Actor Erik von Detten, known for his roles in Brink! and The Princess Diaries, has been named in a lawsuit alleging elder abuse and fraud against an elderly couple. The couple claims they were persuaded to invest over $2 million in gold coins through Rosland Capital, a precious metals firm where von Detten worked as an account representative. The lawsuit, filed in May, accuses the defendants of exploiting the couple’s retirement savings through misleading sales tactics targeting seniors.
Lawsuit Details and Allegations
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, names von Detten and Rosland Capital as defendants. According to court documents obtained by The Los Angeles Times, the couple, Sheila Greenberg (85) and Norman Greenberg (97), allege they were induced to invest their retirement savings after viewing Rosland Capital’s television advertisements, which they claim were designed to appeal to senior citizens. The ads warned of financial instability, inflation, and the devaluing dollar, positioning gold and silver as secure investments.
The Greenbergs state they informed von Detten, who was assigned as their advisor, that they had no prior experience with precious metals investments. Despite this, they claim von Detten convinced them to purchase Lady Liberty gold coins in two transactions totaling approximately $2 million. The couple alleges they never received the physical coins and instead were directed to store them at a facility. They further claim the coins were later valued at a significant premium, far below the amount they paid.
Company and Industry Context
Rosland Capital, a Los Angeles-based precious metals asset management firm, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in July, according to The Daily Mail. The firm has not responded to requests for comment from multiple outlets. Representatives for von Detten could not be reached for immediate comment.
The lawsuit asserts that Rosland Capital’s marketing strategy specifically targeted older adults, leveraging their concerns about financial security. The Greenbergs’ attorneys argue that the firm and von Detten took advantage of their lack of investment experience and advanced age. The case is ongoing, and no court rulings have been issued at this time.
Legal and Financial Implications
The allegations raise broader questions about the regulation of precious metals sales targeting seniors. The lawsuit seeks damages for financial losses and emotional distress, though the specific amount is not disclosed in the available documents. Legal experts note that elder abuse cases involving financial exploitation often hinge on proving intent and the vulnerability of the victims.
The Greenbergs’ legal team has not provided additional details about their claims or the evidence they plan to present. The case remains in the early stages of litigation, with no court dates or hearings publicly scheduled.
Background on Defendants
Erik von Detten, 44, is a former child actor who gained prominence in the 1990s and early 2000s. His roles include The Princess Diaries (2001) and Brink! (1998). Rosland Capital, founded in 2008, specializes in selling precious metals to investors, often through direct marketing campaigns. The firm’s bankruptcy filing adds another layer of complexity to the lawsuit, as creditors may seek to recover losses through legal channels.
Neither von Detten nor Rosland Capital has publicly addressed the allegations. The lawsuit was filed in May, and the next steps in the legal process are pending.