FOLLOW US

  • facebook
  • twitter
Sun

March 15, 2026

Investigates January 18, 2025

The legal nightmare known as River City continues

Investigates ı By Jane Kaiser

3,578 0 Comments

There’s a whole lot of finger pointing going on in River City.

The defunct Philadelphia development once known as River City, that is.

The former proposed mixed-use, 12 million-square-foot development in Philadelphia lured prospective investors with promises of several 600-foot skyscrapers, even though at the time, city ordinances prohibited skyscrapers taller than 125 feet and the advertised square footage greatly exceeded zoning regulations. Ultimately, the project collapsed and investors lost millions of dollars.

According to documents filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, investors were told that changes to height and square footage restrictions were pending before the city common council at the time financing for the project was underway, and existing zoning regulations would not negatively impact the development.

When the project was exposed as a Ponzi scheme, British real estate investor Berish Berger sued developer Eli Weinstein, and business partners Ravinder Chawla and Richard Zeghibe, for fraud.  Unfortunately, this was not the first time Berger had been swindled by Weinstein. In the past, he had been induced to participate in several other fraudulent real estate schemes spearheaded by the man.  Weinstein was ultimately convicted of fraud and sentenced to 22 years in prison for using phony Philadelphia real estate projects to swindle members of the Orthodox Jewish community.

Eventually, Berger was awarded $33 million in compensatory damages, but was unable to collect the judgment.

In 2012, Berger and other investors sued the Philadelphia office of the Chicago-based  commercial real estate broker Cushman & Wakefield, and the Philadelphia law firms of Cozen O’Connor and Bank Rome LLP in a New York federal court, alleging that they conned foreign investors into financing the project with inflated appraisals and false marketing.  In 2013, the district court ruled that the action should be tried in Philadelphia, not New York, and the case was transferred there.

The defendants were brought into the suit by virtue of their connection to Charles M. Naselsky, a former real estate lawyer at Cozen O’Connor and Blank Rome who marketed the River City Project, utilizing a $77 million appraisal offered by Cushman & Wakefield. In 2012, Naselsky was convicted of wire fraud and tax evasion, and sentenced to 70 months (five years and eight months) in prison.

Both law firms have filed motions for summary judgement, seeking to have the suit tossed out of court.

12

Previous Article

“Made In America” Week Begins!!!

Read More
Jane Kaiser
2 Posts

Jane Kaiser

A former attorney and trained journalist with more than 30 years of experience, Jane E. Kaiser is an accomplished writer, editor, and author. She regularly ghostwrites nonfiction books and blogs for professionals, including lawyers and law firms, accounting firms, healthcare and insurance organizations, Fortune 500 corporations and small businesses, public relations and marketing agencies, nonprofits, and civic/trade organizations.  Jane has also written speeches for a U.S. president, presidents of the American Bar Association, and an attorney in South Korea; edited publications and reports for major corporations and small service firms; executed communications plans for non-profits and new organizations; and ghost written articles for attorneys, CEOs, and small business owners. The author of "Wisdom, Tips and Musings on Marketing and Public Relations (2002)," Jane has also written for such publications as the Minneapolis Star, Kenosha News, Twin Cities Magazine, Virginia Lawyers Weekly, Illinois Legal Times, Wisconsin Opinions and the Wisconsin Law Journal. In addition, she writes romantic fiction under a nom de plume, and will publish five books about lawyers in love this year. Jane completed undergraduate and graduate degrees in journalism and education from the University of Minnesota, and a law degree from St. Louis University. She also attended Northwestern University.

Don’t Miss It
Arizona January 11, 2025
Kelly Warner Law Firm Blames USA Herald for Arizona Bar Investigation

In what appears as a desperate attempt to defend multiple allegations of fraud on the courts, the Kelly Warner Law…

By – USA Herald
Arizona January 4, 2025
Aaron Kelly Law Firm Resorts To Attacking Former Client Again On KellyWarnerLaw.com – Pattern Recognized

Attorney Aaron Kelly and his law partner Daniel Warner are currently under investigation by the Arizona Bar for legal misconduct.…

By – Jeff Watterson
Arizona December 12, 2024
Arizona Bar Opens Investigation on Attorney Aaron Kelly

USA Herald recently reported on a developing story involving Attorneys Daniel Warner and Aaron Kelly. Both Warner and Kelly have…

By – Paul O'Neal
America March 12, 2026
Old Dominion University Shooting Investigated as Terrorism After Gunman Identified

Authorities have identified the suspect in the Old Dominion University Shooting, a violent campus attack that left one person dead…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 12, 2026
Gulf Travelers’ Jet Prices Soar as War Disrupts Middle East Air Travel

As conflict intensifies across the Middle East, a sudden and dramatic shift in air travel has unfolded. The escalating war…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 12, 2026
Shooting at Michigan Synagogue Leaves Suspect Dead After Security Confrontation

