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efta-efta01324981DOJ Data Set 10CorrespondenceEFTA Document EFTA01324981
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MARY JO WHITE
United States Attorney
Southern District of New York
Attorney for Plaintiff
United States of America
By:
Assistant United States Attorney
100 Church Street - 19th Floor
New York, New York 10007
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
x
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
Plaintiff,
- against -
JEFFREY E. EPSTEIN, IVAN S. FISHER,
ELLYN BANK, DEBRA ELISA COHEN,
DIANE FISHER d/b/a THE FISHER GROUP, :
FISHER & SOFFER a/k/a FISHER & SOPHIR,
LAWRENCE D. GERZOG, ROBERT HEILBRUN,
SUZANNE McDERMOTT, CHRISTOPHER
H. MARTIN, JESSIE SIEGEL a/k/a
JESSE SIEGEL, SIEGEL, MARTIN
& HEILBRUN, RON SOFFER, CARMEN TALSIG,
JOHN DOES 1 through 10 and
X CORPORATIONS 1 through 10,
Defendants. :
96 Civ. 8307 (DC)
SECOND AMENDED
COMPLAINT
The United States of America, by its attorney, Mary Jo White, United
States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, for its second amended
complaint alleges upon information and belief as follows:
NATURE OF THE ACTION
1.
This is an action by plaintiff United States of America (the
"Government") on behalf of the Office of Foreign Missions ("OFM") of the United States
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Department of State (the "State Department") against defendants Jeffrey E. Epstein
("Epstein"), Ivan S. Fisher ("Fisher"), Ellyn Bank, Debra Elisa Cohen, Diane Fisher
d/b/a The Fisher Group, Fisher & Soffer a/k/a Fisher & Sophir, Lawrence D. Gerzog,
Robert Heilbrun, Suzanne McDermott, Christopher H. Martin, Jessie Siegel a/k/a Jesse
Siegel, Siegel, Martin & Heilbrun, Ron Soffer, Carmen Talsig, John Does 1 through 10
and X Corporations 1 through 10 (collectively, the "Defendants") in connection with
certain premises located at 34 East 69th Street, New York, New York (the "Premises").
2.
This action arises from Defendants' unlawful uses of the benefits
of a foreign mission, namely, property of the government of Iran ("Iran"), in violation of
the Foreign Missions Act of 1982, 22 U.S.C. § 4301 et
("FMA"). The Government
took custody of the Premises on behalf of Iran following the severance of diplomatic
ties with Iran in 1980 and has maintained, managed, protected and preserved the
Premises at all times relevant to this suit pursuant to the Vienna Convention on
Consular Relations ("VCCR"), the FMA, the International Emergency Economic Powers
Act, 50 U.S.C. § 1701 et seq. ("IEEPA"), and authorities thereunder.
PARTIES
3.
The plaintiff is the United States of America on behalf of its
agency, the United States Department of State, Office of Foreign Missions, which is the
trustee-landlord for the Premises.
4.
Defendant Epstein is a resident of the State of New York and has
been a tenant of the Premises. Epstein has availed himself of the use and benefits of
the Premises and has failed to surrender possession of the Premises to the
Government.
5.
Defendant Fisher is a resident of the State of New York and is an
unapproved subtenant of the Premises. Fisher has availed himself of the use and
benefits of the Premises and has failed to surrender possession of the Premises to the
Government.
6.
Defendant Ellyn Bank ("Bank") is a resident of the
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State of New York with a business address at 34 East 69th Street, New York, New
York. Bank is named as a defendant because she has been an unapproved occupant
of the Premises; has availed herself of the use and benefits of the Premises; and has
or may claim to have an interest in the Premises.
7.
Debra Elisa Cohen ("Cohen") is a resident of the State of New
York with a business address at 34 East 69th Street, New York, New York. Cohen is
named as a defendant because she has been an unapproved occupant of the
Premises; has availed herself of the use and benefits of the Premises; and has or may
claim to have an interest in the Premises.
8.
Diane Fisher ("Ms. Fisher"), doing real estate business as The
Fisher Group, is a resident of the State of New York with both a home and business
address at 34 East 69th Street, New York, New York. Ms. Fisher is named as a
defendant because she is an unapproved occupant of the Premises; has availed
herself of the use and benefits of the Premises; and has or may claim to have an
interest in the Premises.
9.
Ron Soffer ("Soffer") is a resident of both the State of New York
and France, with a business address at 34 East 69th Street, New York, New York.
