1 00:00:00,033 --> 00:00:02,000 You went into business together... 2 00:00:03,000 --> 00:00:04,467 You emptied the bank account. 3 00:00:04,533 --> 00:00:05,400 Correct. 4 00:00:05,467 --> 00:00:06,900 How did you think she was gonna take that? 5 00:00:06,967 --> 00:00:09,934 -I don't know. -Because you didn't care. 6 00:00:10,000 --> 00:00:12,533 I was also financially being taken advantage of. 7 00:00:12,600 --> 00:00:13,467 Are you kidding me? 8 00:00:13,533 --> 00:00:15,100 I was not allowed to touch the money. 9 00:00:15,166 --> 00:00:17,200 You did. You took out all the money. 10 00:00:17,266 --> 00:00:19,934 [narrator] Today on Tribunal Justice... 11 00:00:20,000 --> 00:00:22,500 [theme music plays] 12 00:00:41,500 --> 00:00:44,300 This case was filed in Albany, New York. 13 00:00:44,367 --> 00:00:46,800 Your Honor, this is case number 1143 on account 14 00:00:46,867 --> 00:00:49,967 in the matter of Rockmacher versus VanDyke. 15 00:00:50,033 --> 00:00:52,367 Parties have been sworn in, you may be seated. 16 00:00:52,433 --> 00:00:53,700 -[Acker] Thank you, Byrd. -[bailiff] Mm-hmm. 17 00:00:53,767 --> 00:00:57,400 Ms. Rockmacher, you and the defendant went into business together. 18 00:00:57,467 --> 00:01:00,133 -[Abigail] Yes, ma'am. -You opened an apothecary. 19 00:01:00,200 --> 00:01:02,667 And then you were forced to shut down 20 00:01:02,734 --> 00:01:05,400 as a result of being advised by a state agency 21 00:01:05,467 --> 00:01:08,500 that you were operating in violation of state law. 22 00:01:08,567 --> 00:01:11,433 Now, as I understand it, you were 25% partner, 23 00:01:11,500 --> 00:01:13,567 and you describe yourself as a silent partner. 24 00:01:13,633 --> 00:01:15,233 You put in a little more money. 25 00:01:15,300 --> 00:01:18,533 The defendant was the operational partner. 75% owner. 26 00:01:18,600 --> 00:01:20,333 When you were notified by the state 27 00:01:20,400 --> 00:01:23,265 that your business was operating in violation of the law, 28 00:01:23,333 --> 00:01:25,667 you, Ms. Rockmacher, emptied the bank account 29 00:01:25,734 --> 00:01:29,000 because you wanted to preserve your assets. 30 00:01:29,066 --> 00:01:31,600 You also maintain that there were some expenses 31 00:01:31,667 --> 00:01:32,934 that the defendant incurred 32 00:01:33,000 --> 00:01:35,900 that you were not advised of and that you didn't agree with. 33 00:01:35,967 --> 00:01:37,800 You dissolved the business 34 00:01:37,866 --> 00:01:42,433 and you are now suing her for $5,000 to recoup your losses. 35 00:01:42,500 --> 00:01:43,366 Yes, ma'am. 36 00:01:43,433 --> 00:01:47,667 Ms. VanDyke, you maintain that after the plaintiff depleted the bank account, 37 00:01:47,734 --> 00:01:48,734 you owe her nothing. 38 00:01:48,800 --> 00:01:50,567 -Correct. -She emptied you out. 39 00:01:50,633 --> 00:01:52,533 -So you're done. -Yes, ma'am. 40 00:01:52,600 --> 00:01:55,166 The business was Jay Street Apothecary 41 00:01:55,233 --> 00:01:58,333 and you sold crystals, tarot cards, candles, 42 00:01:58,400 --> 00:02:00,867 and other personal care items, as you describe it. 43 00:02:00,934 --> 00:02:03,467 Why were you operating in violation of the law? 44 00:02:03,533 --> 00:02:05,066 What were you doing improperly? 45 00:02:05,133 --> 00:02:07,400 So we filed everything with the department, 46 00:02:07,467 --> 00:02:09,866 the New York State Department of Corporations, 47 00:02:09,934 --> 00:02:11,900 and everything, and that everything went fine. 48 00:02:11,967 --> 00:02:15,166 There is a law from New York State Education Department, 49 00:02:15,233 --> 00:02:16,600 that we were unaware of, 50 00:02:16,667 --> 00:02:18,966 that you can only use the term "apothecary" 51 00:02:19,033 --> 00:02:21,300 if you are a licensed pharmacist, 52 00:02:21,367 --> 00:02:23,500 -and we were not. -'Cause that what it means, right? 53 00:02:23,567 --> 00:02:27,100 It's sort of an old-fashioned type of pharmacy. 54 00:02:27,166 --> 00:02:28,033 Yes, ma'am. 55 00:02:28,100 --> 00:02:30,233 So you were forced to shut down. 56 00:02:30,300 --> 00:02:31,966 When you got that notice, 57 00:02:32,033 --> 00:02:35,000 what were your communications with your 75% partner? 58 00:02:35,066 --> 00:02:38,100 Actually, the person from the Department of Education 59 00:02:38,166 --> 00:02:41,266 served the defendant with the paperwork. 60 00:02:41,333 --> 00:02:43,966 I had advised the defendant to take the paperwork 61 00:02:44,033 --> 00:02:45,734 and we would discuss it with our lawyers, 62 00:02:45,800 --> 00:02:48,433 'cause I was busy, I have my own store that I was running... 63 00:02:48,500 --> 00:02:50,466 [Acker] You had another business on the block. 64 00:02:50,533 --> 00:02:53,500 And you were working at a mystic shop, that shop closed down, 65 00:02:53,567 --> 00:02:55,567 -so the two of you joined forces. -Correct. 66 00:02:55,633 --> 00:02:58,100 You were operating just fine for about a year 67 00:02:58,166 --> 00:02:59,600 before you got the notice. 68 00:02:59,667 --> 00:03:02,633 How were things between the two of you during that year? 69 00:03:02,700 --> 00:03:04,133 Did you get along? I'll ask you. 70 00:03:04,200 --> 00:03:05,834 Honestly, no, we did not. 71 00:03:05,900 --> 00:03:08,567 [Acker] There were some disputes about how to run the business. 72 00:03:08,633 --> 00:03:09,800 -[Abigail] Correct. -[Acker] In fact, 73 00:03:09,867 --> 00:03:13,166 you submitted into evidence a letter, I believe from your lawyer, 74 00:03:13,233 --> 00:03:15,433 that detailed some of the concerns you had. 75 00:03:15,500 --> 00:03:16,367 One of them, 76 00:03:16,433 --> 00:03:19,066 you said the defendant was making a lot more money, 77 00:03:19,133 --> 00:03:20,966 but I think you expected that, right? 78 00:03:21,033 --> 00:03:23,100 -'Cause she was doing all the labor. -[Abigail] Correct. 79 00:03:23,166 --> 00:03:24,734 I expected her to do all the labor... 80 00:03:24,800 --> 00:03:27,667 [Acker] You were getting 50 a week and she was getting, like, 500 a week... 81 00:03:27,734 --> 00:03:29,800 Yes, and that was never spoken about. 