Published March 15, 2007 07:23 am - SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP - - The co-owner of the firm that managed Mariners Point Condominium Association has been charged with one count of mail fraud. Kathleen DeSalvo, who co-owned MultiVest Management Inc ...
Charges filed against condo management firm co-owner FBI investigating company, owners for alleged embezzlement of about $3.4 million
STACY MILLBERG Star Beacon
SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP - - The co-owner of the firm that managed Mariners Point Condominium Association has been charged with one count of mail fraud.
Kathleen DeSalvo, who co-owned MultiVest Management Inc. in Willoughby with her husband, James, is accused of transferring funds from MultiVest's clients' bank accounts and depositing the funds into MultiVest's accounts since 2000. She is also accused of creating false bank statements which reflected inflated balances in the clients' accounts. Kathleen DeSalvo allegedly provided the false statements to the accounting department which unknowingly created false financial statements that were mailed to MultiVest's clients each month, according to the information filed against her by the U.S. Department of Justice.
No charges have been filed against James DeSalvo yet.
"(Kathleen) admitted doing it, (James) has not," said David Kaman of Kaman and Cusimano law offices in Cleveland. "He said he was unaware of what was going on."
Kaman represents a number of the 50 condominium associations MultiVest provided management services for. The associations have also filed a civil lawsuit against the company and it's owners on claims of fraud, unjust enrichment, breech of contract and negligence.
The Cleveland office of the FBI is investigating the company and it's owners for alleged embezzlement of about $3.4 million. MultiVest closed it's doors on Feb. 16. James DeSalvo told his employees the closure was due to financial irregularities.
"There continues to be an in depth look into where the $3.4 million is at," Kaman said.
The information filed against Kathleen DeSalvo charges that the funds were used to pay business expenses of MultiVest, while some of the unauthorized funds were used for personal expenses.
Kaman said the news that Kathleen DeSalvo was charged resulted in mixed emotions in several of the associations' board members.
"While gratified to see progress in the criminal investigation, the one charge of mail fraud against Kathleen DeSalvo pales in comparison to the devastation and breech of trust that this theft has caused within many condominium and homeowners associations," he said.
Kaman is also investigating the liability and responsibility of other parties that may have been involved, including financial institutions.
"Our association boards continue to work with the FBI in their ongoing investigation to determine if others were involved," he said. "The extensive search continues for assets that may be used to repay associations."
The fact that charges have been filed does not make up for what volunteer board members have had to endure the past three weeks, Kaman said.
"The challenges to get their associations back on sound financial footing continues," he said.
Restorative/Education Liason Nurse This applicant must be a registered RN in the state of Ohio with 2 years experience. Please fill out at applicatio...>MORE
Ashtabula Property Manager/Maintenance Experience in Plumbing, Electrical & Carpentry. Fax resume to 440-428-6186...>MORE
Salesperson Looking for experienced Salesperson, Part-Time, Apply in person, no phone calls. Days Inn, 600 Days Blvd., C...>MORE
OPERATORS Strong mechanical/numerical skills Solid computer exp./Physically fit Former Factory Experience Excellent...>MORE
STNAs (3) FT 3rd Shift 11pm-7am (2) FT 2nd Shift 3pm-11pm STNA Opening Every weekend 7am-11pm
Winder Operator Plastic extrusion operation hiring for Day Shift (7AM-7PM) and Night Shift (7PM - 7AM). Candidates must have a hi...>MORE
Villa at the Lake A Drug Free Facility is seeking RCA’s Please apply within at 48 Parrish Rd Conneaut, OH...>MORE
THERMOFORMING DIVISION POSITIONS Myers Industries’ Lawn and Garden Group, (Dillen Products) has several opportunities in its Thermoforming operations in ...>MORE
RN - HOME CARE Well established company (20+ years.) Need an experienced RN to do opens, HHA and LPN supervisory visits, recerts, and d...>MORE
NORMANDY VILLAGE 55+ Manufactured Home Community 700 W. Main St. (Rt.20) Geneva, Ohio 44...>MORE
MOBILE HOME FOR SALE CONNEAUT 2BR carport, large shed, dishwasher, appliances, AC, extras negotiable. $3500 obo. No land contracts. Conneaut 440...>MORE
House for Sale Andover 3BR 2.5BA Ranch Andover w/ full bsmt. Big country kitchen with island, pantry, family room, L shaped living and dining r...>MORE
Lot For Sale 20 acres near Jefferson approximately 6 mature acres of woods and over 7000 seedlings. Great home or cabin setting $39,0...>MORE
Mobile Homes for Sale Whispering Willow 2BR & 3BR homes for sale starting at $7,900. Financing avail. 440-466-6403...>MORE
For Sale By Owner 64 West Jefferson Street Well-maintained Center Hall Colonial w/ Pool/Guest House, Heated pool, Gazebo & mo...>MORE