`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 15
`
`INDEX NO. 607294/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/30/2020
`
`Exhibit
`
`"C
`
`
`
`. --
`-.-
`-....
`...--
`.
`.
`,
`-
`...
`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 07/30/2020 11:18 AM
`-,
`DOC.
`NYSCEF
`NO.
`1
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 15
`
`- -
`
`INDEX NO. 607294/2020
`RECEIVED
`NYSCEF:
`06/17/2020
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/30/2020
`
`Index No.
`
`VERIFIED
`
`COMPLAINT
`
`SUPREME
`OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
`COURT
`COUNTY
`OF SUFFOLK
`---------------------------------x
`NANCY
`
`CORCIONE,
`
`:
`
`: :
`
`:
`
`:
`
`:
`
`:
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`- against
`
`-
`
`ALICE
`MIREZ
`n/k/a/
`RCG MORTGAGE
`SOLUTIONS,
`CATHERINE
`LEE DOMINICI,
`
`ALICE
`
`TORTORA,
`LLC,
`
`and
`
`Esq.,
`
`__________-___________.-----
`
`------x
`
`Defendants.
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`NANCY
`
`CORCIONE,
`
`by
`
`and
`
`through
`
`her
`
`attorneys,
`
`SOKOLSKI
`
`&
`
`ZEKARIA,
`
`P.C.,
`
`hereby
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`as its complaint
`
`against
`
`Defendants,
`
`the following:
`
`JURISDICTION
`
`1.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`relevant
`
`herein,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`Nancy
`
`Corcione
`
`("Plaintiff')
`
`was
`
`and still
`
`is a
`
`natural
`
`person
`
`residing
`
`in the County
`
`of Suffolk,
`
`within
`
`the State of New York.
`
`2.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`at all
`
`times
`
`relevant
`
`herein,
`
`Defendant
`
`Alice
`
`Mirez
`
`n/k/a
`
`Alice
`
`Tortora
`
`was
`
`and
`
`still
`
`is a natural
`
`person
`
`of Nassau,
`
`("Mirez")
`
`residing
`
`in the County
`
`within
`
`the State ofNew
`
`York.
`
`3.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`at all
`
`times
`
`relevant
`
`herein,
`
`Defendant
`
`Mirez
`
`was and
`
`still
`
`is the
`
`owner
`
`of
`
`the
`
`unit/house
`
`commonly
`
`known
`
`as 131 Constantine
`
`Way,
`
`Mount
`
`Sinai, New
`
`York
`
`11766
`
`("subject
`
`premises").
`
`4.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and belief,
`
`at all
`
`times
`
`relevant
`
`herein,
`
`Defendant
`
`RCG Mortgage
`
`Solutions,
`
`LLC,
`
`("RCG")
`
`was
`
`and
`
`still
`
`is a foreign
`
`limited
`
`liability
`
`corapâñy
`
`ens6ng
`
`by and under
`
`the
`
`virtue
`
`of
`
`the
`
`laws
`
`of
`
`the State
`
`of New Jersey, maintains
`
`its principal
`
`place
`
`of business
`
`in the
`
`County
`
`of Suffolk
`
`within
`
`the State
`
`of New York,
`
`and is registered
`
`with
`
`The New York
`
`Department
`
`of State
`
`as doing
`
`business
`
`in County
`
`of Suffolk.
`
`1
`
`3 of
`
`15
`
`
`
`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 07/30/2020 11:18 AM
`NO.
`DOC.
`NYSCEF
`1
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 15
`
`INDEX NO. 607294/2020
`NYSCEF :
`0 6 /17 / 2 02 0
`RECEIVED
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/30/2020
`
`5.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and belief,
`
`at all
`
`times
`
`relevant
`
`herein
`
`up to and including
`
`April
`
`2020,
`
`Defendant
`
`RCG was
`
`acting
`
`as a mortgage
`
`broker
`
`for
`
`the Plaintiff.
`
`6.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and belief,
`
`at all
`
`times
`
`relevant
`
`herein,
`
`Defendant
`
`Catherine
`
`Lee
`
`Dominici
`
`("Dominici")
`
`was
`
`and
`
`still
`
`is a natural
`
`person
`
`residing
`
`in the State
`
`of New York
`
`and
`
`maintaining
`
`her principal
`
`place
`
`of business
`
`in the County
`
`of Suffolk
`
`within
`
`the State
`
`of New York.
`
`7.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`Catherine
`
`Lee Dominici
`
`is an attomey
`
`duly
`
`licensed
`
`to practice
`
`law
`
`in the State
`
`of New York,
`
`having
`
`been
`
`admitted
`
`to pradee
`
`in New York
`
`State
`
`in 2010,
`
`and her Attorney
`
`Registration
`
`Number
`
`is 4772539.
`
`8.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and belief,
`
`at all
`
`times
`
`relevant
`
`herein
`
`up to and
`
`incInding
`
`May
`
`2020,
`
`Defendant
`
`Dominici
`
`was
`
`acting
`
`as attorney
`
`for Plaintiff
`
`in
`
`relation
`
`to the
`
`purchase
`
`of
`
`the
`
`subject
`
`premises.
`
`STATEMENT
`
`OF THE FACTS
`
`9.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`relevant
`
`herein,
`
`Defeñdst
`
`Mirez
`
`was
`
`and
`
`is attempting
`
`to
`
`sell
`
`the
`
`subject
`
`premises.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`as
`
`10.