82 00:03:29,867 --> 00:03:32,600 We had discussed her getting $350 a week. 83 00:03:32,667 --> 00:03:34,567 And when she took over the payroll, 84 00:03:34,633 --> 00:03:37,300 she gave herself a raise without any discussion. 85 00:03:37,367 --> 00:03:38,734 -[Acker] Without consulting you. -[Abigail] Correct. 86 00:03:38,800 --> 00:03:41,767 [Acker] You're here because you did not have a written agreement, 87 00:03:41,834 --> 00:03:44,834 and the both of you just took matters into your own hands 88 00:03:44,900 --> 00:03:46,233 in ways that we'll talk about. 89 00:03:46,300 --> 00:03:47,934 Absent that written agreement, 90 00:03:48,000 --> 00:03:51,166 tell me what right you had to go empty out the bank account? 91 00:03:51,233 --> 00:03:52,600 Because you admit that you did that. 92 00:03:52,667 --> 00:03:55,966 Yes, I was advised by my attorney to empty the bank account 93 00:03:56,033 --> 00:04:00,066 to make sure that there was some funds to help cover the cost of closing. 94 00:04:00,133 --> 00:04:03,033 Being a 25% owner, my hands were tied. 95 00:04:03,100 --> 00:04:05,567 I couldn't get out of the business. I couldn't dissolve the business. 96 00:04:05,633 --> 00:04:06,667 There was really not much I could do. 97 00:04:06,734 --> 00:04:08,567 [Acker] How much money was in the bank account 98 00:04:08,633 --> 00:04:10,400 -when you emptied it? -About $3,000. 99 00:04:10,467 --> 00:04:14,100 Did you advise her in advance that you were emptying the bank account? 100 00:04:14,166 --> 00:04:15,767 -No, ma'am. -[Acker] I don't know how you do that. 101 00:04:15,834 --> 00:04:19,700 So you, the minority partner says I'm gonna take all the money? 102 00:04:19,767 --> 00:04:22,900 -How much money did you put in? What... -6,500. Correct. 103 00:04:22,967 --> 00:04:24,533 -[Acker] How much did you put in? -Ten. 104 00:04:24,600 --> 00:04:27,867 Sorry, according to a tax document, she did not put in $10,000. 105 00:04:27,934 --> 00:04:30,633 She put in less than my initial investment, actually. 106 00:04:30,700 --> 00:04:34,166 Right now, focus less on fighting with her and responding to my questions. 107 00:04:34,233 --> 00:04:37,300 Because you're the one with the $5,000 lawsuit, 108 00:04:37,367 --> 00:04:39,300 wanting to recoup losses. 109 00:04:39,367 --> 00:04:43,667 And it seems to me that you just kinda helped yourself to some funds unilaterally 110 00:04:43,734 --> 00:04:45,600 without any legal basis for doing so. 111 00:04:45,667 --> 00:04:48,367 You, Ms. VanDyke, didn't you file a police report? 112 00:04:48,433 --> 00:04:49,300 I did. 113 00:04:49,367 --> 00:04:50,633 [Acker] Why did you go to the police? 114 00:04:50,700 --> 00:04:51,667 Did you know it was her? 115 00:04:51,734 --> 00:04:54,400 I knew it was her because she was the only one with access, 116 00:04:54,467 --> 00:04:57,767 so I went to the actual bank and asked who took all this money out and why? 117 00:04:57,834 --> 00:05:01,066 And you thought that a good way of resolving the dispute 118 00:05:01,133 --> 00:05:02,667 and taking things down a notch 119 00:05:02,734 --> 00:05:06,367 and making sure that you could take care of your business obligations 120 00:05:06,433 --> 00:05:09,033 was going to the police and filing a report with them? 121 00:05:09,100 --> 00:05:11,033 I did the report just in case we showed up here, 122 00:05:11,100 --> 00:05:14,133 so it wasn't just my word versus hers. I wanted it documented... 123 00:05:14,200 --> 00:05:16,200 [Acker] That's really the best answer you could've given. 124 00:05:16,266 --> 00:05:17,800 So let's go back to you. 125 00:05:17,867 --> 00:05:21,800 According to you, your lawyer tells you to take all of the money... 126 00:05:21,867 --> 00:05:23,300 He put it in an escrow account. 127 00:05:23,367 --> 00:05:25,967 Okay, yeah, right, it was an attorney's escrow account, 128 00:05:26,033 --> 00:05:27,600 to which she did not have access. 129 00:05:27,667 --> 00:05:30,834 And then the next that happened, I find even more baffling, 130 00:05:30,900 --> 00:05:34,700 because you sent a letter or some communication 131 00:05:34,767 --> 00:05:36,332 to all of the business employees. 132 00:05:36,400 --> 00:05:39,433 And you tell them that... I'm gonna find it. 133 00:05:39,500 --> 00:05:41,933 You have to explain to me why you did this. 134 00:05:42,000 --> 00:05:45,100 Because it seems like you're trying to escalate, 135 00:05:45,166 --> 00:05:47,500 instead of trying to resolve this dispute. 136 00:05:47,567 --> 00:05:49,300 You should not get so self-righteous 137 00:05:49,367 --> 00:05:51,800 'cause you did the same thing and we're gonna come to it. 138 00:05:51,867 --> 00:05:52,767 Yes, ma'am. 139 00:05:52,834 --> 00:05:54,467 [Acker] The two of you were walking drama. 140 00:05:54,533 --> 00:05:57,500 Yes, I agree. I was following the advice of an attorney. 141 00:05:57,567 --> 00:05:59,233 Here we go. [laughs] 142 00:06:00,300 --> 00:06:03,934 "Hey, ladies, I'm sorry to be texting you so late. 143 00:06:04,000 --> 00:06:04,967 But as you are aware, 144 00:06:05,033 --> 00:06:07,767 Alysha and I are in the process of dissolving the business. 145 00:06:07,834 --> 00:06:10,000 On the advice of my legal counsel, 146 00:06:10,066 --> 00:06:12,967 I am texting you to inform you that we're closing the apothecary. 147 00:06:13,033 --> 00:06:16,633 Please let me know your hours last week and I'll make sure you get paid. 148 00:06:16,700 --> 00:06:18,367 If you have any questions, let me know." 149 00:06:18,433 --> 00:06:21,734 -You sent that to all of the employees. -Correct. 150 00:06:21,800 --> 00:06:26,533 And you brought all of your employees into this dispute with your 75% partner 151 00:06:26,600 --> 00:06:28,200 putting this all out on the street. 152 00:06:28,266 --> 00:06:31,433 I just acted on behalf of what my attorney advised me to do. 153 00:06:31,500 --> 00:06:34,367 You know, if your lawyer said "Don't talk to her, 154 00:06:34,433 --> 00:06:35,834 take all of the money, 155 00:06:35,900 --> 00:06:37,800 and then tell all of the employees 156 00:06:37,867 --> 00:06:40,100 about all your business and all of your drama", 157 00:06:40,166 --> 00:06:41,800 then I don't know who that lawyer was. 158 00:06:41,867 --> 00:06:44,700 It sounds like somebody who's auditioning for a reality show. 159 00:06:44,767 --> 00:06:48,500 Then you do an internet posting or some social media posting 160 00:06:48,567 --> 00:06:54,066 where you say she's taking all of the food out of you and your family's mouths. 