Goldberg Family Trusts Filed Racketeering Lawsuit
The plaintiffs allege that CA Ventures executives diverted millions of dollars in investor capital across several business ventures.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Three trusts linked to the Goldberg family have filed a federal racketeering lawsuit against Chicago-based CA Ventures CEO Tom Scott and two associates. The filing accuses the defendants of diverting $3.6 million in investor funds to cover unrelated debts and personal loan guarantees.
Why it matters
The lawsuit highlights significant allegations of financial mismanagement within the firm, potentially impacting numerous business and real estate projects. It follows a wave of legal scrutiny regarding the company's financial operations and its leadership's management of investor capital.
The lawsuit names 25 defendants and alleges that capital was improperly extracted through upfront fees and redirected to personal debts. The case is currently pending in the Northern District of Illinois.
The players
Tom Scott
He is the CEO of Chicago-based CA Ventures.
Jeffrey Krol
He is a fundraiser and business associate named as a defendant in the lawsuit.
David Schultz
He is a manager and associate named as a defendant in the racketeering suit.
Kent A. Price
He is an investor currently seeking repayment of a $10 million loan from CA Ventures.
Ben M. Goldberg
He is a trust beneficiary who also filed a separate lawsuit regarding an unpaid loan note.
The details
According to the suit, managers allegedly moved trust funds into feeder LLCs to channel investment into real estate and liquor ventures. Plaintiffs include trusts for Joel Norman Goldberg, Ben M. Goldberg, and Angela A. Goldberg, who claim their funds were misused.
Timeline
Between 2017 and 2020, the Joel Goldberg trust invested $341,000 into CA Spirits, LLC.
The Joel Goldberg trust invested $50,000 in a distillery venture in March 2022.
Ben Goldberg initiated a separate Cook County lawsuit in July 2026.
The Goldberg family trusts filed the federal racketeering lawsuit in October 2026.
A hearing regarding the Kent A. Price loan case is scheduled for November 9, 2026.
Legal Context
This racketeering lawsuit extends the pattern of legal disputes established by the 2026 Cook County lawsuit filed by Ben Goldberg. The filing reflects an increasing trend of litigation surrounding the financial management and debt obligations of major development firms.
The ongoing legal instability may lead to increased scrutiny for local real estate projects and businesses linked to the named defendants. Residents and investors involved with these ventures should monitor upcoming court proceedings for potential impacts on property operations.
The takeaway
This case highlights the risks investors face when capital is directed into complex feeder structures managed by related entities. Investors are encouraged to seek clear documentation on how their capital is allocated and to watch for overlapping management in diverse ventures.
What happens next
A hearing regarding the lawsuit filed by investor Kent A. Price is scheduled for November 9, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on legal actions involving regional businesses, see Financial Crime.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Real Deal New York.
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