Federal Trade Commission et al v. Vacation Communications Group, LLC et al

Filing 102

FINAL ORDER for PERMANENT INJUNCTION and OTHER EQUITABLE RELIEF as to DEFENDANTS GARDNER CLINE LLC, MARK RUSSEL GARDNER, and TAMMIE LYNN CLINE and DEFAULT JUDGMENT as to DEFENDANTS SHELDON LEE COHEN and VACATION COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, LLC. Signed by Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. on 6/12/2014. (VMF)

United States District Court
MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
ORLANDO DIVISION
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION; and
STATE OF FLORIDA, OFFICE OF THE
ATTORNEY GENERAL, DEPARTMENT
OF LEGAL AFFAIRS,
Plaintiffs,
v.

Case No. 6:13-cv-789-Orl-37DAB

VACATION COMMUNICATIONS
GROUP, LLC; GARDNER CLINE LLC;
SHELDON LEE COHEN, individually
and as an owner, officer, or manager of
Vacation Communications Group, LLC,
and d/b/a Universal Timeshare Sales
Associates and M.G.M. Universal
Timeshares; MARK RUSSELL
GARDNER, individually and as
manager/member of Gardner Cline LLC;
and TAMMIE LYNN CLINE, individually
and as manager/member of Gardner
Cline LLC,
Defendants.
FINAL ORDER FOR PERMANENT INJUNCTION AND OTHER EQUITABLE RELIEF
AS TO DEFENDANTS GARDNER CLINE LLC, MARK RUSSEL GARDNER, AND
TAMMIE LYNN CLINE AND DEFAULT JUDGMENT AS TO DEFENDANTS
SHELDON LEE COHEN AND VACATION COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, LLC
Plaintiffs, the Federal Trade Commission (“Commission” or “FTC”) and the State
of Florida, Office of the Attorney General, Department of Legal Affairs (“State of Florida”),
filed their Complaint for Permanent Injunction and Other Equitable Relief in this matter,
pursuant to Sections 13(b) and 19 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (“FTC Act”), 15
U.S.C. §§ 53(b) and 57b, the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention
Act (“Telemarketing Act”), 15 U.S.C. §§ 6101-6108, the Florida Deceptive and Unfair

Trade Practices Act (“FDUTPA”), Chapter 501, Part II, Florida Statutes (2013), and the
Florida Timeshare Resale Accountability Act (“FTRRA”), Section 721.205, Florida
Statutes (2013).
Defendants were properly served with the complaint and summons (Doc. Nos. 29
through

34),

but

Defendants

Sheldon

Lee

Cohen

(“Cohen”)

and

Vacation

Communications Group, LLC (“VCG”), failed to plead or otherwise defend (Doc No. 59).
On August 6, 2013, the Clerk entered defaults against Defendants VCG and Cohen
(collectively “Defaulting Defendants”). Doc. Nos. 60 and 61). On March 27, 2014, the
Court granted Plaintiffs’ motion for a default judgment and final order against Defaulting
Defendants, but deferred entering a final judgment against Defaulting Defendants until
the remaining claims against the other defendants–Gardner Cline L.L.C., Mark Russell
Gardner, and Tammie Lynn Cline–were resolved. (Doc. 93).
Defendants Gardner Cline L.L.C., Mark Russell Gardner, and Tammie Lynn Cline
(“Stipulating Defendants”) stipulated to, and the Court entered, a Preliminary Injunction
on June 6, 2013. (Doc. 26.) Plaintiffs and Stipulating Defendants subsequently agreed
to the entry of a Final Order for Permanent Injunction and Other Equitable Relief as to
Defendants Gardner Cline L.L.C., Mark Russell Gardner, and Tammie Lynn Cline to
resolve all matters in dispute in this action between them.
Plaintiffs seek a judgment and final order resolving all claims against Stipulating
Defendants and, pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 55(b)(2), on all claims
against Defaulting Defendants.
THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED as follows:

2

FINDINGS AS TO STIPULATING DEFENDANTS
1.

This Court has jurisdiction over this matter.

2.

The Complaint charges that Stipulating Defendants participated in

deceptive or unfair acts or practices in violation of Section 5 of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. §
45; Sections 310.3(a)(4), 310.4(b)(1)(iii)(B), and 310.8 of the Telemarketing Sales Rule,
16 C.F.R. §§ 310.3(a)(4), 310.4(b)(1)(iii)(B), and 310.8; Section 501.204 of the FDUTA,
Florida Statutes (2013); and Section 721.205(2) of the FTRAA, Florida Statutes (2013),
in the advertising, marketing, promotion, offering for sale, or sale of Timeshare Resale
Services.
3.

