Michael Malik: The Latest Life & Times of a Detroit Casino Syndicator

Carrying on a 7-Year affair. Another illegitimate child. A $300k Las Vegas wedding. A 6-week marriage. Dirty divorce. Extravagant living. Drugs, alcohol & abhorrent sexual behavior. Bullying, intimidation & influence peddling.

No, that's not a teaser for a new reality-TV "Housewives" series but rather a glimpse into the private life and character of Detroit casino syndicator Michael J. Malik, Sr. He is a confidante and business partner of Detroit's Ilitch Family -- namely Mrs. Marian Ilitch -- founders of Little Caesars pizza, and owners of the Detroit Tigers (MLB), Detroit Red Wings (NHL) and several dozen other affiliates under the Illitch Holdings, Inc., umbrella.

Michael & Brooke Malik. Temple Bet El, Passover Event

March 3, 2010 (six weeks after their Las Vegas wedding and
six days before he would move out and file for divorce)

On the heels of his 2003 divorce from Michele M. Malik and a reported affair with Heather Lufkins Robinson, Michael J. Malik, Sr., (age 50) began having a romantic relationship with stylist Brooke Anne Garwood (age 28).  Described by some as a kept woman, Malik provided Brooke with financial support for the next seven years  -- support that increased upon the November 2006  birth of their son Cameron Anthony Malik.

Seven years after beginning their affair, and three years after the birth of their son, Malik and Brooke Garwood were married in a Las Vegas, Nevada ceremony (January 21, 2010).  Malik says he spent more than $300,000 on wedding related expenses. 

Six weeks later (March 9, 2010) Malik had moved out of their new 5,000 square foot Birmingham home and filed for divorce in a Detroit area court.

DETROIT
From the time of Cameron’s birth until his parents were wed, Brooke and Cameron Malik resided at 1063 Bird Ave., Birmingham, Michigan. The 3 bedroom home was approximately 2,000 square foot and recorded a sale price of $350,000.

During this same period Mr. Malik resided at various locations. Several luxury residences in Grosse Pointe owned by Malik were forced into sale and Malik was the roommate/tenant of Detroit area restaurateur/grocer Victor Ventimiglia.  Malik defaulted on a $1 million personal line of credit with Fifth Third Bank; was delinquent on property taxes and had real estate in foreclosure.

Malik Family Residence
350 Aspen Rd., Birmingham, MI 48009

For about a month after the Las Vegas wedding (February 10, 2010 to March 9, 2010) Michael, Brooke and Cameron all lived as a family at 350 Aspen Rd., Birmingham, Michigan.  They reportedly paid cash for the three bedroom / five bath home which was purchased February 1, 2010. Prior to the sale it had been listed at $2.3 million.

Then by March 9, 2010, Malik reports he had moved to The Townsend Hotel, 100 Townsend, Birmingham, Michigan.  Both parties had accused the other of outrageous amd abusive behavior, infidelities and indiscretions. A bitter divorce ensued.

The Rushmore Penthouse
80 Riverside Bvd.
New York, NY 10069

NEW YORK
Malik, a business syndicator who along with Marian Ilitch has bankrolled long-shot Indian gaming proposals in Michigan, California and New York with little success.  Over the last decade, he has advanced various failed gaming proposals with the Shinnecock Indian Nation of Long Island, New York. Their latest scheme centers on plans to develop an entertainment complex (casino, hotel, new train station) at the Belmont Park and Race Track on Long Island.  He's investing thousands to influence Governor Andrew Cuomo and other New York officials who will make the decisions.

During the first trimester of 2010, Michael Malik bought a penthouse residence at The Rushmore in New York City (80 Riverside Blvd., #PH4A, New York, NY 10069).  Prior to filing for divorce, Malik and Brooke made several trips to New York City looking for a residence to purchase and shopping for items to furnish the penthouse.  However, a shrewd Mr. Malik did not enter into a contract to purchase the penthouse until March 19, 2010, ten days after filing for divorce.  Penthouse 4A at The Rushmore sold to Mr. Malik on April 15, 2010, for nearly $5.4 million, reportedly paid in cash and closing only after he had separated from Brooke.

MIAMI BEACH

Michael Malik's Vacation Estate
4411 Pine Tree Dr.,
Miami Beach, FL  33140

While the Maliks were married, they also kept a lavish vacation property at 4411 Pine Tree Drive on the Miami Beach Peninsula. That vulgar $7.9 million Mediterranean estate with a nearly 12,000 square foot mansion was available for $45,000 per month.  See More Estate Details:  Video Tour;  Slideshow;  For Sale Listing.

According to court documents and police reports, Miami Police were called to a scene at the Malik vacation home on March 13, 2010.  Cocaine and other drugs were reportedly in plain site (MBPD Crime Scene Report - Case No 10-24620). Various investigations suggest more than a dozen people had engaged in drug use and sexual debauchery during five days of continuous partying. Court documents indicate they “participated in the use and distribution of cocaine and other illegal substances and engaged in abhorrent sexual behaviors.” 

Knowing these and other details, the Judge hearing the divorce ordered both Michael and Brooke Malik to participate in drug and alcohol testing and evaluations.

Malik asked that the Judge restrict public access to information revealed in divorce proceedings and the judge granted the protective order going forward.

In December 2010, the Court granted consent for a divorce.

Brooke Malik is now an associate with Cicchini Custom Clothier.

It's unclear where Mr. Malik is calling "home" and who, if anyone, he might be cavorting with at this time.

@ Scribd.com: Malik vs. Malik – Various Divorce Documents

Also see:

• Controversy seems to always follow Detroit Casino Syndicator Michael Malik
• Strange Bedfellows: Hawaii's Former Governor & Detroit's Gambling Promoter?
• Disclosure? And their tangled web: Detroiter Michael Malik, the Jack Utsick Ponzi Scheme, Shinnecock & Bay Mills Indians, and Akerman Senterfitt
• Michael Malik: The Latest Life & Times of a Detroit Casino Syndicator
• Controversy seems to always follow Detroit Casino Syndicator Michael Malik
• Ilitch casino development partner Michael Malik defaults on $1 million bank loan
• Ilitch Partner Delinquent on 2008 Property Taxes
• Michael Malik's multi-million dollar home is on the block; take a virtual tour
• Growing List of NY Politicians Rejecting $$$ from Ilitch Partner Michael Malik
• Scandal Continues to Plague Political and Lobbying Activities of Detroiters Bankrolling Shinnecock Casino Plans
• Mike Malik's partners also had a history of tax dodging; court ordered real estate negligence claims; and 40+ foreclosures
• Tribal elder calls Malik ‘Devil’ says he has ‘seduced’ younger members of the tribe
• Detroit casino investors have troubled history
• Ilitch partner enters settlement agreement in fraudulent transfers case
• April trial set in $2.1 million fraud case against Detroit casino syndicator
• Ilitch casino partner committed perjury failing to report political contributions
• Port Huron casino promoter fined for breaking California's political reform laws; denied a casino license in Michigan
• NY Governor Cuomo Latest To Reject Campaign Contributions from Ilitch Gambling Partner Michael Malik

