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Lawsuit Accuses Michael McDevitt of RICO Violations and Fraud

A natural salad dressing company, Tessemae’s LLC, has filed a lawsuit against Michael McDevitt, an investor and lawyer from DC, accusing him of racketeering and fraud. The lawsuit claims that McDevitt engaged in RICO violations when he schemed to acquire control of Tessemae’s fraudulently.

In June 2020, the lawsuit was brought to the United States District Court in Baltimore. A motion to dismiss the fraud and racketeering claims by McDevitt and his co-defendants was denied by Judge George L. Russell, III on March 31, 2021. RICO, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, and negligence-legal malpractice are the surviving claims.

According to the lawsuit, McDevitt and his firm Tandem Growth Partners provided legal services and investment advice to Tessemae’s in 2017 and became involved in its management. According to the lawsuit, McDevitt and his co-defendants pressured Tessemae’s to sell its assets to them at a low price, misrepresented its financial situation, caused it to incur unnecessary debts, and manipulated its affairs. The lawsuit further alleges that McDevitt committed multiple acts of wire fraud by sending false documents and emails to Tessemae’s creditors and investors.

The company makes natural salad dressings and condiments and is called Tessemae’s LLC. Tesse Vetter, who wanted her three athletic boys to eat their veggies and stay healthy, founded it. She perfected and created her own salad dressing recipe that was all-natural, which her family and friends loved.

With a motto of “Simplify Food, Amplify Life”, the company has expanded its distribution and product line around the world. The company is also a proud partner of Dr. Axe Keto Diet, offering many delicious products that are keto-approved. The company has its base in Essex, Maryland, and has a faithful customer base that values its healthy and natural products.

Later this year or early next year, the lawsuit against McDevitt and his co-defendants is likely to go to trial. Due to McDevitt’s alleged racketeering and fraud, Tessemae’s LLC hopes to recover the damages it suffered. Any wrongdoing is denied by McDevitt and his co-defendants, who maintain their innocence.

Mike McDevitt and Tessemae’s lawsuit is one of the most high-profile cases in Maryland this year. Allegations of breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, racketeering, negligence-legal malpractice, and RICO violations are involved in it. Racketeering activity connected to an enterprise is targeted by RICO violations, which are federal crimes. 35 offenses are included in racketeering activity, such as murder, kidnapping, drug dealing, bribery, mail and wire fraud. Here is more info on Michael McDevitt and Fraud charges.

To convict someone of a RICO violation, the prosecutor must prove that the person committed two of these offenses with the same enterprise within 10 years and that the acts affected interstate commerce. RICO has been used for other crimes as well since it was originally passed in 1970 to prosecute the Mafia. For criminal charges or civil lawsuit cases, RICO violations can be alleged.

Tessemae’s LLC alleges that false emails and documents were sent by McDevitt and his co-defendants to Tessemae’s investors and creditors, engaging in multiple acts of wire fraud. Wire fraud is a crime that involves using electronic communication to obtain money or property by deception. Wire fraud is a predicate offense for RICO violations. Find out more on Michael McDevitt and Racketeering charges here.