Michael E. Ridgway, United States Bankruptcy Judge.
The matters pending before the Court involve an adversary proceeding brought by the United States Trustee ("UST"), in the form of several objections to the Debtors' discharge under 11 U.S.C. § 727 ("727 trial"),
This is a core proceeding under 28 U.S.C. § 157(b)(2), and this Court has jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. §§ 157(a) and 1334. The Court makes this memorandum decision based on all the files, records, and proceedings herein, and under FED. R. BANKR. P. 7052, made applicable to the contested matter (the exemption issue) by FED. R. BANKR. P. 9014(c). For the reasons set forth below, the Debtors' discharge will be denied, and the Trustee's objection to the Debtors' homestead exemption will be sustained.
This is a story about a very closely-knit family, Todd Allen Crabtree, and his wife Terryl Lynn Crabtree. They have three children: Bethany Harris a/k/a "Breezy," ("Bethany" or "Breezy") age 28; Gunnar Crabtree ("Gunnar"), age 30; and Bror Crabtree ("Bror"), age 25. Bethany is married to Mike Harris; Gunnar's wife is Lindsay Crabtree ("Lindsay"); Bror is single. All have, at one time or another, been involved in the many businesses set up or run by Todd. All of these individuals testified at the two trials that are the subject of this memorandum decision.
Todd is a licensed attorney; he obtained his juris doctor from Hamline University. He also holds an MBA from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Business. And he is also a licensed chiropractor. Todd operated Crabtree Law Firm, P.A. ("Crabtree Law Firm"), and its predecessor entities from 1990 until December 2013. Crabtree Law Firm was primarily involved in plaintiff's personal injury cases taken on a contingency basis. It then began to perform legal services, on an hourly basis, related to health care compliance, until it ceased operations in early December 2013. About that same time, Todd formed Crabtree Health Law P.A. ("Crabtree Health Law"), to work in conjunction with another entity created by Todd, Clinic Doctor, Inc. ("Clinic Doctor").
Clinic Doctor is engaged in the business of providing online billing and electronic health records services to chiropractors nationwide. It also provides advice and guidance on statutory and regulatory guidance to the chiropractic community. It's Chief Executive Officer is Todd. He owns a 35% interest in Clinic Doctor, and his wife, Terryl, holds a 31% interest in the
Terryl holds a B.A. degree in education. She testified that she provides administrative support and marketing assistance for Clinic Doctor. Gunnar and his wife, Lindsay, together own something less than a 6% interest. All of the Crabtrees' immediate family members, except Gunnar, either presently work as employees for Clinic Doctor, or have worked there.
All told, Crabtree Law Firm, while it was in business, Crabtree Health Law, and Clinic Doctor employed all of the family members as well as son-in-law Mike Harris, and daughter-in-law Lindsay. The daily operations of these businesses were quite interconnected.
Historically, the Crabtrees purchased vehicles for the use of themselves and their children. They typically titled the vehicles in the name of either Crabtree Law Firm, Clinic Doctor, themselves, or some combination thereof. They also paid for routine maintenance items. The Crabtrees and their children used the vehicles for all purposes, both business and personal.
Crabtree Law Firm purchased a 2004 Toyota RAV4 ("the RAV4"). The vehicle was titled in the names of the Crabtree Law Firm and Todd. Todd and Terryl used this vehicle for both business and personal needs. Lindsay and Gunnar also used the vehicle for personal purposes, including commuting to and from work, while it was titled in the name of Crabtree Law Firm. The RAV4 was transferred to Gunnar on May 29, 2013.
Clinic Doctor also leased a Chevy Tahoe. That company also made the lease payments. The Chevy Tahoe was also used by Lindsay and Gunnar for personal purposes, including commuting to and from work. In addition, Terryl also used the vehicle for personal purposes.
Also, either Clinic Doctor or Crabtree Law Firm and Terryl or Todd owned a Toyota FJ Cruiser. Clinic Doctor made the payments on the FJ Cruiser. The parties testified that Terryl, Mike and Bethany, and Gunnar and Lindsay, all used this vehicle for personal purposes.
Crabtree Law Firm also owned a 2007 GMC Yukon. The firm purchased the vehicle and paid for routine maintenance. Initially, the vehicle was driven by Todd and Terryl, and then later by Mike and Bethany. Todd and Terryl used the GMC Yukon primarily for personal purposes; Mike and Bethany also used it primarily for personal purposes. During this time frame, the Harrises owned no vehicles of their own, and used only the FJ Cruiser and the GMC Yukon. Crabtree Law Firm transferred title to the GMC Yukon to Mike Harris, in the summer of 2013; he did not pay anything to the law firm.
At one time the Crabtrees purchased a 1999 Ford F-150 for their son, Bror, while he was in high school. Either Todd or Terryl was listed as owner on the certificate of title. The vehicle was involved in an accident and was totaled in May 2007; the insurance proceeds were paid out and were used to purchase a 2003 Ford F-150. The latter vehicle was jointly titled in the names of Terryl and Todd. Terryl transferred ownership of the truck to Bror; he did not pay her anything for the ownership interest.
The Crabtrees also used the corporate entities to make payments for other personal expenses, including payments on a mortgage secured by their homestead, the purchase of building supplies for their homestead, payments to contractors that worked on their homestead, payments for gas for their vehicles, groceries, recreational expenses, and charitable contributions to their church, Firestarters Worship Center ("Firestarters"). Initially, the Crabtrees did not report any of the compensation when they filed their personal income tax returns; however, they later filed amended returns for the years in question.
Todd testified that "roughly fifteen years ago" he had purchased a John Deere 4400 tractor with attachments for $30,000.00. On the statement of financial affairs, the tractor was listed as being in the Debtors' possession, but was owned by Gunnar.
Todd testified that he had given the tractor to Gunnar sometime in 2010, to plant a corn field. Gunnar, however, testified that he only began farming in either 2013 or 2014. The tractor was used extensively by the Crabtrees in their efforts at building the newer house on the property where the Crabtrees lived. The evidence also showed that Bethany paid for several improvements to it in 2012, using funds from the farm account. No documentation showing the transfer of ownership of the tractor to Gunnar was produced.
At the time the Debtors' filed bankruptcy, Todd claimed a 50% ownership interest in Crabtree Brothers, LLC ("Crabtree Brothers"), an entity that owned four parcels of real estate in Colorado. The other owner of this entity was Todd's brother, Paul Crabtree. According to Todd's testimony, each parcel was valued at approximately $30,000.00. On Schedule B, however, Todd stated that Crabtree Brothers had no value, and that its "debts exceeded its assets."
The tax returns filed by Crabtree Brothers reflected Todd's ownership interest in this entity as 100% in 2009 to 75% for each of the years 2010 to 2013, inclusive. Todd also testified that he transferred his ownership interest in the four lots to his brother, Paul, although he was unable to produce any documentary evidence of such transfer.
Todd, while at the height of his personal injury practice with Crabtree Law Firm, had entered into an arrangement with
In January 2011, Todd, with the assistance of a bankruptcy attorney, entered into a settlement agreement with CAG; the agreement contemplated monthly payments of $3,860.09 to CAG to retire a stipulated debt of $400,000.00, at 10% simple interest, over a period of 20 years. The agreement also required Todd to "make payments larger than the monthly amount due when Crabtree receives windfall settlements from Crabtree Law Firm cases or from property sold."
Todd made regular payments to CAG per the agreement until the middle of 2013. Todd was getting behind on his payments; his last payment to CAG was in July 2013. On December 5, 2013, fearful "that CAG was on the cusp of garnishing [his] accounts," Todd ceased operating as Crabtree Law Firm, and incorporated Crabtree Health Law, P.A ("Crabtree Health Law"). On December 9, 2013, CAG levied on accounts of Crabtree Law Firm. The account was actually a trust account, and not an operating account, containing $47,167.79, of which $20,268.03 belonged to clients of Crabtree Law Firm.
Meanwhile, Crabtree Health Law collected the outstanding accounts receivable and finished up pending cases of Crabtree Law Firm. The Crabtrees continued to operate Crabtree Health Law for their own personal benefit. In January of 2014, Crabtree Health Law paid Terryl $5,000.00. The funds were receivables of Crabtree Law Firm. The Crabtrees also used Crabtree Law Firm funds to pay expenses of Crabtree Health Law. The funds were not used to pay creditors of Crabtree Law Firm.
Ralph Blohm, Jr. was Todd's stepfather. Mr. Blohm died on May 16, 2012. He left a will, in which he designated Todd as the executor of his estate. Todd was also a named beneficiary. On September 20, 2012, Todd filed an application for informal probate of Mr. Blohm's will; the state court informally appointed Todd as the executor of the Blohm estate. Todd opened an account in his name at Woodlands National Bank in May 2012. This account was not disclosed in the Debtors' bankruptcy schedules. Ex. 3 at 13. It was through this personal account that
In 1999, prior to his death, Mr. Blohm and his wife (Todd's mother) transferred their interest in a cabin, situated on a lakeshore near Zimmerman, Minnesota, to Todd and his five siblings. Mr. and Mrs. Blohm retained a life estate in the property, so at the time of Mr. Blohm's death, in 2012, Todd owned, as did each of his five siblings, and undivided one-sixth interest in the lakeshore property.
According to the evidence, by October 2005, the Crabtrees had accumulated significant personal assets, including:
None of the funds generated from the liquidation of the above assets appears to have been used to pay the CAG indebtedness.
