Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 14

Case

Case2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH
2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH Document
Document55-1
56 Filed
Filed11/02/16
11/01/16 Page
Page11ofof14
14

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14

DAVID C. SHONKA
Acting General Counsel
GREGORY A. ASHE
BRIAN S. SHULL
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20850
Telephone: 202-326-3719 (Ashe)
Telephone: 202 -326-3720 (Shull)
Facsimile: 202-326-3768
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
DANIEL G. BOGDEN
United States Attorney
BLAINE T. WELSH
Assistant United States Attorney
Nevada Bar No. 4790
333 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Suite 5000
Las Vegas, Nevada 89101
Phone: (702) 388-6336
Facsimile: (702) 388-6787
Attorneys for Plaintiff
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF NEVADA

15
16
17
18
19
20

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION,


Plaintiff,

Case No. 2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH

v.

[proposed] STIPULATED ORDER


FOR PERMANENT INJUNCTION
AND SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS
AS TO DEFENDANT JASON
KOTZKER

SEQUOIA ONE, LLC, et al.,

21
22

Defendants.

23
24

Plaintiff, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), filed its Complaint for Permanent

25

Injunction and Other Equitable Relief (Complaint) for a permanent injunction and other

26

equitable relief in this matter, pursuant to Section 13(b) of the Federal Trade Commission Act

27

(FTC Act), 15 U.S.C. 53(b). Pursuant to Federal Rule of Evidence 408 and the protections

28

Page 1 of 14

Case
Case2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH
2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH Document
Document55-1
56 Filed
Filed11/02/16
11/01/16 Page
Page22ofof14
14

afforded therein, the FTC and Defendant Jason Kotzker stipulate to the entry of a Final Order for

Permanent Injunction and Settlement of Claims (Order) to resolve all matters in dispute in this

action between them.

4
5

FINDINGS
By stipulation of the parties, the Court finds as follows:

6
7

1. This is an action by the FTC instituted under Section 13(b) of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C.

53(b). The Complaint alleges that Defendants participated in unfair acts or practices in

violation of Section 5 of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 45, in connection with the disclosure

10

of consumers sensitive personal information. The Complaint seeks both permanent

11

injunctive relief and equitable monetary relief for Defendants alleged unfair acts or

12
13

practices as alleged therein.

14

2. This Court has jurisdiction over this matter.

15

3. The Stipulating Defendant neither admits nor denies any of the allegations in the

16
17

Complaint, except as specifically stated in this Order. Only for purposes of this action,
the Stipulating Defendant admits the facts necessary to establish jurisdiction.

18
19

4. The Stipulating Defendant waives all rights to appeal or otherwise challenge or contest

20

the validity of this Order. The Stipulating Defendant also waives any claim that he may

21

have held under the Equal Access to Justice Act, 28 U.S.C. 2412, concerning the

22

prosecution of this action to the date of this Order. The FTC and the Stipulating

23

Defendant each shall bear its own costs and attorneys fees.

24
25
26

DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Order, the following definitions apply:

27
28

Page 2 of 14

Case
Case2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH
2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH Document
Document55-1
56 Filed
Filed11/02/16
11/01/16 Page
Page33ofof14
14

1
2
3
4
5

1. Corporate Defendants means Sequoia One, LLC and Gen X Marketing Group, LLC,
and their successors and assigns.
2. Defendants means all of the Individual Defendants and the Corporate Defendants,
individually, collectively, or in any combination.
3. Financial product or service means any product, service, plan, or program

6
7

represented, expressly or by implication, to: (a) provide any consumer, arrange for any

consumer to receive, or assist any consumer in receiving, a loan or other extension of

credit; (b) provide any consumer, arrange for any consumer to receive, or assist any

10

consumer in receiving, credit, debit, or stored value cards; (c) improve, repair, or arrange

11

to improve or repair, any consumers credit record, credit history, or credit rating; or (d)

12
13
14
15
16
17

provide advice or assistance to improve any consumers credit record, credit history, or
credit rating.
4. Individual Defendants means Jason A. Kotzker, John E. Bartholomew, Jr., Theresa D.
Bartholomew, and Paul T. McDonnell.
5. Lender means any Person who provides or issues loans or other extensions of credit.

18
19

6. Person means a natural person, organization, or other legal entity, including a

20

corporation, partnership, proprietorship, association, cooperative, or any other group or

21

combination acting as an entity.