CA FPPC finds Detroit casino syndicator Michael Malik violated campaign reform laws

As published in the Public Notice & Agenda for a 2.19.09 meeting of California's Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC):

In the Matter of Michael J. Malik Sr., Michael J. Malik, Sr. Trust, and MJM Manistee, Inc., FPPC No. 07/195. Staff: Commission Counsel Angela Brereton. Respondents Michael J. Malik, Sr., Michael J. Malik Sr., Trust, and MJM Manistee, Inc. (collectively, “Respondent Committee”) jointly qualified as a single “major donor committee” under the Act for calendar year 2006. Respondent Committee filed a required semi-annual campaign statement but failed to disclose on the statement 17 contributions made during the reporting period totaling $26,500, in violation of Government Code sections 84200, subdivision (b), and 84211, subdivision (k)(5) (1 count). Total Proposed Penalty: $4,000. Order / Exhibit

This isn't the first time Malik has broken the law. Considers these incidents:

Malik is currently facing federal fraud charges in Florida (Goldberg v. Malik) relating to a Securities & Exchange Commission ponzi scheme case against one-time entertainment promotor Jack Utsick.

Last year, Malik was found guilty on illegal firearms related charges in Arizona.

In its 2.19.09 findings, the FPPC acknowledges that a casino affiliate of Mrs. Marian Ilitch and Malik, BarWest LLC, was found in 2006 to have violated the same CA campaign reform laws and Malik agreed to pay fines and file the appropriate disclosures in that matter.

Malik was once arrested for beating up the 12-year-old son of a girlfriend.

Jack Utsick faces contempt in SEC ponzi scheme case that spawned Paris Hilton & Michael Malik, lawsuits

2.06.09

Ex-promoter faces contempt in Fla. SEC fraud case

By CURT ANDERSON

MIAMI (AP) — A once high-flying concert promoter of acts such as Aerosmith, Elton John and Shania Twain could face contempt charges for failing to show up in Miami for a Securities and Exchange Commission fraud case that has spawned a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against Paris Hilton.

The promoter, John Utsick, 66, now lives in Brazil and refuses to return to the U.S. out of fear he'll be arrested for possible criminal violations, his attorney Richard Kraut said at a hearing Friday. The SEC wants to take his deposition regarding assets he took from his former company, Worldwide Entertainment Inc.

"Mr. Utsick has created this issue. He decided to flee," SEC attorney Robert Levenson said at the hearing.

Kraut said Utsick isn't hiding, but he wouldn't divulge in court where he lives in Brazil. "He's not in the Amazon someplace," the lawyer said. "He's not dodging anything."

The deposition dispute is the latest twist in a case first brought by the SEC in 2006 claiming that Utsick fleeced some 3,000 investors out of nearly $300 million between 1998 and 2005. Utsick, whose company promoted tours and concerts by top rock and country music acts and other shows, allegedly created a Ponzi scheme in which he paid older investors out of money from new investors, while his business actually lost gobs of money.

U.S. District Judge Paul Huck previously found against Utsick and appointed a receiver to identify assets around the world intended to return some of the lost investments. That receiver, Michael Goldberg [Akerman Senterfitt], said he soon will send the first installment of as much as $25 million to be divided among investors, and eventually hopes to recover up to $60 million.

One of Utsick's yet-to-be sold former assets is a 17,500-seat amphitheater in Berlin, Germany. There's also sizable property in northern Florida, condos in the Miami area and six homes in California, Goldberg said.

The SEC wants to take Utsick's deposition to find assets he took personally and may still have. Kraut said Utsick's position is that as chief of the company he was entitled to the assets as a form of salary. Huck said he would give the two sides one more week to reach an agreement before deciding on the contempt issue.

"I don't have a lot of sympathy for Mr. Utsick. He's the one who put himself in this situation," Huck said.

The Hilton lawsuit stemmed from a 2006 film in which she appeared called "National Lampoon's Pledge This!" Utsick's old company, Worldwide Entertainment, invested in the movie and was an executive producer. Part of the deal was that Hilton was to pitch the movie on TV talk shows and media interviews, but Goldberg says that never happened.

"Hilton failed to attend any talk shows or telephonic or in-person interviews," the lawsuit says.

Goldberg said he is seeking about $7 million from Hilton and her management company, with trial in that case set for May 18. Ultimately any money recovered would go to Utsick's defrauded investors.

Hilton's lawyers contend that she fulfilled her main obligation to the film — publicity events at the Cannes Film Festival — and that there were only "vague and unspecific requests" that she do other appearances after it was released. At the time, they said, she couldn't do it because she was filming her reality TV show "The Simple Life."

"Defendants are not currently aware that the producers ever arranged any dates or agreements for Ms. Hilton to appear on any talk show," attorneys Michael Weinstein and Stephen J. Binhak said in court papers.

NOTE: this case also spawned a multimillion dollar fraudulent transfer lawsuit against Detroit casino syndicator and real estate developer Michael J. Malik, Sr., (Goldberg v. Malik) who is a longtime business partner with Mrs. Marian Ilitch. Ilitch Holdings, Inc. subsidiaries include Detroit Tigers (Comerica Park), Detroit Red Wings (Joe Louis Arena), Fox Theatre, MotorCity Casino, Olympia Entertainment, etc.

Criminal investigators examining ponzi scheme centered around concert promoter Jack Utsick

2.04.09

Fla. rock concert promoter in Ponzi probe

MIAMI, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Criminal investigators have joined a financial probe of former Miami concert promoter Jack Utsick accused of cheating investors in a Ponzi scheme, sources say.

Utsick, 65, was once of the world's biggest rock concert promoters, staging shows by such music stars as Elton John, the Rolling Stones, Santana, the Pretenders and Aerosmith. But now officials allege Utsick, who is living in Brazil, has refused to obey two court orders to return to the United States in a civil lawsuit, The Miami Herald reported Wednesday.

The newspaper, without naming sources, said Utsick is also part of an FBI criminal investigation for allegedly diverting millions from his concert investors to pay for collector cars, a luxury condo, artwork and other personal expenses. The U.S Securities and Exchange Commission has seized Utsick's company, Worldwide Entertainment of Miami Beach, Fla.