The Crabtrees also purchased valuable coins as part of their investments, including:
Sometime in 2010, the Debtors transferred 500 silver coins to each of their sons, Bror and Gunnar, for no consideration. Other than "[writing] their name [sic] on the box," the Crabtrees did not document the transfer of the coins. On August 31, 2013, Todd transferred 250 silver coins to his son-in-law, Mike Harris, who cashed in the coins on September 7, 2013, for $6,375.00, of which $2,353.47 was used to pay outstanding invoices related to the construction of the Debtors' house. The remaining balance of $4,021.53 was deposited into the Harrises's personal savings
Todd and Terryl both unabashedly refer to themselves as "Jesus freaks" and "born-again Christians." In 2012, they started to regularly attend services at a church known as Firestarters, located in Ottertail, Minnesota. It is an organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a § 501(c)(3) charitable institution. Its pastor is Peter Thiel, its ordained minister since 2003. His wife, Pamela, is also a minister. Mr. Thiel testified at the 727 trial; he also does work in construction and design through his business known as PT Design. On cross-examination, Mr. Thiel testified that his company received a "nominal fee" for the foundation work on 28000 415th Street, Vergas, Minnesota, the Debtors' homestead ("the homestead"), and that he was paid nothing for the roofing work. Yet, the record reflects that his company was paid $7,000.00 for work on improvements to the homestead.
In September 2013, the Crabtrees transferred a box of 500 silver coins to Firestarters; they placed a value of $12,000.00 on these coins. Mr. Thiel testified that the coins were not "earmarked for any special purpose" and that the church still had them in its possession. The Crabtrees received nothing in exchange for the coins.
In addition to the coins, in 2013, the Crabtrees tithed $4,570.00 to Firestarters, bringing their total contributions that year to $16,570.00. Todd testified that between 2009 and 2012, he never reported charitable donations of more than $10,000.00 on his federal tax returns.
Firestarters had received a donation of a structure known as the "Historic St. Paul House." The donor wanted the building removed from its original location, also in Ottertail, Minnesota, so the church hired Schmit Moving, Inc. to move it onto the property owned by the church. On November 16, 2013, Crabtree Law Firm paid the moving company $10,000.00 to help defray the $18,000.00 or $19,000.00 total cost of the move. Todd testified that he made this transfer, both as a gift to the church and with the hope that Crabtree Health Law could use a room in the building as an office.
Crabtree Law Firm also contributed $3,649.00 to "Studio Consultants," a music business owned by Mr. Thiel's son, for the purchase of sound equipment for the use of the church. This gift was made on October 22, 2013. Todd testified that the money was paid in the hope that the group, referred to as the "church band," would prepare a jingle for his law firm, and for the band members to assist him in raising a barn at the Crabtree homestead. Neither expectation was fulfilled.
At the time they filed their bankruptcy petition, the Crabtrees were living on the homestead, an 80-acre parcel of land located in Vergas, Minnesota. Todd had purchased this land in 1999; his family built a small cabin on the property in the early 2000's. The structure had no plumbing or
Prior to moving to the Vergas property, the Crabtrees were renting a home on Lake Lida,
Todd, Terryl, and Bror slept at the Lake Lida home. Testimony revealed that one of Bror's friends also slept there for a short period of time. The home had five bedrooms and a large office. All of the residents worked out of the home and ate their meals there. Mike and Bethany, together with their three children, also ate and showered at the Lake Lida home.
Prior to moving to the Lake Lida home, the Crabtrees lived in a house located in Scandia, Minnesota. They defaulted on the mortgage in 2010; the bank foreclosed on the property in late 2011, and a sheriff's sale was held on November 16, 2011. The statutory redemption period expired in May 2012. According to Todd: "We knew that we could no longer make payment on our Scandia house and then also make payment to the [CAG] and so we made the hard decision ... but we thought that most likely we were going to end up here in Vergas." 6-25-15 transcript, p. 181, lines 17-20; p. 182, lines 14-15.
In March 2012, the Crabtrees began building a second structure on the homestead property. They worked with Pierce Log Homes and other people to construct the new house. During this construction, the Harrises and their three children lived in the cabin, also located on the Vergas property. Bror and his friend moved out of the Lake Lida property in the spring of 2013. Bror moved to Wisconsin. About that same time, the Crabtrees moved back to Vergas.
At the time of trial, the Harris family and Todd and Terryl lived in the newer house, and Todd and Terryl slept in the cabin. The newer house is about 2,700 square feet, and has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. On their Schedule A, the Debtors valued the house at $200,000.00. Their Schedule D reflected an outstanding mortgage balance on the property of $133,725.00, leaving equity of $66,275.00; they claimed this equity as exempt under MINN. STAT. § 510.02.
In March 2012, Bethany opened a checking account at Wells Fargo bank. She testified that she was listed as an owner, as was her brother, Bror. This account, ending in the numbers "5227," was commonly referred to by the Crabtree family as "the farm account." Bethany testified that "[i]t was an account for the community for building and for our animals and stuff." Later, in response to the Trustee's question, "I think you testified that the intent, or part of the intent in opening the accounts was to assist in paying for the improvements to the homestead property[,]" she responded, "Yes." Todd corroborated this intent when he testified that "[a]s I recall, we had a family meeting on how we were going to handle the payment for the construction and building of the farm and house[,]" in response to the Trustee's question about opening the account. The Crabtrees did not disclose an interest in this account on their bankruptcy schedules. Ex. 3 at 13.
The record-keeping on the total cost of the improvements to the newer house on the homestead was anything but a model of clarity. No ledger was kept for the farm account, and most of the bills for construction of the newer house were thrown away. The amounts expended on the improvements were "pieced together" using checking account records, bills/invoices from the providers/suppliers of materials, and the testimony of Bethany, Todd, and Terryl. Much of the testimony was centered around an Excel spreadsheet prepared by Todd for the trial. See Ex. EEEEE.
Some of the more "notable" transfers into the farm account are as follows:
In addition to the above transfers directly into the farm account, there were transfers made by the Crabtrees and others that were made directly to contractors and/or suppliers, as follows:
The Trustee also points to the following checks, totaling $45,951.21, written by Bethany from the farm account that were used to fund improvements to the homestead:
The Trustee specifically identifies the above transfers, which he claims correlate closely to the time frames of the transfers made by the Crabtrees into the farm account, as being non-exempt assets that were used to increase the Debtors' equity in the homestead. He also asks that the payment by Dianne Merrifield ($19,990.00), the payment by Todd to Ugstad Plumbing
Clinic Doctor, one of the Crabtree entities that provided online services and assistance to chiropractic clinics in billing and regulatory compliance, entered into a joint venture with another company, Maximized Living, LLC; it provided similar services in other parts of the country. The joint venture was known as Clinic Safe; Todd was the CEO of Clinic Safe. He also signed a personal guarantee to Maximized Living in the amount of $100,000.00. Clinic Safe eventually failed, and Maximized Living, in early December 2013, initiated collection efforts against Todd to enforce the guarantee.
Todd and Terryl were also joint owners of an entity called TNT Crabtree LLC, a business set up to own some business properties of the Crabtrees in Stillwater, Minnesota. The Crabtrees were also individually liable to the United States Small Business Administration ("SBA") on two loans that were secured by property owned by TNT. The SBA foreclosed on these properties in the late summer/early fall 2013. It then obtained a deficiency judgment against the Crabtrees for $404,738.45.
Other debts reflected on the Debtors' Schedule F included credit card debt of $37,151.34, owed to Discover Card; credit card debt of $33,875.83, owed to MBNA America; credit card debt of $58,493.56, owed to National City (PNC); and a personal guarantee to U.S. Bank in the amount of $99,208.58, for a bridge loan/line of credit for Crabtree Law firm. The total amount of unsecured debt owed by the Crabtrees is $1,280.574.58. See Ex. 3.
Although most of the parties' exhibits were received into evidence, either by stipulation or without objection, there were a number of exhibits that were provisionally received by the Court subject to certain objections. The Court will now address the admissibility of those exhibits.
At trial, the Debtors objected to the introduction of the UST's exhibits numbered 47, 60, 61, and 62; however, in a post-trial submission,
The Debtors' comments regarding Ex. 67, the deposition transcript of Todd's testimony, are well-taken. Only those portions of the transcript that are reflected on the clerk's "Witness and Exhibit Record"
The Debtors have withdrawn their request that Exhibits PPP, PPPPP, and LLLLLL be admitted into evidence. Accordingly, they will not be considered.
Exhibit RRRRR — Crabtree Individual Form 1098 for 2008:
— Objections based on timeliness, relevance, and hearsay are
Exhibit SSSSS — Crabtree Individual Form 1098 for 2009:
— Objections based on timeliness, relevance, and hearsay are
Exhibit VVVVV — Crabtree Individual Form 1098 for 2011:
— Objections based on timeliness, relevance, and hearsay are
Exhibit HHHHHH — Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Policy — Surrender:
— Objections based on timeliness, relevance, and hearsay are
Exhibit JJJJJJ — Terryl's Security State Bank Check Ledger for 2012:
— Objections based on timeliness, relevance, and hearsay are
Exhibit KKKKKK — Terryl's Wells Fargo Check Ledger for 2013:
— Objections based on timeliness, relevance, and hearsay are
Exhibit AAAAAA — Debtors' 1999 Giving Reports:
— Objections based on relevance and hearsay are
Exhibit BBBBBB — Debtors' 1999 Tax Returns:
— Objections based on relevance and hearsay are
Exhibit CCCCCC — 2011 Security Insurance Documents:
— Objections based on relevance and hearsay are
Exhibit DDDDDD — 2011 Workers Compensation Audit Results:
Exhibit EEEEEE — 2013 Security Insurance Documents:
— Objections based on relevance and hearsay are
The UST alleges that the defendants should be denied a discharge under various subsections of 11 U.S.C. § 727, including § 727(a)(2)(A), § 727(a)(3), and § 727(a)(4)(A). The UST did not proceed on Count Four of his amended complaint: "The United States Trustee's amended complaint contains four counts, including one count premised on 11 U.S.C. § 727(a)(5). The United States Trustee is not seeking judgment as to Count Four at this trial." ECF No. 40, n.1.
