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Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 1 of 48

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT


FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
FORT LAUDERDALE DIVISION

CASE NO.: 0:18-cv-62737-RS

ARMEN A. TEMURIAN, an individual; and


VISTA TECHNOLOGIES LLC, a California
limited liability company,

Plaintiffs,

v.

PHILLIP A. PICCOLO, JR., an individual;


KEVIN DALTON JOHNSON, an individual;
PAUL MORRIS, an individual; JOSEPH
REID, an individual; TRAVELADA, LLC, a
Florida limited liability company, GEORGE
FOERST d/b/a TRAVELADA
INTERNATIONAL SOFTWARE, a Florida
fictitious entity, and K.F.I. SOFTWARE, a
Florida common law partnership,

Defendants.

ANSWER, AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES, AND COUNTERCLAIM

Defendants Phillip A. Piccolo, Jr. (“Piccolo”), Kevin Dalton Johnson (“Johnson”), Paul

Morris (“Morris”), Joseph Reid (“Reid”), Travelada, LLC, and K.F.I. Software (“K.F.I.”)

(collectively, the “Defendants”),1 as and for their Answer to plaintiffs Armen A. Temurian

(“Temurian”) and Vista Technologies LLC’s (“Vista Technologies”) (collectively, the

“Plaintiffs”) Second Amended Complaint,2 respectfully plead as follows:

1
For purposes herein, the term “Defendants” does not include defendant George Foerst d/b/a Travelada
International.
2
On May 12, 2019, Defendants filed their Motion to Dismiss Second Amended Complaint (the “Motion to
Dismiss”) [D.E. 74]. Among the bases for dismissal asserted in that motion, Defendants assert that the Court lacks
subject matter jurisdiction over this dispute. Because that motion remains pending and other deadlines in this case are
quickly approaching, Defendants are filing this Answer, Affirmative Defenses, and Counterclaim in an abundance of
caution and without waiving their position on subject matter jurisdiction. Defendants request that the Court treat the

DESOUZA LAW, P.A.


3111 N. UNIVERSITY DRIVE, SUITE 301 • CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33065
TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 2 of 48

INTRODUCTION

1. Defendants admit that Plaintiffs are seeking the relief requested, but deny that

Plaintiffs are entitled to any such relief.

2. Denied.

3. Denied.

4. Denied.

5. Denied.

6. Defendants admit that Plaintiffs filed this lawsuit, but deny that Plaintiffs filed this

lawsuit for any reason other than to deflect attention from the fact that Plaintiffs were operating a

criminal Ponzi scheme whereby they took approximately $12 million from unsuspecting victims

through hollow promises of doubling investors’ monies in 80 days.

PARTIES

7. Defendants are without information or knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the

allegations of this paragraph.

8. Defendants are without information or knowledge concerning Vista’s status as a

California entity. Defendants deny that Vista’s members are all citizens of California as Piccolo

(a citizen of Florida), Johnson (a citizen of Florida), Morris (a citizen of Florida), and K.F.I. (a

citizen of Florida) are all members of Vista.

9. Admitted.

10. Admitted.

Motion to Dismiss as a motion for judgment on the pleadings under Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(c) (which is analyzed under
the same standard as a motion under Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6)).

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DESOUZA LAW, P.A.
3111 N. UNIVERSITY DRIVE, SUITE 301 • CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33065
TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 3 of 48

11. Admitted.

12. Admitted.

13. Defendants admit that Travelada is an inactive Florida limited liability company

that formerly had its principal place of business in Palm Beach County, Florida. Defendants deny

that Travelada’s members consisted of any person other than Johnson.

14. Defendants are without information or knowledge concerning the ownership and/or

registration of Travelada International. Defendants deny all remaining allegations contained in

this paragraph.

15. Admitted.

JURISDICTION AND VENUE

16. Denied.

17. Admitted for jurisdictional purposes only.

18. Admitted for jurisdictional purposes only.

BACKGROUND

A. Introduction to Cryptocurrency

19. Defendants are without information or knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the

allegations of this paragraph.

20. Defendants are without information or knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the

allegations of this paragraph.

21. Defendants are without information or knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the

allegations of this paragraph.

22. Defendants are without information or knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the

allegations of this paragraph.

3
DESOUZA LAW, P.A.
3111 N. UNIVERSITY DRIVE, SUITE 301 • CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33065
TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 4 of 48

23. Defendants are without information or knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the

allegations of this paragraph.

B. Vista’s Inception and Need for Assistance

24. Defendants admit that Vista Technologies previously sold the Mini Miner product.

Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph as the Mini Miner appears

to have been designed to further fleece Plaintiffs’ customers beyond the $12 million they swindled

through their ‘double your money in 80 days’ scheme.

25. Defendants are without information or knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the

allegations of this paragraph.

26. Defendants are without information or knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the

allegations of this paragraph.

27. Defendants are without information or knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the

allegations of this paragraph.

C. Vista Retains the PJM Defendants to Create the Back Office Software

28. Defendants admit that, in late November 2017, Reid attended a lunch with

Temurian and Luis Amaya. Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this

paragraph.

29. Defendants are without information or knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the

allegations of this paragraph.

30. Denied.

31. Defendants admit that Reid set up a conference call to introduce Temurian to

Piccolo and Johnson. Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

32. Defendants admit that a conference call incurred between Temurian, Piccolo, and

4
DESOUZA LAW, P.A.
3111 N. UNIVERSITY DRIVE, SUITE 301 • CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33065
TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 5 of 48

Johnson. Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

33. Defendants admit that Temurian flew to Florida and attended three (3) meetings

with certain of the Defendants on December 5, 2017. Defendants deny the remaining allegations

contained in this paragraph.

34. Denied.

35. Defendants admit that Johnson, with the assistance of a software team, began

customizing the Back Office Software in accordance with the parties’ discussions. Defendants

deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

36. Denied.

37. Defendants admit that, for a period of approximately 3-4 weeks, they continued to

request Plaintiffs to provide a written agreement to formalize the terms of the parties’ discussion

on December 13, 2017 and that Plaintiffs continued to delay provision of such agreement.

Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

38. Defendants admit that Johnson sent an e-mail containing the quoted text in this

paragraph. Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

39. Defendants admit that a written agreement was executed on January 26, 2018.

Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

40. Admitted.

41. Defendants admit that Plaintiff has accurately quoted a provision of the January 26,

2018 agreement. Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

42. Defendants admit that Plaintiff has accurately quoted a provision of the January 26,

2018 agreement. Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

43. Denied.

5
DESOUZA LAW, P.A.
3111 N. UNIVERSITY DRIVE, SUITE 301 • CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33065
TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 6 of 48

44. Denied.

45. Denied.

E. False Customer Profiles

46. Denied.

F. The Cryptocurrency Conversion Scheme

47. Denied.

1. Johnson and Piccolo Act to Convert Money Provided to Pay Vista


Customers

48. Admitted.

49. Defendants admit that the January 29, 2018 telephone conversation took place but

deny Plaintiffs’ allegations concerning Johnson’s ‘manipulation of the Back Office Software

account to show a cryptocurrency balance with no basis in reality, and then use the fraudulent

balance to withdraw money from the Vista Alfacoins account.’

