IRVINE, Calif., September 14, 2026 – Umberg/Zipser LLP secured a $2,896,550 judgment on behalf of 24 individuals in a pro bono fraud and breach of contract case involving nearly 70 written investment agreements.
In Cervantes et al. v. Verdin d/b/a Achilles Investments LLC, the plaintiffs alleged that defendant Jonathan Verdin induced them to enter into written contracts by promising returns of more than twice, and in some cases as much as 3.5 times, the amounts they invested. Verdin represented that the funds would be invested in the stock market. According to the plaintiffs, he collected their money but never invested it as promised or delivered the promised returns.
Many of the plaintiffs had little to no experience investing in the stock market and learned of the investment opportunity through friends and family. The amounts owed under individual contracts ranged from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Umberg/Zipser represented the plaintiffs pro bono.
“This case was about helping people who trusted someone with money they had worked hard to earn and ultimately had nowhere else to turn,” said Umberg/Zipser attorney Ellen Kim. “We are very pleased that we were able to help our clients obtain this result.”
The Orange County Superior Court granted the plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment on their claims for fraudulent misrepresentation and breach of written contract. On September 10, 2026, the Court entered final judgment awarding the plaintiffs $2,896,550, plus prejudgment interest, costs and post-judgment interest.
Umberg/Zipser attorneys Ellen Kim and Mark Finkelstein represented the plaintiffs. Paralegal Gabriella Gomez-Cruz was involved in the case from the outset and provided translation assistance to many of the clients.
The case is Juan Cervantes, et al. v. Jonathan Verdin d/b/a Achilles Investments LLC, Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 30-2024-01418094-CU-FR-WJC.
About Umberg/Zipser LLP
