State of Connecticut Department of Banking

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The Department of Banking News Bulletin 

Bulletin # 2200
Week Ending April 21, 2006

This bulletin constitutes the only official notification you will receive from this office concerning any of the following applications. Any observations you may have are solicited. Any comments should be in writing to John P. Burke, Banking Commissioner, at the Connecticut Department of Banking, 260 Constitution Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103-1800 or via E-mail to john.burke@ct.gov. Written comments will be considered only if they are received within ten days from the date of this bulletin.

BRANCH ACTIVITY
State Bank Activity

Section 36a-145 of the Connecticut General Statutes requires that each application for a branch, or for a limited branch at which loans will be made, be accompanied by a plan detailing how adequate services to meet the banking needs of all community residents will be provided. Plans are submitted when such applications are filed and are available for public inspection and comment at this Department for a period of 30 days. Questions concerning branch activity should be directed to the Financial Institutions Division, (860) 240-8180.

Date Bank Location Activity
4/17/06
The Apple Valley Bank &
   Trust Company, Cheshre
158-160 North Main Street
Southington, CT  06489
approved

CONSUMER CREDIT DIVISION ACTIVITY
Check Cashing Service License Activity
Date Check Casher Location Activity
4/03/06
Vista Valley Ventures LLC
309 Grand Avenue
New Haven, CT  06513
approved
4/11/06
Pantaleon MultiServices
83 Stillwater Avenue
Stamford, CT  06902
 filed
4/12/06
Check Master LLC
(formerly Moshe Tomear Pinsky)
122 Derby Avenue
1st Floor Left
New Haven, CT  06511
 approved
4/13/06 M&M Pawn Shop & Check
  Cashing LLC
188 Grand Avenue
New Haven, CT  06511
 approved
4/13/06
Michael's One Stop Variety
  Store, LLC
143 Main Street
Danbury, CT 06810
 approved
4/19/06 Luna's Cargo Corp. 582 Park Avenue
Hartford, CT  06106		 approved
4/19/06 A & A Multi Services, LLC
699 Pacific Street
Stamford, CT  06902
 approved
SECURITIES AND BUSINESS INVESTMENTS DIVISION ACTIVITY
Agent of Issuer Barred from Connecticut Securities Activity for 7 Years,
Fined $5,000, Ordered to Cease and Desist from Regulatory Violations
On April 19, 2006, the Commissioner entered a Consent Order with respect to Michael S. Berman d/b/a First Capital Unlimited.  The Consent Order alleged that, in October 2002 and August 2003, Michael S. Berman violated Section 36b-6(a) of the Connecticut Uniform Securities Act by selling common stock and preferred stock of Auctiondiner.com to Connecticut investors while Michael S. Berman was not registered as an agent of issuer or as a broker-dealer under the Act.  The Consent Order also noted that on December 12, 1996, the United States District Court for the Central District of California had permanently enjoined Michael S. Berman from offering or selling any investment unless Berman procured a $275,000 performance bond; that such bond would remain in full force and effect as long as Berman continued to engage in the activities triggering the bond requirement and for at least five years thereafter; and that, at the time the Connecticut sales of Auctiondiner.com stock were made, Berman had not procured the performance bond required by the court (FTC v. Bell Connections, Inc. et al., U.S. District Court, D. Cal., Civ. No. 96-0455 KMW (SHx).
The Consent Order barred Michael S. Berman from transacting business in or from Connecticut as an agent, investment adviser agent, broker-dealer or investment adviser for seven years, with leave to apply for relief from that restriction after five years had elapsed from the entry of the Consent Order.  In addition, the Consent Order fined Michael S. Berman $5,000 and directed that he cease and desist from regulatory violations.
         Dated:  Tuesday, April 25, 2006
         John P. Burke
         Commissioner