50. Defendants admit that Temurian agreed to allow the use of the Reserve Wallets.

Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

51. Denied.

52. Defendants admit that Johnson sent e-mails to Temurian on the dates identified by

this paragraph. Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

53. Defendants admit that Temurian sent the cryptocurrency transfers on the dates

identified. Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

2. Johnson Fraudulently Credits His Back Office Software Account and


Commits Conversion

54. Admitted.

55. Denied.

6
DESOUZA LAW, P.A.
3111 N. UNIVERSITY DRIVE, SUITE 301 • CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33065
TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 7 of 48

56. Denied.

57. Denied.

58. Denied.

59. Denied.

G. Johnson Fraudulently Credits His Back Office Software Account and


Commits Conversion

1. Johnson Fraudulently Ships Mini Miners

60. Denied.

61. Denied.

62. Denied.

63. Denied.

64. Denied.

65. Denied.

66. Denied.

2. The PJM Defendants Use the Back Office to Fraudulently Order a


Mini Miner

67. Denied.

68. Denied.

69. Denied.

70. Denied.

71. Denied.

H. Johnson Fraudulently Credits His Back Office Software Account and


Commits Conversion

72. Denied.

73. Defendants are without information or knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the

7
DESOUZA LAW, P.A.
3111 N. UNIVERSITY DRIVE, SUITE 301 • CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33065
TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 8 of 48

allegations of this paragraph.

74. Defendants are without information or knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the

allegations of this paragraph.

75. Defendants are without information or knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the

allegations of this paragraph.

I. The PJM Defendants Disable Vista’s Access to the Back Office Software

76. Defendants admit that Temurian met with Piccolo and Johnson on March 29, 2018

and March 30, 2018.

77. Denied.

78. Defendants are without information or knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the

allegations of this paragraph.

79. Denied.

80. Defendants admit that Plaintiffs’ access to the Back Office Software was disabled

in April 2018. Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

81. Admitted.

82. Denied.

83. Denied.

84. Denied.

85. Defendants deny that Johnson was obligated to return any cryptocurrency to Vista

Technologies as any cryptocurrency taken by Johnson was taken as a setoff against amounts due

to Johnson and the other Defendants under the January 26, 2018 agreement, the amount of which

far exceeds the value of any cryptocurrency retained by Johnson.

8
DESOUZA LAW, P.A.
3111 N. UNIVERSITY DRIVE, SUITE 301 • CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33065
TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 9 of 48

J. The Impersonation Scheme

86. Defendants admit that Plaintiffs granted access to their customer list. Defendants

deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

87. Denied.

88. Denied.

89. Denied.

90. Denied.

91. Admitted.

92. Denied.

93. Denied.

94. Denied.

95. Defendants admit that Piccolo sent certain e-mails using the e-mail addresses

identified in this paragraph. Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this

paragraph.

96. Defendants admit that a portion of the subject e-mail is accurately quoted in this

paragraph. Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

97. Defendants admit that a portion of the subject e-mail is accurately quoted in this

paragraph. Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

98. Denied.

99. Defendants admit that a portion of the subject e-mail is accurately quoted in this

paragraph. Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

100. Defendants admit that a portion of the subject e-mail is accurately quoted in this

paragraph. Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

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DESOUZA LAW, P.A.
3111 N. UNIVERSITY DRIVE, SUITE 301 • CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33065
TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 10 of 48

101. Defendants admit that a portion of the subject e-mail is accurately quoted in this

paragraph. Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

102. Denied.

103. Defendants admit that a portion of the subject e-mail is accurately quoted in this

paragraph. Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

104. Defendants admit that a portion of the subject e-mail is accurately quoted in this

paragraph. Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

105. Denied.

106. Defendants admit that a portion of the subject e-mail is accurately quoted in this

paragraph. Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

107. Defendants admit that a portion of the subject e-mail is accurately quoted in this

paragraph. Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

108. Defendants admit that a portion of the subject e-mail is accurately quoted in this

paragraph. Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

109. Defendants admit that a portion of the subject e-mail is accurately quoted in this

paragraph. Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

110. Denied.

111. Denied.

112. Denied.

K. Vistaone.network

113. Defendants admit that the subject domain was registered on January 20, 2018.

Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

114. Denied.

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DESOUZA LAW, P.A.
3111 N. UNIVERSITY DRIVE, SUITE 301 • CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33065
TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 11 of 48

115. Denied.

L. The Extortion Scheme

116. Denied.

117. Defendants admit that Johnson and Piccolo made multiple attempts to obtain

payment from Plaintiffs for monies due under the January 26, 2018 agreement but that Plaintiffs

refused to tender such amounts. As a result, Johnson and Piccolo were forced to remove Plaintiffs’

access to the Back Office Software as Plaintiffs were in material breach of the parties’ agreement.

Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

118. Admitted.

119. Admitted.

120. Admitted.

COUNT 1

BREACH OF CONTRACT (THE AGREEMENT) –


BY VISTA AGAINST PICCOLO, JOHNSON, AND MORRIS

121. Defendants adopt and incorporate by reference their responses to the paragraphs

above as if fully set forth herein.

122. Denied.

123. Denied.

124. Denied.

125. Denied.

COUNT 2

PROMISSORY ESTOPPEL REGARDING THE AGREEMENT


(IN THE ALTERNATIVE) – BY PLAINTIFFS –
AGAINST PICCOLO, JOHNSON, AND MORRIS

126. Defendants adopt and incorporate by reference their responses to the paragraphs

11
DESOUZA LAW, P.A.
3111 N. UNIVERSITY DRIVE, SUITE 301 • CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33065
TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 12 of 48

above as if fully set forth herein.

127. Denied.

128. Denied.

129. Denied.

130. Denied.

COUNT 3

BREACH OF CONTRACT (THE JANUARY 26 SERVICE CONTRACT) –


BY VISTA AGAINST K.F.I. SOFTWARE, PICCOLO, AND JOHNSON

131. Defendants adopt and incorporate by reference their responses to the paragraphs

above as if fully set forth herein.

132. Defendants admit that, on January 26, 2018, certain parties executed the January

26, 2018 agreement and that such agreement was drafted by Piccolo. Defendants deny the

remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

133. Defendants deny that the January 26, 2018 agreement is ambiguous and incomplete.

Defendants admit that Plaintiffs have accurately quoted certain provisions of the January 26, 2018

agreement.

134. Denied.

135. Denied.

COUNT 4

BREACH OF THE DUTY OF GOOD FAITH AND FAIR DEALING


THE JANUARY 26 SERVICE CONTRACT) –
BY VISTA AGAINST PICCOLO AND JOHNSON

136. Defendants adopt and incorporate by reference their responses to the paragraphs

above as if fully set forth herein.

137. Defendants admit that Plaintiffs have accurately quoted certain provisions of the
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DESOUZA LAW, P.A.
3111 N. UNIVERSITY DRIVE, SUITE 301 • CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33065
TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 13 of 48

January 26, 2018 agreement. Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this

paragraph.

138. Denied.

139. Denied.

COUNT 5

CONVERSION – BY VISTA AGAINST


PICCOLO, JOHNSON, MORRIS, TRAVELADA,
AND TRAVELADA INTERNATIONAL

140. Defendants adopt and incorporate by reference their responses to the paragraphs

above as if fully set forth herein.

141. Defendants admit that Plaintiffs’ ability to access the Back Office Software was

disabled on or about April 5, 2018. Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this

paragraph.

142. Denied.

143. Denied.

144. Denied.

145. Denied.

COUNT 6

CONVERSION – BY VISTA – AGAINST JOHNSON

146. Defendants adopt and incorporate by reference their responses to the paragraphs

above as if fully set forth herein.

