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Friday, June 28, 2013

SMOKIN' AIN'T ALLOWED IN SCHOOL! PENNFIELD TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS DENIES A FOREVER RECOVERY EXPANSION REQUEST! COMPLETE MEETING MINUTES! AFR FILES SUIT AGAINST PENNFIELD'S ZONING BITCH SLAP!


PENNFIELD TOWNSHIP DENIES PER WICKSTROM'S
VARIANCE REQUEST; APPEAL FILED IN CALHOUN COUNTY'S 37TH DISTRICT COURT JUNE 18

In a public hearing held on May 21st, Michigan's Pennfield Charter Township denied a "use variance request" from TIA Corporation on behalf of expansion at 'A Forever Recovery'.

And as your girl Miss Fortune reported back in May,  the proceedings were "pretty brutal" for TIA Corporation/A Forever Recovery.


According to the official minutes, Chairperson Frank Schumacher called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm in the Pennfield Middle School Cafeteria. Present were Zoning Board of Appeals members Frank Schumacher, Perry Beard, Chuck Adams, Maryanne Herbstreith, Curtis Whitaker and alternate member Lindsay Draime. 

Others attending included Rob Behnke, Township Supervisor and Zoning Administrator; Barbara Darlington, Pennfield Township Deputy Supervisor; Pennfield Township Attorney John Macfarlane, Court Reporter Mary Howland and Pennfield Recording Secretary Sandra Cummings. 

TIA Corporation/ “A Forever Recovery” were represented at the hearing by attorneys Tom King and Phillip B. Slot, legal intern Jennifer Domingue, Executive Director Pam Anderson (not the hot one), and architect Larry Rizor. 

Fans of the Scientology school of architecture may recognize Rizor's name.  In 2002, the Battle Creek Enquirer reported that Rizor's firm, Architects Inc., was doing architectural work on the Church of Scientology's new Battle Creek home, the former Hart Hotel. 

Looks like rotten apples don't fall too far from dessicated trees!

Supervisor Rob Behnke explained the purpose of the public hearing was to hear a use variance request from TIA Corporation/ “A Forever Recovery” pursuant to Section 18.06 C (1) – (3) of the Pennfield Charter Township Zoning Ordinance.


Attorney Tom King presented his request to the Zoning Board of Appeals members. He stated that his client, TIA Corporation, wished to construct a new 10,900 square foot dormitory on a parcel of land currently being used as a parking lot for said client, which is located directly across the street from the main building being used as a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. The need for this additional dormitory is to provide separate sleeping quarters to the female clients of the facility. He stated that the existing parking lot is never filled to capacity as none of the clients are allowed to have a vehicle on site. A new parking lot is planned on another piece of property adjacent to the existing parking lot, also owned by TIA Corporation. Since parking is allowed within 300 feet of the facility it serves, the relocation of the parking lot would not be a problem. He indicated that since parking requirements are much greater than their needs, the facility would be willing to reduce the size to preserve a larger green buffer for neighboring properties. 

The clients housed in the new dormitory would cross the street as a group each day to attend classes and activities in the main building.
It was the opinion of Mr. King that since a use variance was already granted to this facility on May 7, 2002, the current request to add a building within the existing boundaries of the property owned by the facility should be considered an extension of the existing variance. His opinion was that by granting the use variance for a non-conforming use, it then becomes a conforming use, and the addition of another building is just a continuation of that use.

King pointed out that the business has operated in an uninterrupted manner since the original use variance was granted, and that all qualifications met at that time still exist now. He stated that due to the size of the facility and topographic difficulties, it would be unsuitable for residential use, and that the expansion would not alter the character of the neighborhood. He stated that if the variance is granted, TIA Corporation will comply with all township building and zoning requirements to construct the new dormitory, and would even reduce the size of parking to increase the buffer zone. 
 
QUESTIONS FROM THE ZBA BOARD MEMBERS

Township Attorney John Macfarlane opened this portion of the meeting with the legal opinion that an expansion of a non-conforming use will not be permitted. He did not agree with the statement that by granting a use variance for a non-conforming use, that made it a conforming use. His stand remains that even though it is a lawful use, it is still a non-conforming use and that it is unlawful to permit expansion of a non-conforming use unless permission from the Zoning Board of Appeals is granted.

The Board commented that in the previous appeal process in 2002, the applicant assured the board members that no further enlargement would be made of the physical facility. Mr. King replied that no assurances were given at that time that the facility would never request enlargement. Mr. King stated that the size of the compound would be limited to property that was already owned, and that the proposed dormitory is indeed located within that limited property.

The Board inquired about police and fire responses to the facility, and whether they have increased since 2002. 

Pam Anderson, Executive Director of “A Forever Recovery”, stated that there were very few police and/or fire calls, only a few medical emergency calls, and that there was very little outdoor activity conducted on the premises. 

She indicated that use of the volleyball court was limited to the hours of 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and use of the water for swimming, boating, and fishing was up to 7:00 pm. Sundays were for client visitation, and that the clients were respectful of neighbors. She indicated that the clients were limited to six clients on the pontoon boat at a time, and fishing was catch and release only. Clients were allowed to go for walks on the road only when accompanied by a staff member.

The Board asked if clients were forced to stay at the facility, and if anyone had ever escaped. Pam Anderson stated that clients could check out anytime, and would be transported away by staff members. Clients who have left on their own have always been found. (Yeah, and dragged back by the scruffs of their necks!)

The Board asked about security measures for the facility. 

(After she stopped laughing), Ms. Anderson stated there was ample security staff at all times. She indicated that there were security cameras installed, and that tape recordings were retained for two weeks. (Except if a security staffer attacks a patient, then the tape is destroyed.) The security staff conducts room checks and perimeter checks routinely. The proposed new dormitory would employ six staff members.

The Board asked about the safety of pedestrians crossing St. Mary’s Lake Road to go to the main building/classrooms. Pam Anderson indicated that pedestrians would only be coming across the street as a group, and that traffic is very slow moving, with a posted speed limit of 15 MPH because the road takes a hard curve at that point.
The Board asked if the facility has support from residents in the area. Mr. King indicated that TIA Corporation has not solicited support from residents. 

