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1 Geoffrey S.

Kercsmar (#020528)
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Gregory B. Collins (#023158)


William T. Luzader III (#025607)
Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC
6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001
gsk@kflawaz.com
gbc@kflawaz.com
wtl@kflawaz.com

8 Attorneys for Plaintiffs


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I N T H E U N I T E D S TAT E S D I S T R I C T C O U RT
F O R T H E D I S T R I C T O F A R I Z O NA

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

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Aleksandar Popovic, an individual;


GreySide Group Inc., a Nevada
corporation; Greyside Global LLC,
a Delaware limited-liability
company,
Plaintiffs,

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Case No. 2:11-cv-02215-NVW


FIRST AMENDED
VERIFIED COMPLAINT
(Jury Trial Demanded)

v.
Robert Caulfield and Jane Doe
Caulfield, a married couple; Chris
Gowins and Jane Doe Gowins, a
married couple; Chris Mark and
Jane Doe Mark, a married couple,
Defendants.

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For their complaint against defendants, plaintiffs Aleksandar Alex

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Popovic, GreySide Group, Inc., and Greyside Global LLC allege as follows:
NAT U R E O F AC T I O N

1.

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

Through this action, the undisputed majority owner of GreySide

Global LLC (Global), GreySide Group, Inc. (GSG) and its sole stock-

holder Alex Popovic (Popovic), seeks immediate injunctive relief to halt

Defendants ongoing efforts to wrest control of the company from Popovic.

Defendantswho falsely claim to be a majority of the members of Globals

board of directors 1have instituted a hostile takeover of the company.

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Among other things, Defendants have (1) misappropriated Globals assets,

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(2) purported to hold company board meetings without a duly appointed

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board, Popovic or the companys majority owner, GSG, being present,

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(3) falsely represented Popovics employment status to company officers and

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employees and to Globals customers and vendors, (4) falsely held themselves

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out to the public as duly appointed directors of the company, and (5) frozen

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Popovic and GSG out of the companys bank accounts, books and records,

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Internet domain, website computer server, email system, and other company

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IP.

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Global is a Delaware limited liability corporation, but its August 2,


2011 Operating Agreement creates a board of directors to govern the company. As set out below, this board is to consist of seven individuals: Popovic,
Robert Caulfield, and five otherstwo appointed by Popovic, two appointed by Mr. Caulfield, and one selected mutually by Popovic and Mr.
Caulfield. See Exhibit 1 at p. 24. The facts will show that none of the five
unnamed directors has ever been appointed; Mr. Caulfield seems to contend
that he has appointed defendants Christopher Gowins to one position, and
an unnamed person to a second positionbut Mr. Caulfield has never provided notice to Popovic or Global of these selections. Popovic has proposed
making these five appointments, but has never identified his two selections
to Mr. Caulfield, and has never discussed the mutually selected director with
Mr. Caulfield.
2

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

2.

While any company freeze out gives rise to potential irreparable

harm, Defendants actions here risk grave injury and even death. Global em-

ploys former military and police personnel to provide high-risk security

services to companies doing business in hostile environments throughout the

world, including parts of the Middle East and the pirate-infested waters off

the coast of Somalia. The company is therefore charged with protecting the

safety of hundreds of individuals who are in imminent danger every day. De-

fendants conduct has deprived the companys employees of the resources

necessary to effectively provide security services in preservation human life.

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Some company personnel have even been stranded by Defendants actions in

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remote, dangerous locations. Most critically, Defendants conduct has re-

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sulted in a complete loss of competent leadership: of all company employees,

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Popovic has the most experience and training necessary to effectively and

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safely direct the companys sensitive security and anti-piracy operations.

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3.

Since the Court entered its Temporary Restraining Order on No-

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vember 16, 2011, it has come to light that Defendants have contravened this

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Courts restrictions by, among other things, (1) setting up a separate business

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called Allied Guardian whose purpose, on information and belief, is to di-

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rectly compete with Popovic, GSG, and Global in the maritime-security

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industry, (2) inducing Globals head of European business development,

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James Kirsop-Taylor, to devote his time to soliciting Globals customers on

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behalf of that competing business, (3) continuing to damage Plaintiffs

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goodwill by disparaging Popovic and Global to customers and vendors in

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the maritime-security industry, and (4) taking steps to attend the Maritime

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Security Tradeshow in Hamburg, Germany on behalf of their competing

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business instead of Global.

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4.

As a direct result of Defendants intentional conductagain, un-

dertaken in the face of this Courts TRO and which appears to be ongoing
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Globals largest and most important client, NSB Shipping, canceled its Mas-

ter Services Agreement with Global and told Popovic that there is no hope

for the companies to work together again. In other words, Popovic has

learned that the ultimate result of Defendants willful conduct is that Global

has irretrievably lost its clients and Popovic himself is a persona non grata in

the maritime security industry. Defendants actions have effectively destroyed

Global as an ongoing business, causing Plaintiffs damages that exceed $10

million.

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

5.

Immediate Court intervention is necessary to prevent irreparable

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harm, which includes not just the loss of business goodwill and professional

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reputation, but also the possibility of serious bodily injury and death. With

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this imminent harm addressed, this lawsuit can then move forward to reme-

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dy the monetary harm that Defendants actions have caused Global, GSG,

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and Popovic, which arise out of Defendants (1) breaches of their fiduciary

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duties to Global and GSG; (2) breaches of contract with Popovic; (3) tor-

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tious interference with Globals and GSGs business expectancies; (4)

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conversion of Globals and GSGs assets; and (5) Defendants use of compa-

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ny confidential information to harm Global and Popovic and poach their

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customers and professional relationships.


PA RT I E S

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6.

Popovic is an individual domiciled in the State of Arizona.

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7.

GSG is a Nevada Corporation with its principal place of business

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in the State of Nevada. Popovic owns 100% of GSGs stock.


8.

Global is a Delaware limited-liability company with its principal

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place of business in the State of Virginia. GSG is the undisputed majority

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owner of Global; Caulfield, through two investment entities that he controls,

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owns a minority interest in Global.

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4

Defendant Robert Caulfield (Caulfield) is an individual domi-

ciled in the State of California. On information and belief, Caulfield is

married to Jane Doe Caulfield, whose actual identity is Margaret Caulfield,

and at all relevant times described in this Complaint was acting for the bene-

fit of his marital community.

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

9.

10.

Defendant Chris Gowins (Gowins) is an individual domiciled

in the State of California. On information and belief, Gowins is married to

Jane Doe Gowins, whose actual identity remains unknown, and at all rele-

vant times described in this Complaint was acting for the benefit of his

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marital community. Plaintiffs will amend the Complaint to allege the actual

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name of Mrs. Gowins after it is revealed through additional investigation or

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discovery.

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11.

Defendant Chris Mark (Mark) is an individual domiciled in

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the State of Utah. On information and belief, Mark is married to Jane Doe

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Mark, whose actual identity is Heather Mark, and at all relevant times de-

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scribed in this Complaint was acting for the benefit of his marital

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community.
JURISDICTION & VENUE

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12.

This Court has jurisdiction over Plaintiffs claims under 28 U.S.C.

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1332(a)(1). The amount in controversy exceeds the sum of $75,000, exclu-

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sive of interests and costs, and is between citizens of different states.

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Plaintiffs are domiciled in the States of Delaware, Arizona and Nevada, re-

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spectively, while Defendants are domiciled in the State of California and

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Utah. Thus, complete diversity of citizenship exists among the parties.

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13.

Jurisdiction is also appropriate here because Defendants have

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committed intentional tortious acts knowingly directed at Popovic, who re-

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sides in Arizona.

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14.

Venue is proper in this Court under 28 U.S.C. 1391 because

Popovic is domiciled in this district and a substantial part of the events that

give rise to this suit occurred in Arizona.


GENERAL ALLEGATIONS

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Global was formed on or about April 29, 2011, to provide high-

risk security assignments in hostile environments throughout the world, in-

cluding parts of the Middle East and the pirate-infested waters off the coast

of Somalia.

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

15.

16.

At all relevant times, Popovic has been the majority owner of

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Global through his wholly owned corporation, GSG. GSG holds an approx-

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imate 66% ownership interest in Global. See Exhibit 1 at iii (Exhibit A).

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17.

Since 2005, Popovic has invested his life savings to get GSG and

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Global off the ground. Popovic spent his life savings and sold most of his

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personal property to amass enough money to travel to client meetings and

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fund other start-up expenses. For years, he could not afford to take a salary

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from the companies.