147. Denied.

148. Denied.

149. Defendants are without information or knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the

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DESOUZA LAW, P.A.
3111 N. UNIVERSITY DRIVE, SUITE 301 • CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33065
TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 14 of 48

allegations contained in this paragraph.

150. Denied.

151. Denied.

152. Denied.

153. Denied.

154. Denied.

155. Defendants admit that Temurian transferred the subject cryptocurrency.

Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

156. Defendants admit that Temurian transferred the subject cryptocurrency.

Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

157. Defendants deny that Johnson wrongfully asserted dominion over Vista’s property

as any cryptocurrency retained by Johnson was used as a setoff against amounts owing to Johnson

and the other Defendants under the January 26, 2018 agreement. Defendants deny the remaining

allegations contained in this paragraph.

158. Denied.

COUNT 7

CIVIL THEFT – BY VISTA – AGAINST JOHNSON

159. Defendants adopt and incorporate by reference their responses to the paragraphs

above as if fully set forth herein.

160. Denied.

161. Denied.

162. Defendants are without information or knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the

allegations contained in this paragraph.

14
DESOUZA LAW, P.A.
3111 N. UNIVERSITY DRIVE, SUITE 301 • CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33065
TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 15 of 48

163. Denied.

164. Denied.

165. Denied.

166. Denied.

167. Denied.

168. Defendants admit that Temurian transferred the subject cryptocurrency.

Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

169. Defendants deny that Johnson wrongfully asserted dominion over Vista’s property

as any cryptocurrency retained by Johnson was used as a setoff against amounts owing to Johnson

and the other Defendants under the January 26, 2018 agreement. Defendants deny the remaining

allegations contained in this paragraph.

170. Defendants admit that Plaintiffs sent a civil theft demand letter to Johnson.

Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

171. Denied.

172. Defendants deny that Johnson wrongfully asserted dominion over Vista’s property

as any cryptocurrency retained by Johnson was used as a setoff against amounts owing to Johnson

and the other Defendants under the January 26, 2018 agreement. Defendants deny the remaining

allegations contained in this paragraph.

173. Denied.

174. Denied.

COUNT 8

CONVERSION – BY VISTA – AGAINST JOHNSON

175. Defendants adopt and incorporate by reference their responses to the paragraphs

15
DESOUZA LAW, P.A.
3111 N. UNIVERSITY DRIVE, SUITE 301 • CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33065
TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 16 of 48

above as if fully set forth herein.

176. Denied.

177. Admitted.

178. Denied.

179. Denied.

180. Denied.

181. Denied.

182. Denied.

183. Denied.

COUNT 9

CONVERSION – BY VISTA –
AGAINST PICCOLO, JOHNSON, AND MORRIS

184. Defendants adopt and incorporate by reference their responses to the paragraphs

above as if fully set forth herein.

185. Denied.

186. Defendants are without information or knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the

allegations of this paragraph.

187. Denied.

COUNT 10

UNJUST ENRICHMENT – BY VISTA – AGAINST JOHNSON

188. Defendants adopt and incorporate by reference their responses to the paragraphs

above as if fully set forth herein.

189. Denied.

190. Denied.
16
DESOUZA LAW, P.A.
3111 N. UNIVERSITY DRIVE, SUITE 301 • CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33065
TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 17 of 48

191. Denied.

192. Denied.

193. Denied.

194. Denied.

195. Denied.

196. Denied.

197. Defendants admit that Temurian transferred the subject cryptocurrency.

Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

198. Denied.

199. Denied.

200. Denied.

201. Denied.

202. Denied.

203. Denied.

204. Denied.

205. Denied.

206. Denied.

COUNT 11

TORTIOUS INTERFERENCE – BY VISTA –


AGAINST TRAVELADA AND TRAVELADA INTERNATIONAL

207. Defendants adopt and incorporate by reference their responses to the paragraphs

above as if fully set forth herein.

208. Defendants are without information or knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the

allegations of this paragraph.


17
DESOUZA LAW, P.A.
3111 N. UNIVERSITY DRIVE, SUITE 301 • CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33065
TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 18 of 48

209. Defendants admit they were aware that Vista had customers. Defendants deny the

remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

210. Denied.

211. Denied.

COUNT 12

TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT AND UNFAIR COMPETITION


UNDER SECTION 43(a) OF THE LANHAM ACT – BY VISTA AGAINST TRAVELADA
AND TRAVELADA INTERNATIONAL

212. Defendants adopt and incorporate by reference their responses to the paragraphs

above as if fully set forth herein.

213. Defendants are without information or knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the

allegations of this paragraph.

214. Defendants are without information or knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the

allegations of this paragraph.

215. Denied.

216. Denied.

217. Denied.

218. Denied.

219. Denied.

220. Denied.

COUNT 13

COMMON LAW TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT


AND UNFAIR COMPETITION – BY VISTA –
AGAINST TRAVELADA AND TRAVELADA INTERNATIONAL

221. Defendants adopt and incorporate by reference their responses to the paragraphs

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DESOUZA LAW, P.A.
3111 N. UNIVERSITY DRIVE, SUITE 301 • CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33065
TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 19 of 48

above as if fully set forth herein.

222. Defendants are without information or knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the

allegations of this paragraph.

223. Defendants are without information or knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the

allegations of this paragraph.

224. Defendants are without information or knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the

allegations of this paragraph.

225. Denied.

226. Denied.

227. Denied.

228. Denied.

229. Denied.

230. Denied.

231. Denied.

COUNT 14

UNAUTHORIZED TRAFFICKING OF PASSWORD INFORMATION


(IN VIOLATION OF 18 U.S.C. § 1030(a)(6), THE COMPUTER FRAUD
AND ABUSE ACT) – BY VISTA – AGAINST PICCOLO, JOHNSON,
MORRIS, TRAVELADA, AND TRAVELADA INTERNATIONAL

232. Defendants adopt and incorporate by reference their responses to the paragraphs

above as if fully set forth herein.

233. Admitted.

234. Defendants are without information or knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the

allegations of this paragraph.

235. Defendants are without information or knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the
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3111 N. UNIVERSITY DRIVE, SUITE 301 • CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33065
TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 20 of 48

allegations of this paragraph.

236. Defendants deny that the Back Office Software was designed to communicate with

Vista’s Alfacoins account.

237. Admitted.

238. Denied.

239. Denied.

240. Denied.

241. Denied.

242. Denied.

243. Denied.

COUNT 15

MISAPPROPRIATION OF TRADE SECRETS UNDER


THE DEFEND TRADE SECRETS ACT – BY VISTA AGAINST
PICCOLO, JOHNSON, MORRIS, TRAVELADA,
AND TRAVELADA INTERNATIONAL

244. Defendants adopt and incorporate by reference their responses to the paragraphs

above as if fully set forth herein.

245. Admitted.

246. Defendants admit that the Back Office Software contained a customer list.

Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

247. Denied.

248. Denied.

249. Denied.

250. Denied.

251. Denied.
20
DESOUZA LAW, P.A.
3111 N. UNIVERSITY DRIVE, SUITE 301 • CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33065
TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 21 of 48

252. Denied.

COUNT 16

MISAPPROPRIATION OF TRADE SECRETS UNDER


FLORIDA’S UNIFORM TRADE SECRETS ACT – BY VISTA
AGAINST PICCOLO, JOHNSON, MORRIS, TRAVELADA,
AND TRAVELADA INTERNATIONAL

253. Defendants adopt and incorporate by reference their responses to the paragraphs

above as if fully set forth herein.