`
`A contract
`
`of
`
`sale
`
`was
`
`entered
`
`into
`
`on
`
`January
`
`30,
`
`2020
`
`between
`
`purchaser
`
`and Defendant
`
`Mirez
`
`as seller
`
`for
`
`the subject
`
`premises.
`
`11.
`
`Under
`
`the
`
`January
`
`30,
`
`2020
`
`contract
`
`of
`
`sale Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`to purchase
`
`the Subject
`
`premises
`
`for
`
`a price
`
`of $580,000
`
`with
`
`a seller's
`
`concession
`
`of $21,500,
`
`this
`
`contract
`
`was
`
`executed
`
`based
`
`upon
`
`a down
`
`payment
`
`of $10,000
`
`form Plaintiff
`
`to be held
`
`in escrow.
`
`12.
`
`The
`
`January
`
`30, 2020
`
`contract
`
`of sale and granted
`
`Plaintiff
`
`45 days
`
`(till March
`
`15)
`
`to
`
`secure
`
`a mortgage,
`
`and
`
`set
`
`the
`
`initial
`
`closing
`
`date
`
`for
`
`this
`
`transaction
`
`for Febmaty
`
`15 with
`
`no
`
`"time
`
`is of
`
`the
`
`essence"
`
`language
`
`included.
`
`13.
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`then
`
`placed
`
`$10,000
`
`into
`
`escrow
`
`with
`
`Defendant
`
`Mirez's
`
`attomey
`
`as a
`
`deposit
`
`per
`
`the January
`
`30, 2020
`
`contract
`
`of sale.
`
`14.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`then went
`
`about
`
`securing
`
`a mortgage
`
`for
`
`the
`
`subject
`
`premises
`
`through
`
`her
`
`then mortgage
`
`broker
`
`Defendant
`
`RCG.
`
`2
`4 o f
`
`15
`
`
`
`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 07/30/2020 11:18 AM
`NO.
`DOC.
`NYSCEF
`1
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 15
`
`INDEX NO. 607294/2020
`
`RECEIVED
`NYSCEF:
`06/17/2020
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/30/2020
`
`15.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`RGC by and through
`
`its agent Evan Russell
`
`began
`
`seeking
`
`to
`
`secure
`
`a mortgage
`
`on
`
`the
`
`subject
`
`premises
`
`secured
`
`by
`
`the
`
`Federal
`
`Housing
`
`Administration
`
`("FHA
`
`Mortgage").
`
`16.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and belief,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`sent all documentaüon
`
`necessary
`
`to shop for a
`
`mortgage
`
`to Defendant
`
`RGC in a timely
`
`manner,
`
`but
`
`due to ongoing
`
`delays
`
`on the part
`
`of Defendant
`
`RGC a mortgage
`
`loan
`
`commitment
`
`was not
`
`received
`
`in a timely
`
`manner.
`
`17.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`an amendment
`
`was made
`
`to
`
`the
`
`January
`
`30,
`
`2020
`
`contract
`
`of sale on February
`
`12, 2020
`
`changing
`
`the closing
`
`date to February
`
`28, 2020.
`
`18.
`
`On March
`
`7, 2020
`
`a state
`
`of
`
`emergency
`
`was
`
`declared
`
`in New York
`
`State
`
`per
`
`Executive
`
`Order
`
`202,
`
`in relation
`
`to the COVID-19
`
`pañdemic.
`
`19.
`
`On March
`
`20,
`
`2020
`
`Executive
`
`Order
`
`202.8
`
`colloquially
`
`known
`
`as the "New
`
`York
`
`State
`
`on
`
`Pause"
`
`order
`
`closed
`
`all non-essential
`
`business
`
`and barred
`
`professional
`
`work
`
`places
`
`such as
`
`real
`
`estate
`
`offices
`
`and law firms
`
`from opening.
`
`20.
`
`Based
`
`upon
`
`Executive
`
`Order
`
`202
`
`and
`
`the
`
`subsequent
`
`Orders
`
`all
`
`non-
`
`Executive
`
`essential
`
`businesses
`
`were
`
`closed,
`
`gatherings
`
`were
`
`barred,
`
`and all
`
`regular
`
`operations
`
`of
`
`the State
`
`of
`
`New York
`
`were
`
`suspended
`
`or severely
`
`diminished.
`
`21.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`this
`
`change
`
`in law effectively
`
`baired
`
`Plaintiff
`
`from
`
`legally
`
`conducting
`
`any
`
`closing
`
`on
`
`the
`
`subject
`
`premises,
`
`as
`
`real
`
`estate,
`
`title
`
`companies,
`
`and
`
`professional
`
`offices
`
`such
`
`as transactional
`
`law firms
`
`could
`
`only
`
`operate
`
`remotely,
`
`and non-essential
`
`of
`
`individuals
`
`size
`
`for
`
`non-essentie
`
`reason were
`
`canceled
`
`at
`
`this
`
`gatherings
`
`of any
`
`any
`
`time making
`
`it a legal
`
`impossibility
`
`to effectuate
`
`a closing
`
`in accordance
`
`with
`
`the contract.
`
`22.
`
`Based
`
`upon
`
`this
`
`change
`
`of
`
`law performance
`
`under
`
`the contract
`
`was
`
`an impossibility
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`due
`
`to operation
`
`of
`
`law,
`
`and
`
`such
`
`conditions
`
`were
`
`not
`
`contemplated
`
`by
`
`the January
`
`30,
`
`2020
`
`contract
`
`of sale.