Stipulating Defendants neither admit nor deny any of the allegations in the

Complaint, except as specifically stated in this Order. Only for purposes of this action,
Stipulating Defendants admit the facts necessary to establish jurisdiction.
4.

Stipulating Defendants waive any claim that they may have under the Equal

Access to Justice Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2412, concerning the prosecution of this action through
the date of this Order, and agree to bear their own costs and attorney fees.
5.

Stipulating Defendants and Plaintiffs waive all rights to appeal or otherwise

challenge or contest the validity of this Order.
FINDINGS AS TO DEFAULTING DEFENDANTS
1.

This is an action instituted under Sections 13(b) and 19 of the FTC Act, 15

U.S.C. §§ 53(b) and 57b; the Telemarketing Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 6101-6108; the TSR, 16
C.F.R. Part 310; the FDUTPA, Chapter 501, Part II, Florida Statutes (2013), and the
Florida Timeshare Resale Accountability Act (“FTRRA”), Section 721.205, Florida
Statutes (2013). Pursuant to these statutes and regulations, Plaintiffs have the authority

3

to seek the relief they have requested.
2.

The complaint states a claim upon which relief may be granted against

Defendants under Sections 5(a), 13(b), and 19 of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 45(a), 53(b),
and 57b; the Telemarketing Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 6101-6108; the TSR, 16 C.F.R. Part 310;
the FDUTPA, Chapter 501, Part II, Florida Statutes (2013); and the Florida Timeshare
Resale Accountability Act (“FTRRA”), Section 721.205, Florida Statutes (2013).
3.

This Court has subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331,

1337(a), 1345, and 1367, and 15 U.S.C. §§ 45(a) and 53(b).
4.

Venue is proper in this district under 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b) and (c), and 15

U.S.C. § 53(b).
5.

The activities alleged in the complaint are or were “in or affecting

commerce” as “commerce” is defined in Section 4 of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. § 44.
6.

Defaulting Defendants were properly served with process, as required by

Fed. R. Civ. P. 4, and failed to plead or otherwise defend within the time set forth in Fed.
R. Civ. P. 12(a).
7.

An Entry of Default was properly entered by the Clerk against Defaulting

Defendants on August 6, 2013.
8.

The factual allegations of the complaint as to Defaulting Defendants are

taken as true because defaults have been entered against Defaulting Defendants.
9.

The substantial evidence presented by Plaintiffs in this case and the

allegations taken as true establish that Defaulting Defendants have engaged in a plan,
program, or campaign to deceptively advertise, market, promote, offer for sale, or sell
timeshare rental or resale services through interstate telephone calls to consumers

4

throughout the United States in violation of Section 5 of the FTC Act, the TSR, the
FDUTPA, and the FTRAA.
10.

Based on the evidence presented to the Court, there is a substantial

likelihood that Defaulting Defendants will engage in the same or similar activities as
alleged in the complaint unless they are permanently enjoined from such acts and
practices.
11.

Thus, it is proper in this case to enter equitable monetary relief against

Defaulting Defendants for the consumer injury caused by their violations of the FTC Act,
the TSR, the FDUTPA, and the FTRAA.
12.

From January 2009 to February 2013, Defaulting Defendants’ revenues

from the conduct alleged in the complaint, minus funds returned to consumers through
refunds and chargebacks, was at least $10,190,769.68. This amount was calculated
using data from Visa and MasterCard, which processed consumer payments for
Defaulting Defendants. See PX 36, pp. 6-12. The Defaulting Defendants are therefore
liable for injunctive relief and are jointly and severally liable for monetary relief in the
amount of $10,190,769.68.
13.

This Final Order is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other civil or criminal

remedies that may be provided by law.
14.

Entry of this Final Order is in the public interest.
DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this Order, the following definitions apply:
1.

“Asset” or “Assets” means any legal or equitable interest in, right to, or

claim to, any real or personal property, including, but not limited to, “goods,” “instruments,”

5

“equipment,” “fixtures,” “general intangibles,” “inventory,” “checks,” or “notes,” (as these
terms are defined in the Uniform Commercial Code), lines of credit, chattels, leaseholds,
contracts, mail or other deliveries, shares of stock, lists of consumer names, accounts,
credits, premises, receivables, funds, and all cash, wherever located.
2.