"What we were seeing was a Ponzi scheme," plaintiffs' attorney Michael Goldberg told the Herald.

Court records indicate Utsick is accused paying investors -- many of them former airline pilots -- from revenues of future rock concerts.

Federal case against one-time concert promoter Jack Utsick now includes FBI investigation

2.04.09

Feds want promoter Jack Utsick in Miami for Ponzi case
Miami Beach concert promoter Jack Utsick has rejected court orders to return to Miami, where he is under investigation by the FBI for allegedly fleecing his investors out of millions.

BY MICHAEL SALLAH
msallah@MiamiHerald.com

Three years after his entertainment empire crumbled under debts and lawsuits, Miami concert promoter Jack Utsick is under FBI investigation for allegedly diverting millions from his investors to pay for collector cars, a luxury condo, artwork and other personal expenses.

Utsick -- once one of the world's largest concert promoters -- has been ordered to appear in federal court in Miami on Friday in a civil case filed by regulators trying to recover money they say he took from hundreds of investors who backed his concerts.

But Utsick, 65, who is now living in Brazil, has refused so far to obey two court orders to return to Miami.

Utsick, who promoted shows for Elton John and the Rolling Stones, could not be reached for comment. But documents in the federal civil case say he has requested immunity from arrest if he agrees to travel to Miami.

Lawyers for the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission, which has seized his company, said they could not make those guarantees.

"All I can say at this point is that he hasn't shown up," said Bob Levenson, trial counsel for the SEC.

Judy Orihuela, a spokeswoman for the FBI's Miami office, declined to comment.

The criminal investigation is the latest development in the government's ongoing case against the once-prominent entertainment guru, whose Worldwide Entertainment of Miami Beach consistently put on some of the largest concerts in the United States and Europe.

After disputes between Utsick and his partners, the SEC began an investigation four years ago into the firm's far-flung enterprises.

Initially, investigators determined Utsick and two former partners were selling unregistered securities to finance concerts featuring bands that include Santana, the Pretenders and Aerosmith, according to court records.

Then, regulators said they discovered that Utsick was actually losing money on most venues, though he had been claiming to be earning millions of dollars each year -- $112.5 million in 2005.

"What we were seeing was a Ponzi scheme," said receiver Michael Goldberg, a lawyer [Akerman Senterfitt law firm] who has been tracking down assets for nearly three years.

Along the way, Utsick was tapping into his investors' funds to support a lavish lifestyle, including a condo in South Beach's Portofino Towers, $34,000 for artwork, $200,000 for a yacht, and nearly $500,000 in credit card bills for purchases at Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Victoria's Secret, according to SEC filings.

To keep the company going, Utsick was paying investors -- many of them former airline pilots -- from revenues of future concerts, court records state.

In all, the longtime promoter was accused of fleecing investors out of $293 million, according to the government's lawsuit in 2006.

Goldberg said many of the investors knew Utsick from his days as a TWA pilot in the 1970s.

"What's sad is that some of these people lost their life savings," Goldberg said. "They took money from their retirement accounts because they trusted him.''

In previous statements, Utsick blamed his financial problems on the rapid growth of his business and pledged to work to repay investors. But investors will more than likely realize only a return of "pennies on the dollar," said Goldberg, who is expected to soon disburse more than $21 million in a first round of reimbursements.

Court records show Utsick left his home in Miami Beach and moved to Brazil in late 2007.

Just days before he departed, he sold a Porsche and a Mercedes-Benz and pocketed the money -- a violation of a court order, regulators said.

Despite two court orders to return to Miami in the government's civil case, Utsick has refused, court records state.

Utsick's attorney, Richard Kraut, declined to comment on whether his client would return for the court hearing Friday before U.S. Judge Paul Huck, who is expected to rule on a contempt motion.

Kraut has asked regulators to give assurances Utsick will not be arrested if he returns to Miami, but the SEC has declined to make any such promise.

Goldberg said he didn't believe the SEC could offer any such protection.

"There is no such provision under the SEC that even allows that,'' he said. "At this point, he's not cooperating with us."

Another aide to Alaska's Rep. Don Young implicated in Abramoff Lobbying Scandal

2.02.09

Rep. Don Young aide implicated in lobbying scandal

By ERICA WERNER

WASHINGTON (AP) — A second former staffer to an Alaska congressman has been implicated in the Jack Abramoff influence-peddling investigation as the scandal sweeps up a growing number of ex-Capitol Hill aides and lobbyists.

Fraser Verrusio, who worked under Republican Rep. Don Young when the congressman chaired the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, figures in plea deals reached recently by two former Abramoff associates and a one-time congressional aide.

Identified in federal court papers only as "Staffer D," he's described accepting an all-expenses-paid trip to Game One of baseball's 2003 World Series from lobbyists who wanted his help.

Two attorneys familiar with the case said Monday that Staffer D is Verrusio, who was policy director on the transportation committee for about five years. The attorneys spoke on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation.

An attorney for Verrusio, Paul Rauser, didn't immediately return a call. A Justice Department spokeswoman declined comment.

The lavish trip to the series game between the Florida Marlins and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium has already helped prosecutors win corruption-related guilty pleas from three people: Trevor Blackann, a former aide to two Missouri Republicans; James Hirni, a former Abramoff lobbying associate; and Todd Boulanger, another former Abramoff deputy.

Boulanger and Hirni helped provide the World Series trip. Blackann and Verrusio were the recipients and were also treated to a chauffeured SUV, dinner at an expensive steakhouse and a visit to a strip club, court papers say.

The purpose was in part to influence Verrusio and Blackann to help an equipment rental company win favorable language in a highway bill, according to a plea deal Boulanger accepted Friday.

Abramoff is in prison and has cooperated with the Justice Department to help convict more than a dozen people, including former Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio.

Mark Zachares, also a former Young aide, pleaded guilty to conspiracy in April 2007. Zachares acknowledged accepting gifts and a golf trip to Scotland from Abramoff's team in exchange for official acts on their behalf.

Young's spokeswoman did not immediately return a call for comment Monday. Young has denied wrongdoing but in December he stepped down under pressure as lead Republican on the Natural Resources Committee, saying he wanted to focus on clearing his name in an unrelated corruption investigation in Alaska.

Utsick Receiver recommends initial payouts to creditors

1.08.09

Goldberg Recommends Creditor Payouts In WWE Case

MIAMI (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) -- Creditors waiting for money from the resolution of Jack Utsick's Worldwide Entertainment may be starting to see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel after court appointed receiver Michael Goldberg's December 10th court filing.

The filing constituted a request for the court to authorize an initial disbursement to creditors with claims that have been reconciled as undisputed. This category covers 2727 of the 2,924 claims, leaving just 197 claims as disputed. All told, the claims total up to approximately $300 million.

