-collar practice consists of representation in grand jury proceedings, trials and appeals, mostly in federal court. Our civil litigation practice has included a variety of disputes involving civil rights, contracts, employment, property, taxation and torts (especially civil fraud). Our regulatory investigations practice has included matters pending before various government agencies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the New York State Attorney General's Office.
Representative cases follow, which are subdivided for easier access:
Accounting Irregularities
- Representation of executive charged in federal prosecution stemming from accounting fraud at Symbol Technologies. Client sentenced to probation despite much higher sentencing guidelines.
- Representation of South Carolina-based senior executive at public company in accounting fraud investigation involving company's former chief executive officer (CEO).
top of page
Antitrust/Bid Rigging Allegations
- Representation of co-founder of two companies indicted in Maryland by U.S. Department of Justice’s (USDOJ) Antitrust Division on charges of conspiracy to engage in bid rigging and theft of trade secrets, involving Department of Defense aviation fuel contracts in Croatia, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan and Afghanistan. Client twice sentenced to probation despite initial sentencing guidelines of 51-63 months and government appeal to Fourth Circuit.
- Representation of Marsh & McLennan vice president indicted by New York State Attorney General on charges of bid rigging in insurance placements. Client sentenced to unconditional discharge.
- Representation of financial services executive under investigation by USDOJ Antitrust Division for bid rigging involving guaranteed investment contracts in municipal bond industry.
- Representation of hospital executive in USDOJ Antitrust Division probe of bid rigging and kickbacks.
top of page
Asset Forfeiture
- Representation in state court litigation of Georgia restaurant owner who received investment monies embezzled from German bank.
- Representation of former CEO seeking recovery of severance monies seized by federal government from company's largest investor following investor's indictment.
- Representation of retiree who recovered money seized as part of federal sports-betting prosecution.
- Representation of investment company employee whose home was seized through civil forfeiture complaint.
top of page
Bank, Mail and Wire Fraud Allegations
- Representation of real estate developer indicted federally in alleged $92 million bank fraud.
- Representation of financial services executive indicted for alleged Ponzi scheme involving over six million dollars.
- Representation of vice president at construction company charged federally with mail fraud involving allegations of commercial bribery. Split verdict after trial. Client sentenced to probation with three-months home detention despite sentencing guidelines of 30-37 months.
- Representation of senior newspaper executive in federal criminal investigation of inflated circulation figures. Prosecution declined.
- Representation of executive who worked with two Bear Stearns hedge fund managers who were indicted federally, and later acquitted, for their involvement in subprime mortgage market.
- Second Circuit appeal of honest services mail fraud conviction.
- Representation of president of attorney referral service in federal criminal investigation of fraud in purchase of business.
- Representation of retail brokerage manager in federal "squawk box" investigation involving unauthorized use of confidential, proprietary investment information.
top of page
Civil Fraud/Civil RICO/Crime Victim Litigation
- Representation of class of plaintiffs in civil securities fraud action, funded by Penn Mutual Life Insurance, in which brokers and Ponzi scheme operators were held accountable for causing millions of dollars in losses to customers of company's Pennsylvania-based subsidiary broker-dealer.
- Representation of media buying business in overseeing internal investigation related to allegations of overbilling.
- Representation of advertising executive in civil RICO litigation alleging improper diversion of $12 million from subsidiary of Fuji, the photography and media company. Case settled during discovery phase.
- Representation as local counsel of Colorado environmental consulting company in civil RICO case revolving around judgment secured in Ecuador.
- Representation of internet start-up company in state court lawsuit that resulted in full recovery of hundreds of thousands of dollars pilfered by company accountant.
- Representation of family of deceased extortion victim in recovering nearly one million dollars from convicted mobster.
- Representation of dating service executive sued by New York State Attorney General for various regulatory violations. Charges dismissed.
- Representation of individual subjected to extortionate demands by ex-wife's family.
- Representation of diamond dealer harmed by appraisals from diamond graders accused of taking bribes to falsify grading of precious stones.
- Pro bono representation of cleric defrauded by used car dealer.
- Pro bono representation of janitor defrauded by investment advisor.
top of page
Civil Rights/False Arrest/Wrongful Conviction
- Pro bono co-representation in Palladium Murder Case, which received national attention, to undo wrongful convictions of defendant who was freed (and acquitted in retrial) after more than 13 years in prison for murder of nightclub bouncer committed by two others.