`
`23.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and belief,
`
`this
`
`change
`
`in law further
`
`effected
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`ability
`
`to
`
`perform
`
`actions
`
`in an otherwise
`
`timely
`
`mamm,
`
`as offices
`
`and agencies
`
`from which
`
`documentadon
`
`3
`5 of
`
`15
`
`
`
`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 07/30/2020 11:18 AM
`NO.
`DOC.
`NYSCEF
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 15
`1
`
`INDEX NO. 607294/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/30/2020
`NYSCEF:
`RECEIVED
`06/17/2020
`
`was
`
`required
`
`were
`
`unavailable
`
`to provide
`
`same.
`
`24.
`
`It was
`
`not
`
`until
`
`after
`
`the State
`
`of Emergency
`
`was
`
`declared
`
`on or about March
`
`13,
`
`2020
`
`that
`
`Plaintiff
`
`received
`
`a mortgage
`
`commitment
`
`through
`
`Defendant
`
`RCG and financed
`
`by
`
`the
`
`financial
`
`institution
`
`Mr. Cooper.
`
`25.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`Mirez
`
`by and through
`
`her attomey
`
`allowed
`
`this
`
`delay
`
`and took
`
`no action
`
`to cancel
`
`the
`
`sale. Although,
`
`Defendant
`
`Mirez
`
`did later
`
`force
`
`Plaintiff
`
`to
`
`fees
`
`and
`
`on
`
`pay
`
`the monthly
`
`utilities
`
`the
`
`subject
`
`premises
`
`which
`
`was
`
`not
`
`part
`
`of
`
`the
`
`sales
`
`agreement,
`
`thus
`
`enforcing
`
`a penalty
`
`for
`
`a delay
`
`that was
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`operation
`
`of
`
`law and outside
`
`of
`
`the
`
`contract.
`
`26.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`Dominici
`
`allowed
`
`this
`
`non-contracted
`
`penalty
`
`to be imposed.
`
`27.
`
`. Upon
`
`information
`
`and belief,
`
`after
`
`receiving
`
`the mortgage
`
`loan
`
`commitment
`
`the next
`
`steps
`
`to secure
`
`this
`
`loan were
`
`delayed
`
`and hindered
`
`the COVID-19
`
`pandemic
`
`severely
`
`by
`
`and state
`
`shutdown.
`
`28.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`on or about March
`
`31, 2020
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`advised
`
`that
`
`due
`
`to the
`
`economic
`
`impact
`
`of COVID-19
`
`the financial
`
`institution
`
`Mr. Cooper,
`
`would
`
`not be able to
`
`fmance
`
`her
`
`loan.
`
`29.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`RCG then
`
`proceeded
`
`to
`
`get
`
`Plaintiff
`
`approved
`
`for
`
`a standard
`
`(non-FHA)
`
`mortgage
`
`loan
`
`commitment
`
`with
`
`Lending
`
`Point.
`
`Assuring
`
`her
`
`that
`
`all was well
`
`and to proceed
`
`with
`
`the purchase.
`
`upon
`
`the
`
`representations
`
`30.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`relied
`
`of Defendant
`
`RCG and attempted
`
`to continue
`
`with
`
`the purchase.
`
`31.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`Dominici
`
`as Plaintiff's
`
`attorney
`
`spoke
`
`to
`
`Defendant
`
`Mirez's
`
`attorneyonor
`
`about
`
`April3,
`
`2020
`
`regarding
`
`this
`
`delay.
`
`32.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`at
`
`this
`
`time
`
`Defendant
`
`Dominici
`
`failed
`
`in her duty
`
`as
`
`attorney
`
`to Plaintiff,
`
`in that
`
`instead
`
`of asserting
`
`defenses
`
`to the
`
`delay
`
`or acting
`
`in acecidance
`
`with
`
`4
`6 of
`
`15
`
`
`
`-..
`--....
`.....-
`....
`..,-
`.
`-
`..,-.-
`...
`.
`-
`--
`...-
`. -...
`-
`...,
`-,
`,
`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 07/30/2020 11:18 AM
`NYSCEF
`NO.
`DOC.
`1
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 15
`
`INDEX NO. 607294/2020
`RECEIVED
`NYSCEF:
`06/17/2020
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/30/2020
`
`the
`
`contract
`
`of sale to receive
`
`a return
`
`of
`
`the
`
`deposit
`
`under
`
`paragraph
`
`7 of
`
`the rider
`
`to the January
`
`30,
`
`2020
`
`Contract
`
`of Sale
`
`she provided
`
`overwhelming
`
`concessions
`
`to get an extension
`
`to a contract
`
`that
`
`could
`
`not be performed
`
`by operation
`
`of
`
`law and/or
`
`due to the unforeseen
`
`global
`
`circumstances.
`
`33.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and belief,
`
`the discussion
`
`on April
`
`3, 2020 was
`
`reduced
`
`to a letter
`
`by Defendant
`
`Dominjci
`
`and
`
`improperly
`
`purported
`
`to authorized
`
`a release
`
`of escrow
`
`and a contract
`
`revision
`
`of an increase
`
`of purchase
`
`price
`
`to 580k,
`
`in exchange
`
`for
`
`an extension
`
`of not more
`
`than
`
`(30)
`
`days.
`
`thirty
`
`34.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`the
`
`contract
`
`revision
`
`was
`
`accepted
`
`and a law date was
`
`illegally
`
`set
`
`for
`
`the
`
`closing
`
`that was
`
`directly
`
`in contravention
`
`to the Executive
`
`Orders
`
`that
`
`barred
`
`such
`
`non-essential
`
`gathedngs.
`
`Thus,
`
`said
`
`amendment
`
`was barred
`
`by operation
`
`of
`
`law as well.