The discharge in bankruptcy is the foremost remedy to effectuate the "fresh start" which is the primary goal and purpose of a debtor's relief in bankruptcy relief. H.R.REP. No. 595, 95th Cong., 1st Sess. 384 (1977), U.S.Code Cong. & Admin. News 1978, p. 5787.
Because the denial of a discharge is an extreme remedy, the provisions of § 727 are to be strictly and narrowly construed in favor of a debtor. Kaler v. Charles (In re Charles), 474 B.R. 680, 683 (8th Cir. BAP 2012) (citing Korte v. U.S. Internal Revenue Serv. (In re Korte), 262 B.R. 464, 471 (8th Cir. BAP 2001)). Section 727 is intended to prevent a debtor's abuse of the bankruptcy process. Id. The party objecting to the discharge must prove each element of a § 727 cause of action by a preponderance of the evidence. In re Charles, 474 B.R. 680, 683-84 (8th Cir. BAP 2012) (citing Allred v. Vilhauer (In re Vilhauer), 458 B.R. 511, 514 (8th Cir. BAP 2011)); FED. R. BANKR. P. 4005.
On the one hand, denying a debtor a discharge admittedly is a harsh remedy. Allred v. Vilhauer (In re Vilhauer), 458 B.R. 511, 514 (8th Cir. BAP 2011). On the other hand, a discharge in bankruptcy and the associated fresh start are privileges, not rights. Bauer v. Iannacone (In re Bauer), 298 B.R. 353, 357 (8th Cir. BAP 2003) (citing Grogan v. Garner, 498 U.S. 279, 286, 111 S.Ct. 654, 112 L.Ed.2d 755 (1991)). "The opportunity for a completely unencumbered new beginning is limited to the honest but unfortunate debtor." Id.
Section 727(a)(2) states:
11 U.S.C. § 727(a)(2)(A). In particular, this cause of action requires proof that the debtor took the actions with the intent to hinder, delay or defraud creditors. See Wilson v. Walker (In re Walker), 528 B.R. 418, 434 (8th Cir. BAP 2015) (chapter 7 debtor's conduct, after becoming dissatisfied with performance of an individual who had induced him to enter into unconscionable
A presumption of fraud arises when a debtor has transferred valuable property without payment. In re Grimlie, 439 B.R. 710, 716 (8th Cir. BAP 2010). And once a gratuitous transfer is shown, the burden then shifts to the debtor to prove his intent was not to hinder, delay, or defraud his creditors. Id.
As a general matter, property of the estate does not include assets owned by a corporation in which the debtor holds an interest. But the court may, under appropriate circumstances, pierce the corporate veil when determining whether corporate property constitutes property of the estate. Doeling v. Toftness (In re Toftness), 439 B.R. 499 (8th Cir. BAP 2010). More specifically, corporate property can be treated as property of the estate pursuant to an alter ego theory. See, e.g., Seaver v. Burwell Family Ltd. P'Ship (In re Burwell), 391 B.R. 831 (8th Cir. BAP 2008). In the Eighth Circuit, "the court can pierce the corporate veil and disregard the corporate facade when the corporate entity is the alter ego of the debtor and the debtors use corporate assets as their own, with no regard for corporate structure." Id. at 835. State law is to be consulted when determining whether the corporate veil should be pierced. See, e.g., Stoebner v. Lingenfelter, 115 F.3d 576, 579 (8th Cir.1997).
Under Minnesota law, a two-step analysis applies to determine whether an entity is the alter ego of an individual. Burwell, 391 B.R. at 836. The court is to consider "the relationship between the corporation and the individual, focusing on factors such as the failure to observe corporate formalities, siphoning of funds by the individual, absence of corporate records, and the existence of the corporation as merely a facade for the individual." Id. The next step of the analysis requires the court to consider "the nature of the relationship between the corporation and the party seeking to disregard it; the entity will be disregarded only if it has operated in a fraudulent or unjust manner toward that party." Id. If the veil can be pierced, corporate property becomes property of the estate. Id. at 837.
The UST argues that the following transfers made by the Debtors within one year of their bankruptcy filing were fraudulent:
It is undisputed that each of the transfers set forth above was made within one year of December 16, 2013, the date Mr. and Mrs. Crabtree filed their bankruptcy petition. The evidence also clearly established
In early September 2013, approximately three months before they filed for chapter 7 relief, the Crabtrees donated a box of 500 silver coins, valued at $12,000.00, to Firestarters. Also that same year, they gave the church another $4,750.00. The coins were not designated for any special purpose, and Mr. Thiel, the pastor at Firestarters, testified that the church was looking at the coins as an investment, and that the church still maintained possession of them. The Crabtrees received no consideration in return for the silver coins; clearly, it was a charitable contribution.
The Crabtrees had been attending church services since March 2012. A review of their personal federal tax returns from 2009 to 2012 showed no yearly contributions to charity exceeding $8,450.00. Mr. Thiel testified that the silver coin contribution was in lieu of their regular monthly contributions. There was no testimony or other evidence regarding Firestarters' policy on tithing, if any, or whether a member's ability to attend services there or otherwise participate in the church's activities was dependent on one's monetary contributions to the church.
Both Todd and Terryl testified at trial that they felt that giving the coins to the church was the "right" thing to do. Todd even indicated a desire to give to the church rather than make any more payments to CAG: "I am going to make sure that my obedience to God comes before anything else. And that's what I started doing. I started saying, okay, the first fruits of what I produce, they belong to God, not the first fruits belong to CAG the first fruits belong to God." (6-15-16 transcript, pp. 143-44). Terryl also expressed a similar motivation:
(6-15-16 transcript, p. 158, lines 17-25).
All of this leads to the Debtors' asserted defense to the UST's cause of action under § 727(a)(2)(A) based on the Religious Freedom Restoration Act ("the RFRA");
In 1993, Congress enacted the RFRA in response to Employment Division v. Smith, 494 U.S. 872, 110 S.Ct. 1595, 108 L.Ed.2d 876 (1990). In Smith, the Supreme Court addressed whether the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment allowed the state of Oregon to deny unemployment benefits to two members of the Native American Church who were fired from their jobs because of their sacramental, yet state-law prohibited use of peyote. Id. There, the Court "held that, under the First Amendment, `neutral, generally applicable laws may be applied to religious practices even when not supported by a compelling governmental interest.'" Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., ___ U.S. ___, 134 S.Ct. 2751, 2761, 189 L.Ed.2d 675 (2014) (citing City of Boerne v. Flores, 521 U.S. 507, 514, 117 S.Ct. 2157, 138 L.Ed.2d 624 (1997)). In so holding, Smith departed from the Court's previously employed compelling interest test articulated in Sherbert v. Verner, 374 U.S. 398, 83 S.Ct. 1790, 10 L.Ed.2d 965 (1963) and Wisconsin v. Yoder, 406 U.S. 205, 92 S.Ct. 1526, 32 L.Ed.2d 15 (1972), which, if not departed from, "would have asked whether Oregon's prohibition substantially burdened a religious practice, and, if it did, whether the burden was justified by a compelling government interest." Boerne, 521 U.S. at 513, 117 S.Ct. 2157 (specifically referencing Sherbert). This reduction of scrutiny by the Court prompted Congress to act, with explicit goals.
By enacting the RFRA, Congress sought to expand the protection for religious exercise beyond the protections of the First Amendment in the face of Smith's effect on limiting the exercise of religion. As recognized in Holt v. Hobbs, ___ U.S. ___, 135 S.Ct. 853, 859-60, 190 L.Ed.2d 747 (2015), the Court expressed, "Following our decision in Smith, Congress enacted RFRA in order to provide greater protection for religious exercise than is available under the First Amendment." In Hobby Lobby, 134 S.Ct. at 2760, the Court stated, "Congress enacted RFRA in 1993 in order to provide very broad protection for religious liberty." Congress, along with other findings, found that, "laws `neutral' toward religion may burden religious exercise as surely as laws intended to interfere with religious exercise[.]" 42 U.S.C. § 2000bb. Indeed, the RFRA boldly pronounced its purposes, which includes restoring the compelling interest standard used before Smith.
Under the RFRA, the "[g]overnment shall not substantially burden a person's exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability,"
To the Debtors' credit, they acknowledge that In re Young dealt with 11 U.S.C. § 548(a)(2)(A), the statute that defines a trustee's avoidance powers, "but the Court's reasoning is equally applicable to a 727(a)(2)(A) cause of action ...." A brief discussion about In re Young lays a foundation to show why the Debtors' defense is misplaced. In In re Young, the Eighth Circuit held that the RFRA "engrafted" its statutory demands onto 11 U.S.C. § 548(a)(2)(A). In re Young, 141 F.3d at 861. After upholding the RFRA's constitutionality as applied to federal laws, the Eighth Circuit reinstated its previous decision. Id. at 863. Its previous decision reasoned that the "RFRA provides a defense against the order of the district court permitting the trustee to avoid the debtors' contributions to the church under 11 U.S.C. § 548(a)(2)(A)." In re Young, 82 F.3d 1407, 1420 (8th Cir.1998). At issue there, though, was an avoidance action under the constructive fraud portion of 11 U.S.C. § 548(a)(2)(A) at the time, that, rather than requiring actual fraud, requires that the debtor received less than reasonable equivalent value, along with other requisites. Id. at 1421. These foundational pieces help explain why the reasoning of In re Young does not apply in equal force to § 727(a)(2)(A).
