Bulletin # 3032 - Week Ending April 1, 2022

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

Consent Order

On March 24, 2022, the Commissioner entered into a Consent Order with Zenta Mortgage Services, LLC (NMLS # 181658) (“Zenta”), Charlotte, North Carolina. The Consent Order was based on an investigation by the Consumer Credit Division. As a result of such investigation, the Commissioner alleged that Zenta failed to file with the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry a change of address of its branch office at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to such change and, in connection with such address change, failed to provide a bond rider or endorsement, or addendum, as applicable, to the surety bond on file with the Commissioner, in violation of Section 36a-490(b)(2) of the Connecticut General Statutes. As part of the Consent Order, Zenta paid $500 as a civil penalty.

  
SECURITIES AND BUSINESS INVESTMENTS DIVISION ACTIVITY

The Hop Knot Franchising Corp. and Michael T. Boney

On April 1, 2022, the Banking Commissioner issued a Notice of Intent to Issue Stop Order Denying Effectiveness to a Business Opportunity Registration, Order to Cease and Desist and Notice of Intent to Fine (No. CSF-22-14433-B) against The Hop Knot Franchising Corp., formerly of 170 Main Street, #6, Middletown, Connecticut and 505 Main Street, Middletown, Connecticut. Also named in the action was Michael T. Boney, president of the corporation. The Hop Knot Franchising Corp., since dissolved, was in the business of offering beer and gourmet pretzel franchises.

The action alleged that, at various times in 2018 and 2019, respondents sold unregistered business opportunities in violation of Sections 36b-62(a) and 36b-67(1) of the Connecticut Business Opportunity Investment Act. While The Hop Knot Franchising Corp. did file an application for business opportunity registration following the Connecticut sales, that application allegedly misrepresented the extent of the company’s prior unregistered activity in violation of Section 36b-80 of the Act. In addition, the action alleged that the respondents violated Section 36b-66(a) of the Act by failing to provide a purchaser-investor with a signed copy of the business opportunity contract.

The respondents were afforded an opportunity to request a hearing on the allegations in the action.