Soffer is named as a defendant because he is an unapproved occupant of the
Premises; has availed herself of the use and benefits of the Premises; and has or may
claim to have an interest in the Premises.
10.
Fisher & Soffer a/k/a Fisher & Sophir ("Fisher & Soffer") is a
general partnership with a business address at 34 East 69th Street, New York, New
York. Defendants Fisher and Soffer are partners in Fisher & Soffer. Fisher & Soffer is
named as a defendant because it is an unapproved occupant of the Premises; has
availed itself of the use and benefits of the Premises; and has or may claim to have an
interest in the Premises.
11.
Lawrence D. Gerzog ("Gerzog") is a resident of the State of New
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York with a business address at 34 East 69th Street, New York, New York. Gerzog is
named as a defendant because he is an unapproved occupant of the Premises; has
availed himself of the use and benefits of the Premises; and has or may claim to have
an interest in the Premises.
12.
Jessie Siegel a/k/a Jesse Siegel ("Siegel") is a resident of the
State of New York with a business address at 34 East 69th Street, New York, New
York. Siegel is named as a defendant because he is an unapproved occupant of the
Premises; has availed himself of the use and benefits of the Premises; and has or may
claim to have an interest in the Premises.
13.
Robert Heilbrun ("Heilbrun") is a resident of the State of New York
with a business address at 34 East 69th Street, New York, New York. Heilbrun is
named as a defendant because he is an unapproved occupant of the Premises; has
availed himself of the use and benefits of the Premises; and has or may claim to have
an interest in the Premises.
14.
Christopher H. Martin ("Martin") is a resident of the State of New
York, who, at various times pertinent to this lawsuit, has had a business address at 34
East 69th Street, New York, New York. Martin is named as a defendant because, at
various times pertinent to this lawsuit, he has been an unapproved occupant of the
Premises; has availed himself of the use and benefits of the Premises; and has or may
claim to have an interest in the Premises. Although Martin may not currently occupy
the Premises, he is named as a defendant because he is a partner of the law firm of
defendant Siegel, Martin & Heilbrun.
15.
Siegel, Martin & Heilbrun ("SM&H") is a general partnership with a
business address at 34 East 69th Street, New York, New York. Defendants Siegel,
Martin and Heilbrun are partners in SM&H, which, as of the date of this second
amended complaint, is conducting business under the name SM&H. SM&H is named
as a defendant because it is an unapproved occupant of the Premises; has availed
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itself of the use and benefits of the Premises; and has or may claim to have an interest
in the Premises.
16.
Suzanne McDermott ("McDermott") is a resident of the State of
New York with a business address at 34 East 69th Street, New York, New York.
McDermott is named as a defendant because she is an unapproved occupant of the
Premises; has availed herself of the use and benefits of the Premises; and has or may
claim to have an interest in the Premises.
17.
Carmen Talsig ("Talsig") is a resident of the State of New York
with a business address at 34 East 69th Street, New York, New York. Talsig is named
as a defendant because she is an unapproved occupant of the Premises; has availed
herself of the use and benefits of the Premises; and has or may claim to have an
interest in the Premises.
18.
John Does 1 through 10 (the "John Does") and X Corporations 1
through 10 (the "X Corporations") are persons or entities whose identities are presently
unknown to the Government but who may be using the Premises as their business
address. John Does and X Corporations are named as defendants because they are
unapproved occupants of the Premises; have availed themselves of the use and
benefits of the Premises; and have or may claim to have an interest in the Premises.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
19.
This Court has jurisdiction over this action by virtue of 28 U.S.C. §
1345 because the United States is the plaintiff in this action and by virtue of the FMA.
See 22 U.S.C. §§ 4301(a), 4311.
20.
Venue in this district is proper pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b)
because this is the district in which the defendants reside and because this is the
district in which the claims arose.
THE INTERNATIONAL TREATIES
AND STATUTORY SCHEMES
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A.
The Foreign Missions Act of 1982
21.
Pursuant to the FMA, 22 U.S.C. § 4301 et seq. "the operation in
the United States of foreign missions ... is a proper subject for the exercise of Federal
jurisdiction." Id. § 4301(a). The FMA provides, inter alia that "it is the policy of the
United States ... to facilitate the secure and efficient operation in the United States of
foreign missions ... and to assist in obtaining appropriate benefits, privileges, and
immunities for those missions ... in accordance with international law." Id. § 4301(b).