254. Admitted.

255. Defendants admit that the Back Office Software contained a customer list.

Defendants deny the remaining allegations contained in this paragraph.

256. Denied.

257. Denied.

258. Denied.

259. Denied.

260. Denied.

COUNT 17

BREACH OF FIDUCIARY DUTY


BY VISTA – AGAINST K.F.I., PICCOLO, JOHNSON, AND MORRIS

261. Defendants adopt and incorporate by reference their responses to the paragraphs

above as if fully set forth herein.

262. Admitted.

263. Admitted.

264. Denied.

265. Denied.

21
DESOUZA LAW, P.A.
3111 N. UNIVERSITY DRIVE, SUITE 301 • CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33065
TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 22 of 48

COUNT 18

AIDING AND ABETTING BREACH OF FIDUCIARY DUTY


BY VISTA – AGAINST REID

266. Defendants adopt and incorporate by reference their responses to the paragraphs

above as if fully set forth herein.

267. Admitted.

268. Admitted.

269. Denied.

270. Denied.

271. Denied.

272. Denied.

273. Denied.

274. Denied.

COUNT 19

CIVIL CONSPIRACY – BY PLAINTIFFS AGAINST


PICCOLO, JOHNSON, MORRIS, REID, TRAVELADA,
AND TRAVELADA INTERNATIONAL

275. Defendants adopt and incorporate by reference their responses to the paragraphs

above as if fully set forth herein.

276. Denied.

277. Denied.

278. Denied.

279. Denied.

COUNT 20

USURPATION OF PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND MISUSE


22
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TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 23 of 48

OF PARTNERSHIP ASSETS (IN THE ALTERNATIVE) –


BY VISTA – AGAINST K.F.I., PICCOLO, JOHNSON, AND MORRIS

280. Defendants adopt and incorporate by reference their responses to the paragraphs

above as if fully set forth herein.

281. Admitted.

282. Admitted.

283. Denied.

284. Denied.

Defendants deny each and every allegation contained in the “Wherefore” clauses of the

Second Amended Complaint. In addition, Defendants deny each and every allegation of the

Second Amended Complaint not specifically admitted herein. Defendants further deny that

Plaintiffs are entitled to any of the relief requested and demand strict proof of each element of

Plaintiff’s claims and asserted damages.

JURY TRIAL DEMAND

Defendants demand a jury trial on all issues so triable.

AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES

For their further and separate affirmative defenses to the Second Amended Complaint and

the claims Plaintiffs purport to assert therein, and without assuming the burden of proof on any

matters for which that burden rests with Plaintiffs, Defendants allege:

First Defense

The Second Amended Complaint fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.

Second Defense

This Court lacks subject matter jurisdiction over this dispute. The Second Amended

Complaint asserts that diversity jurisdiction exists, but the parties are not citizens of different

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states. Vista Technologies is deemed to be a citizen of every State that its members are citizens

of. Because Johnson, Piccolo, Morris, and K.F.I. are each members of Vista and citizens of

Florida, Vista is deemed to be a citizen of Florida and diversity jurisdiction cannot exist. Federal

question jurisdiction does not exist as Plaintiffs have not asserted any viable federal claims.

Third Defense

Plaintiffs’ claims are barred, in whole or in part, by the doctrine of set-off. The damages

sought by Plaintiffs in this matter are substantially less than the damages Plaintiffs caused to the

Defendants as a result of Plaintiffs’ breach of the January 26, 2018 agreement, Plaintiffs’

defamatory statements/writing, and Plaintiffs’ failure to recognize Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, and

K.F.I.’s 10% ownership interest in Vista Technologies and its affiliated entities. As a result of

Plaintiffs’ conduct, Defendants have incurred substantial damages far exceeding those alleged in

the Second Amended Complaint.

Fourth Defense

Plaintiffs’ claims are barred, in whole or in part, by the equitable doctrine of unclean hands.

Fifth Defense

Plaintiffs’ claims are barred, in whole or in part, because Plaintiffs fraudulently induced

Piccolo, Johnson, and Morris to build the Back Office Software and dedicate approximately 1,500

hours of customer service/marketing efforts to saving Plaintiffs’ failing business. Plaintiffs swore

multiple times that their ‘80 day cryptocurrency doubler scheme’ was a valid business venture and

even endeavored to show Johnson in person how it worked. In reality, it was only after Defendants

committed significant time and resources did Plaintiffs reveal approximately $13.9 million of

outstanding liability to “investors” (whose monies Plaintiffs had illegally taken in violation of

federal securities laws) who never doubled their cryptocurrency investment as promised by

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Plaintiffs. Plaintiffs misled Piccolo, Johnson, and Morris into working with Plaintiffs and then

attempted to use this lawsuit to paint them as scapegoats for Plaintiffs’ fraudulent and illegal

business activities.

COUNTERCLAIM

Counter-plaintiffs Phillip A. Piccolo, Jr. (“Piccolo”), Kevin Dalton Johnson (“Johnson”),

Paul Morris (“Morris”), Joseph Reid (“Reid”), and K.F.I. Software (“K.F.I.”) (collectively, the

“Counter-Plaintiffs”), as and for their Counterclaim against counter-defendants Armen A.

Temurian (“Temurian”) and Vista Technologies LLC (“Vista Technologies”) (collectively, the

“Counter-Defendants”), respectfully plead as follows:

THE PARTIES

1. Piccolo is an individual who is a citizen of the State of Florida and who resides in

Broward County, FL.

2. Johnson is an individual who is a citizen of the State of Florida and who resides in

Broward County, FL.

3. Morris is an individual who is a citizen of the State of Florida and who resides in

Broward County, FL.

4. Reid is an individual who is a citizen of the State of New York and who resides in

Nassau County, NY.

5. K.F.I. is a Florida common law partnership consisting of Johnson and Piccolo.

6. Vista Technologies is a limited liability company organized and existing under the

laws of the State of California. According to the Second Amended Complaint, all of Vista

Technologies’ members are citizens of the State of California, though that assertion is disputed by

the Counter-Plaintiffs.

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7. Temurian is an individual who is a citizen of the State of California and who resides

in Los Angeles County, CA.

JURISDICTION AND VENUE

8. In the event the Court denies Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss, this Court has subject

matter jurisdiction over this Counterclaim pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 13 and 28 U.S.C. § 1332(a).

9. The Court has jurisdiction over Plaintiffs as they availed themselves of this Court

in asserting claims for damages in the Second Amended Complaint.

10. Venue properly lies in this District because the claims asserted herein are

counterclaims to the claims asserted in the Second Amended Complaint.

FACTS

11. In November 2017, Reid became aware that Vista Technologies’ predecessor

(Vista Network Technologies USA),3 a multi-level-marketing (“MLM”) company run by

Temurian, was experiencing issues with its software platform that were causing delays in payments

to network affiliates and otherwise interfering with Vista Technologies’ business.

12. Reid knew that Johnson and Piccolo owned and had developed a software platform

specifically for MLM use and therefore he offered to introduce Temurian to them to see whether

they could offer what Vista Technologies needed.

13. In late-November 2017, Reid introduced Temurian to Piccolo and Johnson during

a telephone conference call. At the time, Temurian expressed interest in the MLM software set

that Johnson had developed over the course of fifteen years at costs that exceed more than $3.5

3
References herein to “Vista Technologies” shall be deemed to include the predecessor entity (Vista Network
Technologies USA).