Section 727(a)(2)(A) differs from § 548 both in function, and in consequence. In consequence, § 727(a)(2)(A) bars a debtor the privilege of a discharge, while § 548 provides a trustee the power to avoid a qualifying transfer. In function, § 727(a)(2)(A), "reinforces an affirmative prohibition against fraudulent transactions and other activities designed to injure creditors by denying access to potentially valuable assets." W. Norton & W. Norton, BANKRUPTCY LAW AND PRACTICE § 86:4 (3d ed.2016). As for § 548, its function "is to prevent depletion of the estate and to achieve fairness to all creditors by recovering for creditors property which was improperly conveyed." Joan N. Feeney, Michael G. Williamson, Michael J. Stepan, BANKRUPTCY LAW MANUAL § 9A:29 (5th ed.2016). These differences in consequence and function highlight whatever force of In re Young has on § 548 is not entirely, if at all, felt by § 727(a)(2)(A).
More particularly, the circumstances that ultimately culminated into In re Young did not deal with the actual fraud portion of § 548, which bears resemblance to § 727(a)(2)(A), but dealt with the constructive fraud portion of § 548. The constructive fraud portion addresses certain transfers made for less than reasonably equivalent value, rather than transfers made with the actual intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors. 11 U.S.C. § 548(a). Strikingly, the charitable contribution safe harbor — which was enacted after In re Young — expressly only applies to the constructive fraud portion of § 548(a). § 548(a)(2) ("a transfer of a charitable contribution
The Crabtrees contend that, under the RFRA, "the transfer of $16,750
For these reasons, the Debtors' arguments with respect to the RFRA's interaction with § 727(a)(2)(A) is simply an exaggeration that lacks sufficient merit. Therefore, the transfer of the 500 silver coins to Firstarters, in September 2013, was done with the intent to hinder, delay, or defraud the Crabtrees' creditors.
The Debtors disclosed on their statement of financial affairs that they transferred 250 silver coins to Mike Harris on August 31, 2013, and that the transfer was made "to pay construction bills related to debtors' home." Todd testified that he gave Mike Harris the coins as compensation for work he had done on the house, yet, Mike Harris testified that he didn't expect to get paid for his work. The record shows that Mike Harris cashed in the coins at a Fargo coin dealer for $6,375.00, of which $2,353.47 was used to pay outstanding invoices related to the construction of the Debtors' house. The rest went into the joint personal account of Mike and Bethany. Further suspicion is cast upon this transfer given Todd's testimony that he had also marked a box of coins, like he did for Bror and Gunnar, as a gift to "Breezy." "So, like I said, I was reconfiguring the priority of the creditors that we had. And so we had the silver. My daughter, Breezy's name was on the box. It was one that I was planning on giving to her but never delivered to her. So it was like, okay, it was meant for her anyway. And we have all of these bills. It just made sense to me that we could give those coins to her and Mike to use to pay for the outstanding bills." (6/23/15 transcript, p. 19, lines 1-8).
The transfer of the silver coins was done within one year of the Debtor's filing; it was done without any consideration to the Debtors, and it was done with the intent to hinder, delay, or defraud.
The Debtors did not disclose on their statement of financial affairs, the transfer, on November 4, 2013, of Terryl's interest in this vehicle to her son, Bror. At the February 3, 2014 meeting of creditors, neither Todd nor Terryl mentioned this transfer of title to Bror. Todd testified that the 2003 Ford F-150 had been "totaled," and that the proceeds from that vehicle were used to purchase a different vehicle — a 2007 Ford F-150; however, that was not true. It wasn't until the next continued meeting of creditors, March 3,
The "shifting landscape" of the Debtors' explanation of the circumstances surrounding the ownership of the 2003 Ford F-150 pickup, coupled with their failure to disclose the transfer of title to Bror — in their bankruptcy filing — is indicative of fraudulent intent. The burden having shifted to them to establish a lack of such intent, and their explanation(s) having fallen short of that burden, it appears that such transfer was done with the intent to hinder, delay, or defraud their creditors.
Nowhere on their bankruptcy schedules or statement of financial affairs did the Crabtrees disclose the transfer of the RAV4 to Gunnar. The first mention of the transfer was at the meeting of creditors on February 3, 2014 where they indicated that the vehicle was "sold" to Gunnar. They also admitted that they received nothing from either Gunnar or Lindsay in return for the transfer of title. This, despite the listing of the sale price as $5,000.00 on the title transfer document. Ex. 73. They also testified that the RAV4 was transferred to Gunnar as compensation to Lindsay for her full-time work at Clinic Doctor. Ex. 60 at 35, lines 4-7.
However, at the continued meeting of creditors on May 22, 2014, the story changed. They testified that Lindsay worked for Crabtree Law Firm, and insinuated that the vehicle was given to Gunnar for Lindsay's work for the law firm; however, there were never any records produced that showed that Lindsay worked for Crabtree Law Firm (let alone that she was owed $5,000.00), and that she never received an IRS Form W-2 from the law firm. In fact, Lindsay herself testified that she worked "99%" of her time working on Clinic Doctor matters. It is simply not plausible that she was owed money by Crabtree Law Firm at the time of the transfer.
The fact that the transfer of the RAV4 was made to any insider, within one year of the filing of the Debtors' petition, and that no records were ever produced to support the Crabtrees' story regarding the circumstances of the transfer, it was very likely done with the intent to hinder, delay or defraud the Debtors' creditors. Simply stated, the Crabtrees were unable to satisfactorily explain the failure to list this transfer in their bankruptcy filings.
As discussed previously, the Crabtrees purchased vehicles for the use of themselves as well as their family members. Title to these vehicles was listed in the names of Crabtree Law Firm, Clinic Doctor, themselves, or some combination thereof. The corporate entities made loan payments on the vehicles. Todd and Terryl used them almost interchangeably — for their business as well as for their personal needs. Their children did, too.
The Toyota RAV4 was owned by Crabtree Law Firm and Todd. It was driven by Terryl, and later by Gunnar and Lindsay. All three used the vehicle for both personal and business purposes. Crabtree Law
The 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser was driven first by Terryl, and later by Mike and Bethany. It was jointly owned by Clinic Doctor and Terryl. All of these individuals used the Toyota for personal and business reasons. The company paid for routine maintenance as well as the loan payments.
The 2007 GMC Yukon was owned by Crabtree Law Firm. Again, it was driven at first by Terryl, and then later by Mike and Bethany. In point of fact, during this time frame, the Harrises did not own any vehicles in their own right; they used only the Toyota FJ Cruiser and the GMC Yukon. And, like the other vehicles, the law firm paid for routine maintenance and the monthly loan payments. The GMC Yukon was transferred, in August 2013, without consideration, to Mike Harris. According to the Crabtrees, the transfer was made as and for work Mike Harris had performed on behalf of Crabtree Law Firm, yet no records were produced to support this assertion. Mike Harris testified that he never received an IRS Form 1099 from the law firm, nor did he expect any payment from it.
Crabtree Law Firm, less than a month prior to the petition date, paid Schmit Moving $10,000.00 to assist in the cost of moving the "St. Paul Building" onto land owned by the church. This transfer was a personal contribution of the Crabtrees to their church. There was no evidence at trial that any space in the building was being used as an office for Crabtree Health Law, as intimated in particular by Todd's testimony that such would be the case. The law firm also paid Studio Consultants, on October 22, 2013, the sum of $3,649.00, purportedly to improve the sound system in the church. Neither the law firm, nor the Crabtrees received any consideration for either of these transfers.
The circumstances surrounding the termination of Crabtree Law Firm, and the almost contemporaneous formation of Crabtree Health Law, is suspect. The Crabtree Law Firm's accounts were being levied upon by CAG, hence the creation of Crabtree Health Law. Yet, post-petition, the accounts receivable from the law firm Crabtree Law Firm were deposited into the account of Crabtree Health Law. Further, those funds were used to pay Terryl, and to pay ongoing expenses of Crabtree Health Law — not for paying the creditors of Crabtree Law Firm. Once again, a common theme was playing itself out here — there were no corporate formalities being followed.
Based on the above analysis, the Court finds that Crabtree Law Firm was merely a "facade," and that it served as the alter ego of Todd and Terryl. Based on the factors set forth in Burwell, the Court finds a sufficient basis to pierce the corporate veil; the assets transferred by Crabtree Law Firm were property of the estate. The transfers were designed to benefit the Crabtrees — at the expense of their and the law firm's creditors.
Section 727(a)(3) states:
11 U.S.C. § 727(a)(3).
A debtor may be denied a discharge pursuant to § 727(a)(3) for failure to keep or preserve records from which his financial situation may be ascertained unless the failure is justified under all the circumstances of the case. Riley v. Riley (In re Riley), 305 B.R. 873, 882 (Bankr.W.D.Mo. 2004). Debtors are required to keep adequate financial records to enable parties and the court to trace the debtor's financial history, to reconstruct financial transactions, and to test the completeness of the disclosure requirements. Fokkena v. Huynh (In re Huynh), 379 B.R. 865 (Bankr.D.Minn.2008).
Intent is not an element of a § 727(a)(3) claim. In re Sendecky, 283 B.R. 760, 764 (8th Cir. BAP 2002). Instead, § 727(a)(3) "imposes a standard of reasonableness." Davis v. Wolfe (In re Wolfe), 232 B.R. 741, 745 (8th Cir. BAP 1999). A debtor's discharge should not be denied if the debtor's records, though poorly organized, are reasonably sufficient to ascertain the debtor's financial condition. In re Riley, 305 B.R. at 882. "The debtor is `required to take such steps as ordinary fair dealing and common caution dictate to enable the creditors to learn what he did with his estate.'" In re Wolfe, 232 B.R. 741, 745 (8th Cir. BAP 1999) (quoting First State Bank of Newport v. Beshears (In re Beshears), 196 B.R. 468, 474 (Bankr.E.D.Ark.1996) (quoting Koufman v. Sheinwald, 83 F.2d 977 (1st Cir.1936)).
