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Monday, August 26, 2013

SIX DEGREES OF PAMELA ANDERSON: WHO IS GRETCHEN SAUER, AND WHY IS SHE SAYING SUCH NICE THINGS ABOUT "A FOREVER RECOVERY"? [HERE'S A HINT--ANDERSON'S HER BOSS!]

30 Groveland Street, Battle Creek
As the AFR/TIA Corporation lawsuit wends its way through the courts, Miss Fortune takes a look at the only favorable public comment made during a May 21 Pennfield Township Zoning Board of Appeals meeting. Gretchen Sauer, who gave her address as 30 Groveland Street, said
"she attended the facility four 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".

Your girl Miss Fortune had that spidey sense that ole Gretch could be a shill--and look what I found (with the help of awesome tipsters and friends)!

Sauer
Gretchen Sauer has worked at A Forever Recovery since September 28, 2009.
http://foreverrecovery.com/gretchen-sauer/ 
My name is Gretchen Sauer. I have been in recovery since June 9th of 2009. I am from Monroe Michigan. Since I got clean, I have been working at A Forever Recovery since September 28, 2009.  I have had many job titles here including Client Services, Security, Receptionist, Intake Counselor, Program Coordinator for W/D, CBO, track facilitator, Life Skills Facilitator, and finally what I do now is Life Skills Coordinator which includes facilitating an MRT group, in charge of inventory and self discoveries and Track along with Case Management.  I feel that I make an positive impact on our clients in their recovery efforts. I am able to work one on one with the clients by sharing my experience strength and hope in order to prove transformation is possible.  I am a 35 year old mother of 3, divorced twice and have been through 7 treatment centers.  My last treatment was at 32 years old right here at A Forever Recovery. I stand by this facility and believe in the power of MRT incorporated with counseling, life skills classes and the 5 modalities of treatment.

Gretchen and her father, Norman, are featured in this video, posted at A Forever Recovery's YouTube channel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yebN4jhevFc

The address Sauer gave, 30 Groveland Street, is an apartment building owned by [wait for it!] Pamela Anderson. (Battle Creek property records indicate that 30 Groveland is actually a sub-address of 28 Groveland, just to be perfectly clear.)

Official State of Michigan business entity records show that Anderson incorporated 'The Willows LLC' approximately 18 months before she purchased the building for $125,000 on September 30, 2011.

And The Willows LLC  snapped up 25 Orchard Place in Battle Creek (left), for a mere $30,000 on May 15. The Tudor-style 6,000+ square foot home had been divided into three units by a previous owner. Sure, it needs some TLC, but who doesn't?

It looks to Miss Fortune that Pamela Anderson (not the hot one), is fast becoming the Trumpette of downtrodden properties in Battle Creek.

I'm sure Pamela doesn't lose a wink of sleep, resting her head in a log cabin nestled among 28 acres of plush greenery!

Searched for: THE WILLOWS, LLC
ID Num: D42036
Name:THE WILLOWS, LLC
Type: Domestic Limited Liability Company
Resident Agent:  PAMELA ANDERSON
Registered Office Address: 8255 BASELINE RD    BATTLE CREEK   MI  49017
Mailing/Office Address:          
Formation/Qualification Date:4-23-2010
Jurisdiction of Origin:MICHIGAN
Managed by: Members
Status: ACTIVE    Date: Present

Saturday, August 24, 2013

DAVID LEE HUNTER SLAPPED WITH FIVE ADDITIONAL FELONY COUNTS; CASE REMANDED TO GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY'S 86th DISTRICT COURT


BREAKING NEWS!
Your girl Miss Fortune is pleased to share the latest plot twist in the sordid tale of David Lee Hunter--AKA Charlevoix Shady--and his future reform in a correctional facility.

This week, the Grand Traverse County Prosecutor added five additional felony counts, and on  August 23 remanded Hunter's case back to 86th District Court.

As reported on August 13, David Lee Hunter's Official Grand Traverse County Mugshot, Hunter had initially been charged with two felony counts.

Here are the updated counts:

Judge:   RODGERS JR., PHILIP E.  P-Number:   29082
Charge reduction:     Delayed sentence:  Amended Order:  
Combined judgment:    Case dismissed:    Disposition:  REMOVAL/TRANSFERS
CountPleaConvictionOffenseSuffixDescription Degree Associated Charge
1REMAND TO DISTRICT COURT
750.2184A
FALSE PRETENSE $1000 <$20,000

2REMAND TO DISTRICT COURT
750.2184A
FALSE PRETENSE $1000 <$20,000

3REMAND TO DISTRICT COURT
750.2184A
FALSE PRETENSE $1000 <$20,000

4REMAND TO DISTRICT COURT
750.2184A
FALSE PRETENSE $1000 <$20,000

5REMAND TO DISTRICT COURT
750.2184A
FALSE PRETENSE $1000 <$20,000

6REMAND TO DISTRICT COURT
750.2184A
FALSE PRETENSE $1000 <$20,000

7REMAND TO DISTRICT COURT
769.11
HABITUAL OFFEN-SUP WAR/3 CONV

The case file was sent back and the updated case activity is highlighted below.