“Assisting Others” includes, but is not limited to, providing any of the

following services to any Person or entity: (1) performing customer service functions
including, but not limited to, receiving or responding to consumer complaints; (2)
formulating or providing, or arranging for the formulation or provision of, any sales script,
other marketing material, or marketing services of any kind; (3) providing names of, or
assisting in the generation of, potential customers; (4) providing credit card merchant
processing accounts, or otherwise providing access to a billing and collection system
(such as a credit card, checking, savings, share or similar account, utility bill, telephone
bill, mortgage loan account or debit card), or causing any charges to be made to such an
account or utilizing such a system; or (5) acting as an officer or director of a business
entity.
3.

“Defendants” means the Individual Defendants and the Corporate

Defendants, individually, collectively, or in any combination.
4.

“Individual Defendants” means Sheldon Lee Cohen, also doing business

as Universal Timeshare Sales Associates and M.G.M. Universal Timeshares; Mark
Russell Gardner, individually and as manager/member of Gardner Cline L.L.C.; and
Tammie Lynn Cline, individually and as manager/member of Gardner Cline L.L.C.; and
by whatever other names they may be known.
5.

“Corporate Defendants” means Vacation Communications Group, LLC,

6

Gardner Cline L.L.C., and their successors and assigns, as well as any subsidiaries, and
any fictitious business entities or business names created or used by these entities.
6.

“Stipulating Defendants” means Gardner Cline L.L.C., Mark Russell

Gardner, and Tammie Lynn Cline.
7.

“Stipulating Corporate Defendant” means Gardner Cline L.L.C., and its

successors and assigns, as well as any subsidiaries, and any fictitious business entities
or business names created or used by these entities.
8.

“Stipulating Individual Defendants” means Mark Russell Gardner and

Tammie Lynn Cline, and by whatever other names they may be known.
9.

“Defaulting Defendants” means Vacation Communications Group, LLC;

its successors and assigns, as well as any subsidiaries, and any fictitious business
entities or business names created or used by these entities; and Sheldon Lee Cohen,
also doing business as Universal Timeshare Sales Associates and M.G.M. Universal
Timeshares, and by whatever other names they may be known.
10.

“Receivership Defendants” means Vacation Communications Group,

LLC; Gardner Cline L.L.C.; their successors and assigns, as well as any subsidiaries, and
any fictitious business entities or business names created or used by these entities.; and
Defendant Sheldon Lee Cohen when doing business as Universal Timeshare Sales
Associates and M.G.M. Universal Timeshares, and by whatever other names they may
be known.
11.

“Defaulting

Receivership

Defendants”

means

Vacation

Communications Group, LLC; its successors and assigns, as well as any subsidiaries,
and any fictitious business entities or business names created or used by these entities;

7

and Sheldon Lee Cohen when doing business as Universal Timeshare Sales Associates
and M.G.M. Universal Timeshares, and by whatever other names they may be known.
12.

“Document” or “Documents” means any materials listed in Fed. R. Civ.

P. 34(a), and includes writings, drawings, graphs, charts, photographs, audio and video
recordings, computer records, and other data or data compilations, stored in any medium,
from which information can be obtained either directly or, if necessary, after translation
into a reasonably usable form through detection devices. A draft or non-identical copy is
a separate “document” within the meaning of this term.
13.

“Financial Institution” means any bank, savings and loan institution, credit

union, or any financial depository of any kind, including, but not limited to, any brokerage
house, trustee, broker-dealer, escrow agent, title company, commodity trading company,
or precious metal dealer.
14.

“Person” means a natural Person, an organization, or other legal entity,

including a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, limited liability company,
association, cooperative, or any other group or combination acting as an entity.
15.

“Plaintiffs” means the Federal Trade Commission (“Commission” or

“FTC”) and the State of Florida, Office of the Attorney General, Department of Legal
Affairs (“State of Florida”).
16.

“Telemarketing” means any plan, program, or campaign (whether or not

covered by the TSR, 16 C.F.R. Part 310) that is conducted to induce the purchase of
goods or services or a charitable contribution by use of one or more telephones.
17.

“Telemarketing Sales Rule” or “TSR” means the Telemarketing Sales

Rule set forth in 16 C.F.R. Part 310, a copy of which is attached.

8

18.

"Timeshare” or “Timeshare Property" refers to the right of ownership or

occupancy in any vacation property or properties (including, but not limited to,
condominiums, resorts, campgrounds, and cruise ships) that provides rights-holders with
certain periodic usage and/or occupancy rights. The term shall also include "pointsbased" programs that provide similar ownership and/or occupancy benefits.
19.