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18.

Beginning in 2010, GSG/Global began to achieve success and en-

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sured itself a promising future by securing lucrative, exclusive contracts with

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three of the largest shipping companies in Europe. The contracts required

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GSG/Global to provide security services on cargo and passenger ships pass-

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ing through the Gulf of Aden and other areas along the coast of Somalia.

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19.

In early 2011, GSG/Global and Popovic remained in need of seed

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money to grow the company. At that time, Popovic was introduced to Caul-

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field, an angel investor.

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20.

To help cover start-up costs and other expenses, Caulfield agreed

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to loan $500 thousand to Global on a short-term basis, through one of

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Caulfields investment entities. GSG formed a subsidiary, Global, on April

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29, 2011, to facilitate this loan. As security for the loan, GSG pledged 100%

of its interest in Global to the lender.

Prior to Caulfields loan to the company, Popovic personally paid

all of GSGs and Globals costs and expenses, and was not taking a salary.

Popovics personal investment in GSG/Global exceeded $100 thousand as of

the summer of 2011.

22.

When Caulfields loan to Global was nearing maturity in the

summer of 2011, Global was just staring to generate revenue, but did not

have enough money in reserve to pay back the loan.

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Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC
6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

21.

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23.

Instead of renegotiating the terms of the loan, Caulfield insisted

that his loan be converted to a capital investment to Global.


24.

Because Popovic is the founder of the company and is the only

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employee with the know-how and relationships to run the firms security op-

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erations, he refused to cede majority ownership to Caulfield. Because of

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Popovics Top Secret clearances and veteran status, his majority ownership

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afforded the company better prospects for future growth.

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25.

Accordingly, in exchange for his investment, Caulfield demanded

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that he be made a preferred member of Global. As a preferred member,

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Caulfield required certain priority rights to payment, substantial voting and

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veto rights, and other preferred benefits.

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26.

Under the final investment deal, signed on or about August 2,

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2011, Caulfield was given the right to invest up to $2 million in Global in

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exchange for a preferred ownership interest that would increase with the

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amount of investment, up to an absolute maximum of 29.6%.

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27.

Under the terms of the final investment deal, Caulfields original

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$500 thousand loan was converted to equity and combined with Caulfields

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new investment of about $300 thousand, for a total investment of about

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$800 thousand.
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As a preferredbut minoritymember of Global, Caulfield does

not have the right to operational or majority control of the company. See

Exhibit 1, passim.

29.

To date, Caulfield (through two investment companies he con-

trols) has invested about $800 thousand in Global, and he currently holds an

approximate 14.8% preferred ownership interest.

30.

On or about August 2, 2011, the members of Global entered into

an Operating Agreement for Greyside Global LLC (the Operating Agree-

ment). See Exhibit 1. The Operating Agreement generally governs the rights

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Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC
6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

28.

and obligations of Globals members, who are called unitholders.


31.

By written consent of Globals then-board of directors, on August

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2, 2011, Popovic was made Globals President and Chief Executive Officer.

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See Exhibit 2 at p. 1.

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32.

Kenton Associates Resources Corporation (Kenton) is a wholly

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owned subsidiary of Global. Kenton is responsible for employing and com-

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pensating Globals executive team.

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33.

In July 2011, Popovic and Kenton entered into a Senior Man-

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agement Agreement (the Management Agreement), which sets the terms

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and conditions of Popovics employment with Global. Under the Manage-

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ment Agreement, Popovic was engaged to serve the President and Chief

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Executive Officer of Global and Kenton.

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34.

Popovics Management Agreement entitles him to a yearly salary,

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paid bi-weekly, as well as other compensation and benefits like bonuses and

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insurance.

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35.

The Management Agreement also specifies that Popovic cannot

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be terminated except upon a determination by Globals board of directors, in

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its good faith judgment, that such termination is in the best interest of

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[Global] and for Cause. See Exhibit 2 at p. 2.


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At the time of Caulfields original loan to Global, Popovic had

received no salary or other compensation for his work for the company. Be-

cause he had no income, Popovic often ran personal expenses through

company accounts. From time to time, Popovic would deposit personal

funds to offset those expenditures.

37.

Caulfield was made aware of the level of Popovics personal con-

tributions to GSG and Global, that Popovic received no salary or other

compensation and that Popovic ran personal expenses through company ac-

counts.

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Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC
6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

36.

38.

At the time Caulfield made his initial loan to Global, he was

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aware of the companys accounting history and was given full and unfettered

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access to the companys books, records and bank accounts.

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39.

Caulfield suggested to Popovic that Gowins should be made

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Globals interim Chief Financial Officer, and in that role, Gowins should

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handle Globals bookkeeping and accounting. Gowins was at the time and

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remains the Chief Operating Officer of Trust Commercea company owned

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by Caulfieldand upon information and belief, reports directly to Caulfield

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in that capacity. Popovic agreed.

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40.

Popovic and Gowins discussed the companys historical account-

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ing practices, including Popovics use of company accounts. Gowins was

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given complete access to Globals books, records, and bank accounts.

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41.

Popovic did not receive his first paycheck from Kenton until Sep-

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tember 9, 2011. Popovic received his paychecks through direct deposit in a

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bank account that he maintains in the State of Arizona.

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42.

Since the Globals formation, the day-to-day operations of Global

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have been handled primarily by its President and CEO, Popovic, assisted by

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a small team made up of: (1) Jeffrey Martin BJ Lamb (Lamb), the com-

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panys Chief Operating Officer, (2) Christopher Mark (Mark), the


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companys Chief Information Officer, and (3) Michael E. Ferguson (Fergu-

son), the companys Vice President of Global Operations.

Until this dispute arose, Caulfield never meaningfully participated

in Globals day-to-day activities and never exercised operational control of

the company.

44.

On September 30, 2011less than sixty days after becoming a

minority owner of GlobalCaulfield sent an email message to Popovic, de-

manding that Popovic come to California for what Caulfield called a come-

to-Jesus meeting.

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Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC
6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

43.

45.

In response to Caulfields email, Popovic traveled to Irvine, Cali-

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fornia on October 13, 2011, and met with Caulfield at the offices of Trust

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Commerce, a company controlled by Caulfield. The October 13 meeting was

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attended by Popovic, Caulfield, and Gowins.

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46.

At the meeting, Caulfield falsely accused Popovic of mishandling

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the companys funds and, for the first time, raised Popovics personal ex-

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penditures as a cause for concern. But Caulfields accusation that Popovic

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had mishandled funds (or comingled personal and company funds) was a

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pretext to establish for Cause termination grounds for Popovicthe only

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basis on which Popovic could be removed from his position as CEO by a

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quorum of Globals Board of Directors.

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47.

Caulfield then gave Popovic an ultimatum: acquiesce to Caul-

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fields demand for a majority ownership by October 24, 2011, or Caulfield

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would not invest any additional funds in Global and would require repay-

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ment of the loan.

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48.

Popovic again made clearas he did before Caulfield had made

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his initial investmentthat he would not cede majority ownership in Global.

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Nevertheless, he agreed to formally respond to Caulfields ultimatum by Oc-

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tober 24.
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After Popovic refused to cede majority ownership of Global, con-

spiring with Gowins and Mark, Caulfield set in motion his plan to

improperly seize control of the company.

50.

On the evening of October 23, 2011the day before Popovic

had agreed to respond to Caulfields pretextual accusationsCaulfield sent

an email message to Popovic, informing Popovic that a meeting of Globals

board of directors had been scheduled for the next day.

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

49.

51.

Popovic was confused by Caulfields message for two reasons:

(1) Popovic had only agreed to respond on October 24, not to attend a meet-

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ing of Globals board of directors, and (2) Globals Board of Directors had

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not yet been formed as specified by the Operating Agreements Article Five.

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52.

Article Five of the Operating Agreement requires the members of

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Global to vest management and control of the company in a Board of Di-

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rectors elected in accordance with certain requirements established by the

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Operating Agreement. See Exhibit 1 at p. 24. The Operating Agreement does

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not specify a timeframe or a deadline in which the Board of Directors must

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be appointed by Global. See id.

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53.

In particular, Section 5.2(b) of the Operating Agreement provides

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that Globals Board of Directors must consist of seven members, which

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would consist of (1) Popovic, (2) Caulfield, (3) two members appointed by

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Popovic, (4) two members appointed by Caulfield, and (5) a seventh director

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to be jointly appointed by Popovic and Caulfield. See id.