161 00:06:54,133 --> 00:06:57,633 And she's forcing you to close the safe community space. 162 00:06:57,700 --> 00:07:01,934 And then people start coming after her, like, calling her... What? I think I saw, 163 00:07:02,000 --> 00:07:04,400 "How dare this entitled White lady do this you?" 164 00:07:04,467 --> 00:07:08,667 I mean, you both seem like a couple of entitled folks, frankly, 165 00:07:08,734 --> 00:07:10,100 if you want me to be candid. 166 00:07:10,166 --> 00:07:11,734 Why did you send those messages? 167 00:07:11,800 --> 00:07:14,567 You were trying to make sure that you can pull as many people into it, 168 00:07:14,633 --> 00:07:16,567 you wanted as much drama as possible. 169 00:07:16,633 --> 00:07:18,400 You wanted as much attention as possible. 170 00:07:18,467 --> 00:07:20,233 And we're gonna talk about some of your messages. 171 00:07:20,300 --> 00:07:21,900 -I did. I agree with that. -[Acker] Why would you do that? 172 00:07:21,967 --> 00:07:25,233 -Why did you want all of the drama? Why... -Because I had reached out... 173 00:07:25,300 --> 00:07:27,467 [Acker] ...all of the drama and the attention 174 00:07:27,533 --> 00:07:31,633 instead of simply trying to get a good-faith resolution with your partner? 175 00:07:31,700 --> 00:07:34,332 We had attempted the good-faith resolution before that. 176 00:07:34,400 --> 00:07:37,567 So this was all close... Those text messages were sent but not to me. 177 00:07:37,633 --> 00:07:40,867 I didn't even know the business was closed until my employees reached out to me. 178 00:07:40,933 --> 00:07:44,033 I reached out to her multiple times to find out the reason. 179 00:07:44,100 --> 00:07:47,332 Why is this closed? This is the first day that I've heard the reason. 180 00:07:47,400 --> 00:07:51,066 And my point to her was that I think it's absolutely absurd 181 00:07:51,133 --> 00:07:53,967 that you would send a note to employees 182 00:07:54,033 --> 00:07:55,967 advising them that you were doing something 183 00:07:56,033 --> 00:07:57,567 instead of communicating with your partner. 184 00:07:57,633 --> 00:08:01,500 Both of you wanted attention and drama and to escalate. 185 00:08:01,567 --> 00:08:03,066 I think very little of that. 186 00:08:03,133 --> 00:08:05,300 So, going back to you, 187 00:08:05,367 --> 00:08:07,266 help me understand 188 00:08:07,333 --> 00:08:09,667 what these $5,000 in losses are? 189 00:08:09,734 --> 00:08:11,633 I don't see receipts for furniture. 190 00:08:11,700 --> 00:08:13,567 I didn't see the lease that you're trying... 191 00:08:13,633 --> 00:08:15,200 I just don't see any of that. 192 00:08:15,266 --> 00:08:19,200 I have all that. I had to pay over $1,600 in sales tax. 193 00:08:19,266 --> 00:08:21,467 -I had to take care of all the IRS. -[Acker] Where? 194 00:08:21,533 --> 00:08:23,033 -Where is that? -Right here. 195 00:08:23,100 --> 00:08:25,266 Here's the employees getting paid. 196 00:08:25,332 --> 00:08:28,700 -Here's, um, one IRS receipt. -Cassandra, can you get that? 197 00:08:28,767 --> 00:08:30,633 [Abigail] A second IRS receipt. Here's the receipts 198 00:08:30,700 --> 00:08:32,600 for the insurance that I've paid. 199 00:08:32,667 --> 00:08:36,332 -Sales tax, all of it. -[Acker] So during that year, 200 00:08:36,400 --> 00:08:38,533 you accused her of some financial improprieties? 201 00:08:38,600 --> 00:08:42,000 You said that she raised her salary without advising you. 202 00:08:42,066 --> 00:08:45,800 You also said that, what, she was giving discounts to people of color 203 00:08:45,867 --> 00:08:46,967 without advising you. 204 00:08:47,033 --> 00:08:49,066 How did you come to be made aware of that? 205 00:08:49,133 --> 00:08:51,400 -A Facebook post. -[Acker] What did that look like? 206 00:08:51,467 --> 00:08:53,567 Um, it was Indigenous People Day 207 00:08:53,633 --> 00:08:59,400 and she made a post that we were giving POC and BIPOC, um, 208 00:08:59,467 --> 00:09:02,367 like, I think 15%, I would have to find the original post, 209 00:09:02,433 --> 00:09:03,633 which is on social media. 210 00:09:03,700 --> 00:09:06,400 But your concern was that she was, in effect, 211 00:09:06,467 --> 00:09:09,633 discriminating by charging White people more 212 00:09:09,700 --> 00:09:10,800 than Indigenous people 213 00:09:10,867 --> 00:09:12,600 -on Indigenous People Day. -Yes, ma'am. 214 00:09:12,667 --> 00:09:14,266 [Acker] What were the other improprieties? 215 00:09:14,333 --> 00:09:17,233 Basically, a lot of personal things like gas, she bought clothes. 216 00:09:17,300 --> 00:09:19,967 She bought food, alcohol. Um... 217 00:09:20,033 --> 00:09:21,967 I have no idea. I used everything for the business. 218 00:09:22,033 --> 00:09:24,967 I have every receipt and every invoice since we were ever open. 219 00:09:25,033 --> 00:09:27,500 I'd like you to explain to me, 220 00:09:27,567 --> 00:09:30,500 assuming there are $5,000 of losses, 221 00:09:30,567 --> 00:09:34,367 why don't I just subtract the $3,000 that you helped yourself to? 222 00:09:34,433 --> 00:09:36,500 [Abigail] I used the $3,000 towards it 223 00:09:36,567 --> 00:09:39,600 and then I had $5,000 exceeding that. 224 00:09:39,667 --> 00:09:42,700 So, I'm suing for the excess, I guess. 225 00:09:42,767 --> 00:09:44,467 I'll start to look at these receipts. 226 00:09:44,533 --> 00:09:47,433 I, frankly, have no idea why I'm just only today 227 00:09:47,500 --> 00:09:51,367 getting evidence of precisely the damages that you're claiming. I don't understand. 228 00:09:51,433 --> 00:09:54,767 I'm gonna let Judge DiMango have some fun with you two now. 229 00:09:55,233 --> 00:09:56,800 -Judge. -[DiMango] Ladies, 230 00:09:56,867 --> 00:09:59,533 it's business, not personal. 231 00:09:59,600 --> 00:10:04,467 And you two acted like you were in, for lack of a better term, a cat fight. 232 00:10:04,533 --> 00:10:05,633 Over money. 