“Timeshare Resale Service” means any good, service, plan, or program

represented, expressly or by implication, to assist an individual in advertising, marketing,
promoting, offering for sale or rent, or selling or renting the individual’s timeshare.
ORDER
I.

PERMANENT BAN ON TELEMARKETING

IT IS ORDERED that Defaulting Defendants, whether acting directly or through
any Person, business entity, trust, corporation, partnership, limited liability company,
subsidiary, division, or other device, or any of them, are hereby permanently restrained
and enjoined from Telemarketing, or Assisting Others engaged in Telemarketing.
II.

PERMANENT BAN ON TIMESHARE RESALE SERVICES

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Defendants, whether acting directly or through
any Person, business entity, trust, corporation, partnership, limited liability company,
subsidiary, division, or other device, or any of them, are hereby permanently restrained
and enjoined from engaging in, participating in, or Assisting Others in the advertising,
marketing, promoting, offering for sale, or sale of any Timeshare Resale Service.
III.

PROHIBITED PRACTICES RELATING TO ANY GOODS OR SERVICES

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Defendants, and their officers, agents servants,
employees, and attorneys, and all other Persons in active concert or participation with

9

any of them who receive actual notice of this Order by personal service or otherwise,
whether acting directly or through any Person, business entity, trust, corporation,
partnership, limited liability company, subsidiary, division, or other device, or any of them,
in connection with the advertising, marketing, promotion, offering for sale, or sale of any
good or service, are hereby permanently restrained and enjoined from:
A.

Misrepresenting, or Assisting Others in misrepresenting, directly or

indirectly, expressly or by implication, any material fact including, but not limited
to:
1.

the total cost to purchase, receive or use the good or service;

2.

any material restriction, limitation, or condition to purchase, receive

or use the good or service;
3.

any material aspect of the nature or terms of a refund, cancellation,

exchange, or repurchase policy for the good or service;
4.

the income, profits or sales likely to be achieved from the good or

service; and
5.

any material aspect of the performance, efficacy, nature or central

characteristic of the good or service;
B.

Violating, or Assisting Others in violating, any provision of the TSR,

including, but not limited to:
1.

Section 310.3(a)(4) of the TSR, 16 C.F.R. § 310.3(a)(4), by making

any false or misleading statement to induce any Person to pay for goods or
services;
2.

Section 310.4(b)(1)(iii)(B) of the TSR, 16 C.F.R. § 310.4(b)(1)(iii)(B),

10

by engaging in, or causing others to engage in, initiating an outbound
telephone call to a Person's telephone number on the National Do Not Call
Registry in connection with Telemarketing; and
3.

Section 310.8 of the TSR, 16 C.F .R. § 310.8, by initiating or causing

others to initiate, in connection with Telemarketing, an outbound telephone
call to a telephone number within a given area code when Defendants have
not, either directly or through another Person, paid the required annual fee
for access to the telephone numbers within that area code that are included
in the National Do Not Call Registry;
C.

Violating, or Assisting Others in violating, any provision of:
1.

the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, Chapter 501,

Part II, Florida Statutes (2013); and
2.

the Florida Timeshare Resale Accountability Act, Section 721.205,

Florida Statutes (2013).
IV.

PROHIBITIONS ON COLLECTING ON ACCOUNTS

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Defendants and their officers, agents, servants,
employees, attorneys, and all other Persons in active concert or participation with any of
them who receive actual notice of this Order by personal service or otherwise, whether
acting directly or through any Person, business entity, trust, corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, subsidiary, division, or other device, are permanently restrained
and enjoined from attempting to collect, collecting, or assigning any right to collect
payment from any consumer who purchased or agreed to purchase any Defendant’s
Timeshare Resale Service.

11

V.

MONETARY JUDGMENT AND SUSPENSION AS TO STIPULATING
DEFENDANTS

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A.

Judgment is hereby entered in favor of Plaintiffs against Stipulating

Defendants, jointly and severally, for equitable monetary relief, including but not limited
to consumer redress, in the amount of one million, two hundred eighty-eight thousand,
six hundred eighty-six dollars ($1,288,686.00), which is the amount of injury suffered by
consumers, or unjust enrichment obtained by Defendants, in connection with the
practices alleged as to Stipulating Defendants in Counts I through VI of the Complaint.
Stipulating Defendants are jointly and severally liable for this amount with Defaulting
Defendants. The Judgment as to Stipulating Defendants is suspended subject to the
Subsections below.
B.

