IRVINE, Calif. – Greenberg Traurig, LLP’s litigation team achieved a significant legal victory for clients Kimberly Moffatt Jones and 150 Newport Center Drive, LLC (150 NCD) in a real estate and partnership dispute concerning a property at 150 Newport Center Drive in Newport Beach, California. The case was against the Estate of Ronald Soderling and others in the Superior Court of California, County of Orange.
The entity involved, Newport Center Anacapa Associates, LLC (NCAA), led by former Newport Beach Mayor Tod Ridgeway along with Ron Soderling and Michael Lutton, had intended to purchase and develop the property into a hotel. However, Lutton allegedly misled Jones into investing in the project. Subsequently, NCAA’s managers reportedly engaged in fraudulent activities to remove her from her ownership position.
Following a three-day bench trial, the court issued a 20-page Statement of Decision favoring Jones and her business entity. It concluded that “those in control of NCAA perpetrated persistent and pervasive fraud and abuse of authority” against Greenberg Traurig’s clients. The decision highlighted fraudulent acts by NCAA such as misrepresenting the timing of the entitlement process and misuse of profits from an associated car wash business. Additionally, it was found that after 150 NCD became a member, NCAA continued fraudulent practices by withholding information from Jones to force her out at a reduced price.
Evidence presented showed that Ridgeway’s partners described him as “unprofessional and unproductive,” criticizing his management since inception. Consequently, the court ordered a reappraisal of the property’s value.
The legal team from Greenberg Traurig included Shareholders Ryan W. Smith and Julianna Simon alongside Associate Matthew P. Hoxsie.
A jury trial is anticipated to address remaining claims.