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million to date. Temurian, Johnson, and Piccolo discussed the framework of an agreement

whereby Johnson/Piccolo would modify Johnson’s software platform to fit Vista Technologies’

needs, a joint venture/partnership would be formed with Temurian and Vista Technologies, and

Piccolo/Johnson would contribute their own ‘Travelada’ business and contacts to that joint

venture/partnership.

14. On or about December 5, 2017, Temurian flew to Florida and met with Piccolo,

Reid, and Johnson briefly at a hotel on Cypress Creek Road in Fort Lauderdale. The meeting was

then reconvened at offices located at 12538 W. Atlantic Blvd in Coral Springs, FL. Later that day,

the meeting was reconvened a third time at Piccolo’s home in Lighthouse Point, FL.

15. During these meetings, Temurian showed Piccolo, Johnson, and Reid his “Mini

Miner” product which he represented as the future of Vista’s business. Temurian, Piccolo,

Johnson, and Reid discussed Vista’s background, Johnson’s MLM software, and the general belief

that Temurian, Johnson, and Piccolo could synergistically benefit each other’s companies with a

joint venture/partnership.

16. Morris arrived to the third meeting after the bulk of the substantive discussion had

occurred and was not involved in any business discussions other than to see Temurian showing off

the “Mini Miner” product.

17. During the December 5, 2017 meetings in Florida, Temurian also touted Vista

Technologies’ then-current business model whereby Counter-Defendants were utilizing

proprietary algorithms to ‘trade’ (similar to stock trading) cryptocurrency on behalf of investors.

18. Temurian explained that these proprietary algorithms allowed Vista Technologies

to promise its investors that they would earn 2.5% of their investment daily and that investors

would double the value of their investment within 80 days. Temurian stated that, in reality, Vista

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Technologies was earning anywhere between 15% - 25% daily through this cryptocurrency trading

venture and therefore Vista Technologies was earning far greater than it owed to existing investors.

19. Temurian explained that these proprietary trading algorithms would be made

available to Piccolo/Johnson if they agreed to assist Vista Technologies with its software platform

and move forward with the joint venture/partnership. Temurian further offered to contribute and

trade at least $100,000.00 in cryptocurrency on Johnson and Piccolo’s behalf with promises of

earning 15% - 25% daily (the same amount Temurian represented he was making for himself vs.

the 2.5% he was supposedly earning for his investors).

20. Indeed, at the time, Vista Technologies’ website proclaimed that investors would

“Double Your Bitcoin and Your Ethereum Within 80 Days.” The website explained the

opportunity as follows:

VISTA is providing the first ever dual crypto coin platform which
is reinforced by algorithms that will enable you to double your
Bitcoin and Ethereum in 80 days or less. Their trading robots will
trade every hour and will share their earnings with you as they
deposit into your BTC and ETH WALLETS. You will earn a daily
Binary BingoPay for spreading the word of VISTA, and a weekly
matrix bonus will be rewarded to each member as a thank you from
the company for doing business with VISTA.

21. Vista Technologies’ website was consistent with various PowerPoint and other

marketing material circulated by Counter-Defendants at the time – all of which promised a

minimum of daily 2.5% returns on cryptocurrency investments through Vista Technologies’

proprietary algorithms.

22. Piccolo/Johnson were intrigued by Temurian’s representations concerning the

guaranteed minimum of 2.5% returns, but no agreements were reached during the December 5,

2017 meeting. Rather, after Temurian left for the airport, Johnson and Piccolo spoke via telephone

and discussed whether Vista Technologies was a legitimate company with legitimate business

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operations and decided it would be best for Johnson (who has more technical experience than

Piccolo) to tour Vista Technologies’ facilities in California before deciding how to proceed.

23. On December 10, 2017, Johnson flew to California and visited Vista Technologies’

offices the next day (on December 11, 2017). During that visit, Temurian showed Johnson around

and answered further questions about Vista Technologies’ business. Johnson further demonstrated

to Temurian, Hector Ardon (a co-founder of Vista Technologies), and Luis Amaya (a co-founder

of Vista Technologies) his MLM software via its then-current implementation at Travelada and

two other MLM companies.

24. While in California, Temurian purported to demonstrate Vista Technologies’

cryptocurrency trading operations to Johnson and showed Johnson several ‘trades’ taking place

that day which purportedly generated earnings between 15 – 25%. Johnson believed that the

screens being shown to him were legitimate and that Vista Technologies was actually earning the

amounts represented by Temurian.

25. On December 13, 2017 (following Johnson’s return to Florida), Temurian, Johnson,

and Piccolo participated in a conference call whereby, in reliance on Temurian’s representations

concerning the earnings being generated in Vista Technologies’ cryptocurrency trading business,

Piccolo and Johnson were willing to move forward with a joint venture.

26. During the call, the parties agreed to basic terms whereby Johnson/Piccolo would

modify their software platform for Vista Technologies’ use, Piccolo/Johnson would contribute

their Travelada business and contacts, and Piccolo/Johnson would receive financial remuneration

in addition to a percentage ownership of Vista Technologies’ business to be determined.

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27. The next day, on December 14, 2017, Johnson sent a summary of the telephone call

and the terms that Temurian had agreed to. Temurian never responded to the e-mail to dispute any

of the terms set therein by Johnson.

28. Although Plaintiffs claim some oral agreement by which Piccolo/Johnson would

grant ownership of their software to Vista Technologies, the December 14, 2017 e-mail itself

(which specifically states that Vista Technologies would receive a perpetually “licensed copy of

the software” so long as Vista Technologies was fulfilling its perpetual obligation to pay the

amounts due thereunder.

29. During the December 13, 2017 (or any other point in time), there was never any

discussion of Vista Technologies becoming an owner of Johnson/Piccolo’s software platform or

any platform custom-built for Vista Technologies.

30. As stated above, the software that was to be licensed to Vista is a software set that

has been 15 years plus in its evolution at a cost that exceeds more than $3.5 million to date.

Johnson/Piccolo consider the software to be a next generation cloud based MLM software which

empowers its users with solutions geared for global success. The software set allows any MLM

company to register affiliates online through a self-replicating websites, track the line of

sponsorship from registration, purchase virtual and physical products, mange shipping and

logistics with all of the primary US-couriers, calculate commissions in real time on any

compensation plan implemented, pay commissions and bonuses via third party wallet systems or

printed checks, reconcile payments, provides full customer support to affiliates using the system

support and full reporting suite of all such functions to the licensee.

31. On approximately December 15, 2017, Temurian sent a text message to Piccolo in

which he stated that he was ready to sign a written agreement between the parties, that Vista

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Technologies’ owners had agreed to provide an ownership interest in the company to Piccolo and

Johnson, and that Vista Technologies had sent the first 2.5 percent payment on the 8 bitcoin due

under what would become the written agreement between the parties.

32. Although there was no signed agreement at that time, Johnson/Piccolo relied on

Temurian’s statements during the December 13, 2017 call, the meetings in California, the

December 5, 2017 meeting in Florida, and Temurian’s December 15, 2017 text message and began

working toward modification of their software platform for Vista Technologies’ needs.

