Bankruptcy News

In Pennsylvania, U.S. Labor Department Sues Owner Of Company Gone Bankrupt

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - The U.S. Department of Labor has filed an adversary complaint in federal bankruptcy court against the owner of now defunct G&M Land Development Inc., Wescosville, Pennsylvania, to prevent her from discharging $118,736 owed to participants of the company’s pension plan. G&M Land Development Inc. was a mobile home business that ceased operations in 1999.

“This lawsuit demonstrates our commitment to hold plan fiduciaries accountable when they abuse their position and do not protect the assets entrusted to them,” said Mabel Capolongo, director of the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) office in Philadelphia that investigated the case.

Under a February 2, 2006 consent judgment entered in the federal district court for the eastern district of Pennsylvania, Cathy Milder, co-owner of G&M Land Development and trustee of the pension plan, was required to restore the plan assets after a Labor Department investigation found the company in violation of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Milder subsequently filed for personal bankruptcy.

In fiscal year 2005, EBSA achieved monetary results of $1.7 billion related to pension, 401(k), health and other benefits for millions of American workers and their families.

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	Did You Know?
	Chapter 13 bankruptcy law is frequently referred to as a “wage earner” chapter Although it is available to individuals with regular income from any source, not just wages. Once the court confirms the plan, it is the responsibility of the debtor to make the plan succeed. The debtor must make regular payments to the trustee, which will require adjustment to living on a fixed budget for a prolonged period.