A violent incident unfolded Thursday afternoon at Temple Israel, where authorities say a suspect rammed a truck into the synagogue…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 12, 2026
Stolen Military Drones And The Emerging Threat of Foreign UAV Attacks On The California Coast

By Samuel A. Lopez | USA Herald – A quiet warning issued to California law-enforcement agencies has raised a troubling…

By – Samuel Lopez
America March 12, 2026
Hollywood’s “Disclosure Day” And Washington’s Silence Raise Questions About Timing of UFO Transparency

By Samuel A. Lopez | USA Herald – A curious convergence is beginning to capture attention among observers of government transparency, national…

By – Samuel Lopez
America March 12, 2026
The World Cup Security Reckoning: Trump Warns Iran Soccer Team About Safety As War Tensions Spill Into Global Sports

By Samuel A. Lopez | USA Herald – A short Truth-Social post from President Donald Trump on Thursday morning is now…

By – Samuel Lopez
America March 12, 2026
The World Cup Security Reckoning: Trump Warns Iran Soccer Team About Safety As War Tensions Spill Into Global Sports

By Samuel A. Lopez | USA Herald – A short Truth-Social post from President Donald Trump on Thursday morning is now…

By – Samuel Lopez
America March 12, 2026
Scientists Identify 22 Anomalies In Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS As It Leaves The Solar System

By Samuel A. Lopez | USA Herald – The interstellar object 3I/ATLAS is now fading from view, heading back into deep space…

By – Samuel Lopez
America March 12, 2026
Iran Appears To Have Conducted Its First Major Cyberattack Against A U.S. Company, Since The War Began – New Front Opens Against American Healthcare

An alleged Iran-linked cyberattack on Stryker appears to mark a dangerous turn in the conflict, pushing digital retaliation from nuisance-level…

By – Samuel Lopez
America March 12, 2026
Hormuz Shock Hits U.S. Legal And Insurance Sectors As War Risk, Cargo Claims And Contract Fights Begin to Spread

By Samuel A. Lopez | USA Herald – The developing Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer just an energy-market…

By – Samuel Lopez
America March 12, 2026
Beyond Gas Prices The Strait of Hormuz Crisis Could Hit Fertilizer, Plastics, Aluminum And Global Supply Chains

By Samuel Lopez | USA Herald – Right now, most Americans hearing about the Strait of Hormuz are thinking about…

By – Samuel Lopez
America March 11, 2026
Fani Willis Blocked From Trump Fee Fight As Georgia Judge Lets $16.8 Million Reimbursement Battle Move Forward

INSIDE THIS REPORT A Georgia judge has ruled that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis cannot re-enter the collapsed Trump…

By – Samuel Lopez
America March 11, 2026
Cumulus Media Files for Chapter 11 as Radio Giant Moves to Cut Massive Debt

In a dramatic turn for one of America’s largest radio broadcasters, Cumulus Media has filed for bankruptcy protection, seeking a…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 11, 2026
Gordie Howe Bridge Tolls Revealed Ahead of Spring Opening

The long-awaited Gordie Howe International Bridge is inching closer to welcoming travelers, and officials have finally unveiled a key piece…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 11, 2026
Nasa Satellite to Crash to Earth as Spacecraft Re-enters Atmosphere

A Nasa satellite to crash to Earth has prompted warnings from space officials, who say debris from the aging spacecraft…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 11, 2026
Lux Aeterna $10M Seed Funding Fuels Ambitious Reusable Satellite Vision

A Colorado startup aiming to change how satellites operate — and survive — in space has secured fresh investment to…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 11, 2026
Jupiter’s Shift Direction Lights Up the Night Sky Again

Skywatchers may notice something unusual unfolding overhead this week as Jupiter’s shift direction brings an end to months of celestial…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 11, 2026
Google and Tesla Power Grid Initiative Targets Lower Energy Costs

Two of the world’s most influential technology companies are stepping into the energy policy arena, launching a campaign they say…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 11, 2026
Trump’s Laser Talk Sparks New Questions About America’s Secret Arsenal

President Donald Trump has once again done what he often does best in moments of war and tension: he dropped…

By – Samuel Lopez
America March 8, 2026
The Northern Lights Return

The Northern Lights have a chance to be visible from several northern U.S. states on Tuesday night, forecasters at the…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 8, 2026
February Unemployment Up as Job Losses Surprise Economists

February Unemployment Up as the latest labor market data revealed weaker-than-expected job growth and a slight increase in the national…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 8, 2026
Late-Night Attack by Venezuelan National at Florida Beach

A Late-night attack by a Venezuelan National has left a Florida community shaken after authorities say a 26-year-old man ambushed…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 8, 2026
Trump’s War in Iran: Congress Confronts Escalation After U.S. Strikes