233 00:10:05,700 --> 00:10:08,233 And you can't go into the world 234 00:10:08,300 --> 00:10:10,533 and think you're going to be business women 235 00:10:10,600 --> 00:10:12,500 if that's how you're going to act. 236 00:10:14,266 --> 00:10:16,300 [narrator] Coming up on Tribunal Justice... 237 00:10:16,367 --> 00:10:20,233 If you would've only just been nice to each other like you started off, 238 00:10:20,834 --> 00:10:24,333 you both wouldn't be in here today embarrassing yourselves. 239 00:10:24,400 --> 00:10:27,400 Who's racist? Who isn't? I mean, that wouldn't be out there. 240 00:10:34,633 --> 00:10:38,133 [narrator] Abigail Rockmacher claims her former business partner, 241 00:10:38,200 --> 00:10:39,500 Alysha VanDyke, 242 00:10:39,567 --> 00:10:42,233 owes her money after closing their business. 243 00:10:42,834 --> 00:10:47,934 Alysha says Abigail closed the business account and left her nothing. 244 00:10:48,000 --> 00:10:52,400 Now, this is a loosely-framed partnership agreement in my mind. 245 00:10:52,467 --> 00:10:58,266 You each had, what was going to be your 25% versus your 75%. 246 00:10:58,333 --> 00:11:00,300 You say you were a silent partner. 247 00:11:00,367 --> 00:11:01,834 Apparently not that silent 248 00:11:01,900 --> 00:11:03,266 'cause the government found out 249 00:11:03,333 --> 00:11:06,967 that you guys were functioning as an apothecary. 250 00:11:07,033 --> 00:11:09,967 -Tanya, that was it? -Apothecary. 251 00:11:10,033 --> 00:11:12,533 I have trouble with that word. Apothecary. 252 00:11:12,600 --> 00:11:14,100 And you didn't have a pharmacist. 253 00:11:14,166 --> 00:11:16,967 And the Education Law says that if you're operating 254 00:11:17,033 --> 00:11:20,633 under either the pharmacy term or apothecary, 255 00:11:20,700 --> 00:11:23,867 you must have one pharmacist, at least, on call 256 00:11:23,934 --> 00:11:26,166 while your premises are open. 257 00:11:26,233 --> 00:11:28,900 And failure to comply with that is a crime. 258 00:11:28,967 --> 00:11:31,233 -Yes. -[DiMango] So I would guess that 259 00:11:31,300 --> 00:11:35,433 the immediate closing of the premises was probably the right thing to do. 260 00:11:35,500 --> 00:11:38,300 However, there are certain things that happen 261 00:11:38,367 --> 00:11:41,165 when a partnership dissolves or unwinds. 262 00:11:41,233 --> 00:11:44,300 Somehow in this, before this all occurred, 263 00:11:44,367 --> 00:11:46,967 there was a distrust that arose. 264 00:11:47,033 --> 00:11:49,100 Which, I think, was the foundation, 265 00:11:49,165 --> 00:11:52,033 or preceded the reason why everything went awry. 266 00:11:52,100 --> 00:11:55,100 You taking money without notifying her. 267 00:11:55,165 --> 00:11:57,567 You doing things without notifying her. 268 00:11:57,633 --> 00:11:59,500 And that's where it became personal. 269 00:11:59,567 --> 00:12:01,734 When you dissolve a partnership or you close it, 270 00:12:01,800 --> 00:12:04,900 there's an order, or a sequence, in which debts are paid. 271 00:12:04,967 --> 00:12:06,767 -Correct. -[DiMango] You pay off your debts 272 00:12:06,834 --> 00:12:09,533 and your liabilities to third persons first. 273 00:12:09,600 --> 00:12:12,934 So that would probably be your employees, 274 00:12:13,000 --> 00:12:16,967 taxes, stores that you made advance purchases from. 275 00:12:17,033 --> 00:12:19,333 Those would be the people that would get paid first. 276 00:12:19,400 --> 00:12:21,100 -Did you pay those people? -Yes, I did. 277 00:12:21,166 --> 00:12:23,600 And I just gave Judge Acker all that information. 278 00:12:23,667 --> 00:12:27,433 Okay. So I'll ask you, have any of your employees come forward to you 279 00:12:27,500 --> 00:12:29,266 to say "We didn't get paid"? 280 00:12:29,333 --> 00:12:30,200 -No. -[DiMango] Okay. 281 00:12:30,266 --> 00:12:33,900 Did you have any other responsibility to any other third parties? 282 00:12:33,967 --> 00:12:35,000 -Yes. -[DiMango] Who? 283 00:12:35,066 --> 00:12:38,000 The tax accountant was not paid for the 2020 taxes. 284 00:12:38,066 --> 00:12:41,500 And then, obviously, when we needed to do the taxes again 285 00:12:41,567 --> 00:12:44,734 -she would need the payment for... -And how much would that be? 286 00:12:44,800 --> 00:12:47,367 [Abigail] One bill was for 675, which I believe was 2020. 287 00:12:47,433 --> 00:12:50,667 And the other is for 760, I believe. 288 00:12:50,734 --> 00:12:54,133 [DiMango] All right, 760. So we're looking at about 1,435. 289 00:12:54,200 --> 00:12:56,834 Did you pay out any money towards the accountant? 290 00:12:56,900 --> 00:12:58,734 -No. -You're saying that you did 291 00:12:58,800 --> 00:13:01,266 and we have proof that you made payment to the accountant? 292 00:13:01,333 --> 00:13:02,200 Yes, ma'am. 293 00:13:02,266 --> 00:13:03,700 What other third parties would you owe money to? 294 00:13:03,767 --> 00:13:05,800 -Sales tax. -Did you pay sales tax? 295 00:13:05,867 --> 00:13:08,767 I did, every quarter. This is the first I'm hearing of this as well. 296 00:13:08,834 --> 00:13:11,867 The sales tax I'm referring to is for the last quarter 297 00:13:11,934 --> 00:13:13,166 that we were in business. 298 00:13:13,233 --> 00:13:15,100 Did you pay the last quarter? Maybe that's the only issue. 299 00:13:15,166 --> 00:13:16,900 -How much would that have been? -It could've been the last quarter. 300 00:13:16,967 --> 00:13:19,033 -How much? -Um... 301 00:13:19,100 --> 00:13:21,100 [Alysha] 1,698.75. 302 00:13:21,166 --> 00:13:23,767 [DiMango] 1,698. Okay. 303 00:13:23,834 --> 00:13:25,033 Any other third parties? 304 00:13:25,100 --> 00:13:26,867 The IRS. New York State. 305 00:13:26,934 --> 00:13:28,567 -[DiMango] You wanna pay them. -Yes. 306 00:13:28,633 --> 00:13:32,667 All right, so now, in the funding that you took, that $3,000, 307 00:13:32,734 --> 00:13:35,900 did you use that money to pay down any of this? 308 00:13:35,967 --> 00:13:37,165 -Yes. -[DiMango] You do that first. 309 00:13:37,233 --> 00:13:42,300 So let's just say the 1,698 and the 1,400, that would bring you to 3,000. 