33. This work included designing a legal and compliant compensation plan for Vista

Technologies’ affiliates and modifying Johnson/Piccolo’s existing software platform to comport

with that plan. Johnson/Piccolo also endeavored to build a new module that would allow Vista

Technologies to continue making payments on amounts due to existing Vista Technologies

affiliates.

34. At the time, Vista Technologies was transitioning from a business model of trading

cryptocurrency for its existing affiliates (upon promises to double cryptocurrency investments

within 80 days) to selling its new Mini Miner product (upon what turned out to be similar absurd

promises of substantial guaranteed profits). The software platform designed by Piccolo/Johnson

therefore had to account for Vista Technologies’ existing liabilities (relating to monies brought in

for cryptocurrency trading) in addition to Vista Technologies’ new Mini Miner business.

35. In addition, Johnson/Piccolo also designed and built Vista Technologies a front-

end website for its customers with little to no support from anyone at Vista Technologies. While

not within the scope of the parties’ oral understanding, Johnson/Piccolo did this because nobody

at Vista Technologies seemed interested and Vista Technologies’ then-existing website was of

little use for the designs that were being implemented.

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36. In early January 2018, Piccolo, Morris, and Johnson conferred and came up with a

plan to implement retail commissions, matrix commissions, matching matrix commissions, dual

team/binary commissions, fast start bonuses and fast start matching bonuses all based on the sale

of Mini-Miners and cryptocurrency mining hash power. Based in their knowledge of MLM

compensation plans, Piccolo, Morris, and Johnson believed this plan would be in compliance with

all laws. Piccolo, Morris, and Johnson had multiple telephone calls with Temurian and Mr. Amaya

regarding the compensation plan and all agreed to move forward as planned.

37. Throughout January 2018, Piccolo and Johnson continued pushing Temurian for a

signed/executed copy of the joint venture/partnership agreement that was discussed in mid-

December 2017. Each time, Temurian told Piccolo and Johnson that a formal/written agreement

was coming and that all was proceeding as agreed and summarized in Johnson’s December 14,

2017 e-mail.

38. On January 22, 2018, Temurian sent Johnson an e-mail noting that he was “pleased

to have finalized our Agreement” and which attached a nine (9) page draft agreement for the

parties’ review and signature. Among other terms, that draft agreement names Morris as Vista

Technologies’ Chairman of the Advisory Board, Johnson as the Chief Technology Officer of Vista

Technologies, and Piccolo as an “Executive.” Temurian’s draft agreement further references a

“software license” and provides Piccolo and Johnson a 10% non-dilutable ownership interest in

Vista Technologies.

39. On January 29, 2018, Temurian, Piccolo, and Johnson participated in a telephone

call during which, for the first time, Temurian admitted that Vista Technologies’ ‘double your

cryptocurrency in 80 days’ venture had not been successful and that Vista Technologies was facing

massive liability in connection therewith. Temurian admitted that Vista Technologies had

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accumulated approximately $13.9 million of existing liability to investors who had invested their

cryptocurrency based on Temurian’s ‘double your investment’ promises and that the supposedly

proprietary algorithms utilized by Vista Technologies had never generated the 2.5% daily returns

(let alone the 15 – 25% that Temurian had boasted about) that Temurian promised.

40. Temurian was worried that the company was headed for bankruptcy or that he

himself was headed for jail (as he recognized that Vista Technologies was offering unregistered

securities in violation of federal securities laws and other similar programs had already been shut

down by the federal government).

41. Piccolo and Johnson were shocked to hear this for the first time on January 29, 2018

– after they had already committed themselves for over a month to designing software, creating a

website, assisting Vista Technologies with customer service issues, and potentially taking on such

liability as owners of Vista Technologies (which Temurian had previously awarded).

Nevertheless, Piccolo/Johnson discussed with Temurian the concept of turning lemons into

lemonade by working to reduce the existing investor liabilities (by paying down the liability at a

lower percentage rate than promised by Temurian and/or offering incentives to investors to

participate in Vista Technologies’ new business ventures).

42. Following further back and forth and revisions between the parties, a fully-executed

written agreement was ultimately sent via e-mail by Mr. Temurian on January 30, 2018. That e-

mail specifically states that “[w]ith this agreement we become partners….” and “I’m proud to call

you our Partners.” In addition to other terms, the signed agreement (which although sent on

January 30, 2018 is in actuality dated January 26, 2018) recognizes that Piccolo/Johnson had

already been awarded a 10% ownership interest in Vista Technologies and that Morris had already

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been awarded a 1% ownership interest in Vista Technologies (which Temurian himself suggested

as a result of Morris’ contributions to the project).

43. In late January 2018, Piccolo/Johnson began pushing for Vista Technologies to

provide them the existing data from its then-current MLM software provider and information

regarding the legacy payments that would need to be made to all the existing affiliates (persons

who had deposited cryptocurrency with Vista Technologies upon promises of money being

doubled in 80 days). After many requests to provide such, Vista Technologies decided to just

provide Johnson with access to the existing MLM software. At no time did Vista Technologies

indicate to Johnson that the data within its existing software was somehow confidential/proprietary

or request that he treat it as such. Nobody at Vista Technologies ever mentioned confidentiality

with respect to this data or asked that any of the Counter-Plaintiffs sign any type of document

restricting use/disclosure of the data.

44. Once Vista Technologies provided access to the data, Johnson downloaded the

existing affiliate base and began working with the data. During this period, it was discovered that

the existing line of sponsorship and MLM compensation plan structures were full of orphaned

records making it practically impossible to decipher the line of sponsorship and existing

compensation plan structures. After hundreds of hours of working with that data, Johnson and his

software team were finally able to fix the orphaned records and rebuild the structures. Much to

their frustration, no help or input was provided by Vista Technologies in order to accomplish this.

45. Plaintiffs’ customer/sales data was imported into the Back Office software and

combined with Piccolo/Johnson’s existing contacts/sales data. As a result, the database of

contacts/sales data within the Back Office represents a combination of information provided from

both Plaintiffs and Piccolo/Johnson. The lists were merged/combined pursuant to the parties’ joint

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venture/partnership agreement as Temurian, Piccolo, and Johnson each believed the lists would

benefit each other’s respective businesses.

46. Around this time, Vista Technologies began providing the data for the legacy

payments that were to be made to the existing affiliates. This data was also incomplete and

required Johnson/Piccolo to spend many more hours to clean the data and find a solution to the

issues.

47. In early February, Vista Technologies also provided access to its AlfaCoins

merchant account so that Johnson/Piccolo could begin interfacing the account to their internal

shopping cart for purchases and virtual ledger system for payouts from the system. Upon logging

into the AlfaCoins account, it was discovered that Vista Technologies had collected more than $12

million of cryptocurrency to date but only a fraction of those amounts remaining in the AlfaCoins

merchant account (less than $100,000 in cryptocurrencies).

48. In mid-February 2018, Johnson/Piccolo launched the new front-end website. In

late February, Johnson/Piccolo launched the Back Office and began making legacy payments. At

this time hundreds of affiliates came forward indicating the data Vista Technologies had provided

with regards to the legacy payments was not correct. After repeated attempts to have Vista

Technologies deal with this to no avail, Johnson/Piccolo decided to handle the issues and credit

any affiliates with the amount owed after researching the orders in the system and within the

previous MLM software providers system. Johnson/Piccolo researched and resolved issues on

around 500 existing legacy accounts, resulting in more amounts being due to the existing affiliates

than that which was originally reported by Vista Technologies.