The Board asked if the business is operating at capacity, and if it is profitable. The Director indicated that the facility at this time has 90 clients, with capacity being 100, and that it is a profitable business.

The Board commented on the fact that TIA Corporation would be willing to reduce the number of parking spaces created in the proposed new parking lot. The Board asked if the reduction would prevent other businesses from using the facility should the current owners decide to close or sell the facility. It was indicated that a purchaser would need to be aware of the restrictions. 

The Board asked how clients are referred to the facility. The Director stated that they have a Website, and receive phone calls, and some referrals from family members and previous clients who have successfully completed the program. (What Pam Anderson neglected to mention was the veritable Potemkin Village of fake referral sites that funnel unsuspecting people to their "facility".) Success rate is about 67%. (What a load of crap! Lies, lies, and more lies!) Most clients are from outside the state of Michigan. The clients go through a detoxification procedure prior to arrival at the facility. (Yeah, if you could call going cold turkey "detoxification"!)

The question was posed to Mr. King that if the variance was denied, would TIA continue to operate in the existing facility. Mr. King indicated that it is likely that TIA would continue to operate, but will appeal a denial in court. 

The Board asked what changes would be made to the parcel where the new proposed parking lot would be located. It was indicated that part of the proposed parcel is already cleared, with some trees, brush, and brambles. Some of the area will have to be cleared, but TIA would minimize tree removal.

The Board asked what the cost of the new building and parking lot would be. No estimate has been determined at this time.

The Board asked if there had been any state licensing violations at the facility. Pam Anderson stated that there are no violations, and that the Corporation has the highest accreditation that can be received. (Anderson conveniently covered up the medical malpractice and personal injury lawsuits her "facility" is currently defending. The State of Michigan's "enforcement" is as flaccid as Anna Nicole Smith's late husband!)

Rob Behnke, Township Zoning Administrator, stated for the record that according to the Township Master Plan, the current zoning for the location of this facility is and will be Medium Density Residental.

(The following section includes public comments made during the meeting. The home addresses of those commenting have been deleted.)

Michael Wood: property is adjacent to proposed parking lot.
He and his family will be able to see the dorm and parking from his yard. He has small children and states that traffic has greatly increased since 2002, the speed is much faster than 15 MPH, has witnessed clients walking through his yard, fleeing from police, and feels that the character of the neighborhood has already been affected adversely. He is opposed to expanding the rehab center.

Lawrence Grayheck: owns a parcel next to the proposed site. He is Vice President of the St. Mary’s Lake Association and liaison member on the committee that is supposed to meet each year with representatives from A Forever Recovery to resolve neighborhood problems. He stated there’s has only been two meetings since 2002, and feels there needs to be more. He has heard many complaints from neighbors regarding the clients. He feels the road can’t handle increased traffic, there have been mailboxes hit, a garage was hit, and many people stop him to ask directions to the center. There have been speed bumps installed to slow traffic, and he is concerned for the safety of children waiting for school busses and riding bikes. He complained that the sewer pumping station already smells bad, and increased clients will increase the smell. He stated that the clients on the beach are loud and use foul language which carries and can be heard by children and guests of residents. He feels that the area where clients will be crossing the street from the proposed dorm to the main facility is not a safe place to cross. 


Alexis Smith: owns a home adjacent to the main facility. She has two small children, and has many issues including fast traffic, loud music from staff vehicles early in the morning, foul language and loud voices late at night yelling from room to room, clients climbing out the windows of the facility. She stated that the clients keep the fish they catch, and wants to know if they are required to get a fishing license and fish during the proper season as required by law. She indicated she has had to call the Sheriff department, and that the sheriff deputies have difficulty getting cooperation from staff at the facility. She is concerned that there may be registered sex offenders or felons housed at the facility.

Steve Smith: lives next to the main facility. He feels there will be more large trucks such as food and laundry deliveries on the street to service increased clients. He feels extra security in the form of privacy fencing should be constructed all around the facility.

Cindy Vanasperen: She is adamant about the need for privacy fencing also. She had a family member car-jacked and threatened by a client. She has had clients walking through her yard and constantly coming into her yard for stray basketballs. She can’t enjoy being outside due to constant foul language from the clients. She has witnessed an overloaded pontoon boat, and has had difficulty identifying security staff from patients so she knows who she is talking to. She requests that the staff wear a different colored shirt so she can address them regarding problems. 

Jon Bowers: owns property directly behind and below the proposed building site. An expansion of the facility will directly affect his home. He is concerned about increased delivery trucks and large security lights shining into his yard. He feels there will be major excavating above him for construction of the new building, with increased water run-off coming into his yard. 

Brandon Smith: He is concerned about loud radios, bad language, hooting and hollering at night, safety of his children, and the need for criminal background checks on clients. He feels the facility does not extend respect to residents.

Pat Smith: She uses the lake frequently, and the language she hears from the beach area at the facility is horrible with repeated obscenities. She indicated that one of the (AFR) staff members went outside during this meeting and smoked on school property. She is concerned that if staff members disobey school laws, they may not be following the rules at the facility either.

Gretchen Saver: She stated she attended the facility 4 years ago, and completed the program successfully. She stated that lives are saved there, and appreciates that the neighborhood residents have given up their back yards to help save lives.

The issues brought out during the public hearing were addressed by Attorney King. He stated that road conditions and municipal sewer problems were not under the control of
“A Forever Recovery”. 

The issues with water runoff, lighting, and other site plan issues will be dealt with as needed. The facility is willing to have regular meetings with the neighborhood committee and would gladly agree to reducing parking spaces in order to create buffer zones. 
 
Pam Anderson stated that they have invited Lake Association members and neighbors to tour the facility and attend annual picnics, but no one from the public has ever attended. She states that all staff members are accredited, and have college degrees. She stated she always cooperates with the sheriff department. She stated that staff wears uniforms and I.D. tags.

The Director stated that clients enter the center of their own free will, and that no criminals are sent to the facility as part of sentencing requirements. This fact is not a guarantee that a client does not have a criminal record, however, and current HIPAA laws prevent revealing personal information about patients. She stated that the facility does not accept clients convicted of sex crimes.