The legal imbroglio surrounding Jack Utsick's Worldwide Entertainment began in 2006 when the Securities and Exchange Commission alleged that Utisck had been improperly traded in unregistered securities, and was in essence, operating a "ponzi" scheme along with several other violations.

At that time, the court appointed Michael Goldberg to act as a receiver as Worldwide Entertainment was unwound and the claims of creditors were evaluated. This latest filing signals that the court proceedings in the matter may be nearing completion, although Utsick and his legal team still dispute several of the allegations leveled by the SEC. - CelebrityAccess Staff Writers

Reporter suggests politico was architect of tribal chairman's illegal campaign contribution scheme

A Cape Cod Times story by reporter George Brennan indicates court documents released in December 2008 as part of a fraud case brought by the U.S. Department of Justice against former Mashpee Wampanoag tribal chairman Glenn Marshall, indicate that political consultant Stephen J. Graham, so-called "Political Consultant A," is the person who orchestrated $60,000 in illegal federal campaign contributions that are the center of the federal case against Marshall.

Marshall, who has plead guilty to all charges, funneled $4 million he got from his development partner Herb Strather into the Mashpee Fisherman's Association Inc. which Marshall used as a slush fund to hire Jack Abramoff, make the illegal campaign contributions and pay some of his own personal expenses.

Initially, Marshall attempted to use tribal council money to fund the political contributions suggested by Graham, but Marshall was told that was illegal. When Marshall told Graham he didn't know anyone with the kind of money needed to make political donations, Graham allegedly told him how to make them using so-called straw contributors — making donations in their names and then paying those individuals back. Donations were made to Members of Congress and others in the name of Marshall, his family members, and other tribal council officers.

Marshall's attorney Larry Craven has said he thinks even the government doesn't believe the campaign contribution scheme was Marshall's idea. Craven says Marshall's not the architect of the scheme but rather was instructed by reference.

Graham has not been charged in the matter and is still being paid by the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe as a consultant. In 2008, he earned $182,000, according to tribe records.

The federal case against Marshall is one of the several branches of a far-reaching Washington D.C. scandal centered around disgraced former lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Document: Charges against Glenn Marshall
Document: Glenn Marshall's plea agreement

Plea hearing in former Tribal Chair's fraud case postponed for three weeks

1.21.09

Hearing delayed for ex-Mashpee Wampanoag leader

BOSTON (AP) - A plea hearing in federal court has been delayed for the former chairman of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe who is accused of fraud and embezzlement.

Glenn Marshall appeared before U.S. District Judge Rya Zobel on Wednesday, but his new attorney Paul Markham was given three weeks to review the case. Markham said Marshall asked him to take the case Tuesday night.

A new plea hearing is set for Feb. 11.

Marshall agreed in December to plead guilty to violating campaign finance laws while working with convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff. He faces 41 to 51 months in prison.

Marshall stepped down as tribal chairman in 2007, after it became public that he was a convicted rapist and had lied about his military past.

Defendant withdraws motion to dismiss $2.1 million fraudulent transfer case

In Goldberg v. Malik, the $2.1 million fraudulent transfer case brought against Michael J. Malik, Sr., by a Florida court appointed Receiver Michael I. Goldberg, the Defendant Malik filed a Notice on 1.16.09 withdrawing his previous 1.02.09 Motion to Dismiss the case.

Malik had sought to have the case dismissed on administrative and procedural grounds. Among other things, Malik's attorneys argued the court had no jurisdiction over Malik, that Malik did not have any business relationship with any of the Receivership Entities, and that Malik, a resident of Michigan did not have any Florida business interests nor did he own any property in Florida.

According to Malik's attorneys, the Complaint against their client:

alleges that Defendant, Michael J. Malik, Sr. ("Mr. Malik"), invested in the business affairs of the Receivership Entities and ultimately received back more than he invested. The Receiver alleges that any "profits" that Mr. Malik earned are unlawful because, over time, the Receivership Entities became nothing more than a Ponzi scheme.

Goldberg v. Malik is one of dozens of cases related to a larger $300 million fraud case brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against one-time entertainment mogul Jack Utsick (John P. Utsick), his business partners and their affiliates. The SEC alleges Utsick was running a ponzi scheme used to produce Broadway shows, concerts and other entertainment events and festivals. Receiver Goldberg has also sued Paris Hilton as part of his recovery efforts.

With a value of $2.1 million, Goldberg's fraudulent transfer case against Malik is likely the most substantial recovery attempt he's made to date. Goldberg alleges Malik received so-called "profit payments" in addition to a return of his original investments and that the "profit payments" were funded via the ponzi scheme.

In an earlier court document Malik says he never received so-called "profit payments."

U.S. District Court Judge Paul C. Huck has set the trial for Malik's case to begin the week of 4.20.09 in Miami Federal Court. He has previously ordered parties to exchange documents in order to faciliate discovery and keep the case moving forward.

April trial set in $2.1 million fraud case against Detroit casino syndicator

In Goldberg v. Malik, the $2.1 million fraudulent transfer case brought by Receiver Michael I. Goldberg against Detroit-based Michael J. Malik, Sr., U.S. District Court Judge Paul C. Huck has calendared a two-week trial to begin the week of 4.20.09 in Miami.

An Order setting civil jury and non-jury trial date and pretrial schedule, requiring mediation and referring certain motions to Magistrate Judge John O’Sullivan was filed 1.05.09 by Judge Huck. The motion reads:

Trial is scheduled to commence during the two-week period commencing Monday, April 20, 2009 before the Honorable Paul C. Huck, United States District Judge, 400 North Miami Ave, 13th Floor, Room 13-2, Miami, Florida. Calendar call shall be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at 8:30 a.m. at the same location.

The Malik case is related to a $300 million fraud case brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against one-time entertainment mogul Jack Utsick, other business partners and their affiliates. The SEC alleges that Utisck was running a ponzi scheme to raise the capital he used to produce Broadway shows, concerts and other entertainment festivals and events.

It appears Utsick has taken asylum in Brazil and is battling court orders requiring his return to Miami.

Receiver Goldberg seeks to retrieve $2.1 million from Michael Malik which the Receiver alleges Malik received in the form of so-called "profit payments" funded through Utsick's ponzi scheme. (See: Original Malik Complaint)

As of 1.15.09, the Receiver has entered settlement agreements with 144 persons totaling $5.3 million. The Malik case isn't typical of these other cases as it seems to represent by far the largest sum sought by the Receiver from any individual.