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49. In the later part of February 2018, Johnson/Piccolo launched the full back office

website with the ability to purchase products and services along with real time commissions and

payments.

50. To this point and continuing for the next month, Counter-Defendants were grossly

delinquent in their obligations under the parties’ January 26, 2018 agreement. Vista Technologies

had agreed to deposit and trade on 8 Bitcoin for Piccolo/Johnson’s benefit and – based on its

supposedly proprietary trading algorithm – had guaranteed payment of 2.5% (equal to .20 Bitcoin)

per day (based on a 5-day, Monday – Friday week) for perpetuity. Counter-Defendants only

complied with this obligation on a few of the required days.

51. Counter-Defendants agreed to provide $100,000.00 in digital cryptocurrency to

begin trading for the benefit of Piccolo/Johnson and agreed to a 2% penalty for any day that Vista

Technologies did not trade these coins on their behalf. Vista Technologies never provided the

cryptocurrency, never traded on Piccolo/Johnson’s behalf, and never paid the 2% penalty in

connection therewith.

52. By late March 2018, Vista Technologies’ unpaid financial obligation to

Johnson/Piccolo grew to several hundred thousand dollars with no sign from Vista Technologies

that it would ever begin compliance with the January 26, 2018 agreement.

53. Further, Temurian had asked Morris (who is well known in the MLM industry) to

host several informational/marketing conference calls to discuss Vista Technologies’ products and

services. Morris paid for these conference lines out of his own pocket and, despite representations

otherwise by Temurian, Morris was never reimbursed for any of these expenses. Ironically, while

Counter-Defendants allege in the Second Amended Complaint that Morris somehow profited off

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his Back Office Software access, the reality is that Morris never received any monies from or in

connection with Vista Technologies – he only paid monies out of his own pocket.

54. With little hope in sight and an ever-increasing suspicion that Piccolo/Johnson were

being used to facilitate a Ponzi scheme, they agreed to a meeting in Florida on March 29, 2018.

Both Temurian and his wife (Houry Tartarian) attended that meeting. They accused Johnson at

that time of misappropriating Vista Technologies’ cryptocurrency (which was untrue).

55. At the same time, Piccolo and Johnson confronted Temurian about Counter-

Defendants’ multiple breaches under the January 26, 2018 written agreement and demanded to

know when Counter-Defendants would catch up on their payment obligations.

56. Following the March 29, 2018 meeting, Johnson/Piccolo continued to make

demands to Counter-Defendants to comply with the terms of the January 26, 2018 agreement and

stated multiple times that they would be forced to disable the Back Office software and the website

that had built absent payment. These demands largely went ignored and Counter-Defendants

failed to pay any of the hundreds of thousands of dollars that were owed.

57. As a result, on or about April 18, 2018, Piccolo/Johnson disabled Counter-

Defendants’ access to the Back Office software and the front-end website that Johnson had built

as they were no longer willing to continue supporting Counter-Defendants without the contractual

payments due under the January 26, 2018 agreement.

58. From April 2018 and continuing through the present date, Temurian has launched

a prolific campaign to smear Counter-Plaintiffs’ names (both orally and in writing) through false

allegations that Counter-Plaintiffs were criminals, had committed multiple crimes, had stolen

monies and trade secrets from Vista Technologies, and that Counter-Plaintiffs were going to jail

as a result of the conduct alleged in the Second Amended Complaint.

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59. Temurian has sent multiple mass e-mail blasts to Vista Technologies’ 20,000 –

30,000 member contact list in which he accuses each of the Counter-Plaintiffs of having committed

theft, of having committed felonies, of being criminals, that the Federal Bureau of Investigation

was investigating Counter-Plaintiffs, and that each of the Counter-Plaintiffs was going to jail for

their supposed crimes.

60. Temurian has also prolifically posted the same content on Internet message

boards/comment sections (such as at www.behindmlm.com and www.youtube.com) and in an

online ‘chat group’ in which he communicates with Vista Technologies’ customers/affiliates.

61. Temurian has made the same comments orally in conversations with multiple

customers/affiliates of Vista Technologies and owners of other MLM businesses.

62. Temurian’s comments were false when made and he knew them to be false. He

made the aforementioned statements with malicious intent – namely, to deflect attention from

Vista Technologies’ failing business and massive outstanding liabilities. Temurian attempted to

use Counter-Plaintiffs as scapegoats to blame as the reason for Vista Technolgies’ failure to pay

down the approximately $13.9 million in investor money that was promised to be ‘doubled in 80

days.’

63. Temurian has attempted to blame Counter-Plaintiffs for his investors’ loss of

monies, but in reality those monies were lost due to Vista Technologies being nothing more than

a Ponzi scheme whereby earlier investors were paid through monies collected from newer

investors. There was never a ‘proprietary algorithm’ used by Temurian to generate returns

between 15% - 25% - there were only unsuspecting victims who continued to give Counter-

Defendants their money on false promises of doubling their investment.

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64. Worse still, once the Ponzi doubler fell apart, Temurian preyed on victims through

the sale of his Mini Miner product which sold for $1,200.00 - $1,500.00 and which Temurian

promised would generate cryptocurrency mining profits in the hundreds of dollars per month.

This, again, was a scam orchestrated by Temurian as the Mini Miner, on its best month, generated

around $.10 of mining revenue (and cost significantly more in energy use to operate).

65. By attempting to paint Counter-Plaintiffs as criminals who conspired together to

steal Vista Technologies’ customers and monies, Temurian could shift attention from his violation

of federal securities laws and theft of millions of dollars from Vista Technologies’

customers/affiliates.

66. Although Temurian and the other co-founders of Vista Technologies granted

Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, and K.F.I. an ownership interest in Vista Technologies (and all of its

current and future direct and indirect entities), Temurian has refused to recognize that ownership

interest, has excluded Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, and K.F.I. from voting and other membership

decisions, and has paid profit distributions, salaries, and personal expenses from Vista

Technologies and related entities without ever accounting for Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, and

K.F.I.’s 10% ownership interest.

67. The January 26, 2018 written agreement specifically identifies certain of these

“current and future direct and indirect entities” as follows: Vista Technologies USA Inc., RPM

Vista, Vista Networks, Vista Assets, Vista Pool, Vista Exchange, Vista Coin, Alexa Coin,

Higher.org, and InvexCoin.com.

68. On or about October 17, 2018, Vista Technologies’ predecessor (Vista Network

Technologies USA) spun off into two entities: Vista Technologies (which is responsible for

technology development and ownership of intellectual property) and Vista Network LLC (which

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DESOUZA LAW, P.A.
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TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 40 of 48

operates the MLM business and sells the products owned/developed by Vista Technologies. Vista

Network LLC is a successor of Vista Network Technologies LLC and within the meaning of

“current and future direct and indirect entities” to which the January 26, 2018 agreement applies.

69. “Higher.org” is a social network platform that Temurian and/or Vista Technologies

purchased for approximately $30,000.00 and which Temurian estimates is worth significantly

more today. Given that Higher.org is specifically referenced in the January 26, 2018 agreement,

it is certainly within the meaning of “current and future direct and indirect entities” as used therein.

70. “InvexCoin.com” is a cryptocurrency exchange that Temurian recently

established/registered as a Mexican entity. Upon information and belief, Temurian is the sole

owner of the InvexCoin.com entity. Given that InvexCoin.com is specifically referenced in the

January 26, 2018 agreement, it is certainly within the meaning of “current and future direct and

indirect entities” as used therein.