The public hearing was closed by Chairperson Frank Schumacher. A motion was proposed by Lindsay Draime, offered by Perry Beard, seconded by Chuck Adams to approve the Use Variance request from TIA Corporation/ “A Forever Recovery”, to expand the Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility by constructing an additional building on a parcel owned by the same situated on the existing parking lot, and create a new parking lot on an adjacent parcel owned by the same and located within 300 feet of the main building, under the same conditions on record for the original Use Variance request made May 7, 2002, with additional provisions that security fencing be constructed around the entire facility. 

The request was denied. 

A roll-call vote follows:
Chuck Adams: No 
Curtis Whitaker: No
Perry Beard: No 
Frank Schumacher: No
Maryanne Herbstreith: No

Additional Public Comments 

Gary Cantrell: stated that he was opposed to the original approval of a drug and alcohol rehab facility as the neighborhood is a residential area, and that the neighborhood has had to live with it, but objects to allowing any expansion.

Cindy Vanasperen: again stated that security staff does not wear identifying apparel, she lives in their back yard, and should not expand because the facility already has difficulty controlling the existing clients.



BOARD MEMBERS COMMENTS

Chuck Adams stated that he feels the residents were very upset about any proposed expansion of the facility and that a privacy fence should be installed as requested.

Frank Schumacher feels that the facility should follow through with the fencing, and get more easily identifiable uniforms for security staff. 

Miss Fortune will be digging into this story, and would love to hear from AFR's neighbors at: tcmissfortune@yahoo.com


 







Monday, June 24, 2013

SPLITSVILLE SHOCKER! MICHAEL MOORE FILES FOR DIVORCE! 6/30 UPDATE: SEPTEMBER HEARING SCHEDULED

Moore and Glynn in happier times at Cannes Film Festival
BREAKING NEWS!!

Traverse City Film Festival founder Michael Moore files for divorce from wife Kathleen Glynn!

Moore filed papers in Antrim County, Michigan, June 17; (6/30 update) hearing scheduled for September 10. Glynn, a fellow Flint native, married Moore in 1991.


As "Glistening, Quivering Underbelly" exclusively reported on June 24th, New York City/Traverse City entertainment power couple Michael Moore and Kathleen Glynn have quietly called it quits after 22 years of marriage.

According to court records, Moore is being represented by Joseph Aviv, a former State of New York Assistant District Attorney.

A lecturer at the University of Michigan Law School, Aviv is the co-head of the Oakland County office of Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP, where he "counsels and represents high net-worth individuals and families in non-routine matrimonial and family law matters and divorce litigation".

Glynn, an internationally-known, award-winning film and television producer, is a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures of Arts and Sciences, and serves on the executive board of the Documentary Branch. 

Glynn and Moore "met cute", as they say in Hollywood.  

Glynn and Moore in an undated photo
In a 2007 Record-Eagle interview, Glynn recalls their first meeting. "I was working at the Jiffy Prints in Flint. I believed I was a graphic designer. I was 17 years old, and he had his newspaper (the Flint Voice) and he came in, and he was always late. He always came in at like five to 5, and I was pretty sassy, I guess, and I thought, 'What is this guy doing here? Like, doesn't he get it? We close at 5, we can't run off copies right now.' So that's kind of how I met him, and I thought, he's really nice, but you know, a bit of a slacker."

Miss Fortune hopes these two kids can patch up their differences and stay together.

Any bets on who ends up with the Torch Lake cottage?

 





Case #:   2013-6629 DO   County:  Antrim
Case Type:   DIVORCE, NO CHILDREN   



Trial Type:    Jury Demand:
Judge:  HAYES, NORMAN R.  P-Number: 30063
Date Issued:  06/17/2013  Date Closed:    Date Expired: 09/16/2013
Date Reopened:    Date Reclosed:  
Disposition:    Code:
Disposition Date: 01/01/0001 Judgment for: 

Litigants

NamePlaintiff/Defendant Attorney P-Number Alias
MOORE, MICHAEL FPlaintiffAVIV, JOSEPH 30014
GLYNN, KATHLEEN RDefendant



Court Proceedings

DateActionProceeding
06/17/2013SIVERIFIED COMPLAINT FOR DIVORCE


SUMMONS ISSUED TO EXPIRE 9/16/2013
06/17/2013MOOPLTS' VERIFIED EX-PARTE MOTION FOR MUTUAL TEMPORAR


RESTRAINING ORDER CONSERVING PROPERTY
06/17/2013OREX-PARTE MUTUAL TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER


CONSERVING PROPERTY SGN BY JDG NELSON 6/17/13
06/26/2013HRGNOTICE OF FINAL HRG OF DIVORCE ON 9/10/13 @9:05

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

PER WICKSTROM "UNFILTERED": LIES ABOUT FLORIDA DRUG ARREST EXPOSED! (AND HE WAS NEVER ON "COPS"!) A GLISTENING, QUIVERING UNDERBELLY EXCLUSIVE!











It's an instrinsic part of Per Wickstrom's public mythology--his claim that he'd started drinking at age 13, and by age 15 he had been kicked out of his house for using marijuana. While he was still in high school, Wickstrom claimed he was introduced to cocaine. Believing he had no other means to support himself, Wickstrom began dealing cocaine to make money.

Wickstrom says his drug dealing career culminated when he was 27, when he was arrested in a sting operation on "COPS" in front of a national audience. He claimed he spent eight months in jail before his case came up for trial. Facing a likely sentence between 2 and 5 years, Wickstrom says he was lucky enough to convince the judge that he did not need to be sentenced to jail. Instead, the judge put Wickstrom on probation for five years and gave him a hefty fine of $20,000.


But the truth is way more mundane than the myth.

An official with the Florida Department of Corrections just confirmed to Miss Fortune in an email that Per Wickstrom was never arrested in Florida for a drug-related offense.

However, official Broward County records indicate Wickstrom was arrested in May 1986 and charged with grand theft (stolen property valued over $300 but under $20,000), tampering with evidence, and battery of a community college security officer.

The Florida Department of Corrections stated that "Mr. Wickstrom served and successfully completed a period of probation in Florida in 1994". The DOC official went on to confirm that Wickstrom's offense "was not drug related", and had not further history with Florida's Corrections system.