DateActionProceeding
11/21/2012ARARRAIGNMENT HELD IN DISTRICT COURT 11-20-12; DEF


STOOD MUTE/MJH
11/21/2012NPTNOTICE OF PRE-TRIAL 11-30-12 @1:00PM/TGP
11/21/2012CBCOMPLAINT/BINDOVER FROM DC
11/21/2012S/RSUBPOENA/RETURN--AMANDA OLSEN
11/21/2012BP$2500 SURETY POSTED BY J & J BAIL BONDS
11/28/2012POSPROOF OF SERVICE/COMPLAINT, PROBABLE CAUSE,


COMPLETE POLICE REPORT, LEASE AGREEMENTS
11/28/2012MOTPETITION FOR AN ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE


PROOF OF SERVICE/PETITION
11/30/2012
PT WAS CONDUCTED; REQUEST COURT APPT ATTY; DEF


MISSED PTS - PAO WITHDRAWS, DEF TESTED IN OTHER


LOCATIONS/TGP
12/03/2012CPTCRIMINAL PRE-TRIAL AND SCHEDULING CONFERENCE


ORDER/TGP
12/03/2012CAACOURT APPOINTED ATTORNEY--JANET MISTELE/TGP
12/03/2012NFCNOTICE OF FINAL CONFERENCE 12-21-12 @1:00PM/PER
12/03/2012NJTNOTICE OF JURY TRIAL 1-16-03 TO 1-17-13 @8:30 AM


PER
12/03/2012WLWITNESS LIST FROM PA


PROOF OF EMAIL/WITNESS LIST
12/05/2012APNOTICE OF APPEARANCE, DEMAND FOR TRIAL BY JURY,


DISCOVERY DEMAND AND PROOF OF EMAIL SERVICE
12/10/2012FIFELONY INFORMATION FROM PA


PROOF OF EMAIL/FELONY INFO
12/12/2012RFDPL'S REQUEST FOR DISCOVERY


PROOF OF EMAIL/PL'S REQUEST
12/21/2012
DEF DID NOT APPEAR; BENCH WARRANT AUTHORIZED, NO


BOND/PER
12/21/2012MOTPETITION FOR AN ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE


PROOF OF EMAIL/PETITION
01/02/2013BWCOPY OF PETITION, AFFIDAVIT & BENCH WARRANT/PER
01/02/2013ORORDER REVOKING RELEASE AND FORFEITING BOND, NOTICE


OF INTENT TO ENTER JUDGMENT/PER
07/30/2013ARARRAIGNMENT HELD: FAILED TO APPEAR FOR FC ON


DECEMBER 21, 2012; APPOINT NEW ATTY/NO BOND/PER
07/31/2013NFCNOTICE OF FINAL CONFERENCE 8-16-13 @1:00PM/PER
07/31/2013NJTNOTICE OF JURY TRIAL 9-25-13 TO 9-26-13 @8:30 AM


PER
08/05/2013APAPPEARANCE--SHAWN WORDEN
08/05/2013
JURY DEMAND
08/05/2013POSPROOF OF SERVICE/APPEARANCE, REQUEST FOR DISCOVERY


AND JURY DEMAND
08/05/2013RFDDEF'S REQUEST FOR DISCOVERY
08/16/2013ORDISPO/IF PAO ADDS ADDITIONAL CHARGES THE CASE IS


TO BE REMANDED FOR A PRELIMINARY EXAM/BOND IS


CANC/PER
08/16/2013
++HEARD ON THE RECORD, CSR 7597++
08/19/2013FIFELONY INFORMATION FROM PA


PROOF OF EMAIL/AMENDED FELONY INFO
08/20/2013FCMFINAL CONFERENCE MEMO
08/23/2013RDC**STIPULATION AND ORDER FOR REMAND: TO HAVE A


PRELIM EXAM/PER**


POS/TRUFILED
08/23/2013
--FILE SENT TO 86TH DISTRICT COURT--

Miss Fortune sees a bright future for David Lee Hunter--yeah, in a bright orange jumpsuit!

Your girl Miss Fortune can hardly wait for the trial! I'm sharpening my pencils--AND my claws!





Friday, August 23, 2013

TRANQUILITY DETOX INDIANA LICENSE: PUBLIC COMMENTS INVITED

The German philospher Arthur Schopenhauer wrote, "All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident."

And it looks to your girl Miss Fortune that the craven knuckleheads running Tranquility Detox are still stuck in the first stage. Using stigmatizing language--addict--in the "Get Help Today!" form (above), makes no distinction between the person and the disease. Instead of using terms like "family member" or "loved one", Tranquility Detox appears to deny the dignity and humanity of the individuals they purport to care for.

Now, Indiana, Tranquility Detox is gunning for you!