22
23

7. Sensitive Personal Information means any of the following about a consumer: (a)
Social Security number; (b) financial institution account number; (c) credit or debit card

24
25

information; or (d) any other information by which a consumers financial account can be

26

accessed, or by which a consumer might be charged for goods or services, including

27

through third parties such as telecommunications carriers.

28

Page 3 of 14

Case
Case2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH
2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH Document
Document55-1
56 Filed
Filed11/02/16
11/01/16 Page
Page44ofof14
14

8. Stipulating Defendant means Jason A. Kotzker and by whatever names he might be

known.

ORDER

3
4
5

PROHIBITION ON THE DISCLOSURE OF SENSITIVE PERSONAL INFORMATION


I.

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the Stipulating Defendant is hereby permanently

6
restrained and enjoined from, or assisting others engaged in, selling, transferring, or

7
8

otherwise disclosing the Sensitive Personal Information of a consumer (other than the

Stipulating Defendant and his immediate family) to any Person; provided, however, that

10

this Section I shall not prohibit the Stipulating Defendant from transferring or otherwise

11

disclosing a consumers Sensitive Personal Information to the extent necessary to process

12
payment for any product or service sold by that Stipulating Defendant directly to that

13
14

consumer and for which that Stipulating Defendant has the consumers express, informed

15

consent for that sale.

16

PROHIBITED MISREPRESENTATIONS RELATING TO FINANCIAL RELATED


PRODUCTS OR SERVICES

17
18
19
20

II.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Stipulating Defendant and his officers, agents,
employees, and attorneys, and those Persons or entities in active concert or participation
with any of them who receive actual notice of this Order by personal service, facsimile

21
22

transmission, email, or otherwise, whether acting directly or indirectly, in connection

23

with the advertising, marketing, promotion, offering for sale, or selling of any Financial

24

product or service, are hereby permanently restrained and enjoined from misrepresenting

25

or assisting others in misrepresenting, expressly or by implication:

26

A. The likelihood that any Person will obtain a loan or other extension of credit; and

27
28

B. The terms or rates that are available for any loan or other extension of credit.

Page 4 of 14

Case
Case2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH
2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH Document
Document55-1
56 Filed
Filed11/02/16
11/01/16 Page
Page55ofof14
14

PROHIBITED MISREPRESENTATIONS RELATING TO ALL PRODUCTS OR


SERVICES

2
3

III.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Stipulating Defendant and his officers, agents,
employees, and attorneys, and those Persons or entities in active concert or participation

with any of them who receive actual notice of this Order by personal service, facsimile

6
transmission, email, or otherwise, whether acting directly or indirectly, in connection

7
8

with the advertising, marketing, promotion, offering for sale, or selling of any product or

service, are hereby permanently restrained and enjoined from misrepresenting or assisting

10

others in misrepresenting, expressly or by implication:

11

A. That a consumer has authorized or otherwise consented to the purchase of a product

12
or service;

13

B. That any particular outcome or result from a product or service is guaranteed,

14

assured, highly likely or probable, or very likely or probable;

15
16

C. The nature or terms of any refund, cancellation, exchange, or repurchase policy,

17

including, but not limited to, the likelihood of a consumer obtaining a full or partial

18
refund, or the circumstances in which a full or partial refund will be provided to the

19

consumer; and

20
21

D. Any other fact material to consumers concerning any product or service, such as: the

22

total costs; any material restrictions, limitations, or conditions; or any material aspect

23

of its performance, efficacy, nature, or central characteristics.

24
CONSUMER INFORMATION

25
26
27

IV.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Stipulating Defendant and his officers, agents,
employees, and attorneys, and those Persons or entities in active concert or participation

28

Page 5 of 14

Case
Case2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH
2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH Document
Document55-1
56 Filed
Filed11/02/16
11/01/16 Page
Page66ofof14
14

with any of them who receive actual notice of this Order by personal service, facsimile

1
2

transmission, email, or otherwise, whether acting directly or indirectly, are permanently

restrained and enjoined from directly or indirectly:

A. Failing to provide sufficient customer information to enable the FTC to administer

efficiently consumer redress. If a representative of the FTC requests in writing any

6
information related to redress, the Stipulating Defendant must provide it, in the form

prescribed by the FTC, within 14 days.

B. Disclosing, using, or benefitting from customer information, including the name,

9
10

address, telephone number, email address, social security number, other identifying

11

information, or any data that enables access to a customers account (including a

12
credit card, bank account, or other financial account) that any Defendant obtained

13
14

prior to entry of this Order in connection with the marketing or offering of payday

15

loans or other extensions of credit.