Plaintiffs’ agreement to the suspension of the judgment is expressly

premised upon the truthfulness, accuracy, and completeness of Stipulating Defendants’
sworn

financial

statements

and

related

documents

(collectively,

“financial

representations”) submitted to the Commission, namely:
1.

the Financial Statement of Stipulating Individual Defendant Mark

Russell Gardner, signed on May 31, 2013, including the attachments;
2.

the Financial Statement of Stipulating Individual Defendant Tammie

Lynn Cline, signed by Tammie Lynn Cline on June 1, 2013, including the
attachments;
3.

the Financial Statement of Stipulating Corporate Defendant Gardner

Cline L.L.C., signed by Tammie Lynn Cline on May 31, 2013, including the

12

attachments; and
4.

the email from Stipulating Defendants’ counsel to FTC counsel dated

August 6, 2013, regarding Stipulating Defendants’ contract with Defendant
Cohen.
C.

The suspension of the judgment will be lifted as to either Stipulating

Defendant if, upon motion by Plaintiffs, the Court finds that the Stipulating Defendant
failed to disclose any material asset, materially misstated the value of any asset, or made
any other material misstatement or omission in the financial representations identified
above.
D.

If the suspension of the judgment is lifted, the judgment becomes

immediately due as to that Stipulating Defendant in the amount specified in Subsection A
above (which the parties stipulate only for purposes of this Section represents the
consumer injury alleged in the Complaint as to Stipulating Defendants), less any payment
previously made pursuant to this Section, plus interest computed from the date of entry
of this Order.
VI.

ADDITIONAL MONETARY PROVISIONS AS TO STIPULATING
DEFENDANTS

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A.

Stipulating Defendants relinquish dominion and all legal and equitable right,

title, and interest in all assets previously transferred to the Receiver or otherwise
transferred pursuant to this Order and may not seek the return of any assets.
B.

The facts alleged in the Complaint will be taken as true, without further

proof, in any subsequent civil litigation by or on behalf of the Commission, including in a

13

proceeding to enforce its rights to any payment or monetary judgment pursuant to this
Order, such as a nondischargeability complaint in any bankruptcy case.
C.

The facts alleged in the Complaint establish all elements necessary to

sustain an action by the Commission pursuant to Section 523(a)(2)(A) of the Bankruptcy
Code, 11 U.S.C. § 523(a)(2)(A) and this Order will have collateral estoppel effect for such
purposes.
D.

Stipulating Defendants acknowledge that their Taxpayer Identification

Numbers (Social Security Numbers or Employer Identification Numbers), which
Stipulating Defendants previously submitted to the Commission, may be used for
collecting and reporting on any delinquent amount arising out of this Order, in accordance
with 31 U.S.C. §7701.
E.

All money paid to Plaintiffs pursuant to this Order may be deposited into a

fund administered by the Commission or its designee on behalf of both the Commission
and the State of Florida. This fund shall be used for equitable relief, including consumer
redress and any attendant expenses for the administration of any redress fund. If a
representative of the Commission decides that direct redress to consumers is wholly or
partially impracticable or money remains after redress is completed, the Commission may
apply any remaining money for such other equitable relief (including consumer
information remedies) as it determines to be reasonably related to Stipulating Defendants’
practices alleged in the Complaint, relinquish its authority over any portion of the joint
monies not used for equitable relief to the State of Florida, or both. Stipulating Defendants
have no right to challenge any actions the Commission or its representatives may take
pursuant to this Subsection.

14

VII.

LIFTING OF ASSET FREEZE AS TO STIPULATING DEFENDANTS

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the freeze of the assets of Stipulating Defendants
Mark Russell Gardner and Tammie Lynn Cline shall be lifted. A third party shall be
entitled to rely upon a letter from either Plaintiff stating that the freeze on the assets of a
Stipulating Defendant has been lifted.
VIII.

MONETARY JUDGMENT AND CONSUMER REDRESS AS TO DEFAULTING
DEFENDANTS
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A.

Judgment is hereby entered in favor of Plaintiffs against Defaulting

Defendants, jointly and severally, in the amount of ten million, one hundred ninety
thousand, seven hundred sixty-nine dollars and sixty-eight cents ($10,190,769.68), which
is the amount of injury suffered by consumers, or unjust enrichment obtained by
Defaulting Defendants, in connection with the practices alleged in Counts I through VI of
the Complaint. This monetary judgment shall become immediately due and payable by
Defaulting Defendants upon entry of this Final Order, less any amount previously paid by
any other Defendant, and interest computed at the rate prescribed under 28 U.S.C. §
1961(a), as amended, shall immediately begin to accrue on the unpaid balance;
B.