Malik's Partners - Detroit's Ilitch Family

Since the mid-1990s, Malik has partnered with Detroit's Ilitch family (Mike Ilitch, Marian Ilitch and their seven adult children) on various casino development and real estate projects. His business offices are located at the headquarters of Ilitch Holdings, Inc.

The Ilitch family founded Little Caesars Pizza and owns, among other affiliates, the Detroit Tigers (MLB), Detroit Red Wings (NHL), Detroit's Fox Theater, Uptown Entertainment, Blue Line Distributing and MotorCity Casino.

The family owned Olympia Entertainment, a subsidiary of Ilitch Holdings, produces theatrical productions and music events and operates various theaters, concert halls, arenas and stadiums throughout Detroit including: the historic Fox Theatre, Cobo Arena, Joe Louis Arena, Comerica Park, Detroit's Masonic Temple Theatre, and the City Theatre. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) recently granted a waiver to the Ilitch organization allowing Olympia Entertainment to manage theatrical and musical events at various venues within MotorCity Casino. (YouTube: Olympia Entertainment Video)

Royal Oak Music Theatre

For a period in the earlier part of this decade, Utsick affiliates had taken over management of the Royal Oak Music Theatre (ROMT) located in the Greater Detroit area. A former Olympia Entertainment executive producer, Greg Young, had joined Utsick's organization and was involved in the acquisition. Young is reportedly the owner/operator of ROMT and has a new partner, AEG Live (a subsidiary of Anschutz Entertainment Group). ROMT owed more than $400,000 to Utsick which Receiver Goldberg has sought to recover. Court documents and other reports suggest that Young brought in AEG as partner, in part, to help him pay off the debt owed to the Utsick affiliates.

Dana Warg, was hired as president of Olympia Entertainment in 2007. He was previously a vice president of AEG.

Oddly, documents of UCC Liens against Royal Oak Music Theatre and various affiliated organizations indicate the address for four of five affiliated debtor entities at 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48201. That's the headquarters of Ilitch Holdings, Inc.

Intentional or not? Tribe's seasoned D.C. lobbyist has a history of negligent, delayed reporting

Consider that Richard Alcalde (aka Rick Alcalde) has been a D.C. lobbyist for more than a decade.

On 2.16.06, Potomac Partners D.C., a lobbying firm founded by Richard Alcalde, formally filed a lobbying registration form revealing it had been representing the Shinnecock Indian Nation for more than 10 months. Alcalde indicated on that registration form that the firm was not being paid by any affiliated organization to represent the tribe.

Potomac Partners D.C. then late-filed, on 3.02.06, both its Mid-Year 2005 and Year-End 2005 reports of lobbying activity on behalf of the Shinnecock which totaled $120,000 in payments.

And then, more than three years after Alcalde (Potomac Partners) was hired to represent the Shinnecock Indian Nation, Alcalde amended the original registration form to indicate that an affiliate of the tribe, Gateway Casino Resorts, was paying the tribes bills and directing its lobbying activity.

Based on details available at OpenSecrets.org -- and the reliability of Alcalde's disclosures -- Alcalde and his firm Potomac Partners D.C. have been paid $430,000 to represent the Shinnecock starting in 2005.

Detroit-based Gateway Casino Resorts is one of several entities formed by Michael Malik and Mrs. Marian Ilitch to bankroll the Shinnecock tribe’s efforts to receive federal recognition and then build a casino resort on Long Island. Potomac Partners D.C. and its lobbyists (Alcalde and Daniel Feliz) have represented other Malik/Ilitch affiliates as well: MJM Enterprises & Development and Blue Water Resorts.

In recent years, Acalde has found himself in the middle of several Capitol Hill scandals involving Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-CA) and Rep. Don Young (R-AK). Notably Alcalde is at the middle of an ongoing investigation into a $10 million highway earmark for a Florida interchange (Coconut Rd.) reportedly carried by Young. That scandal involves Alcalde’s clients including Daniel J. Aronoff; Aronoff’s Landon Companies and its associates; Florida Gulf Coast University; and others. As TPMmuckraker.com and the Wall Street Journal reported, Alcalde is one of Young's "A-Team" of lobbyists who are to be granted unfettered access to Young's staff.

Young was the former chair of the House Resources Committee and until recently was ranking member of that committee which oversees Indian matters.

SEC v. John P. Utsick, Robert Yeager, Donna Yeager, Worldwide Entertainment, The Entertainment Group Fund Inc., et al

John P. Utsick, Robert Yeager, Donna Yeager, Worldwide Entertainment, Inc., The Entertainment Group Fund, Inc., American Enterprises, Inc., and Entertainment Funds, Inc.

On April 17, 2006, the SEC obtained permanent injunctions and other relief by consent against Worldwide Entertainment, Inc., Entertainment Group Fund, Inc., and their principal John P. ("Jack") Utsick, American Enterprises, Inc., Entertainment Funds, Inc., and their principals Robert Yeager and Donna Yeager. The SEC’s complaint alleged that from at least 1998 through late 2005, the defendants raised more than $300 million from over 3,300 investors nationwide in connection with their fraudulent sale of unregistered securities used to fund entertainment ventures produced and/or promoted by Utsick. For more information about the SEC’s action, you can read Litigation Release No. 19659 (Apr. 17, 2006).

On April 20, 2006, the Court appointed Michael I. Goldberg, Esq. as Receiver over the corporate defendants. For the latest information about the Receivership, you can visit the Receiver’s website.

http://www.sec.gov/divisions/enforce/claims/worldwideentertainment.htm

http://investor.gov/litigation/litreleases/2006/lr19659.htm

Among the other related cases brought by court appointed Receiver Michael I. Goldberg:

Goldberg v. Michael J. Malik, Sr.
Goldberg v. Paris Hilton et al

Lawsuit alleges Ilitch, agents committed Conspiracy following 2004 Assault & Battery incidents

Lisa Wood, a Harrison Township (MI) woman, has filed a five count lawsuit in Wayne County's 3rd Circuit Court against Little Caesar Enterprises Inc., Michael Ilitch, his son Ronald Ilitch and including allegations of Breach of Contract, Negligence and Conspiracy. (Lisa Wood v. Little Caesar Enterprises, Michael Ilitch, et al; Case No. 08-018537-CZ).

The conspiracy claims appear to be directly related to an 8.01.04 domestic violence incident in which Troy Police were called to the Caitlin Court home of Ron Ilitch. When police arrived on the scene that day they were unable to locate Ilitch. Newspaper accounts report he was later arrested and charged with two counts of assault and battery.

As reported on 8.12.04 in the Detroit Free Press that call to police was the culmination of a series of domestic violence incidents:

"According to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, Ilitch and Wood argued at Ilitch's Troy home on Caitlin Court on June 24. He allegedly hit her, causing bruising and a swollen eye and hand. She initially did not report the incident, said Charles Claus, warrants division chief with the prosecutor's office.