16

C. Failing to destroy such customer information in all forms in their possession, custody,

17

or control within thirty (30) days after receipt of written direction to do so from a

18
representative of the FTC.

19
20

D. Provided, however, that customer information need not be disposed of, and may be

21

disclosed, to the extent requested by a government agency or required by a law,

22

regulation, or court order.

23

MONETARY JUDGMENT AND SUSPENSION

24
25
26
27

V.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:


A. Judgment in the amount of SEVEN MILLION, ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE
THOUSAND, NINE HUNDRED AND NINETY-TWO DOLLARS ($7,135,992) is

28

Page 6 of 14

Case
Case2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH
2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH Document
Document55-1
56 Filed
Filed11/02/16
11/01/16 Page
Page77ofof14
14

entered in favor of the FTC against the Stipulating Defendant, jointly and severally

with any other Defendant in this action against whom judgment may be entered, as

equitable monetary relief.

4
5

B. The Stipulating Defendant is ordered to pay to the Commission $45,000. Such


payment must be made within 120 days of entry of this order by electronic fund

6
7
8
9
10
11

transfer in accordance with instructions provided by a representative of the


Commission.
C. Upon the asset transfers identified in this Section, the remainder of the judgment is
suspended as to the Stipulating Defendant, subject to the Subsections below.
D. The FTCs agreement to the suspension of the judgment is expressly premised upon

12
13

the truthfulness, accuracy, and completeness of the Stipulating Defendants sworn

14

financial statements and related documents (collectively, financial representations)

15

submitted to the FTC, namely the Financial Statement of Individual Defendant Jason

16

Kotzker signed on January 13, 2016, including the attachments.

17

E. The suspension of the judgment will be lifted as to the Stipulating Defendant if, upon

18
19

motion by the FTC, the Court finds that the Stipulating Defendant failed to disclose

20

any material asset, materially misstated the value of any asset, or made any other

21

material misstatement or omission in the financial representations identified above.

22
23

F. If the suspension of the judgment is lifted, the judgment becomes immediately due as
to the Stipulating Defendant in the amount specified in Subsection A above (which

24
25

the parties stipulate only for purposes of this Section represents the consumer injury

26

alleged in the Complaint), less any payment previously made pursuant to this Section,

27

plus interest computed from the date of entry of this Order.

28

Page 7 of 14

Case
Case2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH
2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH Document
Document55-1
56 Filed
Filed11/02/16
11/01/16 Page
Page88ofof14
14

G. All money paid to the FTC pursuant to this Order may be deposited into a fund

administered by the FTC or its designee to be used for equitable relief, including

consumer redress and any attendant expenses for the administration of any redress

fund. If a representative of the FTC decides that direct redress to consumers is

wholly or partially impracticable or money remains after redress is completed, the

6
7

FTC may apply any remaining money for such other equitable relief (including

consumer information remedies) as the FTC determines to be reasonably related to

the Defendants practices alleged in the Complaint. Any money not used for such

10

equitable relief is to be deposited to the United States Treasury as equitable

11

disgorgement. Defendants have no right to challenge any actions the FTC or its

12
13
14

representatives may take pursuant to this Subsection.


H. The Stipulating Defendant relinquishes dominion and all legal and equitable right,

15

title, and interest in all assets transferred pursuant to this Order and may not seek the

16

return of any assets.

17

I. The facts alleged in the Complaint will be taken as true, without further proof, in any

18
19

subsequent civil litigation by or on behalf of the FTC in a proceeding to enforce its

20

rights to any payment or monetary judgment pursuant to this Order, such as a

21

nondischargeability complaint in any bankruptcy case.

22
23

J. The facts alleged in the Complaint establish all elements necessary to sustain an
action by the FTC pursuant to Section 523(a)(2)(A) of the Bankruptcy Code, 11

24
25
26

U.S.C. 523(a)(2)(A), and this Order will have collateral estoppel effect for such
purposes.