310 00:13:42,367 --> 00:13:43,700 -And so that's done. -[Abigail] Yep. 311 00:13:43,767 --> 00:13:46,533 The money over and above that that would still be owed 312 00:13:46,600 --> 00:13:47,934 would be how much? 313 00:13:48,000 --> 00:13:50,767 For you to be getting 5,000 you'd have to be showing us 314 00:13:50,834 --> 00:13:52,800 $10,000 worth of money that you would owe. 315 00:13:52,867 --> 00:13:55,533 -Yes, I... -[DiMango] Or--or her percentage of it. 316 00:13:55,600 --> 00:13:58,900 The IRS was almost $2,000. 317 00:13:58,967 --> 00:14:03,533 New York State would be, like, $375. 318 00:14:03,600 --> 00:14:05,300 The payments to the employees... 319 00:14:05,367 --> 00:14:09,166 One employee was $266.47. 320 00:14:09,233 --> 00:14:12,633 The other employee was $199.22. 321 00:14:12,700 --> 00:14:14,300 Anybody beyond that? 322 00:14:14,367 --> 00:14:15,333 The insurance... 323 00:14:15,400 --> 00:14:17,100 [DiMango] By the way, do you see this? 324 00:14:17,166 --> 00:14:18,400 Because these moneys are due. 325 00:14:18,467 --> 00:14:21,467 -You have an obligation as a business... -I agree. 326 00:14:21,533 --> 00:14:22,700 ...to make these payments. 327 00:14:22,767 --> 00:14:25,467 If, in fact, over and above the 3,000, 328 00:14:25,533 --> 00:14:27,600 there was $10,000 worth of debt, 329 00:14:27,667 --> 00:14:29,500 then there is a certain proportion, obviously, 330 00:14:29,567 --> 00:14:32,000 that you're responsible for, as is she. 331 00:14:32,066 --> 00:14:34,500 [Alysha] I've never been provided with any of these expenses. 332 00:14:34,567 --> 00:14:36,133 [DiMango] Is that your whole position here? 333 00:14:36,200 --> 00:14:38,367 Had you known, this would've all been handled? 334 00:14:38,433 --> 00:14:39,500 I would've handled all of this. 335 00:14:39,567 --> 00:14:42,533 [DiMango] And instead of you both smearing each other 336 00:14:42,600 --> 00:14:44,967 on the social media sites and all, 337 00:14:45,033 --> 00:14:47,667 if you would've only just been nice to each other, 338 00:14:47,734 --> 00:14:49,633 like you started off, 339 00:14:49,700 --> 00:14:51,533 you both wouldn't be in here today, 340 00:14:51,600 --> 00:14:55,100 embarrassing yourselves for this kind of situation. 341 00:14:55,165 --> 00:14:57,066 And putting out all your dirty laundry 342 00:14:57,133 --> 00:15:01,200 and all the things that people say about each of you and your situation. 343 00:15:01,266 --> 00:15:04,600 And who's racist, who isn't. I mean, that wouldn't be out there. 344 00:15:04,667 --> 00:15:05,734 So I ask you, 345 00:15:05,800 --> 00:15:08,467 what is the total that you say is outstanding 346 00:15:08,533 --> 00:15:10,333 that you need to be recompensated for? 347 00:15:10,400 --> 00:15:12,800 -If you subtract the 3,000 that I took? -[DiMango] Yes. 348 00:15:12,867 --> 00:15:14,767 It would be close to $9,000. 349 00:15:14,834 --> 00:15:17,667 And of that, do you agree that there's a proportion, 350 00:15:17,734 --> 00:15:21,467 that would be a percentage proportion over the $9,000? 351 00:15:21,533 --> 00:15:23,834 I find the $9,000 to be really high, 352 00:15:23,900 --> 00:15:26,333 but if it was, then I would say absolutely. 353 00:15:26,400 --> 00:15:28,900 I'm gonna say right off the bat, and we're looking at it, 354 00:15:28,967 --> 00:15:33,233 you've got 2,000 for the IRS, 375, 266, 199, 355 00:15:33,300 --> 00:15:34,533 we're already up to 3,000. 356 00:15:34,600 --> 00:15:37,767 So with the additional, and I wanna see that sheet... 357 00:15:37,834 --> 00:15:40,033 It was the last page of exhibit 14. 358 00:15:40,100 --> 00:15:42,100 [DiMango] That would be the way we would figure out, 359 00:15:42,165 --> 00:15:45,100 if anything, what was owed back and forth. Judge Levy? 360 00:15:45,165 --> 00:15:47,734 [Levy] Ms. Rockmacher, let's see if I understand your position. 361 00:15:47,800 --> 00:15:50,133 You're the plaintiff. So this is all your burden. 362 00:15:50,200 --> 00:15:52,133 -She doesn't have to do a thing. -[Abigail] Okay. 363 00:15:52,200 --> 00:15:55,633 [Acker] So you say that you contributed 6,500 364 00:15:55,700 --> 00:15:58,300 and she says that she contributed 10,000. 365 00:15:58,367 --> 00:16:00,266 -And you dispute that? -Yes. 366 00:16:00,333 --> 00:16:02,867 [Levy] And you dispute that she contributed 6,500? 367 00:16:02,934 --> 00:16:04,433 -Yes. -[Levy] That would've been put out, 368 00:16:04,500 --> 00:16:06,734 laid out clearly in an operating agreement. 369 00:16:06,800 --> 00:16:09,200 It also would've indicated in the operating agreement 370 00:16:09,266 --> 00:16:12,400 what to do in the event of dissolutionment of the business. 371 00:16:12,467 --> 00:16:16,066 What the process is, so that someone's not going to raid bank accounts. 372 00:16:16,133 --> 00:16:17,467 And take them out. By the way, 373 00:16:17,533 --> 00:16:19,633 had you ever taken money out of the bank before? 374 00:16:19,700 --> 00:16:20,567 Out of... 375 00:16:20,633 --> 00:16:22,333 -[Levy] The business account. -The business account? No. 376 00:16:22,400 --> 00:16:24,133 -[Levy] So this was the very first time? -Yes. 377 00:16:24,200 --> 00:16:27,934 And how to liquidate whatever inventory you have 378 00:16:28,000 --> 00:16:31,800 to pay off third-party vendors, employees, things of that nature. 379 00:16:31,867 --> 00:16:34,734 I do not have the inventory. That was taken out of the store 380 00:16:34,800 --> 00:16:37,165 the same night that I had withdrawn the bank account. 381 00:16:37,233 --> 00:16:39,000 You don't find that to be surprising, do you? 382 00:16:39,066 --> 00:16:40,066 -No. -[Levy] No. 383 00:16:40,133 --> 00:16:42,233 Because when you took the money out of the bank account, 384 00:16:42,300 --> 00:16:45,800 you didn't give the 75% owner of that business notice of that, 385 00:16:45,867 --> 00:16:47,000 -did you? -[Abigail] No. 386 00:16:47,066 --> 00:16:48,467 [Levy] How did you think she was gonna take that? 387 00:16:48,533 --> 00:16:50,934 I was just acting on behalf of legal counsel. My... 388 00:16:51,000 --> 00:16:51,867 Stop. 389 00:16:51,934 --> 00:16:53,400 -...hands were tied. -Stop. Stop. 390 00:16:53,467 --> 00:16:54,333 Okay. 391 00:16:54,400 --> 00:16:57,300 [Levy] I didn't ask you whether you were acting on behalf of legal counsel. 