`
`35.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and belief,
`
`the purported
`
`contract
`
`revision
`
`based
`
`upon
`
`this April
`
`3,
`
`2020
`
`letter
`
`was
`
`not
`
`sent
`
`to
`
`the Plaintiff,
`
`and
`
`communication
`
`regarding
`
`all
`
`amendments
`
`to the
`
`Contract
`
`of sale were
`
`non-existent.
`
`virtually
`
`36.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`the second
`
`attempt
`
`to obtain
`
`a mortgage
`
`by Defendant
`
`RCG was
`
`for
`
`a conventional
`
`mortgage,
`
`and was
`
`ineffectual
`
`as
`
`the
`
`documstadon
`
`necessary
`
`to
`
`finalize
`
`was
`
`unavailable
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`due to COVID-19
`
`closures.
`
`37.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`due
`
`to delays
`
`on the
`
`part
`
`of Defendant
`
`RCG and the
`
`closures
`
`due to the COVID-19
`
`pandemic
`
`Plaintiff
`
`did not obtain
`
`a mortgage
`
`within
`
`in the additional
`
`thirty
`
`(30)
`
`days
`
`outlined
`
`in the April
`
`3, 2020
`
`letter.
`
`38.
`
`Defendant
`
`Mirez's
`
`sent
`
`a letter
`
`that
`
`no further
`
`On May
`
`13, 2020
`
`attorney
`
`stating
`
`extensions
`
`would
`
`be granted
`
`and
`
`that Defendant
`
`Mirez
`
`would
`
`be unlawfully
`
`retaining
`
`the deposit
`
`atnount
`
`of
`
`$10,000.
`
`This
`
`letter
`
`was
`
`predicated
`
`on the
`
`assertion
`
`that Plaintiff
`
`had
`
`an insufficient
`
`credit
`
`score
`
`to obtain
`
`a mortgage.
`
`39.
`
`As
`
`of
`
`this writing
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`a credit
`
`score
`
`across
`
`the three major
`
`credit
`
`reporting
`
`companies
`
`that
`
`averages
`
`751, which,
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and belief,
`
`should
`
`not
`
`in and of
`
`itself
`
`hinder
`
`any
`
`application
`
`for
`
`a mortgage.
`
`5
`
`7 of
`
`15
`
`
`
`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 07/30/2020 11:18 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 15
`NO.
`DOC.
`NYSCEF
`1
`
`INDEX NO. 607294/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/30/2020
`NYSCEF:
`RECEIVED
`06/17/2020
`
`40.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`on
`
`or
`
`about
`
`the
`
`time
`
`of
`
`this May
`
`13,
`
`2020
`
`letter
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`frustrated
`
`with
`
`her mortgage
`
`broker
`
`and
`
`began
`
`to contact
`
`other
`
`and more
`
`reputable
`
`companics
`
`only
`
`to
`
`discover
`
`that
`
`the
`
`subject
`
`premises
`
`were
`
`not
`
`eligible
`
`for
`
`an FSA mortgage.
`
`Defendant
`
`RCG was
`
`unaware
`
`of
`
`this
`
`and wasted
`
`two
`
`(2) months
`
`causing
`
`great
`
`damage
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`due
`
`to their
`
`negligence.
`
`41.
`
`then
`
`stopped
`
`business
`
`with
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`conducting
`
`Defendant
`
`RCG,
`
`and brought
`
`in a
`
`new mortgage
`
`broker
`
`who
`
`then
`
`pre-approved
`
`her
`
`for a standard
`
`mortgage
`
`within
`
`a matter
`
`of days
`
`on
`
`or about May
`
`15, 2020.
`
`42.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and belief,
`
`when
`
`Plaintiff
`
`s former
`
`counsel
`
`reached
`
`out
`
`to present
`
`this
`
`new
`
`approval
`
`to Defendant
`
`Mirez's
`
`counsel
`
`the
`
`request
`
`to
`
`purchase
`
`and
`
`extend
`
`deadliñcs
`
`further
`
`was
`
`rejected.
`
`43.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`based
`
`upon
`
`this
`
`rejection
`
`and
`
`her
`
`prior
`
`counsel's
`
`failure
`
`manage
`
`the transaction
`
`to properly
`
`contract
`
`of sale.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`retained
`
`this
`
`firm to enforce
`
`her
`
`rights
`
`under
`
`the
`
`44.
`
`As of
`
`this writing
`
`Defendant
`
`Mirez
`
`has continued
`
`to refuse
`
`to perform
`
`in accordãüce
`
`with
`
`the
`
`contract
`
`of sale,
`
`despite
`
`a letter
`
`from this
`
`firm dated
`
`June
`
`10, 2020
`
`detailing
`
`our
`
`intentions
`
`in this
`
`case,
`
`and
`
`outlining
`
`the legal
`
`impossibility
`
`due to operation
`
`of
`
`law.
`
`AS AND FOR A FIRST
`AGAINST
`OF ACTION
`DEFENDANT
`CAUSE
`BREACH
`- SPECIFIC
`PREFORMANCE.
`MIREZ
`OF CONTRACT
`
`45.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`reiterates
`
`all
`
`of
`
`the
`
`foregoing
`
`allegations,
`
`with
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as if
`
`forth
`
`length
`
`hereat.
`
`the same were
`
`set
`
`at
`
`46.
