Investors sue Michigan casino developer

7 November 2008

ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Michigan -- As reported by the Detroit Free Press: "More than a dozen investors are suing a Clinton Township developer for allegedly swindling them in an unfulfilled promise to build a $600-million recreational hub and casino in St. Clair County.

"In approximately 18 lawsuits recently filed in Macomb County Circuit Court, the businesses and individuals accuse Anthony Defeo of persuading them to write checks for an average of $100,000 to have 1% stakes -- totaling upward of $1 million -- in 2007.

"He told them the businesses were destined for federal land in Kimball Township to be operated by the Lac Vieux Indians.

"The investors contend Defeo of Fountain View Investment, which is also known as Port Huron Blue Water Development LLC, posed as an upstanding businessman. When building never commenced last spring, he ducked inquiries, the lawsuits say..."