392 00:16:57,367 --> 00:16:59,934 Did you say to your lawyer, "Wait a minute, 393 00:17:00,066 --> 00:17:02,800 if I take out all the money from the bank account, 394 00:17:02,867 --> 00:17:04,834 which I have never done before, 395 00:17:04,900 --> 00:17:07,834 and that's going to exacerbate this problem?" 396 00:17:07,900 --> 00:17:09,400 Did you tell that to your lawyer? 397 00:17:09,467 --> 00:17:12,266 -No. -[Levy] Because you didn't care. 398 00:17:12,333 --> 00:17:15,367 I was in fear of getting arrested for running an apothecary 399 00:17:15,433 --> 00:17:16,934 that I was not allowed to be running. 400 00:17:17,000 --> 00:17:18,467 -The defendant... -Are you sure? 401 00:17:18,532 --> 00:17:20,200 Are you sure you wanna stick with that story? 402 00:17:20,266 --> 00:17:22,467 'Cause I'm about to show you how that is nonsense. 403 00:17:22,532 --> 00:17:24,099 -You sure you wanna stick with that? -[Abigail] I don't know. 404 00:17:24,165 --> 00:17:27,233 -I'm, I'm confused. -[Levy] Exactly. Exactly. 405 00:17:27,300 --> 00:17:29,567 Listen, I don't want you to be confused. 406 00:17:29,633 --> 00:17:31,166 I want you to be honest. 407 00:17:31,233 --> 00:17:33,100 -I am being honest. -[Levy] No, no, no. 408 00:17:33,166 --> 00:17:36,767 Your story is that you closed this business, 409 00:17:36,834 --> 00:17:38,066 you raided this bank account 410 00:17:38,133 --> 00:17:39,900 'cause you were afraid of getting arrested. 411 00:17:39,967 --> 00:17:45,000 Because you got a single letter from the New York State Department of Education 412 00:17:45,066 --> 00:17:49,100 that said that you were in violation of some silly, stupid rule 413 00:17:49,166 --> 00:17:52,333 that was designed to protect the public. 414 00:17:52,400 --> 00:17:57,133 They don't want people to be confused with legitimate pharmacists 415 00:17:57,200 --> 00:18:01,967 and people selling stones and incense 416 00:18:02,033 --> 00:18:06,200 and whatever else the apothecary that you guys were involved in. 417 00:18:06,266 --> 00:18:10,000 So the purpose of the rule, and I'm very familiar with that rule, 418 00:18:10,066 --> 00:18:13,333 had absolutely nothing to do with your business. 419 00:18:13,400 --> 00:18:17,500 Nothing. Zero. All you had to do was change the name. 420 00:18:17,567 --> 00:18:18,567 -Right? -Yes. 421 00:18:18,633 --> 00:18:21,967 Now, clearly, there wasn't a snowball's chance in hell 422 00:18:22,033 --> 00:18:25,867 that you were going to jail over this ridiculous little issue 423 00:18:25,934 --> 00:18:29,266 that could have been resolved with a name change. 424 00:18:29,333 --> 00:18:31,767 So there was another reason why you decided to raid the account 425 00:18:31,834 --> 00:18:32,967 and close the business, 426 00:18:33,033 --> 00:18:36,133 and the answer is 'cause you were pissed that she was making more money than you. 427 00:18:36,200 --> 00:18:37,066 Right? 428 00:18:37,133 --> 00:18:39,166 I was being financially taken advantage of, yes. 429 00:18:39,233 --> 00:18:41,433 That's fine. That's the reason why. 430 00:18:41,500 --> 00:18:42,834 So I'm glad we got that out of the way. 431 00:18:44,667 --> 00:18:46,700 [narrator] Coming up on Tribunal Justice... 432 00:18:46,767 --> 00:18:49,433 If a silent partner, who's never been to the bank before, 433 00:18:49,500 --> 00:18:51,767 goes to the bank and empties out our bank account, 434 00:18:51,834 --> 00:18:54,266 and I'm a 75% owner, without calling me, 435 00:18:54,333 --> 00:18:55,333 are you kidding me? 436 00:18:55,400 --> 00:18:57,734 -I was not allowed to touch the money. -[Levy] Well, you did. 437 00:18:57,800 --> 00:18:59,400 You took out all the money. 438 00:19:08,133 --> 00:19:10,467 In exhibit four that you provided in your evidence 439 00:19:10,533 --> 00:19:13,066 there was a store closing notice that you wrote. 440 00:19:13,133 --> 00:19:15,867 "Remember, there are always two sides to every story 441 00:19:15,934 --> 00:19:18,600 and not everything you read on the internet is true." 442 00:19:18,667 --> 00:19:19,834 Why did you write that? 443 00:19:19,900 --> 00:19:23,233 That was my response because I was getting harassed on social media 444 00:19:23,300 --> 00:19:25,133 from what the defendant was posting. 445 00:19:25,200 --> 00:19:26,633 And I was advised to just... 446 00:19:26,700 --> 00:19:29,467 [Levy] She posted that you basically raided the account. 447 00:19:29,533 --> 00:19:32,667 As a result of you raiding the account and leaving no money 448 00:19:32,734 --> 00:19:34,033 and closing the business, 449 00:19:34,100 --> 00:19:36,433 for a reason we now know was fictitious, 450 00:19:36,500 --> 00:19:39,066 this "I'm afraid of New York State Department of Education", 451 00:19:39,133 --> 00:19:43,000 that five employees who relied on your business 452 00:19:43,066 --> 00:19:46,000 to put food on their table and to put a roof over their heads 453 00:19:46,066 --> 00:19:48,567 and clothes on their backs, were now out of work. 454 00:19:48,633 --> 00:19:52,333 She also put on social media that you did all that without notifying her, 455 00:19:52,400 --> 00:19:55,734 despite the fact that she was the majority shareholder. 456 00:19:55,800 --> 00:19:58,233 That you had basically nothing to do with the business, 457 00:19:58,300 --> 00:20:01,300 except put your name on a lease and take care of the books. 458 00:20:01,367 --> 00:20:05,967 And that as a result of what you did, she, likewise, and her two children, 459 00:20:06,033 --> 00:20:09,600 now had no way to earn any money to put food on their table, 460 00:20:09,667 --> 00:20:11,500 clothes on their backs, or a roof on their head. 461 00:20:11,567 --> 00:20:12,700 That's what she said. 462 00:20:12,767 --> 00:20:15,266 And then you started getting attacked on social media. 463 00:20:15,333 --> 00:20:16,700 -Right? -[Abigail] Very badly. 464 00:20:16,767 --> 00:20:18,800 And you wanted to change that narrative. 465 00:20:18,867 --> 00:20:21,667 Nobody knows how she was treating me throughout the year. 466 00:20:21,734 --> 00:20:24,333 [Levy] You were trying to change the narrative. 