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54.

Popovic and the directors appointed by him are called Manage-

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ment Directors, while Caulfield and the directors appointed by him are

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called Investor Directors. See id.

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55.

Other than specifying that the seventh director must be desig-

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nated jointly, Section 5.2(b) does not specify a method of designating the

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seventh director in the event of delays or deadlock. See id.


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Section 5.3(a) of the Operating Agreement requires a quorum of

five (5) directors for the Board of Directors to transact business. That quo-

rum must consist of at least two Management Directors and at least two

Investor Directors. See id. at p. 25.

57.

Section 5.3(a) of the Operating Agreement also states, [I]f either

the Investor Directors or Management Directors boycott a duly noticed and

called Board meeting after the first call, the meeting will be re-noticed a

second time [sic] for one week after the first call and the quorum for the

transaction of business of the Board after the second call shall be any four

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Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC
6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

56.

(4) Directors. See id.


58.

As of October 23, 2011 (the date of Caulfields email message

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purporting to notice a Board of Directors meeting), neither Popovic nor

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Caulfield had taken any action to designate board members as specified in

14

the Operating Agreement.

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59.

Although Popovic had asked Caulfield several times to select the

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Investor Directors and the seventh director, Caulfield ignored Popovics re-

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quests.

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60.

Caulfields refusal made Popovics duties as CEO more difficult.

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As just one example, the Operating Agreement requires Popovic and Caul-

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field to obtain Directors & Officers Liability Insurance (D&O Insurance).

21

Popovic, as CEO, was charged with setting up the D&O Insurance. Popovic

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found a policy and began the application paperwork. But the application re-

23

quired Global to provide the names of its directors and officers. Well before

24

the October 23, 2011 meeting, Popovic asked for Caulfield to name the In-

25

vestor Directorsbut Caulfield declined. As a direct result, the D&O

26

Insurance policy was never issued.

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61.

Popovic replied to Caulfields October 23 email message, and re-

minded Caulfield that Global had not yet established a Board of Directors
12

so no quorum of that body was possible. Popovic also told Caulfield that

given the short notice and prior business engagements, Popovic, too, could

not meet on October 24. Popovic again demanded to know the identities of

the Investor Directors, if Caulfield had, in fact, purported to appoint them.

Caulfield replied by email and told Popovic only that Caulfield

planned to proceed with the purported board of directors meeting, but

would provide Popovic with the minutes of the meeting. Caulfield again

refused to disclose the identities of any other purported directors, making it

unclear who would attend the so-called meeting.

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Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC
6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

62.

63.

Popovic still does not know whether any meeting took place on

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October 24, 2011, and if a meeting did take place, who attended the meeting

12

or what action was supposedly taken.

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64.

On October 29, 2011, Caulfield sent another email to Popovic

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and wrote, Pursuant to the Operating Agreement, I recognize your boycott

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to the BOD meeting called last Monday October 24, 2011 allowed within

16

section 5.3(a). Also stipulated with that section, this email serves as the re-

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notice to reset the BOD meeting for this coming Monday, October 31, 2011

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at 5.00 pm PST. We will be discussing Greyside operations and challenges,

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your decision as previously requested by October 24, 2011 (in regards to

20

meeting held here in Irvine), misuse of company funds by an Officer of the

21

company and other operational concerns.

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65.

Popovic replied by email on October 31, 2011, and stated that he

23

would be happy to meet with Caulfield in person, but that no Board of Di-

24

rectors meeting could take place for the simple reason that a quorum of

25

directors had yet to be appointed.

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66.

Caulfield did not respond to Popovics message, but sent a sepa-

rate email message on October 31, 2011, with an attached letter. The letters

28
13

subject line was, Re: Notice re Action Taken at October 31, 2011 Greyside

Global, LLC Meeting of the Board of Directors.

67.

ported board of directors had voted to suspend your employment as

President and Chief Executive Officer of Global, with pay, pending an inves-

tigation into your use of corporate funds. The letter then purported to

unilaterally bar Popovicthe majority ownerfrom any and all involve-

ment with the company:

During the period of your suspension (and thereafter, as appropriate), you are not to conduct any company business.
This restriction includes, but is not limited to, refraining
from contacting Global clients, suppliers, vendors, and/or
employees for any business-related purpose. In addition,
your Global email and telephone access will be suspended
during this time, as well as your access to Global corporate
accounts and funds (e.g., Globals credit cards). We remind
you of the non-compete, non-solicitation, and nondisparagement provisions contained in section 3 of your Senior Management Agreement. We will contact you on
conclusion of the investigation.

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11
Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC
6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

In this October 31 letter, Caulfield told Popovic that the pur-

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18

The letter concluded by telling Popovic that if he had any questions, he

19

could contact the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Rob Caulfield.

20

Though unsigned, the letter purported to come from The Board of Direc-

21

tors, Greyside Global LLC.

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23
24

68.

Caulfield has never been designated Chairperson of the Board

of Directors as required by 5.3(f) of the Operating Agreement.


69.

The action described in Caulfields October 31 email message is

25

not legally or factually valid because (1) Global does not yet have a quorum

26

of directors, such that the Board of Directors can act, and (2) even so, a quo-

27

rum of the Board of Directors was not present at the meeting on October 31,

28

2011.
14

70.

Popovic has never boycotted a Board of Directors meeting.

71.

On information and belief, Caulfield has purported to designate

3
4

72.

On information and belief, the actions described in Caulfields

letter of October 31 was taken by Caulfield, Gowins, and Mark in their pur-

ported capacities as members of Globals Board of Directors.

7
8
9

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

Gowins and Mark as members of the Global Board of Directors.

73.

Soon after Caulfields October 31 letter, Popovic learned that he

had been locked out his Global email account.


74.

Popovic also learned that Mark, in his capacity as the companys

10

Chief Intelligence Officer, had restricted Popovics access to Globals Internet

11

hosting company, Network Solutions, by changing the accounts Username

12

and Password.

13

75.

Although Popovic was the only authorized user on Globals ac-

14

count with Network Solutions, he had allowed Mark, Globals CIO, to learn

15

his Username and Password for limited purposes that Popovic authorized.

16

76.

Popovic called Network Solutions and informed them that the

17

account Username and Password had been changed without proper authori-

18

zation. After an investigation, Network Solutions froze Globals account. But

19

following the change of Username and Password to a combination known to

20

Mark and not by Popovic, Defendants still have full use of the companys

21

email systems, Internet domain name and website, while the accounts

22

rightful authorized user, Popovic, does not.

23

77.

Caulfield and the other purported directors have also seized

24

physical control of the companys server, and now have complete control of

25

Globals communications and marketing.

26

78.

Defendants are using their control over Globals website, server

27

and email to freeze Popovic out of the company and to mislead Globals cus-

28

tomers, prospective customers, vendors and the public at-large that Popovic
15

has been suspended and has no authority to represent Global. In these ac-

tions, Defendants falsely state that their conduct is authorized by Globals

Board of Directors.

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

79.

On information and belief, Caulfield, Gowins, and Mark are in-

tercepting and reading all email messages sent to Popovics company email

account.

80.

On the evening of October 31, Popovic received separate tele-

phone calls from Lamb, Globals COO, and Ferguson, VP of Global

Operations. Both Lamb and Ferguson told Popovic that Gowins had sent an

10

email message to company employees forbidding them to have any business

11

contact with Popovic. Gowins also asked Ferguson to call him because Go-

12

wins was setting up the new power and control arrangement for Global.

13

81.

Popovic also learned that a telephone conference had been sche-

14

duled for 9 a.m. on November 1, 2011, and that Caulfield, Gowins, Mark,

15

and the companys public-relations consultant, Spencer Geissinger (Geissin-

16

ger), would be on the call.

17

82.

After learning that the Caulfield, Gowins, and Mark were plan-

18

ning more unauthorized business, Popovic sent email messages to Gowins,

19

Mark, and Geissinger and informed them that he had terminated their em-

20

ployment, effective immediately.

21

83.

On the evening of November 1, 2011, Gowins sent a letter to Po-

22

povic by email message. The letter purports to affirm the purported Board of

23

Directors action of October 31, 2011, and also accused Popovic of vague,

24

undocumented, and otherwise unsubstantiated acts of financial malfeasance.

25

The letter also purported to call an emergency Board of Directors meeting

26

for November 4, 2011.

27
28

84.