Although the Bankruptcy Code does not require an impeccable system of bookkeeping, the records must sufficiently identify the transactions so that intelligent inquiry can be made of them. Grisham Farm Products, Inc. v. Keller (In re Keller), 322 B.R. 127, 132 (Bankr.E.D.Ark. 2005). In order to determine whether a failure to keep adequate records is justified, the Court must determine "what records someone in like circumstances" would keep. In re Sendecky, 283 B.R. at 764. Typical factors for consideration include the debtor's educational level, sophistication, and level of business experience. Id. In general, the more complex a debtor's financial affairs, the more records must be kept. See, e.g., In re Martin, 124 B.R. 542, 543 (Bankr.N.D.Ind.1991). For example, where a debtor maintains financial records that allows for the reconstruction of an individual's or company's financial history, denial of a discharge under § 727(a)(3) would be improper. See, e.g., Fokkena v. Huynh (In re Huynh), 379 B.R. 865 (Bankr.D.Minn.2008) (holding that lack of documentation of gambling losses and transfers was insufficient to deny debtor a general discharge under § 727(a)(3) where debtor maintained substantial documentation of her financial transactions to allow for their reconstruction).
Once the party seeking denial of the discharge has shown that the debtor's records are inadequate, the burden of production shifts to the debtor to offer a justification for his record keeping (or lack thereof); however, the objecting party bears the ultimate burden of proof with respect to all elements of this claim. Wilson v. Walker (In re Walker), 528 B.R. 418, 434-35 (8th Cir. BAP 2015) (failure on part of chapter 7 debtor's wife to maintain detailed financial records when, following dispute between debtor and former manager who induced him to enter into unconscionable management services agreements, she agreed to manage debtor's singing career and to receive proceeds of
In summary, once the plaintiff shows that the debtor's records are inadequate, the debtor needs to show that the record keeping (or lack thereof) was justified under the circumstances. Wilson v. Walker (In re Walker), 528 B.R. 418, 435 (8th Cir. BAP 2015) (once the party seeking denial of the discharge has shown that the debtor's records are inadequate, the burden of production shifts to the debtor to offer a justification for his record keeping (or lack thereof); however, the objecting party bears the ultimate burden of proof with respect to all elements of this claim); In re Sendecky, 283 B.R. at 764 ("Once the plaintiff proves the records are inadequate, the burden of production `shifts to the debtor to prove that failure to keep adequate records was justified under the circumstances'" (citing In re Pulos, 168 B.R. 682, 690 (Bankr.D.Minn.1994))). In the end, the plaintiff bears the ultimate burden of proof with respect to all elements of the claim. McDermott v. Swanson (In re Swanson), 476 B.R. 236, 240 (8th Cir. BAP 2012).
On Schedule B of his bankruptcy schedules, Todd claimed he owned 50% of Crabtree Brothers, an entity that Todd owns with his brother, Paul Crabtree. The Crabtree Brothers owns four parcels of land in Colorado. Yet, according to Todd's personal federal tax return, he owned 75% of Crabtree Brothers. In his deposition testimonies, and then again at trial, Todd changed his story, claiming that he no longer owned any interest in the entity. He said that his accountant, Dudley Ryan, had prepared an amended return for tax year 2013; yet this amended return had not been filed as of April 28, 2015.
Despite all the testimony, the evidence suggests that Todd owned either a 50% interest in Crabtree Brothers, or that he owned a 75% interest. The only record, or documentary evidence, if you will, that suggests anything to the contrary is a short email exchange between the Crabtree Brothers that occurred in April 2009, See Ex. P.
Dudley Ryan, Todd's accountant of some twenty years, testified at his deposition that Paul Crabtree, in November 2014, contacted him and requested that the 2013 tax return of Crabtree Brothers be amended to reflect that Todd had no interest in that entity. The amended return reflected that. Ex. 44.
In Todd's deposition, taken in January 2015, he testified that the amended return for Crabtree Brothers had been filed prior to his personal income tax return for 2013; however, that was not true. At the trial, when asked whether the amended return had been filed with the IRS, Todd had the
As has previously been noted, Todd is an attorney, a chiropractor, holds an MBA degree, owns (or has owned) several businesses, and is a very sophisticated businessman. His post-petition attempt at covering up his ownership interest in Crabtree Brothers is disingenuous. Thus, his failure to explain the lack of records of this purported transfer of his interest in Crabtree Brothers is clearly inadequate.
The UST seeks to deny Mr. Crabtree a discharge because he has been "[un]able to produce a complete accounting that can be independently verified by reference to bank statements and check images." UST's Post-Trial Br. at 37. Specifically, the UST points to Ex. 26, Woodland National Bank statements from January 2013 to January 2014. However, Todd produced several exhibits pertaining to the Blohm estate, to wit: DD — Ralph Blohm's Financials; EE — Draft Inventory in Ralph Blohm Estate; FF — 2-20-15 E-Mails in Ralph Blohm Estate; HH — Spread Sheet for Blohm Probate Assets; II — Draft Final Account of Mr. Blohm Est.; JJ — St. Emp. ID in Ralph Blohm Estate, and KK — Accounting for Blohm House.
While many of these exhibits are "drafts," or may not be subject to "verification," as the UST suggests, they did not materially affect the UST's ability to glean such information as necessary for a determination of the financial impact on Todd's financial situation. Indeed, as has already been established, Todd received an inheritance from the Blohm estate, which he used to enhance the equity position in his homestead. Accordingly, the UST's request for denial of discharge on this basis is denied.
The UST urges denial of a discharge to the Debtors because of a failure to maintain adequate records to show the reasons for the transfer of the RAV4 to Gunnar. The Court agrees. Although both Terryl and Todd testified that the vehicle was transferred to their son for compensation earned by Gunnar's wife, Lindsay, they were unable to produce records from Crabtree Law Firm to justify this explanation. Todd is not only an attorney, but holds other advanced degrees, and by his own testimony, is a long-time businessman. The record is devoid of any time period for which the wages were earned, or any specifics as to the exact amount owed her at the time of the transfer to Gunnar. The "bottom line" here is that as a well-educated and sophisticated businessman, Todd did not maintain adequate records to support his and Terryl's explanation about the circumstances surrounding the transfer of the RAV4. The UST has satisfied his burden
Here again, the Crabtrees explanation as to why the GMC Yukon was transferred, when placed under closer scrutiny, just doesn't hold up. Mike Harris testified that prior to the transfer he and his wife, Bethany, used the vehicle for both business and personal reasons. He also testified that he never received an IRS Form 1099 or IRS Form W-2 from Crabtree Law Firm, nor did he expect any payment from the law firm. The Debtors were unable to document any of their assertions that would substantiate their claim that the transfer was done for adequate consideration. For the same reasons that have been recited herein for the RAV4, the Debtors will be denied a discharge for failure to produce adequate records regarding the transfer of the GMC Yukon.
The UST also asks that the Debtors' discharge be denied for the failure to keep or preserve documents regarding the liquidation of various retirement accounts. The disposition of the accounts in question range from April 2009 (Templeton Stock) to September 2011 (North American Bank stock). These transactions go back over two years prior to the date of the petition, and are just too attenuated when compared to the more recent financial circumstances of the Debtors. Accordingly, the UST has failed to meet his burden on this cause of action.
The record is clear that the Debtors acquired 2,500 silver coins in that period of time from November 2009 through January 2010. According to them, 250 coins, worth $6,375.00, were given to Mike and Bethany in September 2013. The coins were given purportedly to them because Mike was owed money from Crabtree Law Firm, yet the Crabtrees were unable to produce any documentation to support that assertion. The Crabtrees also testified that they gave to their sons, Gunnar and Bror, each a box of 500 coins. There was no consideration given by either of them. Again, there was no documentation to reflect these gifts. Finally, the Debtors testified that a box of 500 silver coins was given to their church, Firestarters. Putting aside the issue of whether the Debtors have met their burden to produce sufficient documentation to accurately reflect the transfers to Mike Harris, Bror, and Gunnar, there remains the question of what happened to the other 750 silver coins. In early 2010, Todd and Terryl had 2,500 silver coins in their possession; 250 coins were given to Mike and Bethany; 500 coins were given to Bror; 500 coins were given to Gunnar; and 500 coins were given to Firestarters. That leaves 750 coins that are unaccounted for. The UST has established all the requisite elements to deny the Debtors their discharge on this cause of action.
Section § 727(a)(4) provides:
11 U.S.C. § 727(a)(4)(A). To establish a false oath under § 727(a)(4)(A), which provides for denial of a Chapter 7 debtor's discharge for having made a false oath or
Section 727(a)(4)(A) bars the entry of a discharge if a debtor knowingly and fraudulently, in or in connection with a case, made a false oath or account. The Bankruptcy Code, through section 727(a)(4)(A), "requires nothing less than a full and complete disclosure of any and all apparent interests of any kind." Korte v. U.S. Internal Revenue Serv. (In re Korte), 262 B.R. 464, 474 (8th Cir. BAP 2001) (quoting Fokkena v. Tripp (In re Tripp), 224 B.R. 95, 98 (Bankr.N.D.Iowa 1998)). A debtor's signature on the petition, made under penalty of perjury, is a declaration which has the force and effect of an oath of the kind encompassed by section 727(a)(4)(A). Jordan v. Bren (In re Bren), 303 B.R. 610, 613 (8th Cir. BAP 2004) (overruled on other grounds); Cepelak v. Sears (In re Sears), 246 B.R. 341, 347 (8th Cir. BAP 2000). "The debtor's duty of disclosure requires updating schedules as soon as reasonably practical after he or she becomes aware of any inaccuracies or omissions." Bauer v. Iannacone (In re Bauer), 298 B.R. 353, 357 (8th Cir. BAP 2003).