The State Department's actions pursuant to the FMA are grounded in national security
and foreign policy concerns and issues of reciprocity among nations. See id.
22.
The FMA defines a "foreign mission" as "any mission to or agency
or entity in the United States which is involved in the diplomatic, consular, or other
activities of, or which is substantially owned or effectively controlled by ... a foreign
government ... including any real property of such a mission" and "any right, title, or
interest in or to, or the beneficial use of, any real property in the United States ... or
other building." Id. §§ 4302(a)(3), (4).
23.
Under the FMA, "the United States, acting on its own behalf or on
behalf of a foreign mission, has standing to bring ... an action to obtain compliance"
with the FMA, including any action for injunctive or other equitable relief. Id. § 4311(a).
24.
The Secretary of State (the "Secretary") is empowered under the
FMA to determine the treatment to be accorded to a foreign mission in the United
States. Id. § 4301(c); see § 4302(a)(6). The FMA provides that "a denial by the
Secretary involving a benefit of a foreign mission within the jurisdiction of a particular
State or local government shall be controlling." Id. § 4307.
25.
OFM was established under the FMA pursuant to the Secretary's
authority. Id. § 4303. OFM, inter alia, carries out the purposes of the FMA, as
determined by the Secretary, and provides and assists in the provision of benefits for or
on behalf of a foreign mission under the FMA. See id. § 4303(4). OFM also performs
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such other functions as the Secretary determines are in furtherance of the policy of the
FMA.
B.
The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations
And The Bilateral Treaty With Iran
26.
The VCCR, 21 U.S.T. 77, 596 U.N.T.S. 261, TIAS 6820, is a
multilateral treaty to which the United States and Iran (and numerous other nations) are
parties. The VCCR govems the conduct of consular relations, consular posts and their
property and personnel. Article 27(1)(a) of the VCCR provides as follows:
Protection of consular premises and archives and of the interests of the
sending State in exceptional circumstances
1.
In the event of the severance of consular relations between two
States:
(a)
the receiving State shall, even in case of armed conflict,
respect and protect the consular premises, together with the
property of the consular post and the consular archives ....
VCCR art. 27(1)(a).
27.
In addition to the VCCR, the United States and Iran have entered
into a bilateral treaty known as the 1955 Treaty of Amity, Economic Relations and
Consular Rights Between the United States of America and Iran (the "Bilateral Treaty").
See 8 U.S.T. 899, TIAS 3853. Accordingly, the Premises also enjoy privileges and
exemptions accorded under the Bilateral Treaty.
C.
The International Emergency Economic Powers Act
28.
In 1980, the Government severed diplomatic ties with Iran and
pursuant to Article 27(1)(a) of the VCCR and the IEEPA, 50 U.S.C. § 1701 et seq. and
applicable executive orders, respectively, took custody of the Premises and froze the
assets of Iran located in the United States, including its diplomatic and consular
properties (collectively, the "Iranian Diplomatic Properties").
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29.
Under IEEPA, 50 U.S.C. § 1701 et seq. and regulations
promulgated thereunder, control and preservation of the Iranian Diplomatic Properties
are licensed by the United States Department of Treasury (the "Treasury Department")
to OFM. See 31 C.F.R. § 535.203(e) (1980).
30.
At all times pertinent to this suit, OFM has controlled, protected,
managed and leased the Premises pursuant to the FMA, the VCCR, IEEPA and the
terms of a license granted to OFM by the Treasury Department, Office of Foreign
Assets Control (the "License").
31.
Under the FMA, the Secretary is empowered to "protect and
preserve" and assume responsibility for the maintenance of the Iranian Diplomatic
Properties, including the Premises licensed under IEEPA. See 22 U.S.C. § 4305(c)(1).
Acting under the FMA, the Secretary has continued United States custody, control and
protection of the Premises.
32.
Under the License, OFM accounts periodically to the Treasury
Department, inter alia, as to the income stream generated by each of the Iranian
Diplomatic Properties, including the Premises. The License states, inter alia, that "all
income generated by or other use of the referenced properties would itself constitute
blocked Iranian property" (License § 1.4).
33.
In addition, under the FMA, "[a]ssets of or under the control of the
Department of State, wherever situated, which are used by or held for the use of a
foreign mission shall not be subject to attachment, execution, injunction, or similar
process, whether intermediate or final." 22 U.S.C. § 4308(f).
34.
