$80 Million Class Action Filed Against Christian Salesman and Related Parties

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Dec. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Does God want his followers to buy gold?  According to an $80 million class action lawsuit, a former Tennessee legislator is accused of tricking the plaintiffs into buying gold by, among other things, relying on Bible verses and taking advantage of their Christian faith. On Wednesday, December 28, 2011, attorneys Gerard Mantese of Troy, Michigan and J. Houston Gordon of Covington, Tennessee filed a 47-page lawsuit in federal court, seeking damages for people who claim they were duped by the defendants, including former State Representative Larry Bates. Bates is defendant First American Monetary Consultants' "chief economist."  The lawsuit alleges that Bates and FAMC solicited customers to buy precious metals like gold and silver coins through a website, a radio program, and conferences called "A Nation in Crisis," but failed to deliver the precious metals they sold. According to the lawsuit, "FAMC specifically targets devout Christian believers, elderly individuals, and widow/widowers with significant life savings" who see Bates as a trusted Christian advisor. Mr. Mantese stated, "we believe that the actions of defendants were reprehensible and we intend to litigate this case vigorously and obtain justice for our clients."

The case isDamian Orlowski, et al. v. Larry Bates, et al.; USDC WD of TN Case No. 11-cv-01396-JDB-egb; Hon. J. Daniel Breen.

FAMC either never delivered the precious metals purchased or delivered them only after sustained and inexcusable delays, according to the 47-page lawsuit.Gerard Mantese and J. Houston Gordon represent two named plaintiffs, but filed the complaint as a class action lawsuit based on a seven-month investigation that revealed other potential angry customers.Mr. Mantese may be contacted at:

Gerard Mantese, Esq.
Mantese Honigman Rossman and Williamson, P.C.
1361 E. Big Beaver Road
Troy, Michigan 48083
248-457-9200 Office
248-515-6419 Cell

SOURCE Mantese Honigman Rossman and Williamson, P.C.

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