27
28

Page 8 of 14

Case
Case2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH
2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH Document
Document55-1
56 Filed
Filed11/02/16
11/01/16 Page
Page99ofof14
14

K. The Stipulating Defendant acknowledges that his Taxpayer Identification Numbers

1
2

(Social Security Numbers or Employer Identification Numbers), which the

Stipulating Defendant previously submitted to the FTC, may be used for collecting

and reporting on any delinquent amount arising out of this Order, in accordance with

31 U.S.C. 7701.

6
L. Upon written request from a representative of the FTC, any consumer reporting

7
8

agency may furnish consumer reports concerning the Stipulating Defendant, pursuant

to Section 604(a)(1) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. 1681b(a)(1).

10
11

ORDER ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
VI.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Stipulating Defendant obtain acknowledgments

12
13
14

of receipt of this Order:


A. The Stipulating Defendant, within 7 days of entry of this Order, must submit to the

15

FTC an acknowledgment of receipt of this Order sworn under penalty of perjury.

16

B. For five 5 years after entry of this Order, the Stipulating Defendant for any business

17

that such Defendant, individually or collectively with any other Defendants, is the

18
19

majority owner or controls directly or indirectly, must deliver a copy of this Order to:

20

(1) all principals, officers, directors, and LLC managers and members; (2) all

21

employees, agents, and representatives who participate in conduct related to the

22

subject matter of the Order; and (3) any business entity resulting from any change in

23

structure as set forth in the Section titled Compliance Reporting. Delivery must occur

24
25
26

within 7 days of entry of this Order for current personnel. For all others, delivery
must occur before they assume their responsibilities.

27
28

Page 9 of 14

Case
Case2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH
2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH Document
Document55-1
56 Filed
Filed11/02/16
11/01/16 Page
Page10
10ofof14
14

C. From each individual or entity to which the Stipulating Defendant delivered a copy of

1
2

this Order, the Stipulating Defendant must obtain, within 30 days, a signed and dated

acknowledgment of receipt of this Order.

4
5

COMPLIANCE REPORTING
VII.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Stipulating Defendant make timely submissions

6
7
8

to the FTC:
A. One year after entry of this Order, the Stipulating Defendant must submit a

compliance report, sworn under penalty of perjury:

10

1. The Stipulating Defendant must: (a) identify the primary physical, postal, and

11

email address and telephone number, as designated points of contact, which

12
13

representatives of the FTC may use to communicate with the Stipulating

14

Defendant; (b) identify all of the Stipulating Defendants businesses by all of their

15

names, telephone numbers, and physical, postal, email, and Internet addresses; (c)

16

describe the activities of each business, including the goods and services offered,

17

the means of advertising, marketing, and sales, and the involvement of any other

18
19

Defendant (which the Stipulating Defendant must describe if he knows or should

20

know due to his own involvement); (d) describe in detail whether and how the

21

Stipulating Defendant is in compliance with each Section of this Order; and (e)

22

provide a copy of each Order Acknowledgment obtained pursuant to this Order,

23

unless previously submitted to the FTC.

24
25

2. Additionally, the Stipulating Defendant must: (a) identify all telephone numbers

26

and all physical, postal, email and Internet addresses, including all residences; (b)

27

identify all business activities, including any business for which the Stipulating

28

Page 10 of 14

Case
Case2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH
2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH Document
Document55-1
56 Filed
Filed11/02/16
11/01/16 Page
Page11
11ofof14
14

Defendant performs services whether as an employee or otherwise and any entity

in which the Stipulating Defendant has any ownership interest; and (c) describe in

detail such Stipulating Defendants involvement in each such business, including

title, role, responsibilities, participation, authority, control, and any ownership.

B. For 10 years following entry of this Order, the Stipulating Defendant must submit a

6
7

compliance notice, sworn under penalty of perjury, within 14 days of any change in

the following:

1. The Stipulating Defendant must report any change in: (a) any designated point of

10
11

contact; or (b) any entity that the Stipulating Defendant has any ownership
interest in or controls directly or indirectly that may affect compliance obligations

12
13

arising under this Order, including: creation, merger, sale, or dissolution of the

14

entity or any subsidiary, parent, or affiliate that engages in any acts or practices

15

subject to this Order.

16
17

2. Additionally, the Stipulating Defendant must report any change in: (a) name,
including aliases or fictitious name, or residence address; or (b) title or role in any

18
19

business activity, including any business for which the Stipulating Defendant

20

performs services whether as an employee or otherwise and any entity in which

21

the Stipulating Defendant has any ownership interest, and identify the name,

22

physical address, and any Internet address of the business or entity.

23

C. The Stipulating Defendant must submit to the FTC notice of the filing of any

24
25
26

bankruptcy petition, insolvency proceeding, or similar proceeding by or against the


Stipulating Defendant within 14 days of its filing.