The Premises were the residence of the former Iranian Consul
General. Accordingly, the Premises are a foreign mission under the terms of the FMA.
Id. §§ 4302(3), (4). The possession, preservation, control, benefits and use of the
Premises are governed by the FMA, the VCCR, the Bilateral Treaty and IEEPA under
terms and conditions prescribed by OFM.
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DEFENDANTS' WRONGFUL ACTS
35.
On or about February 1, 1992, OFM entered into a written lease
with Epstein for his use and occupancy of the Premises as a single-family residence.
The term of the Lease was from February 1, 1992 through January 31, 1994. A true
copy of the Lease is attached hereto as Exhibit A and is incorporated herein by
reference.
36.
The Lease contained a use of premises clause, stating:
Use
The Premises will be occupied by (i) Tenant [Epstein], his/her
spouse (if any), and his/her children (if any) as their personal residence;
(ii) Tenant's personal servants and employees; and/or (iii) approved
subtenants or approved assignees and their respective families, and for
no other purpose.
(the "Use of Premises Clause") (Exhibit A, page 1). In addition, the Lease contained
an assignment and sublet clause, stating:
Assignment, Sublet
Tenant may sublet all or part of the Premises, or assign this lease
or permit any other person to use the Premises with the advance written
permission of Landlord [OFM].
(the "Assignment and Sublet Clause") (Exhibit A, page 4) (emphasis added).
37.
On or about August 28, 1992, Epstein and OFM entered into an
amendment to the Lease, which, inter alia extended the term of the Lease through
January 31, 1997 (the "Lease Amendment"). A true copy of the Lease Amendment is
attached as Exhibit B and is incorporated herein by reference. The Lease Amendment
was made retroactively effective to February 1, 1992. The Lease Amendment did not
amend either the Use of Premises or Assignment and Sublet Clauses.
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38.
On or about February 1, 1992, Epstein took possession of the
Premises. On or about January 3, 1996, without OFM's knowledge, Epstein
abandoned the personal occupancy of the Premises required by the Use Clause.
39. By letter dated April 19, 1996, Epstein informed the Government,
through his attorney, that he wished to sublet the Premises or to assign the Lease and
Lease Agreement to Fisher.
40.
By letter dated April 26, 1996, the Government informed Epstein
that it would not approve a sublease or assignment of the Lease and Lease Agreement
to Fisher. A true copy of the April 26, 1996 letter is attached as Exhibit C and is
incorporated herein by reference.
41.
Despite the Government's decision not to approve Fisher as a
subtenant or assignee, Epstein entered into a sublease for the Premises with Fisher on
or about May 7, 1996 (the "Unpermitted Sublease"). A true copy of the Unpermitted
Sublease (minus attachments referenced in the table of contents thereto) is attached
as Exhibit D and is incorporated herein by reference.
42. On or about May 16, 1996, a Government employee visited the
Premises and found that Fisher was occupying and using the Premises. Fisher was
not a person permitted to occupy the Premises under the Use Clause.
43.
By letter dated June 3, 1996, sent to Epstein by certified mail,
return receipt requested, the Government notified Epstein that he was in default of the
Lease and Lease Amendment for not occupying the Premises personally and for
permitting an unapproved subtenant to occupy the Premises (the "Notice of Default").
Consistent with the Lease, the Notice of Default granted Epstein thirty days to cure the
default. True copies of the Notice of Default and the certified mail receipt are
collectively attached as Exhibit E and incorporated herein by reference.
44.
On or about July 19, 1996, a Government employee visited the
Premises and confirmed that Fisher continued to occupy the Premises.
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45.
By letter dated August 7, 1996, sent to Epstein by certified mail,
return receipt requested, the Government notified Epstein that because of his failure to
cure the default, the Lease would be terminated as of August 23, 1996 (the
"Termination Notice"). The Termination Notice directed Epstein to have the Premises
vacated and to return the keys to the OFM by August 20, 1996. True copies of the
Termination Notice and the certified mail receipt are collectively attached as Exhibit F
and incorporated herein by reference.
46.
Epstein has since refused to return the keys to the Premises to the
Government or to have the Premises vacated and thereby holds and continues in
possession of the Premises without the Government's permission or consent.
47.
Fisher holds and continues in possession of the Premises without
the Government's permission or consent.
48.