"Later, they went on vacation to Colorado, Claus said. On the way, they stopped at Valley Community Hospital in Peru, Ill., where Wood was treated for her injuries, Claus said.

"On July 10, Wood reported she was assaulted again, Aurora Police Detective Larry Martinez said.

"On Aug. 1, after the couple returned, Wood told police she was assaulted a third time.

"She said Ilitch hit her in both arms. She ran from the house to a neighbor's home, called Troy police and went to a local hospital for treatment, Claus said."

Ron Ilitch plead "No Contest" to the 2004 assault and battery case.

This new lawsuit brought by Wood against Little Caesars, Mike Ilitch, and others alleges that Wood had been working with the Ilitches and Ilitch affiliates and agents on a new concept for their pizza businesses and that agreements had been executed to compensate Wood for her efforts.

However, as the complaint expresses, after the series of domestic violence incidents and Wood’s call to Troy police, the Ilitches and their agents took part in a conspiracy to cover up crime scene evidence and also destroy any evidence of their existing contractual relationship.

Following the 8.01.04 beating incident, Wood apparently was not personally allowed to return to Ron Ilitch’s home to retrieve her personal belongings. She says her copies of the executed agreements were among her things in the Ilitch home.

The complaint suggests that in the days immediately following the third beating, even authorities were blocked entry to the home. Wood believes Ilitch family members and their agents were working to clean up and destroy crime scene evidence in order to conceal the full extent of the crimes committed by Ron Ilitch; and that the Ilitches and their agents rifled through her personal belongings to locate and destroy the contracts and other things.

Wood believes the Ilitch crew intended to sever the contractual relationships they had previously executed with her to the point of deniability. Wood says in doing so, the Ilitches and their agents took her rightful property and robbed her of evidence to pursue legal remedies.

Although some previous news accounts wrongly suggest Ron Ilitch is not affiliated with any of the Ilitch family enterprises; in fact, since 1999 Ronald Ilitch has been a Director and Vice President of the Ilitch family's Seven I's Inc. (See: Seven I's Coporate Records) And according to Wikipedia, Ronald Ilitch was included as a "minority owner" on the Stanley Cup's Champions Roster in 2002 & 2008.

According to an Appearance document filed in this latest case, attorneys Irwin Alterman (Kemp Klein Law Firm) and Harold S. Fried (Fried Saperstein Abbatt PC) are representing the defendants.

Harold Fried represented Ron Ilitch in the 2004 assault & battery case and other actions. Following Ron Ilitch's 2004 arrest & arraignment, Fried saw to it that the matter was conducted outside of a public forum.

Fried has repeatedly represented members of the Ilitch family and several of Ilitch’s Detroit Red Wings players in potentially high profile or criminal cases during the last two decades.

Archived News Coverage of the 2004 Assault and Battery Incident:

• Ilitch Son Arrested, Charged With Assaulting Ex
• Ilitch's Son Wanted For Questioning About Fight
• Police are investigating possible domestic assault
• Ilitch Son Arraigned
• Ilitch's eldest son charged with assault and battery
• Ilitch Son Pleads Not Guilty to Abuse

Michael Malik's Counsel seems to demonstrate disdain for Federal Judge Paul Huck

It appears Defendant's attorney has disdain for federal Judge Paul C. Huck. In an email reply from Michael Malik's attorney Abe Singer it appears as if he thinks Judge Huck is "a piece of work" and doesn't believe anything the Judge says?

Or was the attorney simply referring to his own client Michael Malik when he made those comments in an email reply to opposing Counsel?

In Goldberg v. Michael J. Malik, Sr., the $2.1 million fraudulent transfer mattter (Case No. 0:2008cv60870) underway in Florida Federal Court, Plaintiff's attorney filed a "Notice Compliance to Advise Defendants' Counsel to Exchange Documents" on 12.26.08.

The Notice includes as exhibit an e-mail exchange between Plaintiff's Attorney Jeff Sonn (Sonn & Erez) and Defendant's Counselors Abe Singer (Pepper Hamilton, LLP) and Gary Stiphany (Garbett, Stiphany, Allen & Roza, P.A.); presumably to demonstrate to the Court that Sonn had engaged in good-faith communication with Malik's Counsel as directed by the Court.

Sonn explains in his original email (12.26.08, 2:19 PM) that he's contacting Defendant's attorneys because Judge Huck had requested the parties exchange documents right away. Sonn reviews circumstancs surrounding a status conference the Judge held on 12.19.08. And Sonn indicates the Judge has scheduled a 1.05.09 status conference at which Sonn believes Judge Huck intends to pick a trial date and set pretrial deadlines.

Here's the verbatim email response from Defendant's Counsel Abe Singer:

"This guy is a piece of work. I do not believe a word he says. Please call me on Monday to discuss this and motions to dosmiss [sic]."

List of Michigan donors to Alaskan's Midnight Sun PAC is rather Dis-Honorable

The list of donors from Michign who have ever given money to the Midnight Sun PAC, Rep. Don Young's so-called leadership PAC, is rather short as one might expect given Young hails from Alaska. Just five donors. But those five donors, some bordering on infamous, made seven contributions totaling $23,500.

Further, a review of the short-list reveals a rather "Dis-Honorable Roll" of donors.
Ironically, book-ending this list are Detroiters Herbert J. Strather and Michael J. Malk, Sr.; one time partners, who respectively made the first and last contributions Midnight Sun PAC has ever received from Michigan donors. And sandwiched in the middle is Daniel J. Aronoff.

Malik and Strather were behind the legalization of commercial gambling in Detroit and were considered founders of Detroit's MotorCity Casino. However, the pair were among a handful of "investors" who were disqualified from receiving gaming licenses by the Michigan Gambling Control Board (MGCB) and as such had to dump their interests in the casino before it could open its doors. Among various considerations, Malik had recently been arrested for beating the 12-year-old son of a girlfriend and reportedly had IRS issues; and Strather, among other things, had previously been convicted of bribery.

Malik
For nearly a decade, Mike Malik has sought Rep. Young's help advancing unorthodox plans the casino syndicator is bankrolling for an Indian Casino in Port Huron, Michigan; and other earmark matters involving the Bay Mills Indian Community. (Anchorage Daily News: Alaska's Young a leader in Michigan Indian casino fight).

In 2005-06, Malik and his partners, members of Detroit's Ilitch family, were among the top five donors to Young's political committee and they gave Young the highest grossing day of fundraising he had in that entire two year campaign cycle . Only those affiliated with Veco (Bill Allen, Rick Smith), JHT Holdings (Dennis Troha) and Carnival Corp. contributed more than Malik/Ilitch Family. Vecco execs have plead guilty to political corruption charges and Troha has already been indicted on similar charges he "reimbursed" family members who contributed to various candidates.