- Representation as special counsel to USDOJ in successful arbitration appeal stemming from meritless loan discrimination complaint by Mississippi farmer in dealings with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- Representation of construction company president who recovered money in federal civil rights action for false arrest.
- Representation of accountant falsely arrested for violating order of protection. Criminal charges dismissed.
- Pro bono representation of young woman assaulted by police and cursed with racial epithets during arrest growing out of monetary dispute. Criminal charges dismissed.
- Representation, largely pro bono, of young woman who recovered money after being falsely arrested for shoplifting.
top of page
Computer Crime Allegations
- Representation of one of two computer programmers indicted for creating programs and generating paperwork on behalf of Bernard Madoff’s investment advisory business.
- Representation of manager who deleted supervisor's e-mails at California-based Fortune 500 company while company was under federal investigation. No prosecution.
top of page
Contract Disputes/Commercial Litigation
- Representation of a commercial interior renovation/construction firm in state court litigation over misappropriation of business assets. Case settled prior to discovery.
- Co-representation of Global Crossing executive in federal commercial litigation involving various bank loans.
- Representation of Source Capital in successful federal lawsuit to recover funds from broker.
- Representation of Radian subsidiary in defending against state court lawsuit by "head hunter" seeking fee for client hired by company. Case settled on morning of trial.
- Representation of principal at graphic arts company in state court lawsuit to recover money owed by former co-owner.
- Representation at commercial arbitration of Belgian partner against American partner relating to split of limited liability company distributions.
- Representation of retired senior partner at large law firm sued in state court over expensive jewelry purchased on consignment and then lost in transit.
- Representation of printing business in state court lawsuit arising out of purchase of defective equipment. Case settled prior to trial.
- Representation of Indian businesswoman in Uniform Commercial Code dispute with American bank.
- Representation of financial services employee in state court lawsuit. Client obtained judgment for money she loaned to her ex-boyfriend.
- Pro bono representation of Episcopal Church in successful resolution of contract dispute with hotel over cancellation of church banquet.
- Pro bono representation of homeless woman trying to recover $250,000 promised to her daughter by her deceased common law husband.
- Pro bono representation of non-profit summer camp in defeating lawsuit by allegedly aggrieved parent.
top of page
Embezzlement Allegations
- Representation of individual charged, in Oregon federal prosecution, with embezzling more than five million dollars from leading investment bank and investing it offshore. Client sentenced to 21 months in prison.
- Representation of hedge fund chief financial officer (CFO) who admitted embezzling more than one million dollars.
- Representation of jewelry company CFO who wrote unauthorized checks to himself worth close to one million dollars. No prosecution.
- Representation of employee at venture capital firm who admitted embezzling more than $100,000. No prosecution.
- Representation of Manhattan art gallery employee whose proprietor was accused of stealing from clients.
- Representation of treasurer at university fraternity in which president was indicted for embezzling over $600,000.
- Representation of Missouri coal industry expert in state investigation of unlawful appropriation of business information.
- Representation of company that did business with CEO of Duane Reade drug store chain indicted for embezzling company funds.
- Representation of cleric's colleague in defense of cleric charged with embezzling money from his church.
top of page
Employment and Labor Matters
- Representation of international division chief at Xerox in federal civil litigation over employee benefits. Case settled during discovery phase.
- Representation of Samsung manager fired after controversial performance review.
- Co-representation of trader fired by large bank days before he was set to receive bonus of more than one million dollars, virtually all of which he recovered.
- Representation of union officer under investigation for potential illegalities arising out of strike-related activities. No prosecution.
- Representation of head of construction union local concerning disputed hiring practices.
- Assistance in representation of union in federal lawsuit to recover monies appropriated by state government.
- Representation of immunized witness in state labor racketeering investigation of payoffs to union shop stewards.
- Pro bono representation of non-profit organization in successfully defending its termination of employee for poor performance.
- Pro bono representation of doorman in pension dispute.
top of page
Government Contracts and Benefits
- Representation of senior executive at non-profit foster care agency under state criminal investigation for falsifying records to maintain city contracts. Prosecution declined.
- Representation of government contractor in Davis-Bacon, prevailing-wage investigation. Prosecution declined in favor of civil settlement.
- Representation of co-owner of company with multi-million dollar schools contract under investigation for improper billing.
- Assistance to government contractor in federal debarment proceeding.
