Lawrence said he was told that Trujillo's money was tied up in a multimillion-dollar deal but that the cash would be freed up shortly.
Mortgage broker Dane Carpe said Trujillo claimed that a multimillion-dollar wire from Chinese investors was being delayed because of the Patriot Act, and asked to borrow $43,500.
In addition to Gordon, another creditor's lawsuit ended in a settlement, but that also went unpaid, attorneys said.
Carpe, who said he had to file for bankruptcy as a result of his dealings with Trujillo, also filed a suit, which was dismissed when a private investigator couldn't find Trujillo to serve the complaint. A fourth case was dismissed when Trujillo filed for bankruptcy, according to the attorney who filed the lawsuit.
Lawrence, Saggese and others, said they sought retribution by taking their complaint to the district attorney and providing statements to investigators. Carpe and Gordon also told their stories on a Fox 11 television segment about Trujillo.
All of the investors interviewed by The Times were listed on Trujillo's bankruptcy filing as creditors.
Promise to repay
Saggese said he received a call from Trujillo a few months ago, after the bankruptcy filing. Trujillo said that Saggese would be repaid.
Even after losing the money and hearing of other investors' legal scuffles, Saggese said he found himself wanting to trust the man.
"The amazing part about the guy is even knowing all this, if you spoke to him, there's something about him that makes you want to believe him," Saggese said.
"He has a way of convincing you that this is all a big mistake."
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victoria.kim@latimes.com