Over the following days, Popovic learned that Caulfield, Gowins,

and Mark had caused Global to open new company bank accounts without
16

Popovics knowledge, input or approval, while they closed existing company

accounts even though Defendants were not listed as signatories on those ac-

counts.

Caulfield, Gowins, and Mark have contacted Globals vendors

and customers and told them to direct all outstanding and future payments

to the new bank accounts controlled by Caulfield, Gowins, and Mark.

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

85.

86.

Caulfield, Gowins, and Mark have developed a new logo for

Global and have rebranded all company communications with clients and

vendors.

10

87.

Popovic has also learned that Caulfield and Gowins have con-

11

tacted Globals vendors and customers to falsely tell them that Popovic has

12

been suspended and/or removed as President and CEO of Global.

13

88.

Understandably, these statements have caused considerable con-

14

fusion and concern with Globals customers, which has directly caused

15

Global to lose considerable business and revenue.

16
17
18
19
20

89.

All of Caulfields and Gowinss representations to third parties

about Popovics employment status and role at Global are false.


90.

Caulfield, Gowins, and Mark continue to falsely hold themselves

out as acting with the authority of Globals Board of Directors.


91.

As a direct result of the confusion and false representations of

21

Caulfield, Gowins, and Mark, NSB, one of Globals largest shipping clients,

22

informed Popovic on November 10, 2011, that it has canceled a services

23

contract with Global worth $132,000.

24

92.

On November 11, 2011, NSB Shipping, one of Globals largest

25

clients, informed Popovic that it would award a service order worth approx-

26

imately $130 thousand to another company instead of Global. NSB cited

27

Globals inability to quickly mobilize personnel as the reason for not award-

28

ing the contract to Global.


17

The delay cited by NSB is a direct and proximate result of the

confusion and uncertainty caused by Defendants unauthorized, ultra vires

and illegal conduct.

94.

In addition, Plaintiffs believe that Defendants wrongful actions

have caused losses on potential contracts in Kuwait that would have

represented approximately $35 million in revenue to Global.

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

93.

95.

On November 10, 2011, after receiving a letter from Caulfield

wherein Caulfield falsely stated that Popovic does not have authority to

conduct business on behalf of Global, one of Globals largest vendors, Fortis

10

LLC, informed Popovic and Global that it would hold off on doing further

11

business with Global until Globals management situation was resolved.

12
13
14

96.

Defendants conduct has caused Popovics and other Global em-

ployees travel privileges to be restricted or impossible.


97.

Defendants conduct has caused confusion among the companys

15

employees and security personnel, has deprived them of clear leadership in

16

case of an emergency, has deprived them of funds needed for legitimate op-

17

erating expenses such as extraction travel, and has deprived the companys

18

security personnel of critical points of contact with the company.

19

98.

On November 10, 2011, Ferguson resigned from his position at

20

Global. Ferguson cited the ongoing confusion and Defendants conduct as

21

the causes of his resignation.

22

99.

Ferguson, a twenty-one-year veteran of Navy SEAL Teams One

23

and Eight, was the only other employee of Global with the military know-

24

ledge and know-how that is necessary to place and operate teams of security

25

personnel in high-risk areas.

26

100. Before his resignation, on November 4, 2011, Ferguson circulated

27

a Memorandum addressed to Popovic, Caulfield, Gowins, and Lamb. In this

28

Memorandum, Ferguson expressed serious concern over Defendants ac 18

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

tions. Of particular note, Ferguson pointed out the obvious danger posed by

Defendants seizure and disabling of company email accounts: Someone

above me in the Chain-of-Command secured my primary means of commu-

nication with the deployed men by denying me access to [Global] email. This

intentional severing of the primary, most reliable line of communication

while people are deployed and in harms-way is an unthinkable, reprehensi-

ble act and provides me with considerable cause for concern.

101. Also in his Memorandum of November 4, Ferguson expressed

concern at Defendants decision to restrict his authorized access at the com-

10

panys travel agency. This restriction had deprived Ferguson of the necessary

11

authority to grant a Team Leaders transfer request. Ferguson observed that

12

the teams in the field were not receiving proper support and assurances of

13

safety.

14

102. On November 16, 2011, this Court entered a Temporary Re-

15

straining Order and Order to Set Hearing on Preliminary Injunction (Doc.

16

35), which, among other things, preserved the status quo by affirming Po-

17

povics position as President and CEO of Global, and also by preliminarily

18

enjoining Defendants from taking any further action in the name of Globals

19

board of directors.

20

103. Since filing their original Complaint, and only after the TRO was

21

entered, Plaintiffs learned that Caulfield, Mark, and Geissinger have formed

22

a business called Allied Guardian to provide maritime security services in di-

23

rect competition with GSG and Global.

24
25

104. Allied Guardian lists its address as 9850 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618the same address as Caulfields company TrustCommerce.

26

105. On November 17, 2011the day after this Court entered the

27

TROJames Kirsop-Taylor had a meeting in Hamburg Germany with NSB

28
19

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

Shipping, Globals largest client. Global hired Kirsop-Taylor in 2011 as an

independent agent in charge of Globals European-business development.

106. Kirsop-Taylor is currently under a nondisclosure and non-

circumvent agreement with Global. Kirsop-Taylors confidentiality agree-

ment prohibits him from soliciting Globals customers, disclosing Globals

confidential information, and circumventing Global to benefit other, similar

businesses.

107. On information and belief, Kirsop-Taylor arranged the NSB

meeting at the request of Caulfield and Mark for the purpose of persuading

10

NSB Shipping to cancel its contract with Global and move its business to

11

Defendants competing business.

12

108. Kirsop-Taylors business card, which he left at the offices of NSB

13

Shipping, states that he is the Managing Director of a company called Guar-

14

dian Maritime Services, which is in the business of Global Vessel Security.

15

109. On information and belief, Kirsop-Taylor formed Guardian Ma-

16

ritime Services to be a European subsidiary of Allied Guardian , Defendants

17

competing business.

18

110. Kirsop-Taylors business card lists the address for Guardian Ma-

19

ritime Services as 20, Birchin Lane, London EC3V 9DU and the company

20

phone number as +44 (0) 207 2837922. These are the same London address

21

and telephone number used by Global for its European business dealings.

22

111. On information and belief, Caulfield, Gowins, and Mark are us-

23

ing Globals customer list and contacts to solicit business for their competing

24

business.

25

112. On information and belief, Caulfield, Gowins, and Mark are us-

26

ing Globals pricing models and know-how to solicit Globals customers and

27

induce them to move their business to a competing business owned, operat-

28

ed, and controlled by Caulfield, Mark, and Gowins.


20

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

113. Globals pricing information, business model, and know-how are


all confidential information.

114. Globals pricing information, business model, and know-how are

trade secrets because they derive independent value from not being generally

known by other people in the maritime-security industry who could obtain

an economic benefit from knowledge of the information.

115. On December 14, 2011, NSB Shipping canceled its Master Ser-

vices Agreement with Global, thereby ending its business relationship with

Global altogether.

10

116. NSB Shipping has represented to Popovic that Globals business

11

relationship with NSB Shipping is irreparable, and that Popovics reputation

12

in the maritime security industry has been permanently damaged..

13

117. NSB Shipping canceled its Master Services Agreement with Glob-

14

al because of the uncertainty and risk caused by Defendants actions

15

described in this Complaint.

16

118. On information and belief, Caulfield, Mark, and others have

17

been working to secure a booth at the Maritime Security Tradeshow, which

18

will take place in Hamburg, Germany in April 2012.

19

119. The Maritime Security Tradeshow is an important opportunity

20

for maritime security firms like Global to market themselves and develop

21

business.

22

120. Before the events described above, Global had planned to spon-

23

sor the Maritime Security Tradeshow. This sponsorship, which would have

24

cost Global about 30,000, would have given the company months of pub-

25

licity throughout Europe and exposed Global to many potential new clients.

26

121. Caulfield, Mark, Gowins, and Geissinger were aware of Globals

27

plans to sponsor the tradeshow and were also aware that the tradeshow is

28
21

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

an important opportunity for Global to market its services to existing and

potential clients.

122. Because of the loss of business and attendant economic harm

caused by Caulfields and Marks actions, Global can no longer afford to

sponsor the tradeshow.

123. In or around July 2011, Mark entered into a Senior Management

Agreement with Kenton Associates (the Employment Agreement). Marks

Employment Agreement generally governs his rights and duties as a Global

employee.