All funds paid to Plaintiffs shall be made by wire transfer in accordance with

directions provided by the Commission, or as otherwise agreed to by the Commission;
C.

All money paid to Plaintiffs pursuant to this Order may be deposited into a

fund administered by the Commission or its designee on behalf of both Plaintiffs. This
fund shall be used for equitable relief, including consumer redress and any attendant
expenses for the administration of any redress fund.

15

If a representative of the

Commission decides that direct redress to consumers is wholly or partially impracticable
or money remains after redress is completed, the Commission may apply any remaining
money for such other equitable relief (including consumer information remedies) as it
determines to be reasonably related to Defaulting Defendants’ practices alleged in the
Complaint, relinquish its authority over any portion of the joint monies not used for
equitable relief to the State of Florida, or both. Defaulting Defendants have no right to
challenge any actions the Plaintiffs or their representatives may take pursuant to this
Subsection.
D.

All joint funds not used for the equitable relief described in Paragraph C of

this Section (“Remaining Joint Funds”) shall be distributed to Plaintiffs in the following
manner:
1.

The State of Florida shall be reimbursed for the costs and fees it

incurred in this matter including, but not limited to, its costs of investigation
and litigation, after which
2.

All Remaining Joint Funds shall be divided equally between the

Commission (for ultimate disbursement to the U.S. Treasury) and the State
of Florida.
E.

No portion of any payment under the Judgment herein shall be deemed a

payment of any fine, penalty or punitive assessment.
F.

Plaintiffs are entitled to exercise any and all rights and remedies against

Defaulting Defendants and their assets to collect the judgment and interest thereon, less
any amounts already paid by Defaulting Defendant or any other Defendant.

16

IX.

TURNOVER OF ASSETS

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that in order to partially satisfy the monetary judgment
set forth in Section VI above, any law firm, financial or brokerage institution, escrow agent,
title company, commodity trading company, automated clearing house, payment
processor, person, or entity served with a copy of this Final Order, that holds, controls or
maintains custody of any account or asset of, on behalf of, or for the benefit of any
Defaulting Defendant, shall turn over all such funds or assets to the Receiver, in the case
of Defaulting Receivership Defendants, or to Plaintiff FTC in the case of Sheldon Lee
Cohen, within 10 business days of receiving notice of this Final Order by any means,
including but not limited to via email or facsimile.
X.

LIFTING OF ASSET FREEZE AS TO DEFAULTING DEFENDANTS

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the freeze of Defaulting Defendants’ assets shall
remain in effect as set forth in Sections III and IV of the Preliminary Injunction entered on
June 6, 2013 (Doc. No. 27), until the Commission has received the total amount required
by Section VI above, provided, however, that Defaulting Defendants may transfer funds
to the extent necessary to make all payments required by Section VI. Upon payment to
the Commission of the total amount required by Section VI above, the freeze against the
assets of Defaulting Defendants shall be lifted permanently.
XI.

COMPLETION OF RECEIVERSHIP

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the appointment of Brian McDowell as Permanent
Receiver (“Receiver”) over Stipulating Corporate Defendant pursuant to Section V of the
Order and Preliminary Injunction as to Mark Russell Gardner, Tammie Lynn Cline, and
Gardner Cline L.L.C. (Doc. No. 26), and over Defaulting Defendants, pursuant to Section

17

V of the Order and Preliminary Injunction as to Defendants Vacation Communications
Group, LLC and Sheldon Lee Cohen (Doc. No. 27), is hereby continued as modified by
this Section.
A.

As to the Stipulating Corporate Defendant, the Receiver is directed and

authorized to accomplish the following within 120 days of entry of this Order, which time
may be extended at the request of the Receiver or any party for good cause shown:
1.

Complete, as necessary, the liquidation of the assets of the

Stipulating Corporate Defendant;
2.

Prepare and submit a final report describing the Receiver’s activities

pursuant to this Order, and a final application for compensation and
expenses; and
3.

Distribute to the Commission any remaining liquid assets at the

conclusion of the Receiver’s duties, in partial satisfaction of the monetary
judgment set forth in this Order.
B.

As to Defaulting Receivership Defendants, the Receiver is directed and

authorized to accomplish the following within 12 months of entry of this Order, which time
may be extended at the request of the Receiver or any party for good cause shown:
1. Complete, as necessary, the liquidation of the assets of the Defaulting
Receivership Defendants;
2. Prepare and submit a final report describing the Receiver’s activities
pursuant to this Order, and a final application for compensation and
expenses; and
3. Distribute to the Commission any remaining liquid assets at the

18

conclusion of the Receiver’s duties, in partial satisfaction of the
monetary judgment set forth in this Order.
C.

