A group of seven companies, including a Florida-based kosher food distributor and a Utah hospitality consultant, found themselves entangled in a dubious loan scheme that left them out of more than $10 million. In 2023, these businesses paid substantial upfront deposits for what they believed would be 10-year loans at 6% interest. However, the promised financing never materialized, leading to ongoing legal battles as the firms seek to recover their funds. Kenneth Chase, representing five of the affected companies, described the situation as "devastating," noting that one company, Abbson—a New York digital marketing firm—was forced to cease operations due to the alleged fraud.

The peculiar aspect of this case lies in the involvement of Messner Reeves, a reputable Denver law firm with over a century of combined experience. The companies claim that entrusting their deposits to Messner Reeves alleviated any concerns about potential risks. Yet, instead of securing the loans, the firms now find themselves suing Messner Reeves, alleging that the law firm played a central role in orchestrating the fraudulent transactions.

Messner Reeves acknowledges holding the funds but insists it was merely acting on behalf of INBE Capital LLC, a Wyoming-based investment company. According to court documents, the firm distributed over $10 million from a trust account as directed by INBE before the latter dissolved late last year. Despite demands for transparency, Messner Reeves has refused to disclose where the money went, leading to heightened tensions between the parties involved.

One of the key figures in this saga is Torben Welch, a partner at Messner Reeves who allegedly facilitated the loan arrangements. With nearly two decades at the firm, Welch leads its Utah office and specializes in complex business transactions. However, his actions have come under scrutiny, particularly regarding his relationship with INBE and Clearwater Premiere Perpetual Master LLC, the joint venture partner mentioned in court filings.

Legal experts are questioning the unusual nature of a law firm holding such large sums for loan transactions. Jan Jacobowitz, an ethics specialist, noted that it would be highly irregular for a law firm to manage these funds, even in legitimate circumstances. This raises further doubts about the legitimacy of the deals and the extent of Messner Reeves' involvement.

Kosher Eats, based in Davie, Florida, is among the most vocal plaintiffs. The company wired $2 million to Messner Reeves in April 2023 for an $8 million line of credit, expecting the funds to support its expansion plans. Instead, it faced months of delays and conflicting information, culminating in a lawsuit filed in July 2024. Kosher's president, Noah Lasko, accused Messner Reeves of lying about the whereabouts of the deposit and attempting to cover up the theft.

Abbson, another victim, transferred $3.5 million for a $14 million loan, only to find itself unable to continue operations without the promised capital. The company now faces lawsuits from creditors, exacerbating its financial woes. Other plaintiffs, while declining to comment directly, have echoed similar frustrations in court filings.

The trail of money leads to several entities tied to Welch and Messner Reeves, including INBE and Titan Financial LLC, both of which were administratively dissolved in late 2024 and early 2025. These companies, along with Clearwater, are owned by Todd Owen, adding another layer of complexity to the case. Despite repeated requests, Owen has not responded to inquiries about his involvement.

In addition to the Utah lawsuits, Messner Reeves and Welch are facing claims in Nevada related to a failed basketball arena project. The Nevada suit accuses them of setting up fraudulent banks to fund phony loans, mirroring the allegations in the small business cases. The firm has vigorously defended itself against these claims, arguing that they lack merit and were filed too late.

Messner Reeves, established in 1995, prides itself on helping businesses grow from minor operations to global enterprises. Partner Torben Welch's impressive track record, highlighted on the firm's website, once instilled confidence in the companies. Now, however, those accolades serve as a painful reminder of misplaced trust. As the legal battles unfold, the companies hope for answers and justice, while Messner Reeves maintains its stance of innocence and seeks to protect its reputation.