27
28

Page 11 of 14

Case
Case2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH
2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH Document
Document55-1
56 Filed
Filed11/02/16
11/01/16 Page
Page12
12ofof14
14

D. Any submission to the FTC required by this Order to be sworn under penalty of

perjury must be true and accurate and comply with 28 U.S.C. 1746, such as by

concluding: I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of

America that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed on:_____ and supplying

the date, signatorys full name, title (if applicable), and signature.

6
7

E. Unless otherwise directed by a FTC representative in writing, all submissions to the

FTC pursuant to this Order must be emailed to [email protected] or sent by overnight

courier (not the U.S. Postal Service) to: Associate Director for Enforcement, Bureau

10

of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW,

11

Washington, DC 20580. The subject line must begin: FTC v. Sequoia One, et al.

12
13
14

RECORDKEEPING
VIII. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Stipulating Defendant must create certain records

15

for 10 years after entry of the Order, and retain each such record for 5 years.

16

Specifically, the Stipulating Defendant for any business that the Stipulating Defendant,

17

individually or collectively with any other Defendant, is a majority owner or controls

18
19
20

directly or indirectly, must create and retain the following records:


A. Proof of consumers authorization to have their sensitive personal information

21

transferred or disclosed, which includes the consumers name, phone number, and

22

address; and the manner, time, place, and method of the authorization;

23

B. Accounting records showing the revenues from all goods or services sold, all costs

24
25

incurred in generating those revenues, and the resulting net profit or loss;

26
27
28

Page 12 of 14

Case
Case2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH
2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH Document
Document55-1
56 Filed
Filed11/02/16
11/01/16 Page
Page13
13ofof14
14

C. Personnel records showing, for each person providing services, whether as an

1
2

employee or otherwise, that persons: name, addresses, and telephone numbers; job

title or position; dates of service; and, if applicable, the reason for termination;

D. Records of all consumer complaints and refund requests, whether received directly or

indirectly, such as through a third party, and any response;

6
E. All records necessary to demonstrate full compliance with each provision of this

Order, including all submissions to the FTC; and

F. A copy of each advertisement or other marketing material.

9
10
11

COMPLIANCE MONITORING
IX.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that, for the purpose of monitoring the Stipulating

12
13

Defendants compliance with this Order, including the financial representations upon

14

which part of the judgment was suspended and any failure to transfer any assets as

15

required by this Order:

16

A. Within 14 days of receipt of a written request from a representative of the FTC, the

17

Stipulating Defendant must: submit additional compliance reports or other requested

18
19

information, which must be sworn under penalty of perjury; appear for depositions;

20

and produce documents, for inspection and copying. The FTC is also authorized to

21

obtain discovery, without further leave of Court, using any of the procedures

22

prescribed by Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 29, 30 (including telephonic

23

depositions), 31, 33, 34, 36, 45, and 69.

24
25

B. For matters concerning this Order, the FTC is authorized to communicate directly

26

with each Stipulating Defendant. The Stipulating Defendant must permit

27

representatives of the FTC to interview any employee or other person affiliated with

28

Page 13 of 14

Case
Case2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH
2:15-cv-01512-JCM-CWH Document
Document55-1
56 Filed
Filed11/02/16
11/01/16 Page
Page14
14ofof14
14

the Stipulating Defendant who has agreed to such an interview. The person

interviewed may have counsel present.

C. The FTC may use all other lawful means, including posing, through its

3
4

representatives, as consumers, suppliers, or other individuals or entities, to the

Stipulating Defendant or any individual or entity affiliated with the Stipulating

6
Defendant, without the necessity of identification or prior notice. Nothing in this

7
8

Order limits the FTCs lawful use of compulsory process, pursuant to Sections 9 and

20 of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 49, 57b-1.

10
11

ENTRY OF JUDGMENT
X.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that there is no just reason for delay of entry of this

12
judgment, and that, pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 54(b), the Clerk

13

immediately shall enter this Order as a final judgment as to defendant Jason A. Kotzker.

14

RETENTION OF JURISDICTION

15
16
17

XI.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this Court retains jurisdiction of this matter for
purposes of construction, modification, and enforcement of this Order.

18
19

IT IS SO ORDERED:

20
21
22
23

________________________________________
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
November 2, 2016
DATED:______________________________

24
25
26
27
28

Page 14 of 14

You might also like