Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 23 Filed 05/07/25 Page 1 of 1 PageID: 284

Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 6 Filed 10/04/24 Page 1 of 2 PageID: 216

NEW YORK SHANGHAI

LONDON ATLANTA
SINGAPORE BALTIMORE
PHILADELPHIA FIRM and AFFILIATE OFFICES WILMINGTON
CHICAGO MIAMI
WASHINGTON, DC BOCA RATON
SAN FRANCISCO PITTSBURGH
ROBERT J. BRENER
SILICON VALLEY NEWARK
DIRECT DIAL: +1 973 424 2059
SAN DIEGO PERSONAL FAX: +1 973 556 1499 LAS VEGAS
LOS ANGELES E-MAIL: [email protected] CHERRY HILL
TAIWAN LAKE TAHOE
BOSTON www.duanemorris.com MYANMAR
HOUSTON OMAN
AUSTIN A GCC REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE
OF DUANE MORRIS
HANOI
HO CHI MINH CITY
ALLIANCES IN MEXICO
AND SRI LANKA

October 4, 2024

VIA ECF AND EMAIL

Honorable Brian R. Martinotti, U.S.D.J.
United States District Court for the District of New Jersey
Martin Luther King Building & U.S. Courthouse
50 Walnut Street
Newark, NJ 07101

Re: Fulton Bank, N.A. v. Trinity Auto, LLC et al.

Case No. 24-9585

Dear Judge Martinotti:

This firm represents Plaintiff Fulton Bank, N.A. in this matter. I am copying Mr. Seth
Dobbs from the law firm of Fox Rothschild and counsel for Defendant Trinity Auto, LLC d/b/a
Trinity Cadillac (the “Dealership”) on this transmittal.

Fulton Bank representatives appeared at the Dealership late morning today. They presented
to it and its owners the Amended Order to Show Cause ordering, among other things, the
immediate turnover of the 52 Non-Floorplan Vehicles identified in Exhibit B thereto, and the
supporting papers filed in connection with Fulton Bank’s application. All defendants have been
served with the application papers within the time provided by the Amended Order to Show Cause.

Defendant Lee Morant, an owner of the Dealership, confided in the Fulton Bank
representatives that yesterday he learned of the Amended Order to Show Cause and Fulton’s intent
to take immediate possession of the 52 vehicles. Mr. Morant admitted that upon hearing this news,
he immediately contacted all consignors and other third-parties that Fulton was coming to take the
Non-Floorplan Vehicles.

As a result of Mr. Morant’s heads-up, all but 7 of the 52 Non-Floorplan Vehicles subject
to the Amended Order to Show Cause and identified in Exhibit B thereto (which vehicles are
Fulton Bank’s Vehicle Collateral and subject to Fulton’s first-priority security interest), have been
hastily moved from the Dealership lot prior to Fulton Bank’s arrival. Fulton Bank is thus unable
to take possession of those 45 vehicles.
DUANE MORRIS L LP A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIP DAVID SUSSMAN, RESIDENT PARTNER

ONE RIVERFRONT P LAZA, 1037 RAYMOND BLVD., SUI TE 1800 P HONE: +1 973 424 2000 FAX: +1 973 424 2001
NEWARK, NJ 07102-5429
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 6 Filed 10/04/24 Page 2 of 2 PageID: 217

Hon. Brian R. Martinotti , U.S.D.J

October 4, 2024
Page 2

The consignor of the remaining 7 vehicles is now at the Dealership. He took back the keys
from the Dealership and is refusing to turnover those vehicles to Fulton, notwithstanding the
Court’s Order.

Fulton Bank representatives are still at the Dealership seeking compliance with the
remainder of the relief provided in the Amended Order to Show Cause.