That sound you just heard is the air coming out of Per Wickstrom's image---slowly deflating  like the dirty underpants of a failed, drunken ship's captain.

Don't you wonder what else he's lying about? 





Monday, June 17, 2013

"CURB YOUR AGGRESSION": TRAVERSE CITY WINTER COMEDY ARTS FESTIVAL CO-FOUNDER JEFF GARLIN ARRESTED IN WINDOW SMASH PARKING SPAT

Proving again that the line between celebs and criminals doesn't exist anymore, the august entertainment news source TMZ broke the news Saturday afternoon that local fave Jeff Garlin had been arrested.



Law enforcement sources told TMZ that the 51-year-old actor was arrested for felony vandalism in Studio City around 3 pm. Reports indicated Garlin got into a verbal fight with another person over a parking space which escalated quickly and resulted in Garlin allegedly smashing the windows of the other person's Mercedes.

Garlin was released from jail around 8:00 am on Sunday morning.

Miss Fortune hears the parking space they were fighting over was in front of Studio City's Big Sugar Bakery on Ventura Boulevard.



Saturday, June 15, 2013

EXCLUSIVE! PER WICKSTROM FINALLY SETTLES WHOPPING FEDERAL TAX LEIN

What, me worry?
Antrim County, Michigan property records show that Per Wickstrom was recently released from the IRS individual federal tax lien filed against him in 2010. The lien, dated October 25, 2010, showed Wickstrom owed $486,248.00 to Uncle Sugar.





Former car salesman turned addiction treatment pimp, Best Drug Rehabilitation's head honcho Wickstrom was officially released from the IRS federal personal income tax lien on December 10, 2012. 

If you think this is juicy, just wait until Miss Fortune reveals the truth about Per Wickstrom's Florida arrest and conviction for....come on, did you think I'd reveal it now? I'll give you a hint: that drug dealer story is pure bullshit.

Here are excerpts from official Antrim County records:

Document Details:
Number File Date Inst. Date
201000008585 10/25/2010 12:05:00PM 10/15/2010
Type Liber Page # of Pages
(FED TAX LN ) 000809 1311 1

Series Name
Grantor WICKSTROM PER A
Grantee UNITED STATES IRS


Number File Date Inst. Date
201200009776 12/10/2012 02:11:00PM 11/28/2012
Type Liber Page # of Pages
(FTL RELEASE) 000833 0566 1

Series Name
Grantor WICKSTROM PER A
Grantee UNITED STATES IRS

Thursday, June 13, 2013

IS BATTLE CREEK CHIROPRACTOR ROBERT BUCKHANNON MICHIGAN'S NEWEST "CON KING"? STEPHEN ANDERSON MIGHT VOTE YES.

Robert L. Buckhannon
Per Wickstrom's nephew, Stephen Anderson, didn't know what was about to hit him when he went into the bar business with Robert Buckhannon.

Read how Anderson, the Chief Financial Officer of  'A Forever Recovery', took a bath in Battle Creek courtesy of one crooked chiropractor.



In 2009, two years after graduating from Wayne State University with a degree in Finance, Per Wickstrom's nephew Stephen P. (the "P" stands for Per) Anderson was named to his current post at A Forever Recovery in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Anderson
In a press release that appeared in 2010 on Cambridge Who's Who (you're a "who who" if you pay them a couple grand for the listing), Anderson stated that he was "proud to lend his talents to A Forever Recovery in Battle Creek, Michigan". He described his management duties, including accounts payable and receivable, credit card transactions and purchase orders. Anderson's future goals included becoming "more actively involved in the rehabilitation work provided by the facility", and looking forward to pursuing a master's degree in drug rehabilitation in an effort to play on hands-on role in the recovery process.

Something tells your girl Miss Fortune that Little Stephen should have studied financial chicanery at the feet of his Uncle Per Wickstrom instead of financial management at WSU.  

That homework might have prepared him for his tangle with the crooked chiropractor, Dr. Robert L. Buckhannon. 

A BIKE, A TRUCK...AND PERMANENT DISABILITY?

While living in Colorado in March of 1990, Buckhannon was riding a bicycle and claimed a U.S. West truck swerved into his path. Although he was not struck by the vehicle, court documents state Buckhannon claimed to have injured his shoulder and knee in avoiding a collision. Buckhannon then filed a claim with U.S. West, who was self-insured, for no-fault (PIP) benefits and also filed a claim for benefits with his disability insurance carrier, Monarch Life Insurance Company.

When U.S. West refused to pay the PIP benefits, the matter went before an arbitration panel in March of 1991. Buckhannon testified at the hearing as to the circumstances of the incident and his alleged inju­ries. His then girlfriend who had witnessed the incident corroborated his testimony. The panel found in favor of Buckhannon, awarding un­paid treatment expenses, triple damages, interest, and attorney fees.


In January of 1991, prior to the PIP arbitration, Buckhannon filed a personal injury suit against U.S. West and the truck driver, claiming that his injuries had caused his "total and permanent disability in his profession", in that he was no longer able to perform "manipulation treatments" to the extent that he had prior to his injuries.

As part of its trial preparation, U.S. West took the deposition of Buck­hannon’s former girlfriend. She recanted the majority of the testimony she had given at the PIP arbitration and stated that Buckhannon’s injuries were preexisting. Shortly thereafter, Buckhannon’s personal injury suit was voluntarily dismissed with prejudice.

Prior to the dismissal, an investigator employed by U.S. West’s in-house counsel contacted Monarch to inquire into the disability payments being made to Buckhannon. The investigator allegedly informed Monarch that Buckhannon was not disabled, had filed fraudulent tax returns, had accepted kickbacks, had committed billing fraud in his practice, and questioned why Monarch was still paying benefits to Bu­ck­hannon. Monarch ceased the disability payments.

Monarch sued Buckhannon in September 1992, seeking a declaratory judgment and rescission of the insurance policy; Buckhannon filed his own suit against Monarch for breach of duty of good faith, breach of contract, and other claims. The cases were consolidated, and Monarch and Buckhannon subsequently entered into a confidential settlement.
 

FRAUD. CONSPIRACY.  DIVERTED BANK PROCEEDS.

In 2000, Buckhannon and his then wife, Tanya, were running Neurological Services, Inc. in Sarasota, Florida. 