As we reported exclusively on August 8, the State of Indiana's Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA) confirmed that documentation for Per Wickstrom's newest facility, located in South Bend and operating under the name "Tranquility Detox", had been submitted for review.  

A state spokeswoman confirmed to Miss Fortune that certification has been requested not simply for detox, but to operate Tranquility Detox as a full-fledged addiction services provider, including subacute and transitional residential services at 3606 E. Jefferson Boulevard in South Bend, Indiana.   

Indiana requires that detoxification services be provided under the supervision of either a physician or a clinical nurse specialist licensed to practice in Indiana.  The DMHA does not make the distinctions implied by the terms "detox" vs. "medical detox", according to the state spokesperson.

However, although Tranquility Detox initially appeared to be a free-standing detox-only facility, it's likely that Per Wickstrom is using South Bend as the beachhead for his expansion into Indiana--and beyond.

Let's make some noise, people! Send your public comments to DMHA.feedback@fssa.in.gov

 
For more information about the certification process, including the complete administrative code, please use this link:
Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA)

Thursday, August 22, 2013

IS 'MY BEST DRUG REHABILITATION' PER WICKSTOM'S NEWEST SHELL CORPORATION?

Protecting his faltering empire like a badger backed into a corner, Per Wickstrom has popped up again in Nevada's corporation database. Wickstrom's new shell company is stuffed with cronies and shills--what a surprise!



Listed as President is longtime Wickstrom associate, Patrick Gerard. Avid readers of this blog (and I know you're out there!) will recognize Gerard as the President of Best Drug Rehabilitation's new Indiana-based corporation. If you missed the August 10  story, here's a link ( http://glisteningquiveringunderbelly.blogspot.com/2013/08/expansion-always-in-all-ways-south.html ).

In addition to Gerard, Nevada records show Battle Creek locals Angie Jones and Marcia Magiera as Secretary and Treasurer respectively.

Magiera is an Associate Real Estate Broker at Magiera and Associates in Battle Creek and Angela (Angie) Jones provides "health and allied services" in the Battle Creek area, per her Sales Spider listing.

The State of Michigan corporate filing for My Best Drug Rehabilitation is pending.

MY BEST DRUG REHABILITATION, INC.

 Business Entity Information
Status:  ActiveFile Date:  10/29/2012
Type:  Domestic Non-Profit CorporationEntity Number:  E0563142012-4
Qualifying State:  NVList of Officers Due:  10/31/2013
Managed By:  Expiration Date:  
NV Business ID:  NV20121657048Business License Exp:  

 Additional Information
Central Index Key:  E0563142012-4

 Registered Agent Information
Name:  THE CORPORATION TRUST COMPANY OF NEVADAAddress 1:  311 S DIVISION ST
Address 2:  City:  CARSON CITY
State:  NVZip Code:  89703
Phone:  Fax:  
Mailing Address 1:  Mailing Address 2:  
Mailing City:  Mailing State:  NV
Mailing Zip Code:    
Agent Type:  Commercial Registered Agent - Corporation
Jurisdiction:  NEVADAStatus:  Active
View all business entities under this registered agent


 Officers  
 Secretary - ANGIE JONES
Address 1:  121 CAPITAL AVE NEAddress 2:  
City:  BATTLE CREEKState:  MI
Zip Code:  49017Country:  USA
Status:  ActiveEmail:  

 Treasurer - MARCIA MAGIERA
Address 1:  121 CAPITAL AVE NEAddress 2:  
City:  BATTLE CREEKState:  MI
Zip Code:  49017Country:  USA
Status:  ActiveEmail:  

 President - PATRICK GERARD
Address 1:  121 CAPITAL AVE NEAddress 2:  
City:  BATTLE CREEKState:  MI
Zip Code:  49017Country:  USA
Status:  ActiveEmail:  

 Director - PATRICK GERARD
Address 1:  121 CAPITAL NEAddress 2:  
City:  BATTLE CREEKState:  MI
Zip Code:  49017Country:  USA
Status:  ActiveEmail:  


 Actions\Amendments
Click here to view 4 actions\amendments associated with this company

DANCES WITH NORWEGIANS: PER WICKSTROM'S 'A FOREVER RECOVERY' SUES PENNFIELD TOWNSHIP AS EXPANSION PLANS CONTINUE


Tony Ortega's Underground Bunker featured an update yesterday (with documents!) on Per Wickstrom's continuing quest to expand...in Pennfield Township, Michigan.

Per Wickstrom Denied Expansion
notes on its website, A Forever Recovery says it offers "Christian-based, Native American-based" approaches to addiction.


Your girl Miss Fortune has been tracking and reporting this story for nearly four months: (Per Wickstrom's Forever Recovery Sues Pennfield Township ) and (Smokin' Ain't Allowed in School: Pennfield Says No!) so we are pleased that Tony Ortega has added another facet to this story.

Miss Fortune's favorite fact? Ortega reveals in his story that Wickstrom complains that not allowing him to add on to A Forever Recovery is a "taking" under the U. S. Constitution.

