“The executive committee of the Nevada County Economic Resource Council (ERC) learned yesterday afternoon about the arrest of Mr. Blinder. At this point we have very little information and need to understand the details before making further comment,” the group said in a statement.
“Mr. Blinder is an independent contractor that has served as the interim executive director since January 2012. With his leadership the ERC has gained strength and momentum in addressing economic issues in our community.”
“The ERC Board is committed to the organization’s mission ‘to enhance the economic vitality of Nevada County by supporting the retention, creation and attraction of quality jobs, while retaining our unique environment.’ We believe this is one of the most exciting times in our organization’s history and will move forward with upcoming plans and activities.”
The Rood Center sent out this statement. “As with many in our community, the Board of Supervisors was surprised to learn about the arrest of Mr. Jon Blinder. Because Mr. Blinder serves as a contractor for the Economic Resource Council (ERC), this is a personnel issue between him and the ERC Board of Directors.
“The Economic Resource Council has been a valued County partner for many years in providing economic development services in our region. Going forward, the County will continue to work with the ERC Board of Directors and its Chair, Kimberly Parker, on current and ongoing projects. We are confident that the ERC Board will take the appropriate steps in dealing with this issue.”
Attorney General Kamala D. Harris announced the arrest Thursday of four suspects who have been charged with securities fraud, conspiracy and elder abuse for operating a Ponzi scheme that bilked dozens of investors of over $2.3 million.
The arrest declaration alleges that Gold Country Lenders, a real estate company in Grass Valley, engaged in a pattern of theft and fraud-related crimes for more than eight years. Investor funds were used to make interest payments to earlier investors or for projects in which the company’s owner had a financial interest.
Philip Lester, 65, and Ellen Lester, 65, who are married, surrendered to custody, and Susan Laferte, 58, and Jonathan Blinder, 58, were arrested on Thursday in Nevada County.
The arrest declaration is here:Arrest Declar_Gold Country Lenders
The Sacramento Bee’s report from 2011 on hard-money lending and Lester is here and here.
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As of 9:00 am Saturday morning the Lester’s are still in the Nevada County jail and have not posted bail to get out .