`
`Because
`
`of
`
`all
`
`of
`
`the
`
`forgoing,
`
`Defendant
`
`Mirez
`
`breached
`
`the
`
`January
`
`30,
`
`2020
`
`contract
`
`of sale
`
`by
`
`failing
`
`to return
`
`the
`
`deposit
`
`to Plaintiff,
`
`canceling
`
`the contract,
`
`and/or
`
`failing
`
`to
`
`allow
`
`the
`
`sale ofthe
`
`subject
`
`premises.
`
`47.
`
`The
`
`subject
`
`premises
`
`are unique
`
`and
`
`the
`
`precise
`
`value
`
`of
`
`the
`
`loss
`
`of
`
`the
`
`ability
`
`to
`
`purchase
`
`the subject
`
`premises
`
`is both
`
`difficult
`
`to ascertain
`
`and varies
`
`with
`
`the strength
`
`and weAness
`
`6
`8 of
`
`15
`
`
`
`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 07/30/2020 11:18 AM
`,
`..---
`...-
`-
`. -
`.
`-
`.-...-
`...,
`,
`-,
`NYSCEF
`NO.
`DOC.
`1
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 15
`
`INDEX NO. 607294/2020
`
`RECEIVED
`NYSCEF:
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/30/2020
`06/17/2020
`
`of
`
`the
`
`economy
`
`and market
`
`conditions.
`
`48.
`
`The
`
`January
`
`30,
`
`2020
`
`contract
`
`of
`
`sale does
`
`not
`
`contemplate
`
`the current
`
`COVID-19
`
`crisis,
`
`nor
`
`the impedance
`
`and impossibility
`
`which
`
`it has created
`
`by operation
`
`of
`
`law or otherwise.
`
`In
`
`the
`
`absence
`
`of
`
`terms
`
`that
`
`account
`
`for
`
`such
`
`occurrences,
`
`as well
`
`as a lack
`
`of
`
`"time
`
`of
`
`the
`
`essence"
`
`language
`
`within
`
`the
`
`contract
`
`provisions,
`
`the
`
`dates
`
`for
`
`completion
`
`of
`
`the contract
`
`should
`
`be deemed
`
`waived
`
`or amended
`
`to allow
`
`completion.
`
`for
`
`49.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`demands
`
`an order
`
`against
`
`Defendant
`
`Mirez
`
`for
`
`specific
`
`performance,
`
`to wit,
`
`the
`
`sale
`
`of
`
`the subject
`
`premises.
`
`50.
`
`In the alternative,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`demands
`
`judgment
`
`against
`
`Defendant
`
`Mirez,
`
`for
`
`the sum
`
`of
`
`$10,000,
`
`representing
`
`the
`
`deposit
`
`upon
`
`this
`
`contract
`
`that
`
`should
`
`have
`
`been
`
`returned,
`
`in
`
`accordance
`
`with
`
`paragraph
`
`7 of
`
`the tider
`
`to the January
`
`30, 2020
`
`contract
`
`of sale or otherwise,
`
`and
`
`additional
`
`damages
`
`in such
`
`amount(s)
`
`to be determined
`
`by the Court.
`
`Defendants
`
`Gross
`
`and
`
`J. Serra
`
`for
`
`51.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`also
`
`demands
`
`judgment
`
`against
`
`Chaim
`
`the
`
`costs
`
`and disbursements
`
`of
`
`this
`
`proceeding
`
`and interest
`
`upon
`
`any damages
`
`award.
`
`AS
`
`AND
`
`FOR
`
`A SECOND
`CAUSE
`CONVERSION
`MIREZ
`
`ACTION
`OF
`OF PROPERTY.
`
`AGAINST
`
`DEFENDANT
`
`52.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`all prior
`
`allegations
`
`with
`
`the same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as
`
`if
`
`they
`
`were
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`hereat.
`
`53.
`
`In
`
`accordance
`
`with
`
`the
`
`January
`
`30,
`
`2020
`
`contract
`
`of
`
`sale Plaintiff
`
`delivered
`
`to
`
`upon
`
`amount
`
`of $10,000
`
`the deposit
`
`on the
`
`Defendant
`
`Mirez's
`
`attorney
`
`the then
`
`agreed
`
`representing
`
`subject
`
`premises,
`
`to be held
`
`in escrow.
`
`54.
`
`As
`
`an act of good
`
`faith
`
`this
`
`amount
`
`was
`
`improperly
`
`released
`
`to Defendant
`
`Mirez
`
`or about
`
`April
`
`of 2020.
`
`In Defendant
`
`Mirez's
`
`May
`
`13, 2020
`
`letter
`
`they
`
`attribute
`
`the cañcelation
`
`the
`
`sale
`
`to the inability
`
`to secure
`
`a mortgage,
`
`a matter
`
`they
`
`had been
`
`previously
`
`advised
`
`of. Thus,
`
`in
`
`of
`
`in
`
`accordance
`
`with
`
`paragraph
`
`7 of
`
`the rider
`
`to the January
`
`30, 2020
`
`contract
`
`of sale the deposit
`
`should
`
`have
`
`been
`
`returned.
`
`7
`
`15
`
`9 of
`
`
`
`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 07/30/2020 11:18 AM
`NYSCEF
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 15
`NO.
`DOC.
`1
`
`INDEX NO. 607294/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/30/2020
`RECEIVED
`06/17/2020
`NYSCEF:
`
`55.
`
`Defendant
`
`Mirez's
`
`May
`
`13, 2020
`
`letter
`
`specifically
`
`states
`
`that
`
`she refuses
`
`to retum
`
`the deposit
`
`despite
`
`discussions
`
`to do so.
`
`56.