But in its motion to dismiss the lawsuit, the township — after removing the case to federal court — denies that there’s a taking, calling Per’s complaints “unripe, inadequately pled, and [they] fail as a matter of law.”

Yeah, and your mother dresses you funny, too!

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

BANK ROBBERS AND DRUG TRAFFICKERS AND PER...OH MY! ! WHILE PER WICKSTROM'S BEST DRUG REHABILITATION GOES ON A HIRING BINGE, MISS FORTUNE REVEALS THE SHOCKING TRUE CRIMINAL HISTORY OF BDR SECURITY STAFFERS

If you saw this post (left) for a security gig at Best Drug Rehabilitation, you may not apply after you find out who you could be working with!




While Per Wickstrom spends his day sweeping the cake crumbs from his drug rehab empire directly into his greedy hands and shoving them both into the gaping maw that is his mouth, Miss Fortune has been working hard to discover who is actually "responsible for client and staff safety"--a convicted bank robber and a notorious Michigan drug trafficker.

Woo, I bet you're sitting up and taking notice now, huh?

Miss Fortune filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request and the U. S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons has officially confirmed that both men in question, Clarence Hover and Duncan Martin, were federal inmates. Hover spent nearly 21 behind bars, and Martin nearly 14 years.

June 27, 2012 Facebook profile
Left: Clarence Rozzell Hover, convicted bank robber and former Best Drug Rehabilitation client and security guard.





THE BANK ROBBER

Looking confident and stylish in his cranberry red shirt and pseudo repp tie, Hover's image belies his past as a bank robber.

Federal prison records show that Hover (who went by the name "Clarence Hoover" while at BDR) was convicted of bank robbery in Arkansas in 1987, and served nearly 21 years. Hover was released from prison on April 11, 2008. Although originally from California, Hover moved to the Phoenix area after his release.

Maricopa County Court records show Hover had a couple minor traffic infractions over the next couple years.  
 
However, Hover arrived in Manistee at Best Drug Rehabilitation in February 2012 as a patient, and left abruptly shortly after beginning treatment. Within three weeks, Hover had returned and completed his rehabilitation program.

He worked as a security guard at Best Drug Rehabilitation for a few months, and returned to Phoenix before the end of 2012.

Hover Maricopa Mugshot
And what's Mr. Hover been up to lately? Funny you should ask--on December 29, 2012, he was arrested in Phoenix and charged with criminal damage-deface and disorderly conduct-fighting.

While Hover's criminal charges appear to have been dropped, he's currently facing at least one ongoing civil action, a consumer debt case filed against him on May 22, 2013 by Portfolio Recovery Associates.

THE DRUG TRAFFICKER

On February 18, 1993, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging twelve defendants, including Grand Rapids native Duncan Martin (left), with one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine during a period from "about 1987, until on or about August 1, 1992."

In addition to Martin, other defendants included Floyd Mayweather Sr., Leon Manning, Victor Ward, and Ben Maglichi. The key member of the cocaine distribution conspiracy was William Echenique, who obtained multiple kilograms of cocaine from his sources in Chicago and distributed it in Grand Rapids. 

The primary source of Echenique's cocaine was Ovidio Montoya, the boyfriend of Echenique's sister, Maria Carmen Echenique.

Duncan Martin was involved with Echenique from 1990 onward. Martin was a member a Grand Rapids group called the "Nasty Dawgs", and received nine ounces of cocaine from Echenique on one occasion and received four and one-half ounces of cocaine from Echenique on multiple occasions.

The cocaine was transported from Chicago, Illinois, to Grand Rapids--in boxes of laundry detergent powder.

On December 13, 1993, the jury returned guilty verdicts against Martin and defendants Mayweather, Montoya, Miyares,  and Manning.

On appeal, Martin challenged the sentence imposed based on the following issues (1) whether sufficient evidence was presented to support the convictions of defendants Mayweather, Manning, Martin, and Miyares; (2) whether the government proved the existence of multiple conspiracies at trial, as opposed to the single conspiracy charged in the indictment; (3) whether the district court erred in making the various evidentiary rulings challenged by the defendants; (4) whether the district court erred when it denied the pre-trial and mid-trial severance motions of defendants Martin, Mayweather, and Manning; (5) whether Martin was denied the effective assistance of counsel; and (6) whether the district court erred in sentencing Martin and Miyares. 

Martin's conviction was upheld, and he began his sentence on February 6, 1997. He was released from federal prison on November 18, 2011.

Shortly afterward, in February 2012, Martin began working at Best Drug Rehabilitation as a security guard.

THREE TIMES...NOW IT LOOKS LIKE A PATTERN
  
On July 8, this blog published the story of Best Drug Rehabilitation's former Director of Security Brian Willis Harper, a convicted felon who'd been sentenced to prison in Arizona after an aggravated assault felony conviction.

