11/04/09 Bend

An update in the case of a Bend real estate investment firm accused of not repaying investors. A hearing will be held on Friday to determine if Tami Sawyer has to report to jail.  A Deschutes County judge held her in contempt of court for failing to turn over financial records related to her company Starboard, LLC.  It's part of a civil case filed by Doctor David Redwine over unpaid investments.   Today Sawyer's attorney filed an appeal and a request for a stay to keep her out of jail until that appeal is heard.

Here is a link to the Motion for Stay

Here is a link to the Notice of Appeal

KOHD News will continue to follow any developments.

10/30/2009 - Bend

by Matt McDonald

A sentence in the contempt case against real estate developer Tami Sawyer and her husband Kevin Sawyer, a former Bend Police Captain.

"I am going to require that Ms. Sawyer is going to report to custody on November 6th for incarceration until she complies with the court's order," said Deschutes County Judge Stephen Forte.

The Sawyers are at the center of an FBI investigation and face at least nine civil lawsuits related to their real estate investment companies. They were held in contempt of court for refusing to answer questions and turn over documents about their company Starboard LLC. Kevin Sawyer will not report to jail, but along with his wife was ordered to relinquish his passport. A moment that drew cheers from the court room crowd.

Doctor David Redwine, a Starboard investor, claims he's owed better than $800,000.

"There's a lot more information that we need to get to find out where the money is because that's the purpose of all of this, to find out where our money is and get it back," said Redwine.

In May, the Sawyers refused to answer questions in his case pleading their right not to incriminate themselves under the fifth amendment. At the time, Tami Sawyer issuing a statement...

"Pending the conclusion of any criminal investigation related to this litigation,

I decline to answer any other question...produce any document, or take any action to

facilitate the production of any document concerning this litigation."

"A corporate custodian is not allowed to raise the fifth as a shield," said Judge Forte.

Kevin and Tami Sawyer declined our request for comment. Tami has one week to produce the contested documents or go to jail.