`
`As
`
`such
`
`the
`
`return
`
`of
`
`said
`
`escrow
`
`funds
`
`has been
`
`due
`
`and
`
`demanded
`
`by Plaintiff,
`
`Defendants
`
`refuse
`
`to retum
`
`same.
`
`57.
`
`Defendant
`
`Mirez
`
`intentionally
`
`acted
`
`to
`
`deprive
`
`Plaintiff
`
`of
`
`ownership
`
`of
`
`the
`
`escrowed
`
`funds.
`
`58.
`
`Defendant
`
`convert
`
`the
`
`deposit
`
`Mirez,
`
`property
`
`of Plaintiff,
`
`to wit,
`
`the
`
`paid
`
`into
`
`escrow
`
`in accordance
`
`with
`
`the January
`
`30,
`
`2020
`
`contract
`
`of sale, having
`
`engaged
`
`in conduct
`
`which
`
`permanently
`
`deprived
`
`Plaintiff
`
`of
`
`lawful
`
`ownership
`
`and/or
`
`passession
`
`of same.
`
`59.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`demands
`
`judgment
`
`against
`
`Defendant
`
`Mirez,
`
`for
`
`the
`
`total
`
`amount
`
`of
`
`$10,000
`
`plus
`
`costs,
`
`disbursements
`
`and interest.
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRD
`CAUSE
`OF ACTION
`RCG - BREACH
`OF CONTRACT/BREACH
`
`AGAINST
`OF IMPLIED
`
`DEFENDANT
`CONTRACT.
`
`60.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`reiterates
`
`all of
`
`with
`
`same
`
`the foregoing
`
`allegations,
`
`the
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as if
`
`the same were
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`hereat.
`
`61.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`RCG in
`
`or
`
`about
`
`February
`
`2020
`
`was
`
`contracted
`
`by Plainti.ff
`
`to secure
`
`a mortgage
`
`for
`
`the subject
`
`premises
`
`after
`
`the contract
`
`of
`
`sale was
`
`finalized.
`
`62.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`RCG was aware
`
`of
`
`the terms
`
`of
`
`the contract
`
`of sale and agreed
`
`to aid in obtaining
`
`a mortgage
`
`in a timely
`
`manner.
`
`to meet
`
`their
`
`and
`
`63.
`
`Upon
`
`inforrnation
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`RCG failed
`
`commitments,
`
`due to a lack
`
`of performance
`
`introduced
`
`several
`
`unmeessary
`
`delays,
`
`that have
`
`harmed
`
`Plaintiff.
`
`64.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`RCG failed
`
`to respond
`
`to communications
`
`in a timely
`
`maññêr,
`
`ignored
`
`their
`
`duties,
`
`and
`
`despite
`
`gaining
`
`conditicñal
`
`fmaacing
`
`failed
`
`to finalize
`
`a mortgage
`
`in this matter.
`
`65,
`
`Because
`
`of all of
`
`the
`
`foregoing,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`demands
`
`judgment
`
`against
`
`Defendant
`
`RCG,
`
`8
`of
`
`10
`
`15
`
`
`
`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 07/30/2020 11:18 AM
`NYSCEF
`1
`NO.
`DOC.
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 15
`
`INDEX NO. 607294/2020
`RECEIVED
`NYSCEF:
`06/17/2020
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/30/2020
`
`in an amount
`
`to be determined
`
`by the Court
`
`plus
`
`costs,
`
`disbursements
`
`and interest.
`
`AS AND FOR A FOURTH
`
`CAUSE
`OF ACTION
`RCG - NEGLIGENCE.
`
`AGAINST
`
`DEFENDANT
`
`66.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`reiterates
`
`all of
`
`the foregoing
`
`allegations,
`
`with
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as if
`
`the same were
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`hereat.
`
`67.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`RCG in
`
`or
`
`about
`
`February
`
`2020
`
`was
`
`contracted
`
`by Plaintiff
`
`to secure
`
`a mortgage
`
`for
`
`the subject
`
`prealises
`
`after
`
`the contract
`
`of
`
`sale was
`
`finalized.
`
`68.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`RCG was aware
`
`of
`
`the tenns
`
`of
`
`the contract
`
`of
`
`sale
`
`and agreed
`
`to aid in obtaining
`
`a mortgage
`
`in a timely
`
`manner.
`
`69.
`
`Defendant
`
`RCG failed
`
`to
`
`exercise
`
`reasonable
`
`care
`
`in
`
`their
`
`duties
`
`as a mortgage
`
`broker,
`
`toward
`
`Plaintiff.
`
`70.
`
`Upon
`
`informanon
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`RCG spent
`
`approximately
`
`two
`
`(2) months
`
`after
`
`being
`
`retained
`
`attempting
`
`to
`
`obtain
`
`an FHA mortgage
`
`on the
`
`subject
`
`premises.
`
`The
`
`subject
`
`premises
`
`to receive
`
`and
`
`are not
`
`eligible
`
`an FHA mortgage,
`
`specialist
`
`brokers
`
`such
`
`as Defendant
`
`RCG had
`
`a duty
`
`to known
`
`or
`
`to check
`
`the eligibility
`
`of
`
`the subject
`
`preatises
`
`prior
`
`to spending
`
`two
`
`months
`
`attempting
`
`to obtain
`
`a mortgage
`
`that was unavail
`
`able.
`
`71.