At times pertinent to this lawsuit, Fisher has permitted defendants
Ellyn Bank, Debra Elisa Cohen, Diane Fisher d/b/a The Fisher Group, Fisher & Soffer,
Lawrence D. Gerzog, Robert Heilbrun, Suzanne McDermott, Christopher H. Martin,
Jessie Siegel a/k/a Jesse Siegel, SM&H, Ron Soffer, Carmen Talsig, John Does 1
through 10 and X Corporations 1 through 10 (collectively, "Fisher's Subtenants") to
occupy the Premises.
49.
The Government did not consent to any occupancy of the
Premises by Fisher's Subtenants. Moreover, even under the Unpermitted Sublease,
the validity of which the Government disputes, Epstein did not consent to the use and
occupancy of the Premises by Fisher's Subtenants.
50.
Fisher's Subtenants hold and continue in possession of the
Premises without the Government's permission or consent.
51.
On or about November 18, 1997, the Govemment sent a series of
letters by Federal Express to all of Fisher's known Subtenants except for Ms. Fisher
(who is Fishers spouse), Martin (for whom the Government had no current address)
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and McDermott (who is apparently associated with or a member of Fisher's law firm),
requesting, inter alia, that each of them confirm to the Government by November 28,
1997, whether or not they had understandings with Fisher conceming their use and
benefit of the Premises and, if so, their plans to vacate the Premises. As of the date of
this second amended complaint, none of Fisher's Subtenants who were contacted by
the Government has denied to the Government that they occupy the Premises or has
agreed to leave without a Court order.
52.
The Government has an immediate right to exclusive possession
of the Premises.
53.
Under the FMA (see 22 U.S.C. § 4305(c)(1)), article 27 of the
VCCR and IEEPA, the Secretary protects and preserves the Premises on behalf of
Iran. Defendants' actions seriously curtail the authority of the Secretary to preserve
and execute control over the Premises. Defendants' wrongful possession of the
Premises, which are the property of Iran, and of which the United States is custodian,
violates the FMA and interferes with the Government's obligations under the VCCR.
FIRST CLAIM
Pursuant To The FMA, 22 U.S.C. § 4301
et seq. Against Epstein And Fisher
For Ejectment From The Premises
54.
The Government repeats and realleges paragraphs 1 through 53
of the second amended complaint as if fully set forth herein.
55.
Epstein and Fisher have unlawfully availed themselves of the
benefits of the Premises in violation of the FMA as follows:
a.
After the termination of the Lease and Lease Agreement,
Epstein wrongfully has withheld possession of the Premises and has refused to have
the Premises vacated and to return the keys thereto to the Government.
b.
Epstein wrongfully entered into the Unpermitted Sublease
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with Fisher and transferred possession of the Premises to Fisher.
c.
Fisher has maintained possession of the Premises and has
refused to return exclusive possession of the Premises to OFM.
56.
By reason of the actions of Epstein and Fisher, the Government is
entitled to a judgment declaring that it is entitled to exclusive possession of the
Premises, awarding it exclusive possession of the premises and ejecting Fisher and
Epstein from the Premises.
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SECOND CLAIM
Pursuant To The FMA, 22 U.S.C. § 4301
et seq. Against Defendants Ellyn Bank,
Debra Elisa Cohen, Diane Fisher d/b/a
The Fisher Group, Fisher & Soffer a/k/a
Fisher & Sophir, Lawrence D. Gerzog,
Robert Heilbrun, Suzanne McDermott,
Christopher H. Martin, Jessie Siegel
a/k/a Jesse Siegel, Siegel, Martin
& Heilbrun, Ron Soffer, Carmen Talsig,
John Does 1 through 10 and X Corporations
1 through 10 For Ejectment From The Premises
57.
The Government repeats and realleges paragraphs 1 through 56
of the second amended complaint as if fully set forth herein.
58.
Fisher's Subtenants have unlawfully availed themselves of the
benefits of the Premises in violation of the FMA by occupying the Premises without the
Government's permission and consent and by refusing to return exclusive possession
of the Premises to the Government.
59.
By reason of the actions of Fisher's Subtenants, the Government
is entitled to a judgment declaring that Fisher's Subtenants are not entitled to occupy
the Premises, awarding the Government exclusive possession of the Premises and
ejecting Fishers Subtenants from the Premises.
THIRD CLAIM
Pursuant To The FMA, 22 U.S.C.
§ 4301 et seq., Against Epstein
For Unjust Enrichment
60.
The Government repeats and realleges paragraphs 1 through 59
of the second amended complaint as if fully set forth herein.