"The effectiveness of the bankruptcy system depends on the Debtor's complete candor, and it is not the job of the trustee or creditor to search for information about the Debtor that should be readily disclosed in his bankruptcy Schedules and Statements." In re Freese, 460 B.R. 733, 739 (8th Cir. BAP 2011); Mertz v. Rott, 955 F.2d 596, 598 (8th Cir.1992) ("The petition, including schedules and statements, must be accurate and reliable, without the necessity of digging out and conducting independent examinations to get the facts.") (interior quotations marks and citations omitted); In re Cecil, 542 B.R. 447 (8th Cir. BAP 2015) (the Bankruptcy Code requires a debtor to provide the court, the trustee, and the creditors with a complete picture of her assets and liabilities).
"[T]o have a cause of action for a false oath under § 727(a)(4), the statement needs to be material and made with intent." Wilson v. Walker (In re Walker), 528 B.R. 418, 435 (8th Cir. BAP 2015) (to the extent chapter 7 debtor's bankruptcy schedules were inaccurate, insufficient evidence was presented that any such inaccuracies were material or made with requisite intent to deceive, such that they did not provide basis for denial of debtor's discharge on "false oath" theory; citing Korte v. Internal Revenue Serv. (In re Korte), 262 B.R. 464, 474 (8th Cir. BAP 2001) (citing Mertz v. Rott, 955 F.2d 596, 597-98 (8th Cir.1992))).
For a plaintiff's § 727(a)(4) cause of action to succeed, the debtor's false oath or omission must be material. "`The subject matter of a false oath is "material" and thus sufficient to bar discharge if it bears a relationship to the bankrupt's business transactions or estate, or concerns the discovery of assets, business dealings, or the existence and disposition of his property.'" In re Freese, 460 B.R. 733, 739 (8th Cir. BAP 2011) (quoting Chalik v. Moorefield (In re Chalik), 748 F.2d 616, 618 (11th Cir.1984) (per curiam) (quoted in Mertz, 955 F.2d at 598 and Palatine Nat'l Bank of Palatine, Ill. v. Olson (In re Olson), 916 F.2d 481, 484 (8th Cir.1990))). "The value of the undisclosed asset does not determine whether the subject
The proper functioning of the entire bankruptcy process is dependent upon debtors providing complete, accurate and reliable information in the petition and other documents submitted with the filing of the case so that parties in interest may evaluate the debtors' assets and liabilities and appropriately administer the case. In re Bren, 303 B.R. at 613-16. Section 727(a)(4)(A) promotes veracity in the statements and schedules to help prevent creditors and the trustee from having to resort to independent fact-finding and investigation. Daniel v. Boyd (In re Boyd), 347 B.R. 349, 354 (Bankr.W.D.Ark.2006). The disclosure requirement has implications beyond the administration of each individual bankruptcy case. "The failure to comply with the requirements of disclosure and veracity necessarily affects the creditors, the application of the Bankruptcy Code, and the public's respect for the bankruptcy system as well as the judicial system as a whole." National Am. Ins. Co. v. Guajardo (In re Guajardo), 215 B.R. 739, 742 (Bankr.W.D.Ark.1997).
The Bankruptcy Appellate Panel for the Eighth Circuit BAP ("Eighth Circuit BAP") fairly recently affirmed a denial of discharge on facts somewhat similar to those in the case at hand, stating:
Kaler v. Charles (In re Charles), 474 B.R. 680, 686-87 (8th Cir. BAP 2012).
The Crabtrees failed to disclose on the statement of financial affairs the transfer of the RAV4 to Gunnar. This omission was then compounded by the testimony of both Todd and Terryl as they "shifted" their story. At the meeting of creditors held on February 3, 2014, they told the Trustee that they had "sold" the vehicle — that was not true. Eventually, they admitted that the RAV4 was given to their son, Gunnar, just a few months before they filed their bankruptcy petition, as compensation for money owed to his wife Lindsay, for work that she had done for Clinic Doctor. However, the story again "morphed." At the continued meeting of creditors, on May 22, 2014, the Crabtrees testified that the transfer was for work that Lindsay had done for Crabtree Law Firm, not Clinic Doctor. This was very telling inasmuch as it was the law firm, and not Clinic Doctor, that had the interest in the vehicle. However, when asked to produce documentation showing that Lindsay had performed work for Crabtree Health Law, the Crabtrees were unable to come up with any. Indeed, Lindsay testified that she had no discussions with Todd regarding any separate compensation for her work for the law firm.
The Crabtrees also tried to "legitimize" the transfer by producing an IRS Form
In sum, none of the various "versions" of the circumstances surrounding the transfer of the Toyota RAV4 to Gunnar does anything to ameliorate the falsity of the failure to disclose the transfer.
Based upon the foregoing facts, the Court finds that the failure to disclose the transfer of this vehicle on the statement of financial affairs was a false oath; that it was made with fraudulent intent; and that it was material. Accordingly, because of this false oath, grounds exist for denial of the Debtors' discharge.
The Debtors did not disclose the transfer of this vehicle on their statement of financial affairs. And, much like the circumstances surrounding the transfer of the RAV4, the Crabtrees tried to "explain why" such failure should be excused. However, such explanations ring hollow with any degree of credibility.
The 2003 Ford F-150 was purchased with the insurance proceeds the Debtors received in May 2007 from the 1999 Ford pickup that was totaled. Title to the 2003 Ford was placed jointly in Terryl's name and in Bror's name. On November 4, 2013, Terryl transferred her interest in the vehicle to Bror. She did not receive any compensation for the transfer.
At the meeting of creditors held on February 3, 2014, Todd testified that the 2003 Ford had been totaled, and that the proceeds from
Like the RAV4, the Court finds that the failure to disclose the transfer of the 2003 Ford F-150 on the statement of financial affairs was a false oath, made with fraudulent intent, and that it was material.
This vehicle was purchased by Crabtree Law Firm; it also paid for regular maintenance and general upkeep of it. Initially, the GMC Yukon was driven by Todd and Terryl, although later it was driven by Mike and Bethany. All of these individuals used it for personal purposes. The law firm transferred title to the vehicle to Mike Harris in 2013. Even though title was listed in the name of Crabtree Law Firm, for the same reasons set forth in Section I, A, 5, supra, the Court views the GMC Yukon as belonging to the Crabtrees. Transfer of title was not disclosed in the Debtors' statement of financial affairs; neither was it disclosed at the meeting of creditors held on February 3, 2014. The transfer was not disclosed until the continued meeting of creditors held on May 22, 2014. See Ex. 62, at 26.
The Crabtrees attempted to justify the transfer to Mr. Harris, claiming that it was given to him in exchange for his work for Crabtree Law Firm, but when asked if the law firm kept track of Mike Harris's time, Todd said that no records were kept. Todd also claimed that an IRS Form 1099 was issued to Mike Harris; yet, at the time of trial, he had not yet received it. Further, Mr. Harris testified that he never expected payment for his work at Crabtree
Again, like the RAV4, and the 2003 Ford F-150, the Court finds that several false oaths were made in connection with the transfer of the 2007 Yukon: all were false when made; they were made with fraudulent intent; and they were material.
Prior to the filing, the Crabtrees transferred 250 silver coins to Mike Harris. In September 2013 he cashed in the coins at a North Dakota coin dealer and realized $6,353.00 for the sale. The Crabtrees testified that the funds went to pay construction bills connected with the building of the homestead; however, only $2,353.47 could be traced directly to invoices related to the home improvements. The balance of the funds, $4,021.53, were deposited directly into Mike and Bethany's joint account, for their personal use.
At the meeting of creditors held on March 3, 2014, the Crabtrees testified that the coins were given to Mike Harris to pay him for work done on the house, even though he was not owed any money. Significantly, Mike and Bethany, together with their three children, also live at the homestead.
In sum, the Crabtrees testified falsely about the entirety of the circumstances surrounding the transfer of the 250 silver coins to Mike Harris. Granted, the actual transfer was disclosed in the statement of financial affairs; however, the underlying purpose of the transfer was never fully and truthfully disclosed. Again, the statements were false, fraudulently made, with the purpose to deceive, and were material.
The Crabtrees failed to disclose the transfer of over $56,000.00 to their daughter, Bethany, from August 4, 2012 through December 16, 2013, the date they filed their bankruptcy petition. Most of these transfers went into the "farm account." Despite several opportunities for Todd and Terryl to disclose and/or explain these transfers, they did not. Further, their explanation as to why they did not disclose them rings hollow. Indeed, they had several chances to disclose the transfers — at three continued meetings of creditors: February 3, 2014; March 3, 2014; and May 22, 2014. Their silence was "deafening."
As the UST points out in his post-trial brief: "Now, the Crabtrees seek to have it both ways: they testified that they had no control over the funds when they were transferred, 4-29-15 transcript, at 9:13-16, but claim that they did not need to disclose the transfer of funds because Bethany was `simply making payments for our home' with the funds." Id. at 105:16-106:10.
In short, the transfers should have been disclosed. They were not. Such failure constitutes a false oath, it was fraudulent when made, and it was material. The Crabtrees' discharge is denied on this false oath.
On Schedule B of the schedules, the Debtors listed Todd's 50% ownership interest in Crabtree Brothers as "0.00 — debts exceed assets." In point of fact, Todd had still claimed at least a 75% ownership interest, as reflected on this tax returns. Todd testified that the entity was defunct as early as 2013, although at the time of the petition, December 16, 2013, the entity still owned four lots, each valued at $30,000.00. At trial, Todd testified that one of the lots was being transferred to a
Because Todd did not list the true value of his interest in Crabtree Brothers, his testimony was false, made with fraudulent intent, and was material. This is also a false oath for which Todd's discharge should be denied.
