Want the latest retirement plan adviser news and insights? Sign up for PLANADVISER newsletters.
Compliance November 2, 2010
DoL Sues Defunct Landscaper Over Diverted Plan Assets
The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) sued the owner of a defunct landscaping company for allegedly paying operating
expenses using employee contributions to the company’s savings incentive
match plan.
Reported by
Fred Schneyer
A DoL news release said Lensing Earthworks in Rhineland, Mo. was owned and operated by Brian Lensing until it ceased operations in early 2006.
The Labor Department’s lawsuit alleges that Lensing, while serving as the company’s president, violated the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) by allegedly retaining participant contributions intended for the plan during 2005 and 2006.
The suit asks the court to require Lensing to restore more than $7,600 in contributions that he failed to remit to the plan plus $2,400 in lost earnings.
You Might Also Like:
Wagner Law Group Pushes Back on Proposed PBGC Penalty Rule
According to the law group, employers in defined benefit plans would be unfairly paying for outside adviser errors.
Lawmakers Demand Investigation of DOL Alts Rule’s Alleged Fake Commenters
The Department of Labor’s inspector general was also urged to audit the agency’s public comment process.
Liberty Mutual 401(k) Forfeiture Case ‘Appears to Fail,’ per District Judge
The California ruling is the latest opinion favoring employers scrutinized for offsetting future plan contributions.
