| Unauthorized image capture + multi-platform syndication (Ci/Re) | SCUTPA: SC 39-5-20; SC common law right of publicity/misappropriation; Lanham Act § 43(a) false endorsement | Loss of privacy; reputational harm; emotional distress; exposure to physical harm (family member restraining orders on file under seal demonstrate vulnerability while unaware of publication); syndication amplifies harm across 25+ platforms | 15-16 still images of Plaintiffs' private life syndicated across 24+ platforms + Matterport 3D virtual tour; Privacy Invasion Evidence Page; Co-Plaintiff affidavit re: Meridian Rep fraudulent AI-removal promise (July 15, 2025) |
| Trust‑account violation – tenant security‑deposit refunds issued from operating account (Re) | S.C. Code § 40‑57‑136(A)(1), (C)(2) (PMIC must maintain a properly titled real‑estate trust/escrow account; trust‑account checks must reflect that designation) | Comingled account for deposit holding and returns, rather than a legally required designated trust/escrow account, exposed funds to commingling risk and undermining regulatory oversight, in the same episode as a late deposit return and alleged falsified postmark. | Synovus checks #1027 and #1028 dated August 28, 2025 from account “SAC 181_OP” at 8310 Rivers Ave, Suite B (Meridian’s address), used as “Deposit Refund” payments to James McNeil and Meaghan Poyer for 181 Gordon St, signed by PMIC Tara Bayles |
| Substantial misrepresentation in real estate transaction (Re) | S.C. Code § 40‑57‑710(A)(2) | Resource uncertainty due to postmark and deposit-return timeline misrepresentations in connection with a tenant security-deposit transaction | Scan of Falsified Postmark Envelope and Email; SAC 181 Operating-Account Checks (checks dated August 28, postmarked Sept 8, received Sept 10) |
| Bad faith, dishonesty, or untrustworthiness endangering public interest (Re) | S.C. Code § 40‑57‑710(A)(5) | Pattern of PMIC conduct collectively endangering public trust in licensure system;PCL‑5 score of 76/80 (severe PTSD) evidences scope of public-interest harm | Timeline of Events documenting: long-term harassment directly and through agents; retaliatory NTV and misleading renovations-pretext email; employee misrepresentation of landlord-tenant law on inspection notice timing and lease validity; falsified postmark |
| Failure to make records available to Commission investigators (Re) | S.C. Code § 40‑57‑710(A)(25) | Delays and obstructs regulatory accountability meant to protect tenants; prolongs uncertainty and psychological distress for complainants awaiting resolution; undermines public confidence that the licensing system can hold PMICs accountable within statutory timelines | When Two Firms Coordinate to Hide Evidence Before a Regulatory Deadline |
| Obstruction of Regulatory Investigation & Witness Tampering (Cr/RE) | S.C. Code § 40-57-710(A)(25) (failure to make records available to investigators); S.C. Code § 40-57-340(3) (PMIC obstructing investigation); 18 U.S.C. § 1505 (obstruction of agency proceeding, if federal nexus); S.C. Code § 16-9-340 (impeding administration of justice—court track); 18 U.S.C. § 1512(b)(3) (federal witness tampering—court track) | Delays and obstructs regulatory accountability meant to protect tenants; prolongs uncertainty and psychological distress for complainants awaiting resolution; undermines public confidence that the licensing system can hold PMICs accountable within statutory timelines; directly prevented evidence from reaching LLR investigator before Feb 20, 2026 statutory deadline | When Two Firms Coordinate to Hide Evidence Before a Regulatory Deadline - Jan 8: Bolyard files MTQ (AppFolio, ShowMojo, Matterport); Jan 9: Meridian contacts AppFolio instructing non-compliance; Jan 12: O’Brien files MTQ (Synovus), 1 day late/waived; Jan 16: Bolyard delays Phillips deposition to Feb 24 (4 days past LLR deadline); Feb 10: Bolyard disclaims LLR involvement to all parties including LLR (consciousness of guilt) |