On their statement of financial affairs, the Crabtrees listed that they held for Gunnar, at their homestead, a John Deere 4400 tractor with attachments. This disclosure markedly deviates from the Debtors' pattern of failing to disclose information. Yet the UST argues that because the Debtors own the John Deere 4400 tractor, they provided false oaths about their ownership interest to an extent worthy of a denial of discharge. The Court disagrees with the UST, because the record lacks enough proof to show that the Debtors' statement was done with a fraudulent intent.
The record was not developed enough to show that the Debtors supplied their statement about the John Deere 4400 tractor with a fraudulent intent. Todd testified that he promised the John Deere 4400 tractor to Gunnar sometime in 2009 or 2010. Even though no documentation showing the transfer of ownership to Gunnar was furnished, Todd testified that he gave the tractor to Gunnar in 2010 to plant a corn field. Gunnar, strikingly though, started farming in either 2013 or 2014, according to his testimony. And the John Deere 4400 tractor was extensively used by the Debtors, and repairs on it were paid by the farm account. These circumstances, however, speak more to the Debtors' relation to the John Deere 4400 tractor than to any fraudulent intent in making a statement. Notably, unlike the other grounds for denial of the Debtors' discharge, the Debtors listed the John Deere 4400 tractor, albeit in their statement of financial affairs. In sum, based on the record, the Court cannot find that the Debtors supplied a fraudulent intent in making this statement.
Therefore, the Court finds that the Debtors' disclosure of the John Deere 4400 tractor on the statement of financial affairs was not a false oath. Accordingly, this is not a ground for a denial of the Debtors' discharge.
The Debtors have claimed their 80-acre homestead located at 28000 415th St., Vergas, MN, exempt under MINN. STAT. § 510.02, with an estimated market value of $200,000.00, and $66,275.00 of equity in it. They also claim $1,500.00 in farm equipment as exempt as "tools of the trade" under MINN. STAT. § 550.37, Subd. 6. The Debtors also claimed an exemption in certain farm animals as "foodstuffs" under MINN. STAT. § 550.37, Subd. 5. The Trustee objected to the foregoing exemptions (ECF Nos. 48 and 60); the evidentiary hearing on the Trustee's objections was held on June 25th and July 29, 2015.
In undertaking an exemption analysis, courts are generally guided by the principle that statutes are to be liberally construed:
In re Wallerstedt, 930 F.2d 630, 631-32 (8th Cir.1991).
An exception to the liberal construction of exemptions is contained in § 522(o) of the Bankruptcy Code, which provides:
11 U.S.C. § 522(o).
In re Enloe, 542 B.R. 414, 422 (Bankr. S.D.Tex.2015) (citing Addison v. Seaver (In re Addison), 540 F.3d 805, 810 (8th Cir.2008)).
Section 522(o) was added by the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 ("BAPCPA"), Pub.L. 109-8, Title III § 308, Apr. 20, 2005, 119 Stat. 23.
In re Smither, 542 B.R. 39, 48 (Bankr. D.Mass.2015) (quoting Soule v. Willcut (In re Willcut), 472 B.R. 88, 94-95 (10th Cir. BAP 2012) (citing H.R.Rep. No. 109-31 pt. 1, at 16 (2005), reprinted in 2005 U.S.C.C.A.N. 88, 102) (footnotes omitted)). "Ultimately, it appears that the purpose of adding § 522(o) and § 522(p) in 2005 was the attempt by Congress to address the pre-BAPCPA `mansion loophole' and to limit the value of homestead exemptions when there is fraud." In re Willcut, 472 B.R. 88, 94 (10th Cir. BAP 2012).
U.S. Trustee v. Keck (In re Keck), 363 B.R. 193, 208 (Bankr.D.Kan.2007) (footnotes omitted). See also Wolters v. Lakey, 456 B.R. 687, 700 (D.Kan.2011) ("To prevail on an objection to the homestead exemption under 11 U.S.C. § 522(o), the moving party must demonstrate: (1) that the debtor disposed of property within the 10 years preceding the filing of the bankruptcy petition, (2) that the proceeds from such disposition were used to increase the value of the debtor's homestead, (3) that the property disposed of was not itself exempt, and (4) that in doing so, the debtor acted with intent to hinder, delay or defraud a creditor.").
In re Enloe, 542 B.R. 414, 428 (Bankr. S.D.Tex.2015) (citing Cipolla v. Roberts (In re Cipolla), 476 Fed.Appx. 301, 306 (5th Cir.2012)).
Because direct evidence of fraudulent intent is generally not available, the court may infer such intent from badges of fraud and the circumstances surrounding the transfer. Id. at 811-12; see also In re Maronde, 332 B.R. 593, 600 (Bankr.D.Minn.2005) (citing Brown v. Third Nat'l Bank (In re Sherman), 67 F.3d 1348, 1353 (8th Cir.1995)). It is appropriate to look to the badges of fraud in determining the debtor's intent to hinder, delay, or defraud a creditor under § 522(o). The presence of several or more badges of fraud establishes a presumption of fraudulent intent. In re Northgate Computer Systems, Inc., 240 B.R. 328, 360-61 (Bankr.D.Minn.1999) (citing Kelly v. Armstrong, 141 F.3d 799, 802 (8th Cir.1998)).
As recently stated by the Eighth Circuit:
Ritchie Capital Mgmt., LLC v. Stoebner, 779 F.3d 857, 861-62 (8th Cir.2015).
MINN. STAT. § 513.44(b) provides:
MINN. STAT. § 513.44(b). The courts have also identified additional badges of fraud, including "further conduct intentionally designed to materially mislead or deceive creditors about the debtor's position[.]" In re Johnson, 880 F.2d 78, 82 (8th Cir. 1989).
No magic number of badges need to be present to show fraudulent intent. Instead, the presence of multiple badges may be indicative of actual intent. See In re Sherman, 67 F.3d 1348, 1354 (8th Cir. 1995) ("The confluence of several [badges of fraud] can constitute conclusive evidence of an actual intent to defraud, absent significantly clear evidence of a legitimate supervening purpose. (Internal citations omitted))." The Court is not limited to these enumerated badges, and, in fact, it should consider any other factors or evidence that may have a bearing on the issue of fraudulent intent. See In re Sholdan, 217 F.3d 1006, 1010 (8th Cir.2000). At the end of the day, the focus of the inquiry "is whether [the debtor] is attempting to thwart his creditors rather than making an honest attempt to repay them." Maronde, 332 B.R. at 600 (citing In re Mattson, 241 B.R. 629, 637 (Bankr. D.Minn.1999)).
As recently summarized by Judge Sanberg:
In re Vu, No. BR 12-46862, 2013 WL 5442275, at *3 (Bankr.D.Minn. Sept. 30, 2013).
Id. at *4.
Id. at *6.
All of the above being well and good, at the close of the Trustee's case-in-chief, an oral motion was made on behalf of the Debtors to "dismiss" the homestead objection on the basis that the Trustee failed to
In In re Keck, the court stated that under § 522(o)(4), the Trustee must show, inter alia, "that the proceeds from such disposition were used to increase the value of the debtor's homestead[.]" U.S. Trustee v. Keck (In re Keck), 363 B.R. 193, 208 (Bankr.D.Kan.2007). The court found that Keck made cash withdrawals to pay for the following improvements: (1) $5,878.61 for the installation of a driveway; (2) $5,680.00 for the installation of a patio; and (3) $4,414.18 to pay down a lien against the property. Id. at 209-10. The court also found that the debtor made a significant number of cash advances from his credit cards along with payments toward the lien on the homestead, but the court was unable to trace the payments to the cash advances. Id. at 210. As such, the court reduced the debtor's homestead exemption by $15,972.79, representing the cost of the improvements and the lien pay-down that was traceable to the non-exempt transfers:
Id. at 211. And see Vu, 2013 WL 5442275 (no discussion of issue raised by the Debtors in the case at bar, but nonetheless sustained the trustee's objection under § 522(o) to the debtor's homestead exemption).
A similar analysis was employed by the court in In re Roberts, where the court held that the debtors acted with intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors, within the meaning of § 522(o), thereby warranting a reduction of the homestead exemption claimed by the debtors. In re Roberts, 527 B.R. 461 (Bankr.N.D.Fla.2015) (Chapter 7 debtors acted with intent to hinder, delay or defraud creditors, warranting reduction of homestead exemption claimed by debtors, when debtors liquidated substantial non-exempt assets to fund the construction of new home, they did not disclose those transfers or value of and equity in new home to mortgagee of former home when they continued with short sale of former home and received forgiveness of about $250,000.00 in debt, debtors misled mortgagee by failing to disclose that their inability to pay mortgage for former home was caused entirely by liquidation of their assets for construction of new home and that they defaulted on mortgage for former home while in the process of transferring assets and building new home, and as a result of debtors transfers, their balance sheet went from several hundred thousand dollars' worth of non-exempt assets to $0.00).
The debtors in Roberts purchased a lot sometime in 2004 or 2005. Id. at 464. The lot was purchased for $240,000.00. Id. The debtors claimed that they purchased the lot with the intention of building their dream house on the property. Id. Shortly thereafter, the debtors changed their mind and decided not to build a new house. Id. at 464-65.
By 2009, the debtors were in severe financial trouble due to a downturn in the housing market. Beginning in February, the debtors either took out or renewed large loans while liquidating assets. The
The court in Roberts found that the debtors acted with intent to hinder delay or defraud creditors under § 522(o). The court looked to the value of the debtors' liquidated assets, and noted that they totaled $394,875.28. The court allowed the trustee to reduce the debtors' homestead exemption for the entire $394,875.28. This was in excess of the $385,595.24 that the court found the debtors had spent in building the property and was far in excess of the $328,588.50 in equity that the debtors were claiming as their homestead exemption.