`
`As
`
`a result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`foregoing,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`suffered
`
`injuries
`
`as set
`
`forth
`
`above,
`
`including,
`
`but
`
`not
`
`limited
`
`to,
`
`increased
`
`transacdon
`
`fees,
`
`cancelation
`
`of
`
`the contract
`
`of sale, deprived
`
`enjoyment
`
`and use of
`
`the
`
`subject
`
`and loss
`
`of deposit
`
`on the subject
`
`premises.
`
`premises,
`
`72.
`
`47.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`demands,
`
`and
`
`is
`
`entitled
`
`to,
`
`judgmcñ‡
`
`against
`
`Defendants
`
`for
`
`negligence,
`
`in an amount
`
`to be determined
`
`by this Court.
`
`AS AND FOR A FIFTH
`CAUSE
`DOMINICI-
`
`OF ACTION
`MALPRACTICE.
`
`AGAINST
`
`DEFENDANT
`
`73.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`reiterates
`
`all
`
`of
`
`the foregoing
`
`allegations,
`
`with
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as if
`
`the same were
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`hereat.
`
`74.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`Dominici
`
`was
`
`retained
`
`to represent
`
`Plaintiff
`
`9
`o r
`
`15
`
`11
`
`
`
`-.-
`---
`....
`-
`...
`. -...
`...-
`,
`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 07/30/2020 11:18 AM
`..,
`NYSCEF
`NO.
`DOC.
`1
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 15
`
`INDEX NO. 607294/2020
`RECEIVED
`NYSCEF:
`06/17/2020
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/30/2020
`
`in relation
`
`to her purchase
`
`of
`
`the subject
`
`premises.
`
`75.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`Dominici
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`exercise
`
`the
`
`ordinary
`
`reasOliãute
`
`skill
`
`and knowledge
`
`commonly
`
`possessed
`
`by a member
`
`of
`
`the legal
`
`profession.
`
`76.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`Dominici
`
`knew
`
`or should
`
`have
`
`known
`
`that
`
`the
`
`January
`
`30,
`
`2020
`
`contract
`
`of
`
`sale between
`
`Plaintiff
`
`and Defendant
`
`Mirez
`
`would
`
`be impractical
`
`or
`
`impossible
`
`by operation
`
`of
`
`law and the COVID-19
`
`onsts.
`
`77.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`despite
`
`the
`
`circumstsaces
`
`created
`
`by
`
`COVID-19
`
`Defendant
`
`Dominici
`
`advised
`
`Plaintiff
`
`that
`
`she could
`
`continue
`
`the trarasaction.
`
`When
`
`further
`
`delays
`
`occurred
`
`Defendant
`
`Dominici
`
`should
`
`have
`
`attempted
`
`to either
`
`cancel
`
`the
`
`contract
`
`and
`
`retrieve
`
`the
`
`down
`
`payment,
`
`or attempt
`
`to seek
`
`an extension
`
`to fulfil
`
`the terms
`
`of
`
`the contract
`
`from the Court
`
`on
`
`the grounds
`
`we now seek
`
`specific
`
`performance.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`would
`
`have
`
`had
`
`result
`
`in
`
`the
`
`78.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`a better
`
`underlying
`
`matter
`
`"but
`
`for"
`
`the Defendant
`
`Dominici's
`
`negligence
`
`79.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`Dominici
`
`not
`
`only
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`take
`
`such
`
`actions
`
`as listed
`
`above
`
`she actively
`
`harmed
`
`her
`
`client
`
`by negotiating
`
`a deal
`
`to have
`
`her client
`
`pay the
`
`expenses
`
`of
`
`the
`
`subject
`
`premises
`
`during
`
`held
`
`part
`
`of
`
`the COVID-19
`
`crisis.
`
`Then
`
`further
`
`harmed
`
`her client
`
`the cõñtract
`
`of
`
`sale for
`
`a
`
`by
`
`releasing
`
`the
`
`deposit
`
`that was
`
`in escrow,
`
`and agreeing
`
`to modify
`
`higher
`
`sale
`
`price.
`
`Thus,
`
`she failed
`
`to take
`
`reasonable
`
`care
`
`to protect
`
`her
`
`client's
`
`rights
`
`under
`
`the
`
`contract
`
`or cancel
`
`the
`
`contract
`
`in an amicable
`
`manner,
`
`while
`
`taking
`
`steps
`
`that
`
`actively
`
`dimidshed
`
`her
`
`client's
`
`rights
`
`and
`
`caused
`
`direct
`
`damages.
`
`80.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`demands
`
`judgment
`
`against
`
`Defendant
`
`Dominici
`
`in such
`
`amount(s)
`
`to be
`
`determined
`
`by
`
`the Court,
`
`10
`of
`
`15
`
`12
`
`
`
`-----
`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 07/30/2020 11:18 AM
`..
`...---
`...-..
`.. --..
`-
`.
`---....
`-
`.
`,
`-
`-
`-
`-
`...-
`...
`. -
`-,
`,
`DOC.
`NYSCEF
`1
`NO.
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 15
`
`INDEX NO. 607294/2020
`RECEIVED
`NYSCEF:
`06/17/2020
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/30/2020
`
`AS AND FOR A SIXTH
`CAUSE
`DEFENDANTS
`
`OF ACTION
`- LEGAL
`FEES.
`
`AGAINST
`
`ALL
`
`81.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`all prior
`
`allegations
`
`with
`
`the same
`
`force
`
`and effect
`
`as
`
`if
`
`they were
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`hereat.
`
`82.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`demands
`
`from
`
`Defedmis,
`
`a judgment
`
`for
`
`her
`
`reasonable
`
`attorneys'
`
`fees,
`
`costs,
`
`and
`
`disbursements
`
`incurred
`
`in connection
`
`with
`
`this
`
`action
`
`pursuant
`
`to statute,
`
`case law and/or
`
`otherwise,
`
`if applicable.