And in response to the furor that post generated, one of Per Wickstrom's "reputation management" consultants, Karima Grohsman, attempted to pull his street cred fat out of the fire.

In an email that Grohsman sent to Wickstrom, and inadvertantly copied to your girl Miss Fortune, she furiously spins "hiring felons" as a "noble cause":


Wonder what she's saying now?

Hey, I think I may ask her myself!

In the meantime, Best Drug Rehabilitation wants you!




Monday, August 19, 2013

TRAVERSE CITY'S AMERICAN SENIOR BENEFITS MOVES TO NEW LOCATION; COMPANY ACKNOWLEDGES LINGERING TAINT OF FRAUD, BREACH OF CONTRACT LAWSUIT


Months after settling a messy civil suit, American Senior Benefits still maintains its "no wrong-doing found on our part".

Read the settlement agreement, and judge for yourself. 


Nearly nine months after agreeing to settle a fraud and breach of contract suit brought against the seventeen former Bankers Life and Casualty agents and managers who went on to form the nucleus of American Senior Benefits, ASB has gone on the offensive. 

Launching a website to counteract "negative posting on the internet", ASB tries to set the record straight...or crooked, based on your point of view.

Excerpts from the new site (http://www.americanseniornotbankers.com/ ) are shown below, along with comments in red from your girl Miss Fortune.

American Senior Benefits is NOT Bankers Life and Casualty. This site is to address the few negative posting on the internet. There are far more positive websites about American Senior Benefits, however we find people tend to be more concerned about the negative sites.

Not The Same Company
Part of our Management Staff at one point worked for Bankers Life and Casualty.  When our Staff decided that our values no longer lined up with Bankers we decided to look for another company.  We joined one of the Top Nationwide Insurance Marketing Firms called American Senior Benefits with their Home Office in Kansas City and over 40 Regional Offices across the country.  The Traverse City Office is one of Top Offices in the country for American Senior Benefits that mentors 5 offices across the country.  American Senior Benefits and Bankers Life and Casualty are not Affiliated in anyway. If you are interetested (sic) in knowing why we left Bankers Life and Casualty, please feel free to search Bankers Life and Casualty Lawsuit. 

OK, here's what the lawsuit claimed in its original filing, dated April 26, 2011:

The Bankers Life Traverse City branch office unraveled in early February 2011, when members of Bankers Life’s human resources department and special investigations unit arrived at its 800 Hastings Street location to conduct on-site investigations prompted by complaints regarding the activities of both former and current agents and managers.

Named in the civil complaint filed by Bankers Life in Chicago’s U. S. District Court is former Branch Sales Manager Shannon Nelson.
Also named: former unit sales managers Kelly Dachtler and Ryan Kashmerick, former unit field trainers Timothy Horvath and David Teesdale, and former agents Troy Baxter, Lisa Benson, John Blanck, Bert Brotherton, John Kime, Seth Kishefsky, Joseph Michalec, Michael Robertson, Kurtis Tulppo, and Johnathan Young. Except for Kime, who lives in suburban Detroit, the defendants are Traverse City area residents. 

According to court papers, the investigations revealed numerous instances of “fraud and other improper conduct” by all seventeen defendants.

Nelson, Dachtler and Kashmerick disclosed during their interviews with the Bankers Life special investigations unit in February that they had improperly instructed agents to stop placing sales leads on the “do not call” list unless the individuals had requested that “they not be called at least seven times.” 


According to the court filing, agents that did not follow this instruction were reportedly “subject to retaliation by Nelson, Dachtler and Kashmerick”.

Timothy Horvath acknowledged to Bankers Life investigators during an interview that he had forged “the signature of a policyholder on her policy delivery receipt.”

Jonathan Young revealed to investigators that he had forged “the signatures of several of his family members on policy applications.” Bankers Life alleges in its suit that Young took out the policies to “qualify for a sales bonus,” and then cancelled the policies shortly thereafter.


The Bankers Life suit claimed that Nelson, Dachtler, Kashermick, Horvath and Young, in anticipation of negative consequences of the investigations conducted in Traverse City, obtained licenses to sell insurance products for North American Company for Life & Health Insurance (North American), a competitor of Bankers Life. The suit maintained that these five defendants then “resigned from and/or voluntarily terminated their contracts with Bankers Life and solicited the other defendants to terminate their contracts from Bankers Life and join North American”.

A review of the State of Michigan’s Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation licensing records confirms that Nelson, Dachtler, Kashermick, Horvath and Young first obtained licenses to sell insurance products for North American between March 9 and March 20, 2011.

Bankers Life claimed that they then instructed the other twelve defendants to “obtain a license with North American and prepare to sever their relationships with Bankers Life”.

Shortly before resigning, all seventeen defendants “accessed Bankers Life’s Sales Productivity Network and/or Bankers Life’s Centralized marketing database and downloaded thousands of proprietary policyholder records and prospecting resources”—information that could be used to target specific policyholders and tailor proposals directly to them. The downloaded information included protected health information regulated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).