61.
Under the Lease Agreement, Epstein was to pay OFM monthly
rent in the sum of $15,000 per month during the period, February 1, 1996 through
January 31, 1997 (Exhibit B, page 2). Under the Unpermitted Sublease, Epstein has
been receiving from Fisher monthly rent in the amount of $20,000 commencing with
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June 1, 1996 to a date unknown to the Government (Exhibit D ¶ 5).
62.
The total amount of the monies paid to Epstein by Fisher for the use and
benefit of the premises is unknown to the Government.
63.
Through his unlawful use and benefit of the Premises, Epstein has
unjustly enriched himself in an amount to be determined at trial. The circumstances of
Epstein's unjust enrichment are such that in equity and good conscience, Epstein
should not retain such payments.
FOURTH CLAIM
Pursuant To The FMA, 22 U.S.C.
§ 4301 et seq. Against Fisher
For Uniust Enrichment
64.
The Government repeats and realleges paragraphs 1 through 63
of the second amended complaint as if fully set forth herein.
65.
Fisher has unlawfully availed himself of the use and benefit of the
Premises from a date unknown to the Government through the present and has paid
no monies to the Government. Fisher has refused to surrender possession of the
Premises to the Government, thereby preventing the Govemment from leasing the
Premises. Moreover, Fisher may have profited in amounts and ways presently
unknown to the Govemment through the receipt of monies or other forms of
consideration from Fisher's Subtenants.
66.
Through his unlawful use and benefit of the Premises, Fisher has
unjustly enriched himself in an amount to be determined at trial. The circumstances of
Fisher's unjust enrichment are such that in equity and good conscience, Fisher should
not retain such benefits.
FIFTH CLAIM
Pursuant To The FMA, 22 U.S.C. §
4301 et seq., Against Defendants
Ellyn Bank, Debra Elisa Cohen, Diane Fisher
d/b/a The Fisher Group, Fisher & Soffer a/k/a Fisher & Sophir,
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Lawrence D. Gerzog, Robert Heilbrun, Suzanne McDermott,
Christopher H. Martin, Jessie Siegel a/k/a Jesse Siegel,
Siegel, Martin & Heilbrun, Ron Suffer,
Carmen Talsig, John Does 1 through 10 and
X Corporations 1 through 10 For Unjust Enrichment
67.
The Government repeats and realleges paragraphs 1 through 66
of the second amended complaint as if fully set forth herein.
68.
Fisher's Subtenants have unlawfully availed themselves of the use
and benefit of the Premises from dates unknown to the Government through the
present and have paid no monies to the Government. Fisher's Subtenants have
refused to surrender possession of the Premises to the Government, thereby
preventing the Government from leasing the Premises.
69.
Through their unlawful use and benefit of the Premises, Fisher's
Subtenants have unjustly enriched themselves as against the Government in amounts
to be determined at trial. The circumstances of Fishers Subtenants' unjust enrichment
as against the Government are such that in equity and good conscience, Fisher's
Subtenants should not retain such benefits as against the Government.
SIXTH CLAIM
Pursuant To The FMA, 22 U.S.C.
§ 4301 et seq., For Injunctive Relief
Against Epstein Directing Him
To Return Fixtures To The Government
70.
The Government repeats and realleges paragraphs 1 through 69
of the second amended complaint as if fully set forth herein.
71.
The Lease provides in pertinent part that "[a]ll improvements done
by a previous tenant indicated on the attached list entitled 'Chandeliers, Sconces,
Mirrors,' (the "Fixtures") have become the sole property of Landlord [OFM] and may not
be disposed of without the Landlord's written consent" (Exhibit A, page 3; List entitled
"Chandeliers, Sconces, Mirrors" (the "Fixtures Clause").
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72.
Iran is the prior tenant who installed the Fixtures on the Premises.
The Government is the proprietor of the Fixtures and protects and preserves the
Fixtures on behalf of Iran pursuant to the FMA, VCCR and IEEPA.
73.
The Government has not consented to any disposal of any
Fixtures by Epstein. Epstein has not returned the Fixtures to the Government.
Pursuant to the FMA, an injunction should issue requiring Epstein to return the Fixtures
to the Government.
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SEVENTH CLAIM
Against Epstein -
Common Law Breach Of Contract
74.
The Government repeats and realleges paragraphs 1 through 73
of the second amended complaint as if fully set forth herein.
75.