We will update the Court with any further developments.

cc: Seth Dobbs, Esq. (via email)

s/ Robert J. Brener
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 13 Filed 10/08/24 Page 1 of 2 PageID: 230

Andrew C. Egan Direct: 973.937.6732

Principal Email: [email protected]

October 8, 2024

Via PACER
Honorable Brian Martinotti, U.S.D.J.
US District Court for the District of New Jersey
50 Walnut St.,
Newark, New Jersey 07102

Re: Fulton Bank, N.A. v. Trinity Auto, LLC, et al.,

Civil Action No. 24-9585

Dear Judge Martinotti:

This firm was retained today, and represents Defendants Trinity Auto, LLC, Lee V.
Morant, Jr., and Jose E. Collado. We have quickly reviewed the Amended Order to Show Cause
and Complaint, but have not had a chance to investigate the matter in depth. We have also
contacted counsel for plaintiff, Fulton Bank, N.A., and spoke with them this morning.

As a preliminary matter, we understand that an Order to Show Cause called for a response
by Monday, October 7th, prior to this firm being retained. We respectfully request that we be
permitted time to review the allegations, confer with our clients and respond by this Friday,
October 11, 2024, or such other time as set by the Court. Defenses that may be available aside,
my clients are developing a financial plan to make Plaintiff whole, and we respectfully request that
the Court stay any order against my clients, and vacate any restraints, until we have a chance to
negotiate an acceptable business solution with Plaintiff and any other impacted creditors. We note
that Plaintiff’s representatives are currently on-site at the dealership during business hours and are
in possession of the keys and titles for the floor plan vehicles on the lot, removing any risk that
Fulton will lose control of its collateral on site.

Additionally, we are concerned other secured creditors of the Defendants exist who are not
named as parties in this matter, nominal or otherwise, and likely do not have notice of this litigation
to protect their interests. Based on its filings, it seems that Plaintiff is knowledgeable about those
other creditors and included UCC filings related to those creditors. If Plaintiff is authorized to take
effective possession of the dealership, as well as its vehicle inventory, equipment, and other assets,
it could be in possession of more assets than the value of its claims, and in that case, would be in
possession of assets that belong to a creditor with junior priority. Plaintiff’s most recent October
7, 2024 letter highlights the problem: the last sentence seeks entry of an order restraining and
compelling conduct from a person and/or entity that is not a party to this litigation, specifically
Aharon Behamo and/or Palisades Dealer Funding LLC.

Without identifying the other creditors as parties, it is also impossible to properly evaluate
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 13 Filed 10/08/24 Page 2 of 2 PageID: 231

October 8, 2024
Page 2

whether this court has diversity jurisdiction, because the other creditors, or any member of a
secured creditor organized as an LLC, may be residents of the same state as Plaintiff, thereby
destroying diversity jurisdiction.

Trinity Cadillac needs to be able to sell cars to pay Fulton back, and it is prepared to do
that within the next 30 days. We request the time to do so, because entering the requested relief
would be a death blow to the business and put the dealerships 40-50 employees out of work.

Thank you for your consideration of this matter. I await the Court's determination of
whether there will be an in-person or virtual hearing this morning. I will plan to be there in person
at 11:30 unless we hear otherwise from the Court.

Respectfully submitted,

Andrew C. Egan
Andrew C. Egan
ACE/NR

cc: Robert J. Brener (via Pacer)

Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 1 of 138 PageID: 1
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 2 of 138 PageID: 2
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 3 of 138 PageID: 3
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 4 of 138 PageID: 4
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 5 of 138 PageID: 5
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 6 of 138 PageID: 6
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 7 of 138 PageID: 7
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 8 of 138 PageID: 8
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 9 of 138 PageID: 9
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 10 of 138 PageID: 10
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 11 of 138 PageID: 11
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 12 of 138 PageID: 12
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 13 of 138 PageID: 13
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 14 of 138 PageID: 14
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 15 of 138 PageID: 15
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 16 of 138 PageID: 16
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 17 of 138 PageID: 17
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 18 of 138 PageID: 18
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 19 of 138 PageID: 19
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 20 of 138 PageID: 20
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 21 of 138 PageID: 21
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 22 of 138 PageID: 22
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 23 of 138 PageID: 23
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 24 of 138 PageID: 24
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 25 of 138 PageID: 25
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 26 of 138 PageID: 26
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 27 of 138 PageID: 27
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 28 of 138 PageID: 28
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 29 of 138 PageID: 29
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 30 of 138 PageID: 30
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 31 of 138 PageID: 31
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 32 of 138 PageID: 32
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 33 of 138 PageID: 33
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 34 of 138 PageID: 34
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 35 of 138 PageID: 35
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 36 of 138 PageID: 36
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 37 of 138 PageID: 37
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 38 of 138 PageID: 38
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 39 of 138 PageID: 39
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 40 of 138 PageID: 40
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 41 of 138 PageID: 41
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 42 of 138 PageID: 42
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 43 of 138 PageID: 43
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 44 of 138 PageID: 44
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 45 of 138 PageID: 45
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 46 of 138 PageID: 46
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 47 of 138 PageID: 47
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 48 of 138 PageID: 48
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 49 of 138 PageID: 49
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 50 of 138 PageID: 50
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 51 of 138 PageID: 51
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 52 of 138 PageID: 52
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 53 of 138 PageID: 53
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 54 of 138 PageID: 54
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 55 of 138 PageID: 55
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 56 of 138 PageID: 56
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 57 of 138 PageID: 57
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 58 of 138 PageID: 58
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 59 of 138 PageID: 59
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 60 of 138 PageID: 60
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 61 of 138 PageID: 61
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 62 of 138 PageID: 62
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 63 of 138 PageID: 63
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 64 of 138 PageID: 64
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 65 of 138 PageID: 65
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 66 of 138 PageID: 66
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 67 of 138 PageID: 67
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 68 of 138 PageID: 68
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 69 of 138 PageID: 69
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 70 of 138 PageID: 70
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 71 of 138 PageID: 71
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 72 of 138 PageID: 72
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 73 of 138 PageID: 73
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 74 of 138 PageID: 74
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 75 of 138 PageID: 75
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 76 of 138 PageID: 76
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 77 of 138 PageID: 77
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 78 of 138 PageID: 78
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 79 of 138 PageID: 79
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 80 of 138 PageID: 80
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 81 of 138 PageID: 81
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 82 of 138 PageID: 82
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 83 of 138 PageID: 83
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 84 of 138 PageID: 84
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 85 of 138 PageID: 85
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 86 of 138 PageID: 86
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 87 of 138 PageID: 87
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 88 of 138 PageID: 88
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 89 of 138 PageID: 89
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 90 of 138 PageID: 90
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 91 of 138 PageID: 91
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 92 of 138 PageID: 92
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 93 of 138 PageID: 93
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 94 of 138 PageID: 94
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 95 of 138 PageID: 95
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 96 of 138 PageID: 96
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 97 of 138 PageID: 97
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 98 of 138 PageID: 98
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 99 of 138 PageID: 99
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 100 of 138 PageID:
100
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 101 of 138 PageID:
101
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 102 of 138 PageID:
102
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 103 of 138 PageID:
103
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 104 of 138 PageID:
104
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 105 of 138 PageID:
105
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 106 of 138 PageID:
106
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 107 of 138 PageID:
107
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 108 of 138 PageID:
108
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 109 of 138 PageID:
109
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 110 of 138 PageID:
110
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 111 of 138 PageID:
111
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 112 of 138 PageID:
112
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 113 of 138 PageID:
113
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 114 of 138 PageID:
114
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 115 of 138 PageID:
115
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 116 of 138 PageID:
116
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 117 of 138 PageID:
117
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 118 of 138 PageID:
118
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 119 of 138 PageID:
119
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 120 of 138 PageID:
120
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 121 of 138 PageID:
121
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 122 of 138 PageID:
122
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 123 of 138 PageID:
123
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 124 of 138 PageID:
124
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 125 of 138 PageID:
125
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 126 of 138 PageID:
126
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 127 of 138 PageID:
127
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 128 of 138 PageID:
128
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 129 of 138 PageID:
129
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 130 of 138 PageID:
130
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 131 of 138 PageID:
131
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 132 of 138 PageID:
132
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 133 of 138 PageID:
133
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 134 of 138 PageID:
134
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 135 of 138 PageID:
135
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 136 of 138 PageID:
136
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 137 of 138 PageID:
137
Case 2:24-cv-09585-BRM-LDW Document 1 Filed 10/02/24 Page 138 of 138 PageID:
138