The court in In re Presto, however, wrote: "Improvements, unlike payments of principal, do not result in a dollar-for-dollar increase in the value of property." In re Presto, 376 B.R. 554, 572 n. 19 (Bankr.S.D.Tex.2007). The Crabtrees argue that the Trustee should be required to show how much of their homestead equity is directly attributable to the transfer of non-exempt assets, like the Court in Presto required:
Id. at 572. And in a footnote to the above-quoted text, the court in Presto went on to note:
Id. at 572 n. 19. See also In re Smith, No. 4:13-CV-1313, 2016 WL 1266522, at *4, *6 (S.D.Tex. Mar. 31, 2016) (citing Presto, but ultimately concluding that there was insufficient direct and indirect evidence of fraud, and that § 522(o) did not apply); In re Smither, 542 B.R. 39, 48-49 (Bankr. D.Mass.2015) ("In In re Corbett, 478 B.R. 62, 69 (Bankr.D.Mass.2012), Judge Joan N. Feeney of this court articulated a four-part test for determining whether § 522(o) should be applied to reduce a debtor's claimed homestead exemption. The party seeking to invoke § 522(o) must establish that: `(1) the debtor disposed of property within the 10 years preceding the bankruptcy filing; (2) the property that the debtor disposed of was nonexempt; (3) some of the proceeds from the sale of the nonexempt property were used to buy a new homestead, improve an existing homestead, or reduce the debt associated with an existing homestead; and (4) the debtor disposed of the nonexempt property with the intent to hinder, delay or defraud a creditor.' Id. (quoting In re Presto, 376 B.R. 554, 568 (Bankr.S.D.Tex.2007)).").
The Court agrees with the analyses employed by the Roberts and Keck courts, and concludes that the Presto court unnecessarily complicates the § 522(o) inquiry. For the reasons set forth below, the Crabtrees' homestead exemption will be reduced by the sum of $74,294.68.
As mentioned above, § 522(o) contemplates a "look-back" period of 10 years from the date of filing. The Debtors filed their voluntary petition on December 16, 2013; thus, one can "look back" to December 16, 2003. Going back that far is unnecessary in this case, since most of the suspect transfers were made in the time period going back to 2012.
Exhibit EEEEE clearly sets forth the disposition of transfers made into the farm account:
There were other transfers made directly to the contractors/suppliers on the homestead made by or on behalf of the Crabtrees, to wit: $19,990.00 wire transfer from Dianne Merrifield to Pierce Log Homes; $6,000.00 from Todd to Ugstad Plumbing; and $2,353.47 left over from the silver coins given to Mike Harris that were used to pay three outstanding bills.
In addition, there were transfers from the farm account to contractors/supplies totaling $45,951.21, made between August 21, 2012 to December 3, 2012. Notably, the transfers made by the Debtors
The Trustee must also prove that none of the assets disposed of were or could be claimed as exempt. Each of the specific transfers from the farm account was either cash, cash equivalent, or silver coins. None of this personal property could be claimed as exempt under MINN. STAT. § 550.37. Also, the majority of the transfers constituted Todd's inheritance from the Ralph Blohm estate, or by the gift from his sister, Dianne Merrifield. None of these transfers could be claimed as exempt. In short, the Trustee has satisfied
That leaves the final element: that the Debtors acted with the intent to hinder, delay, or defraud a creditor. The Trustee also has proven this element.
The badges of fraud in this case:
In summary, the Trustee has met his burden of proof in establishing all the requisite elements of § 522(o); the Debtors' homestead exemption is hereby reduced by $74,294.68.
The Debtors filed an Amended Schedule C wherein they claimed as exempt a one-third interest in rabbits, goats and chickens "being used to produce or be food" as "foodstuffs of the debtor and the debtor's family" under MINN. STAT. § 550.37, Subd. 4(a). They also withdrew their claimed exemption in jewelry valued at $815.00 and farm supplies valued at $250.00. The Debtors amended the basis for claiming various items of farm equipment
Although the Trustee objected to the Debtors' claim of exemption to the rabbits, goats and chickens, he did not pursue his objection at the trial of the matter, nor did he address the issue in his post-trial brief. Accordingly, he has abandoned the objection, and the exemption to the animals as "foodstuffs" will be upheld. In re Gurvich, 132 B.R. 976, 978 (Bankr. S.D.Fla.1990) ("[T]he objecting parties did not argue or present evidence on [their objection to the claimed objection] and, therefore, are deemed to have abandoned that argument."). The Trustee's objection to the Debtors' "foodstuffs objection" is
The Crabtrees attempt to claim the various items of equipment as "tools of the trade" is a stretch. Even though both Debtors testified to their desire to start a "self-sustaining farm community," neither Todd nor Terryl could even remotely be considered a "farmer." Todd was educated as an attorney and chiropractor. He is still actively engaged as an attorney in his business, Crabtree Health Law, and as an entrepreneur in Clinic Doctor. Terryl describes her occupation as "being in marketing," as an employee of Clinic Doctor. The testimony was undisputed that ever since moving out to the homestead near Vergas, Minnesota, that they had never made any money from their "farm."
A corollary analysis with respect to MINN. STAT. § 550.37, Subd. 5, which provides an exemption for farm machines, is instructive:
In re Miller, 370 B.R. 914, 917-18 (Bankr. D.Minn.2007) (debtor-wife was farmer engaged principally in farming for purposes of Minnesota exemption for farm machines). But see In re Hintzman, No. 05-61378, 2007 WL 80964 (Bankr.D.Minn. 2007) (the debtors "owned no real estate, rented no crop or pasture land, had no livestock, no crops, and no farming inventory;" the debtors had "not been able to take any significant steps to become `engaged principally in farming' since the filing of the case;" they were "unable to even predict when, if ever, they might be in a position to become `engaged principally in farming.'").
To be able to legitimately claim the exemption to their equipment, as "tools of the trade," "the debtor[s] must be engaged in farming at the time the exemption is claimed or have a present interest to continue farming at some point in the future." In re Fossum, 59 B.R. 820, 823 (Bankr.D.Minn.1986) (citing In re Middleton, 45 B.R. 744 (Bankr.D.Minn.1985)). Trying to "scratch the existence out of the woods," or raising a few rabbits, goats, chickens, and pigs simply does not equate to being a "farmer."
Indeed, the Bankruptcy Code defines a "farmer" as being a "person that received more than 80 percent of such person's gross income during the taxable year of such person immediately preceding the taxable year of such person during which the case under this title concerning such person was commenced from a farming operation owned or operated by such person." 11 U.S.C. § 101(20). A review of the Crabtrees' federal tax return for 2012 shows no Schedule F
Neither do the Crabtrees fit the description of a "family farmer" under § 101(18)(A). The income derived from their "farming operation" did not exceed 50 percent of their gross income for either 2012 (the tax year preceding the year their case was filed) or 2011 and 2010 (the 2d and 3d taxable years, respectively, preceding the year their case was filed). See Ex. 37 and Ex. 36, respectively.
The Court recognizes that a rigid reliance upon the Code's definition of a "farmer"
One point with respect to the bench trial in these matters warrants emphasis: Especially in the context of a bench trial, the trial judge is charged with judging the credibility of the witnesses. As the Eighth Circuit BAP has stated:
In re Fors, 259 B.R. 131, 140 (8th Cir. BAP 2001).
Indeed, the Eighth Circuit BAP "give[s] due regard to the bankruptcy court's opportunity to judge the credibility of witnesses." In re Charles, 474 B.R. 680, 683 (8th Cir. BAP 2012). See also In re Cecil, 542 B.R. 447, 451 (8th Cir. BAP 2015) (affirming bankruptcy court's finding that debtors' omissions were made with reckless indifference to the truth, and were therefore intentionally false and fraudulent, for discharge denial purposes; "`Findings of fact, whether based on oral or documentary evidence, shall not be set aside unless clearly erroneous, and due regard shall be given to the opportunity of the bankruptcy court to judge the credibility of the witnesses.'" (quoting In re Bauder, 333 B.R. 828 (8th Cir. BAP 2005); Parts & Elec. Motors, Inc. v. Sterling Elec., Inc., 866 F.2d 228, 233 (7th Cir.1988) ("To be clearly erroneous, a decision must strike us as more than just maybe or probably wrong; it must ... strike us as wrong with the force of a five-week-old, unrefrigerated dead fish.")); and see In re Hernandez, No. CV 15-3844, 552 B.R. 750, 772, 2016 WL 3248228, at *16 (D.Minn. June 13, 2016) (noting, inter alia, that the bankruptcy court properly "examined the credibility of the witnesses, describing certain witnesses as relatively disinterested individuals, ... and others as persons with vested interests.... Judge Ridgway observed that `a couple of things about [the debtor's] testimony ... didn't quite ring true.'... In this context, Judge Ridgway noted that [the debtor] derived much of the benefit of the Loan at issue.... The Court construes this observation, in this context, to bear on [the debtor's] credibility, as it concerns his self interest and motivation as a witness.") (internal citations omitted); In re Freese, 460 B.R. 733, 738-39 (8th Cir. BAP 2011) (affirming bankruptcy court's finding that debtor
In this case, the Court was in the best position to assess the credibility of the witnesses, and in particular, the credibility of both Debtors. During the course of trial, Todd's credibility was called into question, leaving his words largely open to doubt. Moreover, his and Terryl's attempts at explaining inconsistencies produced a greater rift between their words and the words of their children, the other witnesses, and other admitted evidence. In light of the record as a whole, including the Debtors' testimony — especially Todd's — the Court finds the Debtors' credibility lacking.
LEE JUDGMENT BE ENTERED ACCORDINGLY.
42 U.S.C. § 2000bb(b).