10

124. In Section 2 of the Employment Agreement, which is titled Con-

11

fidential Information, Mark acknowledges that information learned by him

12

during the course of his employment will be considered confidential and

13

must be treated as confidential in accordance with the terms of his Employ-

14

ment Agreement.

15

125. Section 2 of Marks Employment Agreement prohibits him from

16

using or disclosing confidential company information for any purpose not

17

reasonably related to GSGs and Globals business.

18

126. In Section 1(a) of the Employment Agreement, Mark agreed to

19

devote his efforts and substantially all of his business time and atten-

20

tion to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

21

127. Under Section 1(a) of Marks Employment Agreement, he is per-

22

mitted to obtain ownership interests and participate in other companies

23

provided that such activities do not interfere with the fulfillment of Execu-

24

tives obligations under the Employment Agreement.

25

128. Section 3 of Marks Employment Agreement, which is titled

26

Non-Compete; Nonsolicitation, Non-Hire and Non-Disparagement, gen-

27

erally prohibits Mark from using Globals and GSGs trade secrets or

28

confidential information to compete with Global or GSG.


22

129. Section 3 of the Employment Agreement prescribes a Non-

compete Period, which is defined as the 12-month period following Sepa-

ration, as that term is defined in the Employment Agreement.

4
5

130. Section 3(a) of Marks Employment Agreement provides as follows:


Executive agrees that, (i) during the Service Term and (ii) during
the [Non-compete Period], he shall not directly or indirectly
(i) own, manage, control, participate in, consult with, render services for, or in any manner engage in any business competing
with the businesses of the Greyside Group by offering maritime
security services out of Egypt, Djibouti, Oman, Sri Lanka,
Kenya, or any of the following maritime shipping markets: Red
Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf, or any additional
maritime shipping regional market in which Greyside Group
conducts business at the time of Separation; (ii) induce or attempt to induce, or in any way interfere, in any material respect,
with the relationship between the Greyside Group and any employee thereof or (iii) induce or attempt to induce any customer,
supplier, licensee or other business relation of the Greyside
Group to cease doing business with, or modify its business relationship with, the Greyside Group, or in any way interfere, in
any material respect, with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee or business relation and the Greyside
Group.

6
7
8
9
10
Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC
6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26

131. Section 3(b) of Marks Employment Agreement provides as follows:


During the Service Term and following Separation, Executive
agrees not to make any person, including but not limited to customers of the Greyside Group, any statement that disparages the
Greyside Group or which reflects negatively upon the Greyside
Group, including but not limited to statements regarding the
Greyside Groups financial condition, its officers, directors,
shareholders, unitholders, employees and affiliates.

27
28
23

132. On August 6, 2011, Mark executed a Joinder Signature Page to

Greyside Global LLC Operating Agreement Dated June 29, 2011 (the

Joinder), which provides as follows:

By executing this Joinder Signature Page, the undersigned hereby


elects to join in and become a party to [the Operating Agreement] as a Unitholder, as that term is defined in the Agreement.
The undersigned has reviewed the provisions of the Agreement
and herby agrees to be bound by such provisions as they apply
to the undersigned, and to perform all obligations and comply
with all requirements imposed upon the undersigned under the
terms of the Agreement.

10

COUNT ONE

11

(Breach of Fiduciary DutyAgainst Caulfield, Gowins and Mark)

12

133. Plaintiffs reallege and incorporate by reference all the foregoing

4
5
6
7

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

13

allegations as though set forth fully here.

14

134. As purported Directors of Global, Caulfield, Gowins and Mark

15

owe fiduciary duties of utmost care and loyalty to Global and the members

16

and other Directors of Global.

17

135. As purported Directors of Global, Caulfield, Gowins and Mark

18

owe a duty to Global and the members and other Directors of Global not to

19

benefit themselves at the expense of the company, its members, or Directors.

20

136. As purported Directors of Global, Caulfield, Gowins and Mark

21

owe a duty to Global and the members and other Directors of Global to deal

22

with the companys assets, employees, and members in utmost good faith

23

and honesty.

24

137. Caulfield, Gowins and Mark have breached their fiduciary duties

25

to Global, GSG and Popovic by purporting to act on behalf of the company

26

without due authority or authorization from a properly constituted Board of

27

Directors or from Popovic as the companys President and CEO.

28
24

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

138. Caulfield, Gowins and Mark have sought to directly harm GSG

and Popovic by illicitly usurping all management and control of Global to

the exclusion of both GSG and Popovic.

139. Caulfield, Gowins and Mark have breached their fiduciary duties

to Global, GSG and Popovic by, among other things, (1) cutting off his sala-

ry and other compensation; (2) blocking his ability access his company email

account; (3) establishing new bank accounts and trying to cause customers

and vendors to deposit company funds into accounts that are completely

controlled by them; (4) seizing control of Globals Internet domain name and

10

the companys server; (5) holding themselves out improperly as Globals du-

11

ly-appointed Board of Directors; and (6) making false and otherwise

12

misleading statements about Popovic to Globals customers and vendors;

13

and (6) accusing Popovic of misusing company funds as a pretext for termi-

14

nating and/or suspending his employment.

15

140. The illegal acts were undertaken ultra vires and without the input

16

or consent of GSG and Popovic, the companys majority owner, President,

17

and CEO.

18

141. Caulfield, Gowins and Mark have undertaken these actions in an

19

effort to seize control of Global and to prevent GSG and Popovic from hav-

20

ing any further meaningful participation in and benefit from the company.

21

142. The ultra vires acts of Caulfield, Gowins and Mark are, at a min-

22

imum, grossly negligent and were taken without due regard for the

23

consequences of their conduct, or were taken with the actual intent to direct-

24

ly harm GSG and Popovic.

25

143. The ultra vires acts of Caulfield, Gowins and Mark have in fact

26

prevented GSG and Popovic from participating in and benefitting from

27

Globals business.

28
25

144. These ultra vires acts have already harmed Global by damaging

its reputation and customer goodwill, and has caused at least one customer

to cancel a services contract with the company.

145. These ultra vires acts also threaten the life, health, and safety of

Globals security personnel stationed in the field. Caulfield, Gowins and

Mark have caused significant confusion about the companys chain of com-

mand and have deprived security personnel of a critical point of contact in

Popovic, the companys most experience security manager and coordinator.


146. Defendants wrongful actions amount to a freeze-out of GSG and

9
10

Popovic.
147. Defendants wrongful actions are oppressive to GSG and Popov-

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

11
12

ic.

13

148. On information and belief, Caulfield, Gowins, and Mark have

14

breached their fiduciary duties of loyalty to Global by, among other things,

15

using company confidential information to compete directly with Global.

16

149. Caulfield, Gowins, and Mark have breached their fiduciary duties

17

to Global by, among other things, interfering with Globals business relation-

18

ship with NSB Shipping with the intent, on information and belief, to induce

19

NSB Shipping to move its business to a competing business controlled,

20

owned, or operated by one or more of the Defendants.

21

150. On information and belief, Caulfield, Gowins, and Mark have

22

breached their fiduciary duties by using Globals goodwill, office space, con-

23

tractors, and other company assets to compete with Global and benefit

24

themselves at Globals and Popovics expense.

25

151. On information and belief, Caulfield, Gowins, and Mark have

26

breached their fiduciary duties by using Globals trade secrets and know-

27

how to compete with Global.

28
26

152. Defendants wrongful actions are wasting the goodwill, assets

and value of Global, and are causing direct harm to Globals majority owner,

GSG, and GSGs sole stockholder, Popovic.

4
5

fiduciaries of Global and GSG.

154. Defendants bad acts have caused Globals largest and most im-

portant client, NSB Shipping, to cancel its Master Services Agreement and

cease doing business with Global altogether.

9
10
Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC
6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

153. All of Defendants wrongful actions are made in bad faith and as

155. Defendants bad acts have caused Laeisz Shipping and Sea Team
Shipping, two other Global clients, to cease doing business with Global.

11

156. Caulfield, Gowins and Mark have committed these acts with the

12

willful intent to cause harm directly to Popovic and GSG. The acts are ex-

13

treme and outrageous and can only be intended to cause severe economic

14

harm to Plaintiffs. Therefore, the imposition of punitive damages is war-

15

ranted in this case to punish Defendants bad acts and to stop others in a

16

similar position from committing similar harm to others.

