By Al Calloway
On March 17, the Broward Elks Lodge #652 won a jury verdict of fraud against Sator Investments, LLC, and conspiracy to commit fraud against by Kevin Eutsey and Sator Investments, LLC, after over seven years of fighting in Broward County Courts. The decision also quieted the deed title which returned the entire property at 712 North West 2nd Street back to Elks Lodge #652. However, during the trial a deal had been structured in the hallways by Sator’s lender HIF IV, Elks Lodge #652 attorney and the Elks Grand Exalted Ruler of the Grand Lodge, IBPOEW, to liquidate the local Elks property on 2nd Street in Fort Lauderdale, with a payoff of $1.85 million, and attorney fees.
Nadine Hankerson, Ph.D. and president of the Elks Lodge Project /Pride of Fort Lauderdale Lodge #652/Joint Management Team, filed a complaint with the Florida Bar October 23 rd against Elks Lodge #652 attorney Nicholas P. Merriweather, “regarding serious ethical violations, conflicts of interest, and professional misconduct in connection with his representation …” In March of 2018, Hankerson filed and financed the near 8 year old lawsuit to recover Elks Lodge #652 property fraudulently dealt by displaced lodge leaders.
Hankerson hired Merriweather in February 2024 to represent the local lodge for a proposed October 21 Jury trial that actually proceeded in March. Merriweather appeared “as attorney for record ‘only’ for the local Lodge at $15 thousand.,” according to the complaint. “Unbeknown to the local Lodge, attorney Merriweather’s appearance for the Grand Lodge was added in April 2024 that created a conflict of interest for the local Lodge.” In addition to the conflict of interest and breach of duty complaint, Hankerson charges Merriweather with unethical settlement without client consent and failure to act in client’s interest.
Nadine Hankerson earned her Ph.D. in philosophy at Nova University with a concentration in Conflict Resolution. She has been a longtime member of the local Elks Lodge. In fact, her family members, who helped establish the Elks Lodge building at 712 NW 2nd Street, are named on the building’s cornerstone. “I remember when we lived almost around the corner from the Elks on what was called ‘short 3rd Street,”’ said Hankerson.
According to her complaint, “harm was caused to the local Lodge, a HISTORIC cultural asset in Broward County for over 70 years (land) and 99 years as an organization, is now: Facing foreclosure despite prevailing in court. Denied rightful compensation and damages for fraud conspiracy. Subject to further losses due to Mr. Merriweather’s failure to protect our interests.” The complaint also calls for “an IMMEDIATE investigation and disciplinary action.”
