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Polkaleaderindicted........Jan Lewandowski, a polka musician, securities salesman and owner of this gift shop in Hazleton, has been charged with racketeering, theft and fraud. IAP photo)WILMINGTON,Del. (AP) — A Grammy award-nominated Pennsylvania polka bandleader allegedly sold investors more than $2 million worth of unregistered securities over a 13-year period, a grand iury said. LEWANDOWSKI Ian Lewandows-ki. 61. of lla/Jelon, was indicted by a New Castle County Superior Court grand jury’ on 57 charges, including racketeering, theft and securities fraud.lewandowski was the leader of the Ian Lewan Orchestra, which played for polka parties from street carnivals and church picnics to Polish festivals at the ITuinp Taj Mahal in Atlantic City.The group's album Jan Lewan and llis Orchestra was nominated for a Grammy in 1994.lewandowski had filed for bankruptcy protection last year, and had been barred from selling securities in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.He allegedly sold unregistered securities to 89 investors in 21 states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, from 1988 to 2001. according to the indictment returnedMonday in Delaware.David Glassberg, an attorney for Lewandowski. didn't immediately return messages left on his answering machine Wednesday.There was no answer when reporters tried to call a number for lewandowski in I la/Jcton.Lewandowski allegedly sold unregistered securities of J.RJX Productions Inc.. which promoted musical performances, and Jan Lewan Show Gifts Inc.. a shop that sold merchandise fmm Europe Investors included two Delaware families who purchased $87,000 worth of the securities between 1995 and 2001. prosecutors said.lewandowski falsely represented the profitability of the companies and promised returns of 12 to 20 percent on the Investments, Delaware Attorney General lane Brady said.Lewandowski had been barred front selling securities in Pennsylvania since 2001, and declared bankruptcy last year after 28 creditors said he owed them $895,000According to bankruptcy filings, debts at the two corporations outweighed assets by $2.4 million. Jan lewan Show Gifts merchandise was liquidated in a bankruptcy sale in September.New Jersey authorities acted against Lewandowski earlier this year.The Chancery Division of New Jersey Superior Court assessed a civil penalty of $950,000 against him on Jan. 23 and permanently barred him from selling securities in the state.
Newspaper Details
Indiana Gazette
Indiana, Pennsylvania, US
Thu, Mar 13, 2003
Page 5
Full Page
Clipped by
Sally C.
PA, USA 03 Jan 2018
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