17

157. Because this matter arises out of contract (i.e., the Operating

18

Agreement of Global), under A.R.S. 12-341 and 12-341.01, Plaintiffs are

19

entitled to their reasonable costs and attorneys fees, with interest on all such

20

fees and costs at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum pursuant to A.R.S.

21

44-1204(a), from the date of any judgment until paid in full.

22

C O U N T T WO

23

(Breach of ContractGlobal against Mark)

24
25

158. Plaintiffs reallege and incorporate by reference all the foregoing


allegations as though set forth fully here.

26

159. Mark has entered into a valid and enforceable Employment

27

Agreement that generally governs his rights, duties, and obligations as an

28

employee and agent of Global and its related companies.


27

160. Under Section 2 of the Employment Agreement, Mark agreed

that all information learned by him during the course of his employment will

be considered confidential and that he would treat confidential in accor-

dance with the terms of his Employment Agreement.

161. Under Section 2 of Marks Employment Agreement, he is prohi-

bited him from using or disclosing confidential company information for any

purpose not reasonably related to GSGs and Globals business.

162. Under Section 1(a) of the Employment Agreement, Mark agreed

to devote his efforts and substantially all of his business time and atten-

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

10

tion to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

11

163. Under Section 1(a) of Marks Employment Agreement, he is per-

12

mitted to obtain ownership interests and participate in other companies

13

provided that such activities do not interfere with the fulfillment of Execu-

14

tives obligations under the Employment Agreement.

15

164. Under Section 3 of Marks Employment Agreement, he is prohi-

16

bited from owning, managing, controlling, participating in, consulting with,

17

rendering services for, or in any manner engaging in any business competing

18

with the businesses of the Greyside Group by offering maritime security ser-

19

vices in competing markets.

20

165. On information and belief, Mark has breached his Employment

21

Agreement by, among other things, participating in a business designed to

22

compete directly with Global and steal Globals customers.

23

166. Under Section 3 of his Employment Agreement, Mark is prohi-

24

bited from inducing or attempting to induce any customer, supplier, licensee

25

or anyone else with a business relationship to Global to cease doing business

26

with, or modify its business relationship with, Global, or in any way inter-

27

fere, in any material respect, with the relationship between any such

28

customer, supplier, licensee or business relationship.


28

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

167. Mark has breached his Employment Agreement by seeking to in-

duce NSB Shipping to terminate its relationship with Global and, on

information and belief, move its business to a competing business formed by

Mark, Caulfield, and Gowins.

168. On information and belief, Mark has breached his Employment

Agreement by using Globals confidential information to compete directly

with Global while the Employment Agreement is in effect.

169. Mark has breached his Employment Agreement by inducing

James Kirsop-TaylorGlobals contractor for European business develop-

10

mentto cease doing work for Global and instead, on information and

11

belief, devote his time doing business development for a competing business

12

owned, operated, and controlled by Mark, Caulfield, and Gowins.

13

170. Under his Employment Agreement, Mark is prohibited from

14

making any statement that disparages Global, Popovic, GSG, any other affi-

15

liated entity. He his further prohibited from making any statement which

16

reflects negatively upon Global, Popovic, GSG, any other affiliated entity, in-

17

cluding but not limited to statements regarding the Globals financial

18

condition, its officers, directors, shareholders, unitholders, employees and

19

affiliates.

20

171. Mark has breached his Employment Agreement by contacting

21

Globals customers and suppliers and making statements designed to give

22

Globals customers and suppliers the impression that Global is in financial

23

distress, poorly operated, or likely to fail.

24

172. Mark has breached his Employment Agreement by contacting

25

Globals customers and suppliers and making statements that disparage Po-

26

povics character and his ability manage Global.

27
28
29

173. Marks breaches of his Employment Agreement have caused se-

vere harm to Globals and Popovics goodwill and have caused Global to

lose three key customers.

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

174. Defendants bad acts have caused Laeisz Shipping and Sea Team
Shipping, two other Global clients, to cease doing business with Global.

175. Marks breaches of his Employment Agreement have damaged

Global in an amount to be proved at trial, but not less than $10 million by

his deliberate destruction of Global as an ongoing business.

176. Because this matter arises out of contract (i.e., the Employment

10

Agreement), under A.R.S. 12-341 and 12-341.01, Global is entitled to its

11

reasonable costs and attorneys fees, with interest on all such fees and costs

12

at the rate of 10% per annum pursuant to A.R.S. 44-1204(a), from the

13

date of any judgment until paid in full.

14

COUNT THREE

15

(Tortious Interference with Management AgreementPopovic Against Caulfield, Gowins and Mark)

16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27

177. Plaintiffs reallege and incorporate by reference all the foregoing


allegations as though set forth fully here.
178. Popovic and Kenton are parties to the Management Agreement,
which generally sets the terms and conditions of Popovics employment with
Global.
179. Caulfield, Gowins and Mark have knowledge of the Management
Agreement between Popovic and Global.
180. Caulfield, Gowins and Mark have intentionally leveled false and
otherwise trumped-up allegations of misuse and/or comingling of company
funds against Popovic as a pretext for finding Cause for Popovics termination and/or suspension.

28
30

181. Defendants allegations of misappropriation and/or comingling

1
2

against Popovic are false.

182. Defendants conduct is completely unjustified. Popovic has not

engaged in any conduct that would constitute Cause for termination under

his Management Agreement.


183. Similarly, Defendants are falsely holding themselves out as the

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

duly appointed Board of Directors of Global.

184. But because Globals Board of Directors has yet to be formed,

and no meeting of the Board of Directors has been held where a quorum has

10

been present, the Board of Directors could not have made an determination

11

in its good faith judgment that Popovic should be terminated and/or sus-

12

pended, and no determination in good faith that Cause for termination

13

and/or suspension existed.


185. Defendants intentional and wrongful acts were a significant fac-

14
15

tor in causing the breach of Popovics Management Agreement.


186. Defendants intentional and wrongful acts have caused harm to

16
17

Popovic, GSG and Global.


187. There is no commercial justification for Defendants wrongful

18
19

acts.

20

188. Caulfield, Gowins and Mark have committed these acts with the

21

willful intent to cause harm directly to Popovic. The acts are extreme and

22

outrageous and can only be intended to cause severe economic harm to Po-

23

povic. Therefore, the imposition of punitive damages is warranted in this

24

case to punish their bad acts and to stop others in a similar position from

25

committing similar harm to others.

26

189. Because this matter arises out of contract (i.e., the Management

27

Agreement), under A.R.S. 12-341 and 12-341.01, Popovic is entitled to

28

his reasonable costs and attorneys fees, with interest on all such fees and
31

costs at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum pursuant to A.R.S. 44-

1204(a), from the date of any judgment until paid in full.

COUNT FOUR

(Tortious Interference with GSG and Globals ContractsAgainst Caulfield,


Gowins and Mark)

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Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC
6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

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190. Plaintiffs reallege and incorporate by reference all the foregoing


allegations as though set forth fully here.
191. Caulfield, Gowins and Mark have knowledge of Globals and
GSGs contracts with various customers, employees and vendors.
192. Caulfield, Gowins and Mark have sought to usurp all management and control of Global to the exclusion of both GSG and Popovic by,
among other things, blocking Popovics ability access his company email account; establishing new bank accounts and trying to cause customers and
vendors to deposit company funds into accounts that are completely controlled by them; seizing control of Globals Internet domain name and the
companys server; holding themselves out improperly as Globals dulyappointed Board of Directors; and making false and otherwise misleading
statements about Popovic to Globals customers and vendors.
193. Caulfield, Gowins and Mark have intentionally leveled false and
otherwise trumped-up allegations of misuse and/or comingling of company
funds against Popovic, as a pretext for finding Cause for Popovics termination and/or suspension and to further their efforts to illegal seize control
of Global.
194. Defendants have intentionally and falsely represented to Globals
customers and vendors that Popovic has been suspended and otherwise terminated from his employment with the company.
195. On information and belief, Defendants have taken steps to induce
Globals largest client to cease doing business with Global and instead work
32

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

with a competing business owned, operated, and controlled by Caulfield,

Mark, and Gowin.

196. The illegal acts were undertaken ultra vires and without the input

or consent of GSG and Popovic, the companys majority owner, President,

and CEO.

197. Defendants intentional acts have caused confusion among Glob-

als customers and vendors, which has damaged the companys and Popovics

reputation and client goodwill.

198. Caulfield, Gowins and Mark have undertaken these actions in an

10

effort to seize control of Global and to prevent GSG and Popovic from hav-

11

ing any further meaningful participation in and benefit from the company,

12

and when that failed, to set up a competing business that would poach all of

13

Globals clients.

14

199. These acts have harmed Global by damaging its reputation and

15

customer goodwill, and have caused NSB Shipping, to cancel a services con-

16

tract with the company worth approximately $130 thousand, and, following

17

that, its entire Master Services Agreement with Global. Two other customer,

18

Laeisz Shipping and Sea Team Shipping, also ceased its dealings with Global.

19

200. These acts have harmed Global by damaging its reputation and

20

vendor goodwill, and has caused at least three vendors, Canadian Sea Mar-

21

shalls, Network Solutions and Fortis LLC, to freeze Globals account and

22

cease doing business until further notice.

23

201. These acts have harmed Global by damaging its reputation and

24

employee goodwill, and has caused at least one officer and employee

25

Fergusonto resign his position with Global/GSG/Kenton.

26

202. In addition, Plaintiffs believe that Defendants wrongful actions

27

have caused losses on potential contracts in Kuwait that would have

28

represented approximately $35 million in revenue to Global.


33

203. Defendants intentional acts were a significant factor in causing

NSB Shipping to cancel its contract with Global, in ending potential business

with Laeisz Shipping and Sea Team Shipping, in causing Canadian Sea Mar-

shalls, Network Solutions and Fortis to freeze Globals accounts, and in

causing Ferguson to resign.

204. Defendants intentional conduct has caused harm to Popovic,

Global, and GSG by destroying the companys relationship with its largest

client, NSB Shipping, as well as with Laeisz Shipping and Sea Team Ship-

ping.
205. Defendants conduct has destroyed Globals, GSGs, and Popov-

10
Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC
6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

11

ics reputation and goodwill in the maritime-security industry.

12

206. Defendants conduct is completely unjustified. Defendants are

13

falsely holding themselves out as the duly appointed Board of Directors of

14

Global, and have no authority to terminate and/or suspend Popovic, or to

15

interfere in the contracts of Global or GSG.


207. Defendants intentional acts have caused harm to Popovic, Glob-

16
17

al and GSG.
208. There is no commercial justification for Defendants wrongful

18
19

acts.

20

209. Caulfield, Gowins and Mark have committed these acts with the

21

willful intent to cause harm directly to Plaintiffs. The acts are extreme and

22

outrageous and can only be intended to cause severe economic harm to

23

Plaintiffs. Therefore, the imposition of punitive damages is warranted in this

24

case to punish their bad acts and to stop others in a similar position from

25

committing similar harm to others.

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27
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COUNT FIVE

(ConversionAgainst Caulfield, Gowins and Mark)


210. Plaintiffs reallege and incorporate by reference all the foregoing

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

allegations as though set forth fully here.

211. As the majority owner of Global, GSG has a right to receive an

appropriate portion of Globals revenue in the form of salary, bonuses,

member distributions, and other benefits.

212. As the majority owner (through GSG), President and CEO of

Global, Popovic has a right to receive an appropriate portion of Globals

10

revenue in the form of salary, bonuses, member distributions, and other ben-

11

efits.

12

213. Caulfield, Gowins and Mark have wrongfully diverted these ben-

13

efits from GSG and Popovic and exerted dominion over them for their own

14

use.

15

214. Caulfield, Gowins, and Mark have converted GSGs and Popov-

16

ics monies and property by, among other things, (1) cutting off Popovics

17

salary and other compensation; (2) blocking his ability access his company

18

email account; (3) establishing new bank accounts and trying to cause cus-

19

tomers and vendors to deposit company funds into accounts that are

20

completely controlled by them; (4) seizing control of Globals Internet do-

21

main name and the companys server; and (5) holding themselves out

22

improperly as the Globals duly-appointed Board of Directors.

23

215. As set out in this Verified Complaint, Defendants conduct

24

breaches numerous fiduciary and other duties owed to Global, GSG and Po-

25

povic.

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27

216. Defendants conduct has deprived GSG and Popovic of their


property and has therefore caused them harm.

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Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

217. All of Defendants wrongful actions are made in bad faith, as fiduciaries of Global and GSG.

218. Caulfield, Gowins and Mark have committed these acts with the

willful intent to cause harm directly to Popovic and GSG. The acts are ex-

treme and outrageous and can only be intended to cause severe economic

harm to Plaintiffs. Therefore, the imposition of punitive damages is war-

ranted in this case to punish Defendants bad acts and to stop others in a

similar position from committing similar harm to others.

219. Because this matter arises out of contract (i.e., the Operating

10

Agreement of Global), under A.R.S. 12-341 and 12-341.01, Plaintiffs are

11

entitled to their reasonable costs and attorneys fees, with interest on all such

12

fees and costs at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum pursuant to A.R.S.

13

44-1204(a), from the date of any judgment until paid in full.

14

COUNT SIX

15

(ConspiracyAgainst All Defendants)

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19

220. Plaintiffs reallege and incorporate by reference all the foregoing


allegations as though set forth fully here.
221. Defendants have acted in concert to carry out the actions described in this Verified Complaint.

20

222. Each Defendant has committed one or more unlawful acts, as de-

21

scribed in this Verified Complaint, in furtherance of the torts and breaches of

22

duty described above.

23

223. Caulfield, Gowins and Mark have each individually breached fi-

24

duciary duties owed to Global, GSG and Popovic, and committed these

25

breaches of duty in furtherance of their effort to convert Plaintiffs property

26

rights to their own use.

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28

224. Each Defendant has intentionally and tortiously undertaken acts


designed to deprive Popovic of the benefits of his Management Agreement.
36

225. Each Defendant has intentionally and tortiously undertaken acts

designed to deprive GSG and Popovic of the benefits of a majority owner-

ship in the Global.

226. Defendants conduct has caused Plaintiffs real harm by depriving

them of money and property rights that rightly belong to them. Defendants

conduct has also harmed Plaintiffs reputations and damaged their goodwill

in the defense industry.

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

227. All of Defendants wrongful actions are made in bad faith, as fiduciaries of Global and GSG.

10

228. Caulfield, Gowins and Mark have committed these acts with the

11

willful intent to cause harm directly to Popovic and GSG. The acts are ex-

12

treme and outrageous and can only be intended to cause severe economic

13

harm to Plaintiffs. Therefore, the imposition of punitive damages is war-

14

ranted in this case to punish Defendants bad acts and to stop others in a

15

similar position from committing similar harm to others.

16

229. Because this matter arises out of contract (i.e., the Operating

17

Agreement of Global and the Management Agreement), under A.R.S. 12-

18

341 and 12-341.01, Plaintiffs are entitled to their reasonable costs and at-

19

torneys fees, with interest on all such fees and costs at the rate of ten percent

20

(10%) per annum pursuant to A.R.S. 44-1204(a), from the date of any

21

judgment until paid in full.

22

COUNT SEVEN

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(Aiding and AbettingAgainst All Defendants)

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230. Plaintiffs reallege and incorporate by reference all the foregoing


allegations as though set forth fully here.
231. As purported Directors of Global, Caulfield, Gowins and Mark
owe fiduciary duties to the members and other Directors of the company.

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37

232. As described above, Caulfield, Gowins and Mark have breached

their fiduciary duties, converted Plaintiffs property to their own use, and

tortiously interfered with Plaintiffs and the companys legitimate contract

rights.

233. Each Defendant knowingly participated in these torts and

breaches of duty by individually breaching their own duties and otherwise

providing substantial assistance in others misconduct.

234. Defendants conduct has damaged Plaintiffs through loss of mon-

ey and property rights, but also through harm to Plaintiffs reputations and

10
Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC
6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

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customer goodwill in the industry.


235. All of Defendants wrongful actions are made in bad faith, as fiduciaries of Global and GSG.

13

236. Caulfield, Gowins and Mark have committed these acts with the

14

willful intent to cause harm directly to Popovic and GSG. The acts are ex-

15

treme and outrageous and can only be intended to cause severe economic

16

harm to Plaintiffs. Therefore, the imposition of punitive damages is war-

17

ranted in this case to punish Defendants bad acts and to stop others in a

18

similar position from committing similar harm to others.

19

237. Because this matter arises out of contract (i.e., the Operating

20

Agreement of Global and the Management Agreement), under A.R.S. 12-

21

341 and 12-341.01, Plaintiffs are entitled to their reasonable costs and at-

22

torneys fees, with interest on all such fees and costs at the rate of ten percent

23

(10%) per annum pursuant to A.R.S. 44-1204(a), from the date of any

24

judgment until paid in full.