Upon completion of the above tasks, the duties of the Receivership over the

Receivership Defendants shall terminate, and the Receiver shall be discharged as to the
Receivership Defendants.
XII.

CUSTOMER INFORMATION

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Defendants and their officers, agents servants,
employees, and attorneys, and all other Persons in active concert or participation with
any of them who receive actual notice of this Order by personal service or otherwise,
whether acting directly or through any Person, business entity, trust, corporation,
partnership, limited liability company, subsidiary, division, or other device, or any of them,
are permanently restrained and enjoined from directly or indirectly:
A.

Failing to provide sufficient customer information that Defendants currently

have, or have reasonable access to, to enable the Commission to efficiently administer
consumer redress.

If a representative of the Commission requests in writing any

information related to redress, Defendants must provide it, in the form prescribed by the
Commission, within 14 days.
B.

Disclosing, using, or benefitting from customer information, including the

name, address, telephone number, email address, social security number, other
identifying information, or any data that enables access to a customer’s account (including
a credit card, bank account, or other financial account), that any Defendant obtained prior
to entry of this Order in connection with the advertising, marketing, promotion, offering for
sale, or sale of Timeshare Resale Services; and

19

C.

Failing to destroy such customer information in all forms in their

possession, custody, or control within 30 days after receipt of written direction to do so
from a representative of the Commission.
Provided, however, that customer information need not be disposed of, and may
be disclosed, to the extent requested by a government agency or required by law,
regulation, or court order.
XIII.

COOPERATION

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Stipulating Defendants must fully cooperate with
representatives of Plaintiffs and the Receiver in this case and in any investigation related
to or associated with the transactions or the occurrences that are the subject of the
Complaint. Stipulating Defendants must provide truthful and complete information,
evidence, and testimony. Such Stipulating Individual Defendants must appear and
Stipulating Corporate Defendant must cause its officers, employees, representatives, or
agents to appear for interviews, discovery, hearings, trials, and any other proceedings
that a Plaintiff’s representative or the Receiver may reasonably request upon 5 days
written notice, or other reasonable notice, at such places and times as a Plaintiff’s
representative or the Receiver may designate, without the service of a subpoena.
XIV.

ORDER ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Defendants obtain acknowledgments of receipt
of this Order:
A.

Each Defendant, within 7 days of entry of this Order, must submit to the

Plaintiffs an acknowledgment of receipt of this Order sworn under penalty of perjury.
B.

For 5 years after entry of this Order, each Individual Defendant for any

20

business that such Defendant, individually or collectively with any other Defendants, is
the majority owner or controls directly or indirectly, and each Corporate Defendant must
deliver a copy of this Order to: (1) all principals, officers, directors, and LLC managers
and members; (2) all employees, agents, and representatives who participate in the
telemarketing of any good or service and (3) any business entity resulting from any
change in structure as set forth in the Section titled Compliance Reporting. Delivery must
occur within 7 days of entry of this Order for current personnel. For all others, delivery
must occur before they assume their responsibilities.
C.

From each individual or entity to which a Defendant delivered a copy of this

Order, that Defendant must obtain, within 30 days, a signed and dated acknowledgment
of receipt of this Order.
XV.

COMPLIANCE REPORTING

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Defendants make timely submissions to Plaintiffs:
A.

One year after entry of this Order, each Defendant must submit a

compliance report, sworn under penalty of perjury:
1.

Each Defendant must: (a) identify the primary physical, postal, and

email address and telephone number, as designated points of contact,
which representatives of the Commission may use to communicate with that
Stipulating Defendant; (b) identify all of that Defendant’s businesses by all
of their names, telephone numbers, and physical, postal, email, and Internet
addresses; (c) describe the activities of each business, including the goods
and services offered, the means of advertising, marketing, and sales, and
the involvement of any other Defendant (which Individual Defendants must

21

describe if they know or should know due to their own involvement); (d)
describe in detail whether and how that Defendant is in compliance with
each Section of this Order; and (e) provide a copy of each Order
Acknowledgment obtained pursuant to this order, unless previously
submitted to the Commission.
2.

Additionally, each Individual Defendant must:

(a) identify all

telephone numbers and all physical, postal, email and Internet addresses,
including all residences; (b) identify all business activities, including any
business for which such Individual Defendant performs services whether as
an employee or otherwise and any entity in which such Individual Defendant
has any ownership interest; and (c) describe in detail such Individual
Defendant’s involvement in each such business, including title, role,
responsibilities, participation, authority, control, and any ownership;
B.