467 00:20:24,400 --> 00:20:28,100 -Sure. -Now, exhibit nine, page 42. 468 00:20:28,166 --> 00:20:31,100 This is now the defendant to you and your accountant, 469 00:20:31,166 --> 00:20:33,667 "It seems that the both of you must be reminded 470 00:20:33,734 --> 00:20:36,967 that you have dismantled my entire livelihood 471 00:20:37,033 --> 00:20:38,633 without a single conversation. 472 00:20:38,700 --> 00:20:41,533 I've lost my life savings, my career, 473 00:20:41,600 --> 00:20:44,834 my entire investment, and my best friend. 474 00:20:44,900 --> 00:20:46,567 My children lost stability 475 00:20:46,633 --> 00:20:49,467 and their sole source of financial support. 476 00:20:49,533 --> 00:20:51,133 Shame on both of you 477 00:20:51,200 --> 00:20:54,100 for your lack of discretion and humanity." 478 00:20:54,166 --> 00:20:57,767 The names of your two children "and I have lost much more 479 00:20:57,834 --> 00:21:01,633 than either of you in this impulsive and unnecessary act." 480 00:21:01,700 --> 00:21:04,233 Great, great email. 481 00:21:04,300 --> 00:21:05,166 Thank you. 482 00:21:05,233 --> 00:21:07,500 I was also financially being taken advantage of, 483 00:21:07,567 --> 00:21:09,367 so yes, this had to do with a cease and desist order, 484 00:21:09,433 --> 00:21:11,734 but it also had to do with protecting my own assets 485 00:21:11,800 --> 00:21:13,200 and my own financial stability. 486 00:21:13,266 --> 00:21:15,600 You got what you deserved. 487 00:21:15,667 --> 00:21:16,700 That's what happened. 488 00:21:16,767 --> 00:21:19,367 You got what you deserved because you, as a 25%... 489 00:21:19,433 --> 00:21:21,200 I have partners in other businesses. 490 00:21:21,266 --> 00:21:25,166 If a 25% partner goes to the bank and empties out our bank account, 491 00:21:25,233 --> 00:21:27,734 and I'm a 75% owner, without calling me, 492 00:21:27,800 --> 00:21:29,233 without notifying me, 493 00:21:29,300 --> 00:21:30,266 are you kidding me? 494 00:21:30,333 --> 00:21:31,633 -I was... -[Levy] Are you kidding me? 495 00:21:31,700 --> 00:21:33,667 I was not allowed to touch the money. I... 496 00:21:33,734 --> 00:21:36,633 Well, you did. You took out all the money. 497 00:21:36,700 --> 00:21:40,667 She was emotionally abusive to me, it was really a horrible time in my life. 498 00:21:40,734 --> 00:21:42,967 Like, I had to do to protect myself, 499 00:21:43,033 --> 00:21:44,734 my financial future and... 500 00:21:44,800 --> 00:21:47,500 I'm sorry. I acknowledge I had to put people out of work, 501 00:21:47,567 --> 00:21:49,133 but I also needed to protect myself. 502 00:21:49,200 --> 00:21:51,500 -Are you really sorry? -[Abigail] Yes, I am. 503 00:21:51,567 --> 00:21:52,800 -I'm really sorry... -Yeah. 504 00:21:52,867 --> 00:21:56,600 Let me explain something to you. Your effort to change the narrative, 505 00:21:56,667 --> 00:21:59,734 right, by coming here and by presenting your case, 506 00:21:59,800 --> 00:22:03,200 only to be exposed for the manipulator that you were, 507 00:22:03,266 --> 00:22:05,734 -has not done you any good. -Okay. 508 00:22:05,800 --> 00:22:06,734 [Levy] I have nothing else. 509 00:22:06,800 --> 00:22:09,633 [DiMango] We're gonna retire to deliberate. Ladies, thank you. 510 00:22:09,700 --> 00:22:11,700 Court now stands in recess, parties are excused. 511 00:22:13,867 --> 00:22:16,133 I don't like what the plaintiff did. 512 00:22:16,200 --> 00:22:18,200 However, I believe her, 513 00:22:18,266 --> 00:22:22,066 and I think the evidence is undisputed that she did take those moneys 514 00:22:22,133 --> 00:22:24,300 in order to satisfy the business debts. 515 00:22:24,367 --> 00:22:26,100 The defendant even conceded 516 00:22:26,166 --> 00:22:28,033 that there were some outstanding business debts. 517 00:22:28,100 --> 00:22:31,533 She just wasn't sure how much and how many of them there were. 518 00:22:31,600 --> 00:22:34,533 There were some very rudimentary efforts 519 00:22:34,600 --> 00:22:36,400 between the two of them to communicate, 520 00:22:36,467 --> 00:22:38,867 but instead, they just decided to fight on social media, 521 00:22:38,934 --> 00:22:40,300 which was just immature. 522 00:22:40,367 --> 00:22:43,100 I believe there's evidence of $5,000 of expenses 523 00:22:43,166 --> 00:22:46,400 -on top of the $3,000. -The three. 524 00:22:46,467 --> 00:22:47,934 And I'd be inclined to give it to her, 525 00:22:48,000 --> 00:22:50,767 but I also just don't like the messiness of the arrangement. 526 00:22:50,834 --> 00:22:53,533 We are actually closing up the business for them 527 00:22:53,600 --> 00:22:55,800 in a way they should've been able to do 528 00:22:55,867 --> 00:22:57,667 if they just had an operating agreement 529 00:22:57,734 --> 00:22:59,533 -like grownups do. They don't. -But they don't. 530 00:22:59,600 --> 00:23:01,667 They're young girls who, I wanna say, 531 00:23:01,734 --> 00:23:03,734 they, to some extent, did things intentionally 532 00:23:03,800 --> 00:23:05,100 against one another for spite. 533 00:23:05,166 --> 00:23:08,266 But I think, in the long run, it was really improper advice. 534 00:23:08,333 --> 00:23:11,100 I think that she took the $3,000, 535 00:23:11,166 --> 00:23:14,266 didn't personally take it, which I thought that she put it in escrow, 536 00:23:14,333 --> 00:23:16,567 show that she had been listening to somebody, 537 00:23:16,633 --> 00:23:18,600 and did use that money first 538 00:23:18,667 --> 00:23:21,300 to start paying off third-party debts and liabilities. 539 00:23:21,367 --> 00:23:22,500 And they all agree with that. 540 00:23:22,567 --> 00:23:25,433 And I agree with you they do exceed the amount, 541 00:23:25,500 --> 00:23:28,767 so, yes, I believe that she's entitled to the 5,000. 542 00:23:28,834 --> 00:23:29,934 Should she have done that? 543 00:23:30,000 --> 00:23:33,600 Was her sole purpose, Adam, because she was afraid she was gonna go 544 00:23:33,667 --> 00:23:36,000 "No is a good legal basis to hang it on," 545 00:23:36,066 --> 00:23:38,800 but I believe that she felt mistreated and wanted out. 546 00:23:38,867 --> 00:23:41,433 I can't penalize her here because there's nothing for that. 547 00:23:41,500 --> 00:23:45,266 But rightfully, on the law, I think she's entitled to the 5,000 as well. 548 00:23:45,333 --> 00:23:46,967 [Levy] These are all business debts. 