- $2.2 million(fraudulently diverted profits)
- $1 million(punitive damages)
- $1.5 million(attorneys’ fees and costs)
- $1.428 million(interest and penalties)
Once the arbitration award became final, Sire Spirits recorded a judgment in Connecticut Superior Court, which allowed it to place a lien on any real property owned by Green.
Bankruptcy Filings and Court Rulings
In an effort to halt enforcement actions, Green filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the District of Connecticut in March 2024. Under 11 U.S.C. § 362, an automatic stay prevented all collection attempts—including foreclosure—while Green’s bankruptcy case was pending. However, because the arbitration judgment stemmed from Green’s admitted fraud, Sire Spirits filed an adversary proceeding to declare the debt non-dischargeable.
On May 15, 2024, the bankruptcy court ruled Green’s debt to Sire Spirits was non-dischargeable under § 523(a)(2)(A), which excepts from discharge any debt “obtained by false pretenses, a false representation, or actual fraud.” Judge Joan A. Azrack found that Green’s “willful, intentional misrepresentations” to both Sire Spirits and French distillers met the statutory standard. As a result, Green could not shed the $6.9 million obligation through bankruptcy.
Once the adversary proceeding concluded, Sire Spirits petitioned the bankruptcy court to lift the automatic stay with respect to its Connecticut home. In its motion, Sire Spirits argued:
