ILLINOIS — Madison County Judge Nicholas Byron put a new twist into the proposed settlement of a class action lawsuit against James Blair Down, the Canadian mastermind of an international lottery ring that swindled elderly Americans out of more than $120 million. Byron’s amendment stipulates that Down must deposit the full $10 million as a nonrefundable payment with the court. The proposed “claims-based” settlement would have only required Down to pay up to $10 million to reimburse plaintiffs who filed claims.
Judge Byron now wants the money to go to charities if the original victims cannot be located. “[The court] is concerned about getting as much money back to the victims as possible,” the judge said. The judge expressed concerned because only 800 plaintiffs have actually come forward out of the potential 400,000.
(via New York Law Journal)
7 responses so far ↓
Brandon Biebel // Jul 23, 2003 at 9:47 am
This case just goes to show how truly messed up our world is. The poor guy is innocent, however people will never quit until he is completely shut down. If anybody had any sense whatsoever, they would realize that the only reperations due, are those to Blair Down.
Steve Cline // Jan 7, 2004 at 12:40 pm
Hmm…found guilty. Is willing to reimburse plaintiffs….yup, sounds innocent to me.
Lynda Madrid // Feb 11, 2004 at 9:10 pm
I was put on huge doses for Reflex Sympathic Dystrophy.(Nerve pain)It did not help me so the doctor kept raising the dosage. I now have short term memory loss permanently, and have gained 20 lbs. I think I should be included in the class action law suit.
Ali // Apr 10, 2004 at 5:54 pm
is there a class action lawsuit against El Gordo Lottery
John Theiss // May 27, 2004 at 8:30 am
I am not a smoker nor is my wife and I am against smoking but if there is a definition on un-just in our justice system then Madison County’s Judge Byron would be it. When are the people going to get wiser and take responsiblities for thier own actions and that all these class action suites hurts us all except for the lawyers!
Arthur Whaley // May 27, 2005 at 6:01 pm
Hello, what is the name and the number of the lawyers who are helping the lottrey winers I ben trying to find out for some one will you let me know
Will Jenning // Sep 8, 2005 at 12:05 am
Unfortunately, and too bad for Mr. Down, the world is constantly at the backs of hard working, risk taking people……hopefully one day, the reperations that are due, will come to Blair…..
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