So it's clearly more than just "part of our Management Staff"; it was 17 managers and agents formerly associated with Bankers Life.
 
 

Our Management Staff ran one of the Top Offices for Bankers Life and Casualty.  When we left for American Senior Benefits a Lawsuit was filed 3 years ago with FALSE allegations.  This was case was dismissed with prejudice with no wrong-doing found on our part.  We later have learned that several of these types of cases have been filed by Bankers Life and Casaulty (sic) as several managers across the country have left for different opportunities. 

Although the settlement agreement dismissed the lawsuit "with prejudice" against certain claims made in the original filing, it does outline significant enforcement terms agreed to by both parties regarding non-competition by American Senior Benefits against Bankers Life. The entire four-page settlement agreement follows, making ASB's statements more than a little disingenuous (that means deceptive, Shannon!):






































This is Not a Scam

American Senior Benefits is not a scam. We have real people working for us who have real families you earn real income that do a great job for our community.  We have an A rating with the BBB. We work in a regulated business which is governed by the State of Michigan Department of Insurance.  Our Financial Advisors have their securities licenses and are regualted (sic) by FINRA.  

"Working" for us? Maybe, if you consider an independent contractor who relies primarily on commissions equivalent to an employee.

"We have an A rating with the BBB."  Let's take a close look at ASB's BBB review page.

It indicates a significant amount of consumer complaints have been received by the Better Business Bureau regarding ASB's business practices.

This Business is not BBB Accredited

American Senior Benefits, LLC

Find a Location(231) 421-8331333 W Grandview Pkwy Ste 205, Traverse CityMI 49684-2291http://www.americanseniorbenefits.com
BBB Business Reviews may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.

BBB Accreditation

American Senior Benefits, LLC is not BBB Accredited.
Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation.

To be accredited by BBB, a business must apply for accreditation and BBB must determine that the business meets BBB accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. BBB Accredited Businesses must pay a fee for accreditation review/monitoring and for support of BBB services to the public.

Reason for Rating

BBB rating is based on 16 factors. Get the details about the factors considered.
Factors that lowered American Senior Benefits, LLC's rating include:
  • Length of time business has been operating.
Factors that raised American Senior Benefits, LLC's rating include:
  • Complaint volume filed with BBB for business of this size.
  • Response to 9 complaint(s) filed against business.
  • Resolution of complaint(s) filed against business.
  • BBB has sufficient background information on this business.

Customer Complaints Summary

9 complaints closed with BBB in last 3 years | 7 closed in last 12 months
Complaint TypeTotal Closed Complaints
Advertising / Sales Issues7
Problems with Product / Service2
Billing / Collection Issues0
Delivery Issues0
Guarantee / Warranty Issues0
Total Closed Complaints 9

Additional Complaint Information
BBB file contains a pattern of complaints in which complainants state they have received unsolicited phone calls from the company. The complainants state they have requested not to be called, and most are on the federal Do Not Call list, yet they continue to receive calls.
The BBB has contacted the company regarding the pattern of complaints and the company has responded by stating they have implemented changes in their lead system to more accurately monitor and maintain consumer requests of no contact.

Limited Liability Company
Business Management
Mr. Ryan Kashmerick (Regional Vice President)
Contact Information
Principal: Shannon Nelson (President) Customer Contact: Mr. David Teesdale (Executive Administrator)
Number of Employees
27
Business Category
Insurance Services, Retirement Planning Service, Investment Securities, Insurance - Long Term Care, Insurance - Life, Insurance - Medicare Services
Products & Services
The company is a nationwide insurance marketing organization specializing in the senior market and retirement planning. They offer products relating to Medicare, life insurance, long-term care and investments.

Customer Complaints Summary

9 complaints closed with BBB in last 3 years | 7 closed in last 12 months
Complaint TypeTotal Closed Complaints
Advertising / Sales Issues7
Problems with Product / Service2
Billing / Collection Issues0
Delivery Issues0
Guarantee / Warranty Issues0
Total Closed Complaints9

Complaint Breakdown by Resolution

Complaint Resolution Log (9)BBB Closure Definitions
05/17/2013Advertising / Sales Issues
05/13/2013Problems with Product / Service
05/10/2013Advertising / Sales Issues
05/03/2013Advertising / Sales Issues
12/24/2012Advertising / Sales Issues
12/14/2012Advertising / Sales Issues
10/04/2012Advertising / Sales Issues
11/15/2011Advertising / Sales Issues
06/23/2011Problems with Product / Service

And let's take a look at who actually has a "securities license"--only three people, including one no longer associated with ASB. 

