News
Coin dealer subject of federal inquiry, lawsuits
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By Brent Hunsberger, The Oregonian Metals are a hot commodity these days, but the head of a Portland-based investment company is under federal investigation over accusations he took in more than $2 million from investors without delivering gold and silver coins. And attorneys for other investors say they're owed several million more. Earlier this month, FBI agents seized computers, records and safe-deposit box keys from the Tigard home of Lawrence Henry Heim, president of U.S. Gold & Silver Investments Inc. in Portland. The FBI says the mail and wire fraud investigation stems from unfulfilled investor orders made as long ago as 1998 and as recently as October 2010. Heim and his company also face three lawsuits -- one in federal and two in state courts -- seeking more than $875,000 and alleging breach of contract. One of the suits was filed on behalf of the estate of the late Portland high-tech pioneer Tom Holce. Read the article at http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2011/03/ |