Running it into the ground, if you believe the allegations made at the time by Novato, California-based health care lender DynaCorp Financial Strategies, Inc.

Neurological Services, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Tampa on March 8, 2000, leased employees and equipment to doctors' offices and provides management services to neurological practices, including staffing, billing, collections, payroll and marketing. An attorney for the company claimed at the time of the bankruptcy that it had management contracts in 28 states.

DynaCorp's bought health care companies' receivables at a discount. It later collected the full amount from insurers and other third-party payers.

In bankruptcy court filings, DynaCorp said it had bought about $8.25 million worth of receivables from Neurological Services between July 1997 and early 2000.


DynaCorp alleged that Neurological Services sold them those receivables at grossly inflated prices, billed for medical services not rendered and diverted bank proceeds and misdirected third-party payments. 

In its filings, Neurological Services reported owing about $1.7 million to DynaCorp, prior to set-off rights; the final amount owed is about $1.2 million, the company said.

However, DynaCorp claimed it was owed $3.55 million by Neurological Services, and not the $1.2 million stated in the Chapter 11 filing.

DynaCorp alleged that Neurological Services wanted to use DynaCorp's money to "cover the operating expenses of a network of 26 limited-liability companies owned by the Buckhannons ... none of which is a debtor in any bankruptcy case," said DynaCorp's bankruptcy papers. However, Neurological Services itself had only seven employees, according to DynaCorp.

In a deposition filed in California, DynaCorp's chief executive officer, Robert Vener, said this of Tanya Buckhannon, Neurological Services' CEO:

She "on a regular basis ... submitted receivables for purchase which were for services which had never been rendered or were greater than four times the actual payment value expected ... ."

Vener also said the Buckhannons admitted sometimes directing checks to their own account.


DynaCorp asked bankruptcy court Judge Thomas Baynes to convert the bankruptcy to a Chapter 7 liquidation as "there is no prospect of a successful rehabilitation."

Besides $1.2 million it listed as owing DynaCorp, Neurological Services listed $348,307 in other unsecured claims. DynaCorp said in bankruptcy filings that as much as $254,087 of that amount "may be owed to insiders, such as family members, attorneys and accountants."


A partial list of companies registered by Buckhannon from 1995-2010 includes:

Advanced Neurological Associates, Inc.
Allied Healthcare Consultants Of Sarasota, L.L.C.
Allied Healthcare Professionals, Inc
Allied Healthcare Professionals Of Mississippi LLC
Allied Healthcare Professionals Rehab, L.L.C.
Arcanum Equity Fund, LLC
Covenant Imaging LLC
Florida Neurological Services, Inc
Gold Nutrition, LLC
Goshen Wind And Power LLC
Las Vegas Pain Management, LLC
Morningstar Bio Mass Limited Liability Company 
Morning Star Diagnostics, LLC
Morning Star Equipment LLC
Morning Star Financial, LLC
Morning Star Information Systems LLC
Morning Star Investment Group LLC
Morning Star Management, LLC
Morning Star Medical Management Limited Liability Company
Morning Star Medical Staffing, LLC
Morning Star Molecular Imaging, LLC
Morning Star Molecular Imaging LLC 
Morning Star Property Development LLC
Neuromed Of Florida, L.L.C.
Neuromed Of Nevada, Inc.
Prism Investment Partners III, LLC

BUCKHANNON'S MORNING STAR MEDICAL STAFFING MAKES $2.5 MILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT

By 2005, Buckhannon had rebounded from the bankruptcy, kicked Tanya to the curb and made a $2.5 million dollar investment in Strategic Staffing Resources.  

Based in Greensboro, South Carolina, founder Don Sowers renamed his company as a result, calling it Morning Star Medical Staffing. Buckhannon controlled the new company, owning a 50 percent stake. Buckhannon was at the time the CEO of Morning Star Medical Management.

Morning Star operated imaging clinics around the country, among other businesses. Buckhannon at the time said he was attracted to Strategic Staffing Resources by "the enormous potential of the business".


In 2007, a group of investors led by a Richard Levy, a Greensboro businessman, bought the assets of the company. The new company is still in business, operating under the name Global Medical Staffing.
 

But Don Sowers, a former UNC-Greensboro business professor and State Department Foreign Service Officer, didn't stay on after Levy's group purchased his company.

Instead, he followed Robert Buckhannon to his next venture, becoming the Controller of a hedge fund accused of conning investors out of $34 million by bankrupting two hedge funds and skimming more than $16 million off the top.


PONZI, ANYONE?


In December 2010, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed suit in federal court in Tampa, Florida, against the crooked Battle Creek chiropractor Robert Buckhannon, and codefendants involved with two now-defunct Bradenton, Florida-based hedge funds, Arcanum Equity Fund LLC and Vestium Equity Fund LLC.

The SEC said the funds, which worked with investment advisor Imperium Investment Advisors LLC, told investors they would earn handsome profits through conservative investments.

Instead, much of the money was misappropriated, the SEC alleged in its lawsuit.

The defendants from early 2008 through April 2010 "comingled investor money from three separate offerings and then looted and bankrupted the hedge funds by steering millions of dollars to themselves,'' the lawsuit alleged.


For instance, the SEC said Buckhannon was involved in a deal to steer $6 million in investor money to Shea Mining and Milling LLC for a project called the "Tonopah Mine.'' Buckhannon, however, didn't disclose he had a conflict of interest because he was a founder of Shea Mining and planned to enter into an employment contract with Shea and receive a share of the firm's revenue, the SEC alleged.

The SEC also complained Buckhannon had funneled at least $390,000 of investor money to himself, his father, two brothers, his fiance's cousin and a friend. The SEC said in August 2008 he wired $60,000 out of a fund account to a jewelry store for the purchase of an engagement ring for his fiance and in July 2009 he wired another $80,000 to a title company for the down payment on a Las Vegas home.


"Buckhannon knew he was not entitled to these funds because he asked the funds' controller to classify these personal expenditures as business expenses of the funds without any reasonable basis for such classification,'' the SEC lawsuit alleged.

The suit said the defendants told investors in 2009 the funds were profitable when in fact they had lost $8.1 million in 2008 and 2009.