Mike Malik is developing a pattern of political campaign finance violations. His affiliate Barwest LLC (another of his partnerships with Detroit's Marian Ilitch) was found to have violated California's political reform laws on two counts for failing to disclose a $26,600 contribution it made to former Rep. Richard Pombo's County GOP Victory Committee. Malik used Barwest to front private aircraft travel for Rep. Young.

Malik is the subject of an ongoing investigation by California's Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) because he denied making another $26,000+ in contributions to the committees of various California lawmakers in 2006 -- at the same time the previous FPPC investigation was concluding.

Strather & Dalgleish
Similarly, Herb Strather has bankrolled efforts to get approvals needed to build a large casino resort on Cape Cod in partnership with the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Tribe. Young sat as Chair, Vice Chair and then ranking member of the House Resources Committee which has oversight for Indian matters.

Strather put $4 million into a hidden fund that enabled his partner, former tribal chairman Glenn Marshall, to carry out a scheme of illegal campaign finance activity including reimbursements to other so-called "donors." Marshall and other such "donors" from the tribe contributed to Midnight Sun PAC on the same date Strather and Mary Ann Dalgleish, a Strather & Associates Vice President, contributed to the PAC. We will assume Strather knew better than to reimburse Dalgleish for her contribution.

Dalgleish was apparently one of 100+ "investors" Strather recruited to syndicate Atwater Entertainment Associates LLC in the mid-1990s although Dalgleish had a personal history of financial hardship. AEA is the entity Strather syndicated to bankroll the legalization of gaming in Detroit and start MotorCity Casino. Dalgleish may also have been an investor in AtMashpee LLC, the syndication Strather organized to bankroll the Mashpee Wampanoag casino plans.

Aronoff
Appearing predictably on the PAC list three times -- and of all things, at the center of the list -- is Daniel Aronoff, perhaps so far the most publicly notorious donor on this list. (Note that the entry for Aronoff's most recent contribution has his last name misspelled as Aaronoff -- error or intention?).

Aronoff owns land in Florida and is the Michigan-based real estate developer at the center of the scandal and investigation into a $10 million earmark advanced by Rep. Young that was designated for improvements to the Coconut Road interchange off Florida's I-75. The project would have significant value to Aronoff who was a prodigious fundraiser for Young.

Aronoff, Malik and Strather have similar patterns of interaction with Young and have been significant bundlers/fundraisers for Young's various political committees, GOP causes and closest allies (former Reps Richard Pombo, John Doolittle, etc.). They've flown Young around in private aircraft, organized fundraisers, hired the some of the same notorious lobbyists and in exchange, sought help from Rep. Young above and beyond the norm.

Wend
The fifth Michigan donor on the list is Dennis Wend, who is referred to as a government employee albeit the only government employee from Michigan to contribute to Midnight Sun PAC -- and contribute $3,000.

Wend is executive director of technology transfer at the United States Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center, located at the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command in Warren. He contributed to Midnight Sun PAC only after he was given the spotlight in 2004 & 2005 at Alaska's Clean Energy Symposium I & II.

Celebrity-like visit by Ilitch Holdings CEO to U.S. Attorney's Office highlighted

A 2007 Annual Report published by the U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Murphy, Eastern District of Michigan gives (see pg. 53) celebrity-like stature to a visit to the U.S. Attorneys Office by Christopher Ilitch, CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Little Caesar Enterprises, Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings and MotorCity Casino. (See photo and caption right).

Given the complex Michigan-based business holdings of the Ilitch family, and the proclivity for legal challenges, this sort of favorable, start-struck, celebrity-like treatment of Ilitch seems inappropriate and raises questions of objectivity. Members of the Ilitch family -- particularly Christopher's older brothers Ronald and Michael Jr. -- and their closest partners have a deep history of professional and personal legal challenges allegedly involving illegal substances, assault, domestic violence, prostitution, impaired driving, campaign finance violations, etc.

For two years, Michael Malik failed to report $26,500 he gave to California Legislators

Two years after the fact, Detroit casino syndicator Michael J. Malik, Sr., has finally disclosed he contributed $26,500 to various California political campaign committees during the Fall '06 Elections.

When Malik filed his original campaign disclosures for the period covering 7.01.06 through 12.31.06, he reported making $0.00 contributions to California legislators and political committees during the second half of 2006. However, Malik's representations were blatantly false at the time.

TVT has previously reported that California's Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has been conducting an ongoing investigation in Malik's failure to comply with California's political reform laws in disclosing political contributions and lobbying payments. And now it seems things are perhaps coming to a crescendo.

Because now, almost two years later, we see that on 12.23.08 Malik filed an amended disclosure report for the period 7.01.06 through 12.31.06 in which he finally lists contributions to 17 political committees in California totaling $26,500.

Among those Malik gave money to during the Fall '06 Election were a handful of supporters who were trying to help him advance a bill through the California Legislature that would have paved the way for Malik to develop and manage two Indian casinos in Barstow: State Senators Roy Ashburn, Wes Chesbro and Patricia Wiggins; and Assembly Members Patty Berg and Bill Maze.

This isn't the first time that Malik's conducted himself in such a cavalier manner. In October 2004, Malik's affiliate BarWest LLC sent $26,600 to the San Joaquin County GOP Victory Committee and failed to report that contribution in a timely manner as required under California law. Rather, BarWest LLC filed a disclosure for the period ended 12.31.04 more than 20 months later on 9.05.06. Shortly after that the FPPC disclosed it had been conducting an investigation into Malik's failure to report the 2004 contribution and found BarWest (Malik) guilty on two counts of violating California election laws; and Malik paid a fine of $6,500.

That action by the FPPC in the Fall of 2006 seemed to have little impact on Malik, because at the very same time he was being reprimanded by the FPPC, we now have proof he was again ignoring disclosure requirements. And then in January 2007 he had the audacity to submit a report indicating he had not made any political contributions in California during the second half of 2006 although we now learn he contributed $26,500.

Given that Malik's finally disclosed the truth about his 2006 political contributions, it's likely that the FPPC will be concluding its investigation into Malik's campaign finance and lobbying practices soon.

Quid pro quo? Congressman takes contributions from Casino Syndicator, Lobbyist after carrying their bill

Quid pro quo? Was that the intent or understanding of contributions delivered to Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL), a senior member of the Rules Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives?

TVT has previously reported that Detroit-based casino syndicator Michael J. Malik, Sr., made a first-time $2,000 political contribution to Florida Rep. Alcee Hastings on 10.10.08. And we explored the circumstances that might have motivated that Malik contribution.