Trump’s War in Iran  was triggered open conflict, casualties, and renewed constitutional debate in Washington. The crisis intensified following reports…

By – Jackie Allen
America February 28, 2026
U.S. And Israel Launch Major Strikes On Iran — What It Means For America

TEHRAN, Iran – In a dramatic escalation of global tensions, the United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes against Iran…

By – Samuel Lopez
America March 11, 2026
Fani Willis Blocked From Trump Fee Fight As Georgia Judge Lets $16.8 Million Reimbursement Battle Move Forward

INSIDE THIS REPORT A Georgia judge has ruled that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis cannot re-enter the collapsed Trump…

By – Samuel Lopez
America March 11, 2026
FBI Bulletin Raises Troubling Questions About California’s Readiness

[USA HERALD] – A leaked FBI bulletin has now forced an uncomfortable question into the open along California’s coast. If…

By – Samuel Lopez
America March 11, 2026
Google and Tesla Power Grid Initiative Targets Lower Energy Costs

Two of the world’s most influential technology companies are stepping into the energy policy arena, launching a campaign they say…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 11, 2026
Medtronic to Buy Scientia Vascular in $550 Million Neurovascular Deal

In a move poised to reshape the future of stroke treatment technology, Medtronic to buy Scientia Vascular marks a major…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 11, 2026
Winklevoss Twins’ Bitcoin Transfer Sparks Market Speculation

A wave of cryptocurrency movement tied to the founders of the Gemini exchange is drawing fresh attention across the digital…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 11, 2026
Alabama Man Fatal Shooting Death Sentence Commuted by Governor

In a rare act of clemency that halted an imminent execution, the Alabama man fatal shooting death sentence tied to…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America February 21, 2026
When The Files Are Finally Unsealed The Most Mind-Bending Truth May Not Be What We Expect

[USA HERALD] – There is a widespread assumption that if governments release their most highly classified files related to unidentified…

By – Samuel Lopez
America February 17, 2026
Civil Rights Icon Rev. Jesse Jackson Dies at 84 As President Trump Issues Personal Tribute

[USA HERALD] — The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering figure of the American civil rights movement whose career spanned more than…

By – Samuel Lopez
America February 13, 2026
Clues to Savannah Guthrie Missing Mom’s Disappearance Found on Security System

The disappearance of the mother of Savannah Guthrie has taken a dramatic turn as investigators focus on digital clues tied…

By – Jackie Allen
America February 8, 2026
Mike Tyson Urges Americans to ‘Eat Real Food’ in Emotional Super Bowl Ad Highlighting Health Risks

Boxing legend Mike Tyson is using his platform ahead of Super Bowl 60 to address a personal and national health…

By – Tyler Brooks
America February 7, 2026
Deadly “Death Cap” Mushrooms in California Cause Multiple Deaths and Liver Transplants Amid Rare Super Bloom

California health officials are warning the public after four deaths and three liver transplants linked to the highly toxic death…

By – Ahmed Boughalleb
America February 7, 2026
From Migraines to Miracles: How Becca Valle Survived a Glioblastoma Diagnosis Against the Odds

Becca Valle, 41, thought her headaches were just migraines—until a sudden, unbearable pain revealed something far more serious. In September…

By – Tyler Brooks
America March 1, 2026
Cadillac Names Inaugural Formula 1 Car MAC-26 in Tribute to Mario Andretti Ahead of 2026 Australian Grand Prix Debut

Cadillac has officially revealed the name of its first Formula 1 challenger, confirming that its 2026 car will be called…

By – Ahmed Boughalleb
America February 20, 2026
Norway Tops Medal Table After Day 13 at 2026 Winter Olympics as Team USA Surges Into Second Place

With 13 days complete at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, Norway sits atop the overall medal standings, collecting 34…

By – Ahmed Boughalleb
America February 18, 2026
Olympic Science Explained: How Figure Skaters Spin at Blinding Speeds Without Getting Dizzy

When Amber Glenn finishes her routine, the arena usually rises with her. The music builds, her blades carve a tight…

By – Tyler Brooks
America February 16, 2026
Olympic Villages Run Out of Condoms at 2026 Milan-Cortina Games

Condom supplies in the Olympic Villages at the 2026 Winter Games have been temporarily depleted, the Milan-Cortina organizing committee confirmed,…

By – Tyler Brooks
America February 12, 2026
Arizona Authorities Escalate Search for Savannah Guthrie’s Mom to a Criminal Investigation

In Arizona, police are intensifying their investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie’s Mom. The 84-year-old mother of…

By – Jackie Allen
America February 10, 2026

As conversations around sexuality continue to expand, so does the language we use to describe it. Sexuality terms are gaining…

By – Jackie Allen

No posts found.

No posts found.

No comments No comments yet. Be the first to comment!

Signup for the USA Herald
exclusive Newsletter