- Representation of Japanese lawyer under investigation for improper receipt of American government benefits. Case settled administratively.
- Pro bono service on board of directors of Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement House, a non-profit that relies heavily on government contracts.
top of page
Health Care Matters
- Representation, as pool counsel, of Wal-Mart employees in Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) matter involving accidental death of security guard in “Black Friday” shopping frenzy.
- Co-representation of health benefits executive charged with fraud in federal court and sentenced to probation.
- Representation of a German biochemist in federal criminal investigation of medical testing procedures at large diagnostics laboratory.
- Representation of psychiatrist in state investigation of his billing practices. No prosecution.
- Representation of podiatrist in two federal investigations of his billing practices. No prosecution.
- Representation of lawyer in Medicaid fraud investigation.
- Representation in competency hearing of suicidal filmmaker who assaulted police officer. Case diverted into cutting-edge mental health court.
- Pro bono service on board of directors of Health Jam, a non-profit organization concerned with children's health issues.
top of page
Insurance Matters
- Representation of reinsurance industry executive in federal prosecution alleging misrepresentations and misappropriation of premiums. Client sentenced to 33 months in prison.
- Representation of insurance brokerage employee in state investigation of fraud against upstate New York county.
top of page
Miscellaneous Civil Matters
- Representation of individual in estate litigation who sued deceased mother's guardian later found to have engaged in misconduct.
- Representation of estranged wife of network television executive in assorted domestic battles, including unsuccessful attempt to have her prosecuted on various bogus charges.
- Representation of Michigan radio program director in New York State Attorney General music industry "payola" investigation.
top of page
Miscellaneous Criminal Matters
- Representation in five-week trial of individual involved in brawl while on line at Empire State Building, resulting in acquittal on all counts of indictment but conviction on one lesser included offense. Sentence served of four months.
- Representation of New York City official in federal investigation of criminally negligent homicide involving crash of Staten Island Ferry.
- Representation of building inspector in state criminal investigation of death of two firefighters trapped in building under demolition near former World Trade Center.
- Representation of individual in federal gambling (sports betting) prosecution. Client sentenced to nine months in prison.
- Representation of Guyanese immigrant in federal prosecution for allegedly agreeing to pay undercover police officer to plot violence against estranged wife. Client received capped sentence of 60 months in prison.
- Representation of cooperating defendant in federal Chinese gang case in sentencing negotiation and litigation, where defendant still had not been sentenced nearly eight years after guilty plea. Client sentenced to 16 years despite initial recommendation of 20 years, most of which already had been served.
- Representation of advertising agency information technology manager prosecuted for inadvertently leaving gun in luggage while flying out of LaGuardia Airport. Client sentenced to unconditional discharge.
- Representation of federal Witness Protection Program participant whose father was murdered by the Mafia.
- Representation of Pakistani immigrant in federal inquiry growing out of unwitting tie to terrorism suspect. No prosecution.
- Representation of individual charged in state prosecution targeting credit card fraud involving consumer electronics. Criminal charges dismissed.
- Representation of construction company CEO accused of vandalizing neighbor's car. Criminal charges dismissed.
- Representation of sculptor arrested for possession of box cutter he used in his artwork. Criminal charges dismissed.
- Representation of Israeli merchant mariner in persuading state prosecutor to dismiss old, outstanding warrant, arising out of disputed facts, that prevented renewal of his visa.
- Representation of various individuals in violation of probation (or violation of supervised release) proceedings, including former Goldman Sachs investment banker on supervised release stemming from money laundering conviction.
top of page
Money Laundering Allegations
- Representation, as pool counsel, of department managers connected to USDOJ investigation of private bank in Florida, alleging Bank Secrecy Act/anti-money laundering compliance violations. Case settled civilly.
- Co-representation of Panamanian jewelry company charged with money laundering in federal prosecution.
- Representation of student under federal investigation for laundering marijuana proceeds.
- Representation of tobacco industry wholesaler who received formal immunity in federal fraud and money laundering investigation.
top of page
Property Matters
- Representation of family member in state litigation over daughter's unlawful appropriation of elderly parents' property. Case settled prior to discovery phase.
- Representation of JP Morgan Chase managing director in defeating frivolous lawsuit by disgruntled tenant over sublet of luxury apartment.
- Representation of investment fund embroiled in dispute related to terms of investment in Manhattan real estate development.
- Representation of Illinois lawyer in successful eviction proceeding involving daughter's ex-boyfriend.
- Representation of French technology company in negotiation of commercial leases.
- Pro bono representation of individual in recovering rent overcharges by landlord.
- Pro bono representation of tenant who feared apartment ceiling would collapse due to construction work nearby.
- Pro bono representation of coop owner who had been unsuccessful in holding management company responsible for loss of ownership documents.
top of page
Public Corruption/Obstruction of Justice Allegations
- Co-representation of lobbyist in North Carolina state and federal criminal investigations growing out of state lottery legislation. Client sentenced to probation.
- Representation of senior political operative in state campaign finance investigation of Kings County (New York) Democratic Party boss. No prosecution.
- Co-representation of West Point cadet and member of football team for alleged misconduct that subjected him to general court martial. Client permitted to resign Army commission.
- Representation of lawyer prosecuted for openly admitting to prosecutor in another case that he destroyed gun sent to him by client. Client sentenced to unconditional discharge in return for resigning from bar.
- Representation of lawyer under criminal investigation for allegedly aiding and abetting submission of misleading information to federal regulators. Prosecution declined.
- Representation of individuals involved in making questionable campaign contributions to presidential primary candidate.
- Representation of business which sought to import African diamonds, gold and oil, in light of concern about running afoul of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
- Representation of class action law firm in federal criminal investigation of payments by lawyers to witnesses to procure potential lawsuits.
- Representation of individual in divorce proceeding who charged that bribes were paid to obtain corrupt result.
- Representation of immunized witness in state judicial corruption investigation.
top of page
Securities Matters
- Representation of ex-Galleon hedge fund executive in insider trading investigation.
- Representation of wife of former Forbes 400 member under investigation for stock manipulation.
- Representation of former Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce executive in connection with mutual fund "market timing" and "late trading" investigations conducted by SEC and New York State Attorney General. No prosecution; closely related indictment later dismissed.
- Representation of American Health Care Providers CEO in federal prosecution and related Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) action charging market manipulation. Client sentenced to 33 months in prison.
- Representation, as pool counsel, of more than a dozen employees of New York Stock Exchange specialist firm in federal investigation and prosecution of "trading ahead" and "interpositioning." Related indictments later dismissed.
- Representation of hedge fund chief operating officer (COO), concerning valuation of securities under scrutiny by SEC.
- Representation of individual who received stock tip in SEC insider trading investigation of electronics firm. No prosecution.
- Representation of middle manager charged in SEC enforcement action related to inflated sales figures.
- Representation of in-house lawyer at financial services company in federal criminal and regulatory investigation of fraud by brokers and hedge funds in three states.
- Representation of chief operating officer at small securities firm, which traded on British exchanges, under investigation for participating in stock manipulation scheme.
- Representation of author who alleged insider trading by prominent investment advisor.
- Representation of executive at firm that had non-public information used to engage in insider trading.
- Co-representation of president of grocery business in SEC enforcement action. Case settled prior to discovery phase.
- Representation of ex-girlfriend of target in SEC insider trading investigation of officers and affiliates of Greek shipping company.
- Representation of Arizona broker in securities arbitration.
top of page
Tax Liability
- Representation of firm internationally prominent in art world on charges related to non-payment of state sales tax on artworks. Client paid fine.
- Representation of energy industry executive in federal criminal tax evasion prosecution involving more than four million dollars.
- Representation of real estate broker on state criminal charges involving failure to file income tax returns. Client sentenced to conditional discharge.
- Representation of Far East company accused of profiting from allegedly illegal tax shelters promoted by former KPMG tax partner.
- Representation of window washing company executive in criminal and civil state income tax investigations. Prosecution declined.
- Representation of bank manager in settlement of several million dollars of outstanding federal and state income tax liabilities for a much lower figure.
- Representation of internet jewelry company accused civilly of failure to pay state sales tax. No prosecution in favor of civil settlement.
- Representation of lawyer/tax preparer accused of complicity in false sales tax returns.
- Co-representation of drycleaner under investigation for underreporting business income.
- Representation of fast food franchisee in federal criminal tax evasion investigation.
- Representation of two individuals connected to defunct Connecticut hedge fund in federal civil tax matter related to demise of fund.
- Representation of tax attorney who received large sum for work done on behalf of second tax attorney who was target of federal criminal investigation.
top of page
|
