Judge Considering Certifying Class in Racketeering Easement Suit

A judge overseeing a case against alleged promoters of syndicated conservation easements indicated she sees a “consistent pattern” across transactions that form the basis of the class-action lawsuit.

Judge Amy Totenberg made the comments during a hearing over whether she should certify a class of investors in the tax deals, a move that would allow the class-action suit to go forward. The plaintiffs allege that financial consulting and accounting firm Aprio LLP engaged in malpractice and violated Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act through a syndicated conservation easement strategy. Robert Greenberger, a partner at the firm, is also ...