Now, TVT has discovered that apparently ten days before Malik showed his generosity to Hastings, Malik’s lobbyist, former Rep. Alan Wheat (D-MO) also contributed $2,000 to Rep. Hastings. And there are other circumstances that suggest the contributions from Malik and Wheat were tied together.

It does not appear that either Malik or Wheat had ever contributed to Rep. Hastings’ political committees prior to 9.30.08.

As it turns out, Rep. Hastings, a senior member of the House Rules Committee, had carried a Resolution into the House last summer (H.R. 1298) which was the vehicle by which H.R. 2176 came to the floor and was put to a full vote. Had the later bill been approved, it would have paved the way for Malik to build and manage an Indian casino in Port Huron, MI.

Wheat Government Relations, a D.C. lobbying firm headed by former Rep. Alan Wheat (D-MO) has represented both the Bay Mills Indian Community (1998-2008) and Blue Water Resorts (2004-2008), the syndicated enterprise bankrolling the Port Huron casino scheme. Blue Water Resorts is tied directly to Michael Malik. Additionally, a lobbying disclosure report indicates Blue Water Resorts is “affiliated” with the Bay Mills Indian Community; that is, paying the tribe’s lobbying bills and directing the tribe’s lobbying activity. Blue Water Resorts is also affiliated with MJM Enterprises & Development, another lobbyist employer supporting the Port Huron casino scheme. Malik clearly is directing the entire effort from the wings, hiding behind these various affiliates.

Wheat, Malik and the Bay Mills tribe have been trying to get several bills shaped as land claims settlements approved by Congress since 2002; but their other attempts to get congressional action that could result in the ability to build a casino in Port Huron date back to 1998. The action by Rep. Hastings represents the first time one of their schemes has made its way onto the House floor for a vote.

Disclosure reports filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) indicate as follows:

Hastings for Congress reported receiving a $2,000 contribution on 9.30.08 from Alan Wheat, CEO at Wheat Government Realtions,1201 South Ends Street, Arlington, VA 22202.

Hastings for Congress reported receiving a $2,000 contribution on 10.10.08 from Michael J. Malik, Sr., a Developer at Wheat Government Relations, 1201 South Ends Street, Suite Two, Arlington, VA 22202. This record is makes false representations.

Despite what’s represented by Hastings for Congress in its disclosure records, Michael Malik is not employed by Wheat Government Relations nor is his primary address in Arlington, VA.

Did Hastings' treasurer get those details off the check the committee received? How did the treasurer make such an error when reporting contributions that were made at different times? And by different people? Odd.

But then again, maybe not.

Consider that Malik’s affiliates Blue Water Resorts and Gateway Casino Resorts employ the Wheat firm as lobbyists; as do the Bay Mills Indian Community and Shinnecock Indian Nation, two of Malik’s business partners. Malik is paying for and directing the lobbying activity of all four entities.

Malik is a business/real estate developer, casino syndicator and self-identified entrepreneur who is engaged in various partnerships with members of Detroit’s Ilitch family and whose various business enterprises are mainly located at the headquarters of Ilitch Holdings, Inc., 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48201 -- not in Arlington, VA.

And curiously, both Hastings for Congress transaction records reported the addresses at 1202 South Ends Street. However, Wheat Government Relations is actually located at 1202 South Eads Street.

There's little doubt that these contributions weren't actually bundled even though they're reported to be received ten days apart. If the checks had been delivered directly and separately by their makers, the details wouldn't have been confused. Malik would not have been recorded as an employee of Wheat Government Relations nor his address listed in Arlington, VA.

There can be little question about the motivations of Malik and Wheat.

But there should be a lot more questions put to Malik, Wheat and Hastings.

Politico paid to gather signatures on petitions may have also invested in AtMashpee LLC

Lee Albright was an investor in Atwater Entertainment Associates LLC (Atwater) according to a web site seeking to alert former Atwater partners to possible class-action claims involving the entity's former manager. Detroiter Herb Strather originally syndicated interest in Atwater as a way to raise capital needed to promote gambling in Detroit and then establish MotorCity Casino.

AtMashpee LLC, another Strather-created Detroit-based casino syndication in which a large majority of Atwater's members are reported to have also been investors, is suddenly at the center of a Jack Abramoff-related scandal making headlines this week.

Glenn Marshall, former chairman of Massachusetts's Mashpee Wampanoag tribe and a Strather (AtMashpee) partner, admits he is guilty of all criminal activity outlined in a Department of Justice (DOJ) complaint filed this week. Marshall has also agreed to cooperate in ongoing DOJ investigations which could include AtMashpee and its investors.

It is not clear yet if Albright is one of the Atwater investors who also put money into AtMashpee LLC.

Albright is the president of National Petition Management (NPM), perhaps the leading U.S. firm paid to collect signatures on political petitions intended to qualify measures (initiatives, referenda, propositions, proposals, etc.) for the ballot. NPM has offices in Michigan and Northern California. At one time NPM's was incorporated in Michigan.

The Daily Kos reports that from 1992-2006, NPM successfully qualifed 75 measures to be on ballots in 15 states. That list included qualifying two Michigan gambling measures: (1) allowed three commercial casinos to be opened in Detroit; and then (2) virtually protects those Detroit casinos from the threat of any future gaming competition in the state. Specifically:

1996 - Michigan First! Proposal E - gambling in Detroit (organized by Atwater investors Herb Strather and Mary Ann Dalgleish, and Dimitrios Papas, founder of Monroe Partners LLC - Greektown Casino; Strather and Papas were later disqualified from receiving Michigan gambling licenses and forced to cash-in their respective casino interests before the gambling halls opened; voters statewide narrowly approved Proposal E which provided for three commercial gaming establishments in Detroit).

2004 - Let Voters Decide Yes on Proposal 1 (bankrolled by Detroit's three established commercial casino interests and Michigan Indian tribes with gaming interests which included MGM Grand Detroit, Marian Ilitch owner of MotorCity Casino, Kewadin Greektown Casino, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians; voters approved Proposal 1which now requires a statewide vote to approve any other new/expanded gaming ventures).

Strather began working with the Mashpee tribe in 2000 and reportedly dumped some $15 million into efforts to get the Mashpee tribe federally recognized and then build a tribal casino on Cape Cod. In exchange for bankrolling the Recognition effort and casino plans, Strather's group was promised 6-6.5% of the casino's annual gaming revenues over 20 years -- a deal some have valued at more than $1.2 billion.

Strather (AtMashpee) funnelled $4 million from investors into a hidden account enabling Marshall's criminal activity.