FINRA status:

John Blanck-does have securities license, although his record notes that he confirmed spending "40 hrs per week" as an insurance agent.
AMERICAN SENIOR BENEFITS - SINCE 03/2011
333 W GRANDVIEW PKWY
TRAVERSE CITY, MI 49684
NOT INV REL - INS BSN - INS AGENT
DEVOTE APPROX: 40 HRS P/WK


Blanck also had a recent customer dispute:
CUSTOMER ALLEGES THAT THE REGISTERED REPRESENTATIVE DID NOT
EXPLAIN THAT THERE WOULD BE SURRENDER CHARGES ON THE
LIQUIDATION OF FIXED ANNUITIES, WHICH WERE LIQUIDATED TO
PURCHASE A MUTUAL FUND. THE CLIENT ALLEGES THAT THE MUTUAL
FUND WAS NEVER PURCHASED AS THE REPRESENTATIVE RESIGNED
FROM THE FIRM PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE MONIES FROM THE
LIQUIDATION OF THE ANNUITIES TO PURCHASE THE FUND

The customer opted to close her account, and did not pursue a formal settlement.

Kelly Dachtler-licensed as a "general securities representative", not a securities broker/Series 7; licensed Michigan insurance agent

Joseph Michalec-does have securities license; Michigan insurance agent license "inactive" as of 3/01/2013. Record indicates it was "terminated for education".

Shannon Nelson-no securities broker license; only Michigan licensed insurance agent

Ryan Kashmerick-no securities broker license; only licensed Michigan insurance agent

Timothy Horvath-no securities broker license; only licensed Michigan insurance agent

David Teesdale-no securities broker license; only licensed Michigan insurance agent

Troy Baxter- no securities broker license; only licensed Michigan insurance agent

Lisa Benson-no securities broker license; only licensed Michigan insurance agent

Bert Brotherton:-no securities broker license; only licensed Michigan insurance agent

John Kime:-no securities broker license; only licensed Michigan insurance agent

Seth Kishefsky-no securities broker license; only licensed insurance Michigan agent

Michael Robertson-no securities broker license; only licensed Michigan insurance agent

Kurtis Tulppo-no securities broker license; only licensed insurance agent. Michigan insurance agent license "inactive" as of 12/01/2012. Record indicates it was "terminated for education".

Jonathan Young-no securities broker license;Michigan insurance agent licensing records show Young voluntarily surrendered his resident producer license June 28, 2013.

Larry Winslow-no securities broker license; only licensed insurance agent

Bruce Falberg-no securities broker license; only licensed Michigan insurance agent

David Poirot-no securities broker license; only licensed Michigan insurance agent

Kory Robinson- no securities broker license; only licensed Michigan insurance agent

David Teesdale-no securities broker license; only licensed Michigan insurance agent

Michelle King-no securities broker license; no Michigan insurance agent license

We do perform a group interview when looking to add to our team. I feel it is necessary due to the amount of information that needs to be shared with new candidates.  Every candidate is made aware in a phone interivew (sic) that this is a group interview.  To learn more about American Senior Benefits go to the National Website www.americanseniorbenefits.com or www.asbtraverse-city.com and www.kashasb.com for the Traverse City, MI Office.

Never Been Contacted
Our Group has never been contacted by those posting negative comments about American Senior Benefits.  Responsible and legitimate reporting dictates that you contact all parties before publishing information.  

Miss Fortune contacted American Senior Benefits in August 2011 for a comment, and received an email from Davie Teesdale stating:

Currently we are resolving the issues with our lawyers.  Bankers has a two year non-compete clause that ensures that we cannot replace Bankers clients.  We are adhering to this stipulation.  We left Bankers for the following reasons:  1)  We only wanted to deal with A rated AM best companies (Bankers is B rated)
2)  Have a wider product portfolio  3)  Better customer service.
     Thank you --
     David Teesdale
     Executive Administrator
     American Senior Benefits

     333 Grandview Parkway  Suite 205
     Traverse City, MI   49684
     (231) 421-8330

And now you can make up your own mind. If you have any questions, or represent American Senior Benefits, you may contact Miss Fortune directly at: tcmissfortune@yahoo.com

Saturday, August 17, 2013

STATE OF INDIANA REVIEWING TRANQUILITY DETOX APPLICATION; PUBLIC INVITED TO COMMENT

As we reported exclusively on August 8, the State of Indiana's Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA) confirmed that documentation for Per Wickstrom's newest facility, located in South Bend and operating under the name "Tranquility Detox", had been submitted for review.   





A state spokeswoman confirmed to Miss Fortune that certification has been requested not simply for detox, but to operate Tranquility Detox as a full-fledged addiction services provider, including subacute and transitional residential services at 3606 E. Jefferson Boulevard in South Bend, Indiana.   

Indiana requires that detoxification services be provided under the supervision of either a physician or a clinical nurse specialist licensed to practice in Indiana.  The DMHA does not make the distinctions implied by the terms "detox" vs. "medical detox", according to the state spokesperson.

However, although Tranquility Detox initially appeared to be a free-standing detox-only facility, it's likely that Per Wickstrom is using South Bend as the beachhead for his expansion into Indiana--and beyond.

