20-02-2025
Receiver spokesperson: Divinity eviction notice serves, Monroe's sold, Wintergarden in negotiations
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The fates of three prominent Katherine Mott-owned event spaces in the Rochester area are becoming clearer.
Thursday, a lawyer representing the court-appointed receiver in the check-kiting case against Katherine Mott — which was filed in March 2024 — said that Divinity Estate & Chapel has been served an eviction notice, telling the company to vacate, dated January 29.
It is unclear if the business has vacated as of Thursday. News 8 has reached out to Mott and has not heard back yet. The website listed on the venue's Facebook page is no longer working.
Lawsuit accuses Rochester restauranteur Katherine Mott of $18.9M check-kiting scheme
The spokesperson for the receiver also tells News 8 that Monroe's has been sold, and The Wintergarden is currently in negotiations. A more detailed filing that is expected in the coming weeks.
In March 2024, the prominent local business owner has been accused of stealing nearly $20 million in a check-kiting scheme.
The lawsuit alleged that since February 2024, Mott began 'kiting' checks: using multiple accounts at First Star Bank and others, to artificially inflate the balance of those banks accounts.
Katherine Mott-Formicola pleads guilty to check-kiting scheme
In December of 2024, Mott pleaded guilty to financial institution fraud and money laundering.
The charges come with a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1 million, but the as part of the plea agreement, the defense and prosecution are recommending a sentencing range of 78 to 97 months, with a fine of $25,000 to $250,000. Mott can argue for an even lower sentence before a judge, who still has the ultimate authority.
Following the initial lawsuit, the courts appointed a receiver to balance Mott's books, to recover as much of the missing money as possible, and to make sure the businesses continued to run as long as possible.
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