The Department of Banking News Bulletin
Bulletin # 2962 - Week Ending November 27, 2020
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 Jorge L. Perez, Banking Commissioner, Department of Banking, 260 Constitution Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103-1800. Written comments will be considered only if they are received within ten business days from the date of this bulletin.
CONSUMER CREDIT DIVISION ACTIVITY
Order to Make Restitution, Notice of Intent to Issue Order to Cease and Desist, Notice of Intent to Impose Civil Penalty and Notice of Right to Hearing
On November 19, 2020, the Commissioner issued an Order to Make Restitution, Notice of Intent to Issue Order to Cease and Desist, Notice of Intent to Impose Civil Penalty and Notice of Right to Hearing (collectively, “Order”) in the Matter of: Pedroso Legal Services LLC a/k/a ELAWNJ.COM, Newark, New Jersey, and Filipe Pedroso (collectively, “Respondents”). The Order was the result of an investigation by the Consumer Credit Division. The Commissioner alleges that: (1) Pedroso Legal Services LLC a/k/a ELAWNJ.COM’s engaging or offering to engage in debt negotiation in this state without obtaining the required license constitutes a violation of Section 36a-671(b) of the Connecticut General Statutes, in effect prior to October 1, 2017; and (2) Filipe Pedroso’s engaging or offering to engage in debt negotiation in this state without obtaining the required license constitutes a violation of Section 36a-671(b) of the Connecticut General Statutes, in effect prior to October 1, 2017. As part of the Order to Make Restitution, Respondents were ordered to repay $8,200 to an identified Connecticut debtor plus interest, and repay to any other Connecticut debtor who entered into an agreement for debt negotiation services with Respondents on and after October 1, 2009, any fees paid by such Connecticut debtor to Respondents plus interest. Respondents were afforded an opportunity to request a hearing with regard to the allegations set forth in the Order.
On November 19, 2020, the Commissioner issued an Order to Make Restitution, Notice of Intent to Issue Order to Cease and Desist, Notice of Intent to Impose Civil Penalty and Notice of Right to Hearing (collectively, “Order”) in the Matter of: Pedroso Legal Services LLC a/k/a ELAWNJ.COM, Newark, New Jersey, and Filipe Pedroso (collectively, “Respondents”). The Order was the result of an investigation by the Consumer Credit Division. The Commissioner alleges that: (1) Pedroso Legal Services LLC a/k/a ELAWNJ.COM’s engaging or offering to engage in debt negotiation in this state without obtaining the required license constitutes a violation of Section 36a-671(b) of the Connecticut General Statutes, in effect prior to October 1, 2017; and (2) Filipe Pedroso’s engaging or offering to engage in debt negotiation in this state without obtaining the required license constitutes a violation of Section 36a-671(b) of the Connecticut General Statutes, in effect prior to October 1, 2017. As part of the Order to Make Restitution, Respondents were ordered to repay $8,200 to an identified Connecticut debtor plus interest, and repay to any other Connecticut debtor who entered into an agreement for debt negotiation services with Respondents on and after October 1, 2009, any fees paid by such Connecticut debtor to Respondents plus interest. Respondents were afforded an opportunity to request a hearing with regard to the allegations set forth in the Order.
Dated: Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Jorge L. Perez
Banking Commissioner
Banking Commissioner