Sunday, July 18, 2010

Financial Advisor Charged In $500K+ Client Ripoff; One Victim Swindled Out Of Equity Loan Proceeds, Loses Property To Foreclosure

In South Lake Tahoe, California, cbs13 reports:
  • A financial advisor is facing federal charges and decades in prison for allegedly stealing her clients' life savings to fund a lavish lifestyle. South Lake Tahoe resident Lori Zoval, 45, has been accused by the Department of Justice of stealing at least $500,000 and concealing the crime by sending her clients false documents and paperwork.

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  • Holly Eimer said her nonprofit organization, Tahoe Helping Hands, was leveled by Zoval's actions. Eimer, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, said she dreamed of opening an ADA-compliant resort for disabled people and their pets, and took out a $200,000 equity loan to pay for fundraising on Zoval's advice. Eimer said the money quickly disappeared, along with Zoval. Some of Eimer's property was eventually lost to foreclosure.

For the story, see Financial Advisor Accused Of Stealing $500,000+.