Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Yiwei Yang entered into an agreement with Baltimore Urban Renewal, a real estate consulting company, wherein Yang invested $30,000 toward the purchase of seven single family residential properties. Yang was to receive up to $60,000 profit plus the return of her $30,000 contribution within 12 months. About three months later, Yang executed a second agreement with Baltimore Urban Renewal, investing $6,000 toward the purchase of a model home in a real estate construction project. This agreement guaranteed Yang at least a $30,000 return on her investment within six months. The following year, Yang loaned the consulting company $15,000 through the execution of a promissory note. Baltimore Urban Renewal did not repay any of Yang’s investment and allegedly used her money to purchase new property that was not mentioned in the parties’ agreements.

Yang sued Baltimore Urban Renewal’s manager, Bartholomew Butler, alleging fraud.

The court awarded the plaintiff $161,000.

Citation: Yang v. Butler, No. 24-C-19-001096 (Md. Cir. Ct. Baltimore City Jan. 15, 2020).

Plaintiff counsel: Brian Gallagher and Meagan Bennaman, both of Annapolis, Md.