549 00:23:47,033 --> 00:23:52,667 They're debts to the business that the plaintiff chose to close unilaterally, 550 00:23:52,734 --> 00:23:54,567 without authority, secretly. 551 00:23:54,633 --> 00:23:59,200 And now she's coming to us and wants us to pierce the corporate veil 552 00:23:59,266 --> 00:24:04,767 that protects the defendant because these are business expenses. 553 00:24:04,834 --> 00:24:08,233 Despite the fact that she, the plaintiff, has unclean hands. 554 00:24:08,300 --> 00:24:11,200 She admitted it with respect to the reasons behind why she closed it. 555 00:24:11,266 --> 00:24:12,867 It had nothing to do with that stupid letter 556 00:24:12,934 --> 00:24:15,233 from the New York State Department of Education. 557 00:24:15,300 --> 00:24:16,300 It had nothing to do with that. 558 00:24:16,367 --> 00:24:19,233 She felt slighted 'cause she wasn't making enough money. 559 00:24:19,300 --> 00:24:20,300 That's why. 560 00:24:20,367 --> 00:24:24,100 And she wants us, on her behalf now, to pierce the corporate veil? 561 00:24:24,166 --> 00:24:26,500 Not on my watch. I don't think the plaintiff gets a nickel. 562 00:24:26,567 --> 00:24:27,800 That's my position. 563 00:24:27,867 --> 00:24:29,367 -I think we have a dissenter. -No worries. 564 00:24:29,433 --> 00:24:31,500 -I'm on the majority. -Good. 565 00:24:35,767 --> 00:24:36,900 Court is back in session. 566 00:24:36,967 --> 00:24:38,633 Parties are reminded you're still under oath. 567 00:24:38,700 --> 00:24:40,967 We've deliberated and we've reached a verdict. 568 00:24:41,033 --> 00:24:43,333 And our verdict is not unanimous. 569 00:24:43,400 --> 00:24:46,033 When people take things down a notch, 570 00:24:46,100 --> 00:24:48,667 like if instead of all the social media posting, 571 00:24:48,734 --> 00:24:50,633 and you writing to all the employees, 572 00:24:50,700 --> 00:24:51,934 and putting all your stuff on the street, 573 00:24:52,000 --> 00:24:56,934 if the two of you had just been a little more respectful with one another, 574 00:24:57,000 --> 00:24:58,333 you wouldn't have been here. 575 00:24:58,400 --> 00:25:02,500 If the two of you had operated this business properly, 576 00:25:02,567 --> 00:25:04,533 and just had an agreement, 577 00:25:04,600 --> 00:25:06,200 you wouldn't be here either, I don't think. 578 00:25:06,266 --> 00:25:10,467 So, lesson learned, and now we're going to fix everything. 579 00:25:10,533 --> 00:25:12,967 Judge Levy, Ms. Rockmacher, 580 00:25:13,033 --> 00:25:14,533 wants to dismiss your entire lawsuit. 581 00:25:14,600 --> 00:25:16,500 He thinks you have unclean hands 582 00:25:16,567 --> 00:25:18,367 and that it was entirely inappropriate 583 00:25:18,433 --> 00:25:21,400 for you to take all of the money from the bank account. 584 00:25:21,467 --> 00:25:23,567 Judge DiMango and I agree, 585 00:25:23,633 --> 00:25:27,133 however, we believe that because you used those funds, 586 00:25:27,200 --> 00:25:28,333 and the evidence is undisputed, 587 00:25:28,400 --> 00:25:30,433 that you used those funds to clear the business debts, 588 00:25:30,500 --> 00:25:32,600 we are not going to penalize you for that. 589 00:25:32,667 --> 00:25:35,266 We also credited the evidence that you provided 590 00:25:35,333 --> 00:25:38,767 of the business debts that you had to satisfy 591 00:25:38,834 --> 00:25:40,200 once the business was closed. 592 00:25:40,266 --> 00:25:43,433 We did something, Judge Levy referred to it in deliberation, 593 00:25:43,500 --> 00:25:45,166 it's called "piercing the corporate veil". 594 00:25:45,233 --> 00:25:46,734 When you don't have an agreement, 595 00:25:46,800 --> 00:25:50,467 if you're not some sort of entity that keeps the business separate from you, 596 00:25:50,533 --> 00:25:53,266 people can do what we're doing, which is piercing the corporate veil 597 00:25:53,333 --> 00:25:56,500 and we're holding you personally liable for some portion of those debts. 598 00:25:56,567 --> 00:25:57,967 You have made your case. 599 00:25:58,033 --> 00:26:02,233 The judgement in this case is for $5,000 in your favor. 600 00:26:02,300 --> 00:26:03,533 Good luck to you. 601 00:26:03,600 --> 00:26:07,066 Be smarter next time. Be more careful, both of you. 602 00:26:07,133 --> 00:26:09,333 And social media is not gonna solve your problems. 603 00:26:09,400 --> 00:26:10,633 It just won't. 604 00:26:10,700 --> 00:26:12,567 Good luck to you both. I hope things work out. 605 00:26:12,633 --> 00:26:14,233 -That's our verdict. -[Abigail] Thank you. 606 00:26:14,300 --> 00:26:17,500 [bailiff] This case is now concluded. Parties are excused, you may step down. 607 00:26:21,934 --> 00:26:23,533 I think the judges were really fair. 608 00:26:23,600 --> 00:26:26,033 I love that they did listen to all of us and they worked together. 609 00:26:26,100 --> 00:26:28,667 I'm happy with the judges' decision today. 610 00:26:28,734 --> 00:26:31,867 I actually haven't heard any of the reasonings from Ms. Rockmacher 611 00:26:31,934 --> 00:26:34,400 for closing the business or taking the money until today. 612 00:26:34,467 --> 00:26:36,800 So that was a huge relief just to hear it from her mouth, 613 00:26:36,867 --> 00:26:38,000 and what her real motivations were. 614 00:26:38,066 --> 00:26:38,967 She's an evil person. 615 00:26:39,033 --> 00:26:40,233 I think she looks silly. 616 00:26:40,300 --> 00:26:42,233 You can just look at all the social media 617 00:26:42,300 --> 00:26:44,500 and how she made me out to be this horrible person. 618 00:26:44,567 --> 00:26:46,600 Money. Jealousy. It's always money. 619 00:26:46,667 --> 00:26:48,033 I mean, yes, it is about money. 620 00:26:48,100 --> 00:26:50,333 At the end of the day money does make the world go round. 621 00:26:50,400 --> 00:26:52,600 [narrator] Having a family dispute? 622 00:26:52,667 --> 00:26:55,934 Let Tribunal Justice decide your case. 623 00:26:56,000 --> 00:26:59,166 Find us on social media at Tribunal Justice. 624 00:26:59,233 --> 00:27:02,000 [closing theme plays]