"Buckhannon knew the monthly account statements and newsletters (sent to investors) were false because he simply made up a monthly percentage return figure and reported it to the Vestium Management Group consultant who prepared the funds' monthly statements,'' the lawsuit alleged.

Buckhannon, Terry Rawstern, Dale St. Jean and Gregory Tindall were the managing members of the two Bradenton, Florida-based hedge funds, Imperium and Vestium.

With defendants Richard Mittasch, Christopher Paganes, Glenn Barikmo and Imperium Investment Advisors, the gang "commingled investor money from three separate offerings and then looted and bankrupted the hedge funds by steering millions of dollars to themselves," the SEC said.

Along the way, the men "took more than $1.3 million in profit-based feed and compensation to which they were not entitled," and "steered more than $15 million into loans and other deals with companies in which they had undisclosed financial interests," the complaint stated.

Without admitting or denying the allegations, Buckhannon agreed in early 2011 to return $1.349 million to investors and to pay a $130,000 fine, an SEC settlement agreement filed stated.


And on September 27, 2011, a former Las Vegas chiropractor opened his new clinic officially became Battle Creek's beloved "Dr. Rob".

FROM INVESTMENT FRAUD TO DONUTS: THE BALLAD OF BATTLE CREEK'S DR. ROB

On September 27, 2011, Robert Buckhannon unlocked his clinic door for the first time. Located at 2846 Capital Avenue SW, right across the street from Battle Creek's famed Sweetwater's Donuts, the clinic boasts "$20 visits". Miss Fortune is sure that the fine print is in there somewhere, knowing "Dr. Rob". 

Buckhannon later held the clinic's formal grand opening on December 11, 2011.

And forgoing his usual fancy-schmancy multiple LLCs, Buckhannon finally got around to registering his business under a simple assumed name in Calhoun County-Buckhannon Chiropractic Clinic--on March 14, 2012.

And Dr. Rob got his swerve back on, too. 

But there were bumps along with the pumps--on May 25, 2012 a local woman filed for a Personal Protection Order against Buckhannon in Calhoun County court, but her request was denied by the court. Official records the woman did not protest the decision.

Dr. Rob got right back on the proverbial horse, becoming engaged to Kelly DeMoss. 

Miss Fortune doesn't know if Dr. Rob got tired of his staid, small town "new normal", or if the grifter in him just recognized a worthy mark when he met Stephen Anderson. Maybe it was the soft, pink handshake that betrayed Anderson...we'll never know.

The On Deck Sports Bar and Grill at 225 W. Michigan Avenue in Battle Creek closed last week after opening about a month ago. Partners Kelly DeMoss and Stephen Anderson reportedly invested several hundred thousand dollars into remodeling the former Sports Page.

But the bar closed amid allegations from Anderson that the project was over budget and that employees and vendors were not being paid by DeMoss and Buckhannon, who were operating the business.

Anderson alleged in a complaint filed in Calhoun County's 37th District Court on May 17th that he fired Buckhannon and police escorted him from the property. Buckhannon said that was not true and he remains as general manager.

“The police didn’t escort me off; they told me there was no reason I had to leave.”

Anderson said he just wants to recoup his investment and leave the project while Buckhannon and DeMoss said they are attempting to refinance or find new investors and continue to operate the business. They have denied extensive debt or that vendors or employees are not paid.

However, local Facebook activity shows many former employees claiming "proof" that checks have bounced and hours were cut before the restaurant suddenly closed its doors.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 101

So, what's the lesson here?

Miss Fortune thinks it's simple--there's always a bigger fish in the sea, and Stephen Anderson got swallowed up like Jonah in the whale.

But it doesn't look like Dr. Rob will spit him back out.

COMING FRIDAY: ADDICTION MARKETING 101

How Per Wickstrom convinces you to send your family member to his facility for "holistic treatment".

Hint: he spends a fortune on marketing. And Miss Fortune will explain it all...Friday, June 14th.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

BEST CHOICE REHABILITATION: BAD JUJU UP IN MARNE?



Best Choice Rehabilitation
The picture at left is an exterior shot of a rundown, abandoned nursing home about to be reborn as Per Wickstrom's newest addition venture, Best Choice Rehabilitation.

The building is located at 15140 16th Avenue in Marne, Michigan.

According to official property records, Wickstrom purchased the building in 2012. A former assisted living/adult foster care home, the place had a checkered history.

CREEKVIEW LODGE SHUTS ITS DOORS

On May 17, 2011, the Grand Rapids Press reported that Creekview Lodge I, a Marne assisted living center operating out of 15140 16th Avenue, was under investigation by the Michigan Department of Human Services. According to the report, the state confirmed that it was investigating the center, which shut down quickly the prior week, giving little notice to elderly residents whose families had to move them to a new home.

The Press reported that interviews with the out-of-state landlord and utility companies paint a picture of a building that had been foreclosed on in recent years — and was for sale — and mounting unpaid gas bills that had led to a recent shutoff notice.

Residents’ family members say they were given four days to find new homes for them after learning that Creekview Lodge I was to close last week. The facility’s owners helped make arrangements for the seniors before surrendering their DHS license.

Creekview’s closure came after its owners were notified the building’s gas would be shut off by the end of last week due to delinquent bills and tens of thousands of dollars owed to the utility, DTE Energy.

In meetings with families, they said the center’s owner, Jill Shepard, blamed the shutdown on the landlord’s failure to pay utility bills. Shepard said Monday she plans to pursue a lawsuit against the building landlord and has it in writing that the utility bills were his company’s responsibility.

But one of the landlords, reached in California, told the Grand Rapids Press a different story. John Edwins, an investor in the property and assistant manager of the limited liability corporation that owned the property, said his company  not responsible for the utility bills. He said he began paying them to help Shepard “get back on her feet” after the property fell into financial distress.

Edwins, an investor with Financial Freedom Loans Inc., said he was one of many investors who lent Shepard millions of dollars to renovate the facility, which she purchased in 2006. Financial Freedom foreclosed on the property in November 2009, Edwins said. At that time, no payment had been made on the property for 19 months, he said.

Soon after the foreclosure, Shepard began leasing the building from Michigan Retirement Holdings for $10 per month, Edwins said.

