U.S. Labor Department Sues Owner of Bankrupt Wescosville Company to Protect Pension Assets for G&M Land Development Inc. Workers

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - The U.S. Department of Labor has filed an adversary complaint in federal bankruptcy court against the owner of now defunct G&M Land Development Inc., Wescosville, Pennsylvania, to prevent her from discharging $118,736 owed to participants of the company’s pension plan. G&M Land Development Inc. was a mobile home business that ceased operations in 1999.

“This lawsuit demonstrates our commitment to hold plan fiduciaries accountable when they abuse their position and do not protect the assets entrusted to them,” said Mabel Capolongo, director of the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) office in Philadelphia that investigated the case.

Under a February 2, 2006 consent judgment entered in the federal district court for the eastern district of Pennsylvania, Cathy Milder, co-owner of G&M Land Development and trustee of the pension plan, was required to restore the plan assets after a Labor Department investigation found the company in violation of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Milder subsequently filed for personal bankruptcy.

In fiscal year 2005, EBSA achieved monetary results of $1.7 billion related to pension, 401(k), health and other benefits for millions of American workers and their families.

Employers can contact the Philadelphia regional office at 215.861.5300 or EBSA’s toll-free number at 1.866.444.EBSA (3272), for help with problems pertaining to private-sector retirement and health plans.

(U. S. v. Milder)
Civil Action No. (06-02204-ref)

U.S. Department of Labor news releases are accessible on the Department's Newsroom page. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202.693.7765 or TTY 202.693.7755. The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit the Department's Compliance Assistance page.

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

Contact Name: Leni Uddyback-Fortson
Phone Number: 215.861.5102