Defence attorney sent to jail for his part in $3 Million Timeshare scam

An attorney representing a bogus timeshare company is sentenced to jailtime after imploring guilty to attempting to influence witnesses and lying to prosecutors.

Joshua Gayl pleaded guilty in court to a single count of conspiracy to obstruct justice. Gayl had been representing a timeshare consultancy firm, who were being prosecuted for conning timeshare owners out of more than $3 million, through their fraudulent consulting services. The owners of Vacation Ownership Group LLC were sentenced back in 2016 to a total of 51 years, for running a mortgage fraud scheme orchestrated to sell consulting services to owners of vacation properties. They mis-led timeshare owners into thinking they worked with banks holding their loans and for a fee promised to sell peoples timeshares; instead they pocketed the money. In total, 4 people were sentenced for the elaborate scheme and now the attorney representing the firm has also been sent to prison for his part in trying to coerce witnesses, some of which were war veterans and elderly victims.

Joshua Gayl became general counsel for Vacation Ownership Group LLC back in July 2012 and, at the time, the company’s directors had already been indicted on charges of taking part in a scheme to defraud timeshare owners. Gayl knew that the company, or anyone associated with the company, was prohibited from contacting any of the State’s witnesses. However, in late 2012, Gayl wrote to and called a victim of the scam, who he believed was going to be called as a witness. He then tried to extract all the information he could from the witness, about their conversations with the FBI and, tried to manipulate the witnesses view of the facts. This was later proven in court, as Gayl had taped the conversations.

Gayl also provided refunds to some victims that he believed were going to be called as witnesses, in the hope that they would look more favourably upon the company. He was sentenced to one year and one day in prison and has been banned from practising law. The 3 other defendants were imploring of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and other offenses.

People who enter into Timeshare agreements often find it difficult to keep up with the mounting maintenance fees and simply cannot afford it any longer. They may also find that the Timeshare no longer suits their needs and simply want to end the contract. There are too many individuals who are willing to take advantage of Timeshare owners and offer fake products, along with Timeshare exit schemes. Before agreeing to any Timeshare termination or exit protocol with an individual or company, seek independent advice and fully research any company you are thinking of working with.

It is also important to remember that purchasing a Timeshare should NEVER be viewed as a financial investment. Timeshare is an investment in lifestyle, in future holidays and family time together. There is almost no resale value to a Timeshare.

The mis-selling of holiday products is, unfortunately, common practice within the holiday industry and these type of crimes often go unreported by the most exposed in our society and criminal convictions are few and far between.

If you have purchased a Lifestyle / Concierge Service, a Timeshare or a ‘Holiday Points’ based product from a resort or company and feel unhappy with the service, or feel you have been mis-sold this product, please get in touch with us to discuss how we may be able to help you with a possible Timeshare Termination.