Shepard had difficulty paying the utility bills, Edwins said, and he attempted to help by paying for them through March 2010.

A spokesman for DTE Energy, Scott Simons, called the Creekview situation “a mess” and said no payment has been received since February. Before that time, partial payments and insufficient checks were received, he said.

Records indicate the State of Michigan never opened an investigation in 2011. However, in early 2009, the Department of Human Services launched an investigation of Creekview after a flurry of complaints landed in Lansing.


Among the complaints were allegations that residents were required to do chores in the facility, that medications were not always administered by staff  as required, bathrooms went unclean for days and they contained urine and fecal materials, and residents would often go days without being showered.

A significant number of violations were established after the investigation and owner Jill Shepard and administrator Marlene Jacobs were given a plan of correction for the 20 bed facility.

In October 2009, the state granted the facility a temporary license after inspecting the facility and completing its investigation.


PER WICKSTROM BUYS "A TRUE LIQUIDATION"

Wickstrom bought the property for a relative song in 2012 when he purchased the bank-owned "distressed" property.

Built in 1975, the property was described on LoopNet as a "potential 100-200 beds facility". The description indicated the property was priced at $1.44MM ($15.6 sq. ft.). Wickstrom must have been there they day they had a 50 percent off sale, since official records show he paid $650,000 for the property.



The facility consists of an assisted living section (one-story) and an independent living section (three-story, partially complete). The two sections are legally separated and have a firewall between the structural walls for the two sections. The assisted living section was appraised at $3.7MM based on a 70 beds operation in November  2007.

The facility includes security and fire alarm systems, two elevators, one drive-in door, and one emergency generator. Amenities include an equipped kitchen and laundry, three dining rooms, two outdoor courtyards, two solariums, three therapy rooms, and a classroom, a beauty parlor, an activity room, and parking for 132 vehicles. 

Miss Fortune wonders if there's enough paint and polish to make this crumbling hulk the "peaceful retreat" described on Best Choice Rehabilitation's newly-released website:
http://www.bestchoicerehabilitation.com/ 

Something tells me the answer is no.

DAVID LEE HUNTER DISCOVERED IN HAWAII! LET'S CAPTURE THIS SCAMMING FUGITIVE!

Michigan fugitive David Lee Hunter in Hawaii, skipping out on bar tab and hotel room charges. Claims on Facebook to be at a resort in Bali.


Hunter was seen at the Sheraton Waikiki's RumFire bar last Friday night, June 7. Accompanied by a woman, he attempted to leave the bar without paying his tab even though he was acting like a big shot, waving around his Walmart prepaid credit card.

When confronted by security about his bar tab, Hunter's female companion paid the tab and the two left together. Hunter reportedly skipped out on paying his room charges.

If you see David Lee Hunter, call your local police department and let them know where he is. Hunter is on the run from a Grand Traverse County, Michigan open felony warrant for a Craigslist rental scam.

In addition, Macomb County, Michigan issued a bench warrant on April 4, 2013 for Hunter's arrest.

The official Macomb County child support case history indicates that Hunter has skipped numerous "show cause" hearings. A show cause hearing legally requires a person who has not paid child support, like David Lee Hunter, to appear before the court to explain to the court why he should not be held in contempt.

David Hunter is a fugitive from a felony warrant issued in 86th District Court in Grand Traverse County, Michigan. Here's the link to the story on my blog:
http://glisteningquiveringunderbelly.blogspot.com/2013/03/i-believe-i-can-fly-medical-miracle-man.html


The Traverse City Police detective working the case is Evan Warsecke.

Hunter's list of scams includes a number in Hawaii--
about ten years ago when he lived in Oahu, Hunter reportedly stole about $3,000 from the safe at the hotel where he worked.

He also embezzled money from at least two restaurants on Kauai. Miss Fortune interviewed his former boss for a story I called "Misadventures In Paradise""
http://glisteningquiveringunderbelly.blogspot.com/2013/04/exclusive-misadventures-in-paradise.html

About two years ago, he was living in Lihue, Kauai and scammed hundreds of thousands in a "private social club" scam he pulled using Kalihi Kai Vista. He told his victims he owned the place and got several people to pay him a $25,000 fee for a membership--in a resort he did not own!

Recently, he's tried to pass himself off as a movie producer (of the new Marvin Gaye biopic) and an investment broker. 


LET'S GET THIS GUY BEHIND BARS! GOING TO PRISON IS HIS BIGGEST FEAR...LET'S GIVE HIM WHAT HE DOESN'T WANT!

Monday, June 10, 2013

BEST DRUG REHABILITATION-MARNE GETS GENDER REASSIGNMENT SURGERY

BDR goes all girly and stuff with new brand identity--"Best Choice Rehabilitation"


With a logo whose graphic elements looks suspiciously like lady parts, Per Wickstrom is about to barnstorm Marne, Michigan with a "new residential treatment facility".

That's corporate-speak BS for a hell hole that sucks money from every bodily orifice, including a few you didn't know existed.

WHERE THE HELL IS MARNE?

According to the BCR website, Marne is an unincorporated community in Wright Township in Ottawa County, Michigan. You can find Marne off exit 23 on Interstate 96. It is just northwest of Grand Rapids. Marne was originally named Berlin due to the many German settlers. This name was changed to Marne in 1919.

ACTIVE INTERNET MARKETING AND INFOGRAPHICS

Michael Myles and his crew at AIM have been busy as beavers creating florid infographics for BCR that remind Miss Fortune of that great movie, "Reefer Madness". Here's the link to the new site, registered on January 21, 2013 by Per Wickstrom's bumbling nephew, Stephen Anderson (hey, every family has a Fredo).
http://www.bestchoicerehabilitation.com/

Marijuana: The Gateway Drug


 "Reefer Madness", The Gateway to "Fritz the Cat"



Myles and his brew crew at AIM, who've created quite a niche for themselves designing and building "trojan horse" websites for many other Narconon treatment facilities, famously created the memorable soft, gauzy look for Best Drug Rehabilitation.

From AIM's portfolio comes this case study excerpt:

Existing site overhaul for Best Drug Rehabilitation. The project description was simple: recreate every piece of content and all design work to improve organic search traffic and conversion rates. 