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COUNT EIGHT

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(Declaratory JudgmentAgainst All Defendants)

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238. Plaintiffs reallege and incorporate by reference all the foregoing


allegations as though set forth fully here.
38

1
2

ments Act, DEL. CODE TIT. 10, for a judicial declaration that:

a. The Operating Agreement is valid and binding upon all parties;

b. As purported Directors of Global, Caulfield, Gowins and Mark

owe fiduciary duties of utmost care and loyalty to Global and

the members and other Directors of Global.

c. As purported Directors of Global, Caulfield, Gowins and Mark

owe a duty to Global and the members and other Directors of

Global not to benefit themselves at the expense of the company,

10
Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC
6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

239. Plaintiffs request the Court, pursuant to the Declaratory Judg-

its members, or Directors.

11

d. As purported Directors of Global, Caulfield, Gowins and Mark

12

owe a duty to Global and the members and other Directors of

13

Global to deal with the companys assets, employees, and mem-

14

bers in utmost good faith and honesty.

15

e. Caulfield, Gowins and Mark have breached their fiduciary du-

16

ties to Global, GSG and Popovic by purporting to act on behalf

17

of the company without due authority or authorization from a

18

properly constituted Board of Directors or from Popovic as the

19

companys President and CEO.

20

f. Defendants actions and representations in the name of Globals

21

Board of Directors, are illegal, ultra vires, invalid and voida-

22

ble;

23

g. Popovic was and is Globals President and Chief Executive Of-

24

ficer, and Popovic retains all rights, authority and access as

25

President and CEO of Global, and has not been terminated,

26

suspended or otherwise relieved of duty or authority;

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h. Popovics terminations of Gowins and Mark as officers and

employees of Global, and his termination of Geissinger as a

consultant to Global, are valid and effective;

i. Popovic is duly empowered under the Operating Agreement to

conduct business on behalf of Global with Globals customers,

vendors (including banking relationships), officers, employees

and consultants; and,

j. Defendants diversion of monies to accounts other than those

established by Popovic as President and CEO is wrongful conversion.

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

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11

240. Because this matter arises out of contract (i.e., the Operating

12

Agreement of Global and the Management Agreement), under A.R.S. 12-

13

341 and 12-341.01, Plaintiffs are entitled to their reasonable costs and at-

14

torneys fees, with interest on all such fees and costs at the rate of ten percent

15

(10%) per annum pursuant to A.R.S. 44-1204(a), from the date of any

16

judgment until paid in full.


JURY TRIAL DEMAND

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241. Plaintiffs request a trial by jury on all claims.


*

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W H E R E F O R E , Plaintiffs GreySide Group, Inc. (GSG), Greyside

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Global LLC, and Aleksandar Alex Popovic (Popovic) pray for judgment

22

and relief against all defendants as follows:

23

A. Temporarily, preliminarily, and permanently restraining defendants

24

Robert Caulfield and Jane Doe Caulfield (Caulfield), Chris Go-

25

wins and Jane Doe Gowins (Gowins), and Chris Mark and Jane

26

Doe Mark (Mark) from:

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28

i.

Purporting to act as, or taking any affirmative steps in the


name of Globals Board of Directors, as that term is defined
40

in

representing to others that to their actions are taken in the

name of Globals Board of Directors;

ii.

Global,

LLCs

Operating

Agreement,

or

Interfering with President and Chief Executive Officer Alek-

sandar Popovics (Popovic) decisions, rights, authority,

actions or access as President and CEO of Global, which in-

cludes refraining from conduct which purports to terminate or

suspend Popovic, or communicating with others that Popovic

has been suspended, terminated, or has otherwise limited authority to act as Globals President and CEO;

10
11
Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC
6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

Greyside

iii.

Interfering with Popovics decisions, right, authority or actions

12

to hire and fire officers, employees and independent contrac-

13

tors of Global and Kenton;

14

iv.

Limiting the access of Popovic to Globals books, records, files,

15

documents, electronic records, communications, contract and

16

bank accounts, including closing or modifying those accounts,

17

or modifying the terms of those accounts;

18

v.

Limiting the access of Popovic to Globals servers, website and

19

email network, including withholding the username and pass-

20

word information, and changing usernames or passwords to

21

prevent Popovics access;

22

vi.

Limiting the access of Popovic to Globals Network Solutions

23

account, including withholding the Username and Password

24

for that account, or changing the Username or Password to

25

prevent Popovics access;

26

vii.

than those designated in writing by Popovic;

27
28

Diverting monies intended for Global to bank accounts other

viii.

Taking any affirmative steps to prevent Global from operating


41

in the normal course of business through its President and

Chief Executive Officer, Popovic.

3
4

i.

The Operating Agreement is valid and binding upon all parties;

ii.

As purported Directors of Global, Caulfield, Gowins and Mark

owe fiduciary duties of utmost care and loyalty to Global and

the members and other Directors of Global.

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

B. Entering a declaration of judgment that:

iii.

As purported Directors of Global, Caulfield, Gowins and Mark

owe a duty to Global and the members and other Directors of

10

Global not to benefit themselves at the expense of the compa-

11

ny, its members, or Directors.

12

iv.

As purported Directors of Global, Caulfield, Gowins and Mark

13

owe a duty to Global and the members and other Directors of

14

Global to deal with the companys assets, employees, and

15

members in utmost good faith and honesty.

16

v.

Caulfield, Gowins and Mark have breached their fiduciary du-

17

ties to Global, GSG and Popovic by purporting to act on

18

behalf of the company without due authority or authorization

19

from a properly constituted Board of Directors or from Popov-

20

ic as the companys President and CEO.

21

vi.

Defendants actions and representations in the name of Glob-

22

als Board of Directors, are illegal, ultra vires, invalid and

23

voidable;

24

vii.

Popovic was and is Globals President and Chief Executive Of-

25

ficer, and Popovic retains all rights, authority and access as

26

President and CEO of Global, and has not been terminated,

27

suspended or otherwise relieved of duty or authority;

28
42

Popovics terminations of Gowins and Mark as officers and

employees of Global, and his termination of Geissinger as a

consultant to Global, are valid and effective;

ix.

Popovic is duly empowered under the Operating Agreement to

conduct business on behalf of Global with Globals customers,

vendors (including banking relationships), officers, employees

and consultants; and,

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9
10
Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC
6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

viii.

x.

Defendants diversion of monies to accounts other than those


established by Popovic as President and CEO is wrongful conversion.

11

C. Awarding compensatory damages in an amount to be proven at tri-

12

al, but not less than the amount of $10 million for Defendants

13

deliberate destruction of Global as an ongoing business;

14

D. Awarding punitive damages in an amount sufficient to punish De-

15

fendants and others similarly situated from engaging in similar

16

conduct in the future;

17

E. Awarding Plaintiffs their reasonable attorneys fees and taxable

18

costs as provided under A.R.S. 12-341, 12-341.01, applicable Ari-

19

zona, Delaware and Virginia law, and the parties agreements;

20
21
22
23

F. Awarding pre-judgment and post-judgment interest to the extent allowable by law; and
G. Awarding such other and further relief as the Court deems just and
proper.

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DATED this 5th day of January 2012

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Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC

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By: s/Geoffrey S. Kercsmar


Geoffrey S. Kercsmar
Gregory B. Collins
William T. Luzader III
6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
Attorneys for Plaintiffs Aleksandar Popovic,
Greyside Global LLC, and Greyside Group Inc.

Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC


6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

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Kercsmar & Feltus PLLC
6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 320
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
(480) 421-1001

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CE RT I F I CAT E O F S E RV I C E
I certify that on January 5, 2012, I electronically transmitted the foregoing
to the Clerks Office using the CM/ECF System for filing and transmittal of a
Notice of Electronic Filing to the following:
Karla J. Kraft
Hodel Briggs Winter LLP
8105 Irvine Center Drive, Suite 1400
Irvine, California 92618
kkraft@hbwllp.com
amerlo@hbwllp.com
Joel P. Hoxie
Joseph G. Adams
Snell & Wilmer
One Arizona Center
400 East Van Buren Street, Suite 1900
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
jgadams@swlaw.com
jhoxie@swlaw.com

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By: s/Geoffrey S. Kercsmar


Geoffrey S. Kercsmar

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