For 10 years after entry of this Order, each Defendant must submit a

compliance notice, sworn under penalty of perjury, within 14 days of any change in the
following:
1.

Each Defendant must report any change in: (a) any designated point

of contact; or (b) the structure of any Corporate Defendant or any entity that
Defendant has any ownership interest in or controls directly or indirectly that
may affect compliance obligations arising under this Order, including:
creation, merger, sale, or dissolution of the entity or any subsidiary, parent,
or affiliate that engages in any acts or practices subject to this Order.
2.

Additionally, each Individual Defendant must report any change in:

22

(a) name, including aliases or fictitious name, or residence address; or (b)
title or role in any business activity, including any business for which such
Defendant performs services whether as an employee or otherwise and any
entity in which such Defendant has any ownership interest, and identify the
name, physical address, and any Internet address of the business or entity.
C.

Each Defendant must submit to Plaintiffs notice of the filing of any

bankruptcy petition, insolvency proceeding, or similar proceeding by or against such
Stipulating Defendant within 14 days of its filing.
D.

Any submission to Plaintiffs required by this Order to be sworn under

penalty of perjury must be true and accurate and comply with 28 U.S.C. § 1746, such as
by concluding: “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of
America that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed on: _____” and supplying the
date, signatory’s full name, title (if applicable), and signature.
E.

Unless otherwise directed by a Plaintiff’s representative in writing, all

submissions to Plaintiffs pursuant to this Order must be emailed to [e-mail] or
sent by overnight courier (not the U.S. Postal Service) to:

Associate Director for

Enforcement, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission, 600
Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580. The subject line must begin: FTC
and State of Florida, Office of the Attorney General v. Vacation Communications Group,
LLC, et al., Matter No. X130048.
XVI.

RECORDKEEPING

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Defendants must create certain records for 10
years after entry of the Order, and retain each such record for 5 years. Specifically, each

23

Defendant for any business that such Defendant, individually or collectively with any other
Defendants, is a majority owner or controls directly or indirectly, must create and retain
the following records:
A.

Accounting records showing the revenues from all goods or services sold;

B.

Personnel records showing, for each person providing services, whether as

an employee or otherwise, that person’s: name; addresses; telephone numbers; job title
or position; dates of service; and (if applicable) the reason for termination;
C.

Records of all consumer complaints and refund requests, whether received

directly or indirectly, such as through a third party, and any response;
D.

All records necessary to demonstrate full compliance with each provision of

this Order, including all submissions to Plaintiffs; and
E.

A copy of each unique advertising or other marketing material.
XVII. COMPLIANCE MONITORING

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that, for the purpose of monitoring Defendants’
compliance with this Order, including, for Stipulating Defendants, the financial
representations upon which the judgment was suspended:
A.

Within 14 days of receipt of a written request from either Plaintiff, each

Defendant must: submit additional compliance reports or other requested information,
which must be sworn under penalty of perjury; appear for depositions; and produce
documents for inspection and copying. Plaintiffs are also authorized to obtain discovery,
without further leave of court, using any of the procedures prescribed by Federal Rules
of Civil Procedure 29, 30 (including telephonic depositions), 31, 33, 34, 36, 45, and 69.
B.

For matters concerning this Order, Plaintiffs are authorized to communicate

24

directly with each Defendant. Defendants must permit representatives of either Plaintiff
to interview any employee or other person affiliated with any Defendant who has agreed
to such an interview. The person interviewed may have counsel present.
C.

Plaintiffs may use all other lawful means, including posing, through its

representatives as consumers, suppliers, or other individuals or entities, to Defendants or
any individual or entity affiliated with Defendants, without the necessity of identification or
prior notice. Nothing in this Order limits Plaintiffs' lawful use of compulsory process,
pursuant to Sections 9 and 20 of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. § 49, 57b-1.
XVIII. CONTEMPT ORDER
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Contempt Order entered by the Court against
Defendant Cohen on September 18, 2013 (Doc. No. 79), and the remedies contained
therein shall remain in full force and effect until further order of this Court.
XIX.

BENCH WARRANT

The Bench Warrant issued as to Defendant Cohen on September 19, 2013 (Doc.
80), shall remain in full force and effect.
XX.

RETENTION OF JURISDICTION

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this Court retains jurisdiction of this matter for
purposes of construction, modification, and enforcement of this Order.
IT IS SO ORDERED.

25

DONE AND ORDERED in Chambers in Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2014.

Copies:
Counsel of Record

26