Market Analysis We took a close look at who this website was meant to attract, and what their interests and personalities were. Since we already have years of experience in the addiction treatment vertical we were able to quickly segment their target market into just a few personas.

The Plan
Planning out hundreds of pages of content is a tall order. We followed Google’s Webmaster Guidelines every step of the way, and quickly had a complete editorial plan designed and ready for action. A team of writers worked long hours, for a few weeks, to get the 100,000+ words of content written, and off to the optimization, beautification, and publishing team.

Forward Thinking
We knew that we would be able to grow their organic traffic somewhat just by replacing old mediocre content with new excellent content, but the client needed much more than just a small increase. Looking forward to substantial organic traffic increases we created a plan for writing great content, repurposing it as much as possible, and promoting it. This all with the hope that visitors would love the content and share it with their social networks.

The Results
It worked. People saw the client’s new, excellent, content, and shared it. A lot. They posted URLs to infographics to their Pinterest accounts, they shared celebrity blog posts with their Facebook friends. Social signals increase, as did linking root domains. Organic traffic more than doubled in just a few short months, and the new website design increased conversion rates by an incredible 25%.

Translation: Gee, golly, gosh! We managed to put even more filthy lucre in Per Wickstrom's sweaty pockets!  

Here's some more bullshit from Best Choice Rehabilitation, courtesy of the wordsmiths at AIM:

Those battling a daily fight with addiction can find the hope for a brighter future at our facility, Best Choice Rehabilitation in Marne, Michigan. Located in this small town of only 4,500 residents, our facility offers a peaceful retreat for clients to help them feel safe and nurtured during their entire treatment process. Our addiction treatment facility is in a residential setting which means that the client will stay in our homelike environment while receiving treatment. Leaving behind the stress of daily life helps our clients relax and focus their attention toward healing and learning. Our location, surrounded by historical sites and a small-town ambiance, is sure to have a positive effect on the overall success of each our clients.

We also provide a highly skilled and caring staff of professionals from a wide variety of modalities to ensure that each client gets the exact level of attention and support they require. Many of our well-trained, compassionate staff members are recovered addicts themselves. They have been educated to help others going through these struggles. They have experienced all of the feelings and fears each of our clients has, and are empathetic and an excellent support system. Their goal is that each client has the same success that they have had.

Some Program Options at Our Facility

We strive to provide a well-rounded program that meets the needs and preferences of each individual. Through many years of treating addicts, we have gained extensive knowledge about the complexities of addiction and about what works to resolve each contributing aspect involved such as:
  • Low self-esteem
  • Family history of addiction
  • Behavior problems
  • Chronic physical health issues
  • Traumatic events experienced earlier
  • A combination of disorders
In order to make sure each of these factors is addressed, our programs offer:
  • Group Counseling
  • Individual Counseling
  • Exercise
  • Sauna
  • Acupuncture
  • Self-help Programs
  • Faith-based Approaches to Therapy
  • Holistic Treatment
  • Native American Treatment
  • Aftercare
These methodologies are incorporated to ensure that the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects are treated concurrently to avoid any chance of relapse. Once the client is ready to step back into the real world, our aftercare program provides much needed guidance and support during this period of transition. Best Choice Rehabilitation offers continued counseling and therapy after the client has graduated from our facility. We realize that just because one has been through the treatment programs, it does not mean that they will never have urges or temptations again. We supply a safety net for our clients. If they feel they are about to relapse, we are here to help them through this rough patch and get back on the right track.

If the client does not feel confident returning to their home environment where drugs or alcohol are so easily attainable, we make arrangements for a sober living, also known as halfway, house. Here they live with other recovering addicts while remaining under the supervision of a counselor. They can go about their daily activities and still be monitored in a drug-free and alcohol-free environment. This is another step towards returning to a productive, responsible individual in society.


Best Choice Rehab Facility Client Room
Client room, or just a picture from the latest West Elm catalog?

In the past, many people treated addicts as if they were possessed by demons. They were isolated in a cold, clinical, impersonal environment and left to suffer through withdrawals on their own. This treatment rarely worked to provide lasting recovery. Today, addiction specialists have learned that addiction is comprised of more than just the physical dependency, and are aware that detox alone is not a cure. Before lasting recovery can be achieved, the individual must learn new behavior patterns and attitudes. They must regain lost confidence and find more effective coping mechanisms, and acquire new skills that can be used to claim their place as a contributing member of society. Our treatment programs are designed to help clients acquire each of these skills and feel motivated and empowered to embark on an addiction-free lifestyle.
Learning about the options available is the first step in seeking addiction treatment. More information about Best Choice Rehabilitation, Marne, Michigan can be obtained by contacting one of our highly skilled professionals day or night. If you are looking for an alcohol or drug treatment facility for you or a loved one, don’t wait until it is too late. 

And guess what? Even though the place hasn't opened yet, the site is already boasting about its "success stories" with testimonials like David's!

"Ups and downs really helped me understand how the life I was previously living was in an anti-social nature. It also help me tell the difference between good and bad friends. Also with the new understanding I found out just because I have a few anti-social traits that doesn’t make me anti-social. So far this book has been the most helpful in my life."
 David H., 2/13/13

Ups and downs? Why, isn't that Book 5 in the Narconon Life Course? Yes, yes it is! (Oh, I'm such an SP!) Gee, Per Wickstrom says BDR and BCR and AFR are NOT Narconon! Could he be lying?
For all of you readers who'd like to apply to be an ass-kicking security guard or a staggering counselor, you'll just have to wait. Even Miss Fortune doesn't know where to send a resume.

But the good news? There are 19 homeless shelters within a 25 mile radius of Marne who may soon be experiencing an influx of new, out-of-state visitors.


Tuesday, June 4, 2013

SCAMS, SCHEMES & SWINDLES: GUESS DAVID LEE HUNTER'S NEWEST CON GAME

 
Is it a long con or a short con--and Miss Fortune's not talking stature here. I posted this Facebook screen capture yesterday showing David Lee Hunter and his "Aussie mate" Walter.

Or is Walter just a fish out of water and Hunter's newest mark?

Post your guess in the comment box. Miss Fortune thinks it's a recycled version of Hunter's business investment scam.