Maggie Rizer earned millions as a successful model, but lost it in defalcations by her stepfather John Breen, who held power of attorney over her bank accounts back in her hometown of Watertown, N.Y. Now she’s suing HSBC, the bank; among her claims is that Breen’s demeanor should have constituted adequate warning that his withdrawals were improper and not in her best interest. The bank’s attorneys, in their motion for dismissal of the claim, argue (among numerous other defenses) that: “HSBC has no duty to screen its customers for use (of) alcohol or any other substance. There is no law prohibiting banking while intoxicated or while using medication. To hold that such a duty exists would place an unreasonable, and illogical duty upon banks.” (“Banking While Intoxicated: No Such Law, Says HSBC In Response To Rizer Lawsuit”, WWTI (Watertown, N.Y.), Jul. 18). In other news of intoxication, Eric Laverriere has sued the Waltham, Mass. police department, which collared him while breaking up a New Year’s Eve party at a friend’s house, then took him into “protective custody” and a nine-hour lockup. His suit contends that he had not caused any public disturbance and that drinking in private falls constitutionally short of adequate grounds for arrest. (Shelley Murphy, “Lawsuit asserts right to get drunk on private property”, Boston Globe, Jul. 8). Wave Maker (Jul. 8) has more details.
Banking while intoxicated
Maggie Rizer earned millions as a successful model, but lost it in defalcations by her stepfather John Breen, who held power of attorney over her bank accounts back in her hometown of Watertown, N.Y. Now she’s suing HSBC, the bank; among her claims is that Breen’s demeanor should have constituted adequate warning that his withdrawals […]
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