Let's make some noise, people! Send your public comments to DMHA.feedback@fssa.in.gov
For more information about the certification process, including the complete administrative code, please use this link:
Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA)

Monday, August 12, 2013

DAVID LEE HUNTER'S OFFICIAL GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY MUGSHOT!

Here it is, the picture that will soon be decorating dart boards from Michigan to Hawaii--David Lee Hunter's official Grand Traverse County mugshot. Looking  like he's posing for his soon to be launched Inmate.com profile picture, Hunter's smug visage belies what could bitch slap him when his case gets to court in late September. Let's hope he likes wearing orange.
Hunter's favorite enabler, his mother Kathleen, has hired Traverse City attorney Shawn Worden to defend him. Hunter faces a felony count of false pretenses between $1,000 and $20,000. In addition,  Hunter also faces a bad check charge and absconding his original bond in connection an alleged 2012 Traverse City Craigslist rental scam.

If convicted, Hunter could face an enhanced sentence under Michigan's habitual offender statutes.

Hunter's attorney did not respond to our request for a comment on the case.

But since your girl Miss Fortune just loves her some Cook County mugshot, here it is by popular demand!

 


Circuit Court Criminal Records
13th Circuit Court
Grand Traverse County-- Phone (231) 922-4710
328 WASHINGTON ST
TRAVERSE CITY, MI 49684


Case #:   2012-11491 FH  County: Grand Traverse
Case Type:   FELONY/NON-CAPITAL    Case Status:   CASE OPEN
 
Defendant: HUNTER, DAVID LEE   Birthdate:   12/15/1973




Offense/Sentencing Information



CountPleaConvictionOffenseSuffixDescription Degree Associated Charge
1750.2184AFALSE PRETENSE $1000 <$20,000
2769.11HABITUAL OFFEN-SUP WAR/3 CONV

Court Proceedings


DateActionProceeding
11/21/2012ARARRAIGNMENT HELD IN DISTRICT COURT 11-20-12; DEF
STOOD MUTE/MJH
11/21/2012NPTNOTICE OF PRE-TRIAL 11-30-12 @1:00PM/TGP
11/21/2012CBCOMPLAINT/BINDOVER FROM DC
11/21/2012S/RSUBPOENA/RETURN--AMANDA OLSEN
11/21/2012BP$2500 SURETY POSTED BY J & J BAIL BONDS
11/28/2012POSPROOF OF SERVICE/COMPLAINT, PROBABLE CAUSE,
COMPLETE POLICE REPORT, LEASE AGREEMENTS
11/28/2012MOTPETITION FOR AN ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE
PROOF OF SERVICE/PETITION
11/30/2012PT WAS CONDUCTED; REQUEST COURT APPT ATTY; DEF
MISSED PTS - PAO WITHDRAWS, DEF TESTED IN OTHER
LOCATIONS/TGP
12/03/2012CPTCRIMINAL PRE-TRIAL AND SCHEDULING CONFERENCE
ORDER/TGP
12/03/2012CAACOURT APPOINTED ATTORNEY--JANET MISTELE/TGP
12/03/2012NFCNOTICE OF FINAL CONFERENCE 12-21-12 @1:00PM/PER
12/03/2012NJTNOTICE OF JURY TRIAL 1-16-03 TO 1-17-13 @8:30 AM
PER
12/03/2012WLWITNESS LIST FROM PA
PROOF OF EMAIL/WITNESS LIST
12/05/2012APNOTICE OF APPEARANCE, DEMAND FOR TRIAL BY JURY,
DISCOVERY DEMAND AND PROOF OF EMAIL SERVICE
12/10/2012FIFELONY INFORMATION FROM PA
PROOF OF EMAIL/FELONY INFO
12/12/2012RFDPL'S REQUEST FOR DISCOVERY
PROOF OF EMAIL/PL'S REQUEST
12/21/2012DEF DID NOT APPEAR; BENCH WARRANT AUTHORIZED, NO
BOND/PER
12/21/2012MOTPETITION FOR AN ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE
PROOF OF EMAIL/PETITION
01/02/2013BWCOPY OF PETITION, AFFIDAVIT & BENCH WARRANT/PER
01/02/2013ORORDER REVOKING RELEASE AND FORFEITING BOND, NOTICE
OF INTENT TO ENTER JUDGMENT/PER
07/30/2013ARARRAIGNMENT HELD: FAILED TO APPEAR FOR FC ON
DECEMBER 21, 2012; APPOINT NEW ATTY/NO BOND/PER
07/31/2013NFCNOTICE OF FINAL CONFERENCE 8-16-13 @1:00PM/PER
07/31/2013NJTNOTICE OF JURY TRIAL 9-25-13 TO 9-26-13 @8:30 AM
PER
08/05/2013APAPPEARANCE--SHAWN WORDEN
08/05/2013JURY DEMAND
08/05/2013POSPROOF OF SERVICE/APPEARANCE, REQUEST FOR DISCOVERY
AND JURY DEMAND
08/05/2013RFDDEF'S REQUEST FOR DISCOVERY