`
`WHEREFORE,
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`respectfully
`
`requests
`
`judgment
`
`for
`
`the monetary
`
`and
`
`equitable
`
`relief
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`above,
`
`together
`
`with
`
`such
`
`other
`
`and further
`
`relief
`
`that
`
`the Court
`
`deems
`
`just,
`
`equitable
`
`and
`
`proper.
`
`Dated:
`
`New York
`New York,
`16, 2020
`June
`
`Yours,
`
`etc.
`
`SOKOLSKI & ZEARIA,
`Attorneys
`or Plaintf
`
`P.C.
`
`A ZAKARIA,
`BY: DAPH
`305 Broadway,
`Suite
`New York, New York
`571-4080
`(212)
`
`EsQ.
`1004
`10007
`
`11
`o f
`
`15
`
`13
`
`
`
`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 07/30/2020 11:18 AM
`NYSCEF
`NO.
`DOC.
`1
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 15
`
`INDEX NO. 607294/2020
`RECEIVED
`NYSCEF:
`06/17/2020
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/30/2020
`
`Index No.
`
`VERIFICATION
`
`OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
`SUPREME
`COURT
`COUNTY
`OF SUFFOLK
`----------------------------------x
`NANCY
`
`CORCIONE,
`
`:
`
`: :
`
`:
`
`:
`
`:
`
`: :
`
`:
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`- against
`
`-
`
`ALICE
`MIREZ
`n/k/a/
`RCG MORTGAGE
`SOLUTIONS,
`CATHERINE
`LEE DOMINICI,
`
`ALICE
`
`TORTORA,
`
`LLC,
`Esq.,
`
`and
`
`Defendants.
`
`as.:
`
`) )
`
`)
`
`----------------------------------x
`OF NEW YORK
`STATE
`
`COUNTYOF
`
`NEW YORK
`
`NANCY
`
`CORCIONE,
`
`being
`
`duly
`
`swom,
`
`deposes
`
`and
`
`states
`
`under
`
`the
`
`penalties
`
`ofperjury,
`
`as follows:
`
`I am a Plaintiff
`
`in this
`
`action.
`
`As
`
`such,
`
`I am fully
`
`familiar
`
`with
`
`the facts
`
`and
`
`circumstatices
`
`in this
`
`action.
`
`I have
`
`read
`
`the foregoing
`
`Complaint
`
`and know
`
`the contents
`
`thereof.
`
`The
`
`same
`
`is tme
`
`to my own
`
`knowledge,
`
`except
`
`those matters
`
`alleged
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and belief,
`
`and
`
`as to those matters,
`
`I believe
`
`them to be true.
`
`NA.
`
`C
`
`ORCIONE
`
`Swom to before me this
`2020
`of June,
`
`day
`
`NOTARY
`
`PUBLIC
`
`THOlWAS E. PALUMBERI
`NOTARY PUBLIC-STATE OF NEW YORK
`No. 01PA6140310
`Qualified
`in Suffolk County
`My Commission Expires February 13, 20__
`
`12
`
`14
`
`of
`
`15
`
`1
`
`
`
`--..
`...--
`.
`.
`--..
`---....
`.- -
`-
`-
`-
`-...--.
`-
`.
`,
`.--
`. -
`-,
`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 07/30/2020 11:18 AM
`NYSCEF
`NO.
`DOC.
`1
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 15
`
`...
`
`INDEX NO. 607294/2020
`RECEIVED
`NYSCEF:
`06/17/2020
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/30/2020
`
`SUPREME
`COUNTY
`
`OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
`COURT
`OF SUFFOLK
`
`Index
`
`No.
`
`Year
`
`2016
`
`NANCY
`
`CORCIONE,
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`-against-
`
`n/k/a/
`
`ALICE
`MIREZ,
`RCG MORTGAGE
`SOLUTIONS,
`CATHERINE
`LEE DOMINICI,
`
`ALICE
`
`TORTORA,
`LLC,
`Esq.,
`
`and
`
`Defendant.
`
`SUMMONS
`
`AND VERIFIED
`
`COMPLAINT
`
`Law Off
`ce of
`& ZEKARIA,
`SOKOLSKI
`for Plaintif
`Attorneys
`- Suite
`305 Broadway
`New York,
`New York
`571-4080
`(212)
`
`P.C.
`
`1004
`10007
`
`Service
`
`of a copy
`
`of
`
`the within
`, 2020
`
`is hereby
`
`admitted.
`
`Date:
`
`By:
`
`To:
`
`Attorney(s)
`PLEASE
`
`for
`TAKE
`
`NOTICE:
`
`OF ENTRY
`[]NOTICE
`that
`the within
`is a (certified)
`entered
`in the ofEce
`
`duly
`
`of
`
`flNOTICE
`
`OF SETTLEMENT
`
`true
`copy
`the clerk
`
`of
`
`of a
`the within
`
`Court
`
`on
`
`an order
`be presented
`named
`
`for
`
`Court,
`
`settlement
`at
`
`to the Hon.
`
`20
`
`at
`
`M.
`
`that
`will
`within
`on
`
`Dated,
`
`of which
`one of
`
`the within
`the judges
`
`of
`
`is a true
`the
`
`copy
`
`etc.
`Yours,
`& ZEKARIA,
`SOKOLSKI
`1805 BROADWAY-SUITE
`
`1004
`
`P.C.
`
`15
`
`o f
`
`