Epstein defaulted under the Lease and Lease Agreement and
failed to cure such default within the time demanded in the Termination Notice.
76.
The Lease provides in pertinent part:
Tenant's Defaults and Landlord's Remedies
If the Lease is terminated as [a] result of Tenant's default
hereunder beyond all applicable grace and cure periods, Landlord
may re-rent the Premises and anything in it for any term ....
Tenant shall be responsible for Landlord's reasonable costs of re-
renting.
(Exhibit A, page 5).
77.
The Government has been unable to re-rent the property because
Epstein has failed to cure his default by, inter alia allowing Fisher to have possession
of the Premises, thereby preventing the Government from re-renting the Premises.
78.
Epstein is liable to the Government for monetary damages from
August 23, 1996, the effective date of the termination of the Lease and Lease
Agreement, until exclusive possession of the Premises is returned to the Government.
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EIGHTH CLAIM
Against Epstein -
Common Law Breach Of Contract
79.
The Government repeats and realleges paragraphs 1 through 78
of the second amended complaint as if fully set forth herein.
80.
Epstein has not returned the Fixtures to the Government and has
accordingly breached the Fixtures Clause.
81.
The Government has
been damaged by Epstein's breach of the Fixtures Clause in an amount to be
determined at trial.
NINTH CLAIM
Against Epstein -
Common Law Conversion
82.
The Government repeats and realleges paragraphs 1 through 81
of the second amended complaint as if fully set forth herein.
83.
In the Unpermitted Sublease, Epstein asserts that he, as
"Overtenant" owns all property listed on a schedule attached to the Lease ... which is
entitled "Chandeliers, Sconces and Mirrors" (Exhibit D ¶ 10), i.e. the Fixtures.
84.
The Fixtures, as to which Epstein claims ownership, are not
Epstein's property. The Government is the proprietor of the Fixtures on behalf of Iran
pursuant to the FMA, VCCR, IEEPA and the License.
85.
The Government did not consent to Epstein's conversion of the Fixtures.
86.
The Government has been damaged by Epstein's conversion of
the Fixtures in an amount to be determined at trial.
WHEREFORE, plaintiff United States of America prays for judgment
against the Defendants:
(a)
On Claim 1 against Epstein and Fisher, pursuant to the FMA, 22
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EFTA01324999
U.S.C. § 4301 et seq. adjudicating that the Government is entitled to immediate and
exclusive possession of the Premises; ejecting Epstein and Fisher from possession of
the Premises; and returning exclusive possession of the Premises to the Government;
(b)
On Claim 2 against Fisher's Subtenants, pursuant to the FMA, 22
U.S.C. § 4301 et sec . adjudicating that Fishers Subtenants are not entitled to occupy
the Premises; ejecting Fisher's Subtenants from the Premises; and returning exclusive
possession of the Premises to the Government;
(c)
On Claim 3 against Epstein, pursuant to the FMA, 22 U.S.C. §
4301 et
awarding the Government the amount by which Epstein was unjustly
enriched, a total to be determined at trial;
(d)
On Claim 4 against Fisher, pursuant to the FMA, 22 U.S.C. § 4301
et seq., awarding the Government the amount by which Fisher was unjustly enriched, a
total to be determined at trial;
(e) On Claim 5 against Fisher's Subtenants, pursuant to the FMA, 22
U.S.C. § 4301 et seq., awarding the Government the respective amounts by which
Fisher's Subtenants were unjustly enriched as against the Government, in amounts to
be determined at trial;
(f)
On Claim 6 against Epstein, pursuant to the FMA, 22 U.S.C. §
4301 et seq., for an injunction directing Epstein to return the Fixtures to the
Government;
(g)
On Claim 7 against Epstein, damages under the Lease and Lease
Agreement, for the Government's cost of re-renting the Premises, a total to be
determined at trial;
(h)
On Claim 8 against Epstein, damages under the Lease and Lease
Agreement, for Epstein's breach of the Fixtures Clause;
(i)
On Claim 9 against Epstein, damages for Epstein's conversion of
the Fixtures;
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(j)
The costs and disbursements of this action; and
(k)
For such other and further relief as this Court deems just and
proper.
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Dated:
New York, New York
December 17, 1997
MARY JO WHITE
United States Attorney for the
Southern District of New York
Attorney for Plaintiff
United States of America
By:
Assistant United States Attorney
100 Church Street, 19th Floor
New York New York 10007
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EFTA01325002
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