71. Upon information and belief, has developed other businesses affiliated with Vista

Technologies and for which the January 26, 2018 agreement’s “current and future direct and

indirect entities” provision would apply. Temurian has failed to disclose the identity of such

businesses to Counter-Plaintiffs.

72. On or about July 5, 2019, Piccolo, Johnson, and Morris (through counsel) sent a

statutory demand to Vista Technologies for inspection and copying of certain membership and

financial records of the company. Pursuant to California law, Vista Technologies was required to

provide the requested documentation within thirty (30) days of the letter – i.e., by August 5, 2019.

Vista Technologies failed to even respond to the letter let alone provide the requested documents

(notwithstanding the fact that the letter was sent via US Mail to Vista Technologies and its counsel

in this lawsuit and further sent via e-mail to Vista Technologies’ counsel in this lawsuit).

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73. All conditions precedent to the filing of this action have been performed, occurred,

or been waived

CAUSES OF ACTION

COUNT ONE – FRAUD IN THE INDUCEMENT


(By Piccolo and Johnson Against Temurian)

76. Piccolo and Johnson re-allege and incorporate by reference paragraphs 1 through

73 as if fully alleged herein.

77. As described herein, Temurian falsely represented to Piccolo and Johnson that

Vista Technologies was engaged in a legitimate cryptocurrency trading business venture whereby

Vista Technologies was utilizing a proprietary algorithm to generate returns between 15% - 25%

and that such returns were well-above the 2.5% daily payout that Vista Technologies was paying

its existing investors (to which Temurian represented Vista Technologies was current on payment).

Temurian represented that Vista Technologies was not operating a Ponzi scheme in that monies

utilized to pay existing investors were being generated through his cryptocurrency trading

activities rather than through new investor monies. Temurian represented that these same

proprietary algorithms would be utilized for the benefit of Piccolo and Johnson and that they too

would have guaranteed daily returns of at least 2.5%

78. Temurian made these representations in an effort to induce Piccolo and Johnson to

build the Back Office software platform for Vista Technologies, to build a new website for Vista

Technologies, and to provide a substantial amount of customer service and other work for Vista

Technologies upon promises of guaranteed returns for Piccolo and Johnson.

79. These representations were false when made, and Temurian knew the

representations were false when made.

80. Piccolo and Johnson relied on the aforementioned representations in agreeing to

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DESOUZA LAW, P.A.
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TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 42 of 48

build the Back Office software platform for Vista Technologies, to build a new website for Vista

Technologies, and to provide a substantial amount of customer service and other work for Vista

Technologies.

81. As a direct and proximate result of Temurian’s misrepresentations, Piccolo and

Johnson sustained substantial damages, the full amount of which will be established at trial of this

matter.

WHEREFORE, Piccolo and Johnson demand judgment against Temurian for

compensatory damages, prejudgment interest, post-judgment interest, costs, and such other relief

as the Court deems just and proper.

COUNT TWO – SLANDER PER SE


(By Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, and Reid Against Temurian)

82. Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, and Reid re-allege and incorporate paragraphs 1 through

73 as set forth above.

83. As described herein, Temurian has, on numerous occasions from April 2018

through the present date, falsely stated to third parties (in writing and orally) that each of Piccolo,

Johnson, Morris, and Reid is a criminal, has committed multiple crimes including theft, is being

investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, committed extortion, and is going to jail in

connection with the allegations in this lawsuit. These statements were made on Internet message

boards/comment sections (such as at www.behindmlm.com and www.youtube.com), in mass e-

mails to Vista Technologies’ 20,000 – 30,000 member list, in a Vista Technologies ‘chat group’

with Vista Technologies’ customers/affiliates, in-person, and telephonically.

84. Temurian did not present these statements as if they were merely his opinion –

rather, Temurian conveyed these statements as fact.

85. At the time he made these statements, Temurian knew that they were wholly
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DESOUZA LAW, P.A.
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TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 43 of 48

unsupported by the evidence, and therefore the statements were made with reckless disregard for

the truth.

86. The above-described false and malicious statements were made with the purpose

of causing harm to each of Piccolo, Johnson, Moris, and Reid’s reputation.

87. These statements were false and malicious – Temurian’s primary motive in making

the statements was not to report an alleged crime but rather to injure each of Piccolo, Johnson,

Morris, and Reid’s reputation in such a way as to cause Vista Technologies’ investors/customers

and other MLM professionals to dissociate from Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, and Reid and to blame

them for the losses of monies caused by Vista Technologies’ illegal Ponzi scheme.

88. As a result of Temurian’s false and malicious statements, Piccolo, Johnson, Morris,

and Reid have sustained substantial damages, the full amount of which will be established at trial

of this matter.

WHEREFORE, Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, and Reid demand judgment against Temurian

for compensatory damages, prejudgment interest, and such other relief as the Court deems just and

proper.

COUNT THREE: BREACH OF CONTRACT


(By Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, and K.F.I. Against Vista Technologies and Temurian)

89. Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, and K.F.I. re-allege paragraphs 1 through 73 as if fully

set forth herein.

90. The January 26, 2018 written agreement is a valid, enforceable contract under either

Florida or California law.

91. At the time the January 26, 2018 written agreement was executed, Vista

Technologies existed as Vista Network Technologies USA, a common-law partnership consisting

of Temurian, Mr. Amaya, and Hector Ardon. Vista Network Technologies USA was a d/b/a name
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TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 44 of 48

as the entity had not yet been formally established as a California business entity.

92. Each of Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, K.F.I., Temurian, and Vista Technologies is a

party to the January 26, 2018 written agreement.

93. The January 26, 2018 agreement required Counter-Defendants to: (a) send K.F.I.

$100,000.00 in cryptocurrency for out-of-pocket expenses; (b) provide 200 major mining

machines to be used for cryptocurrency mining; (c) provide $100,000.00 in cryptocurrency to be

traded by Vista Technologies (using its ‘proprietary algorithm’) with a 2% fee for any day during

which trading does not occur; and (d) recognize Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, and K.F.I.’s ownership

of 10% of Vista Technologies and all current and future related entities (such as Vista Network

LLC, Higher.org, and InvexCoin.com).

94. Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, and K.F.I. fully performed their obligations under the

January 26, 2018 written agreement – indeed, they went above and beyond as they undertook tasks

(such as providing approximately 1,500 hours in customer service and building a website) over

and above what was required under the January 26, 2018 agreement.

95. Counter-Defendants materially breached the terms of the January 26, 2018 written

agreement. Counter-Defendants did not: (a) send K.F.I. $100,000.00 in cryptocurrency for out-

of-pocket expenses; (b) provide 200 major mining machines to be used for cryptocurrency mining;

(c) provide $100,000.00 in cryptocurrency to be traded by Vista Technologies (using its

‘proprietary algorithm’) with a 2% fee for any day during which trading does not occur; (d) pay

the 2% non-trading day fee; and (e) recognize Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, and K.F.I.’s ownership of

10% of Vista Technologies and all current and future related entities (such as Vista Network LLC,

Higher.org, and InvexCoin.com).

96. Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, and K.F.I. do not have an adequate remedy at law with

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TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 45 of 48

respect to Counter-Defendants’ failure to recognize their 10% ownership interest in Vista

Technologies, Vista Network LLC, Higher.org, InvexCoin.com, or any other “current and future

direct and indirect entities.”

97. As a result of Counter-Defendants’ breaches of the January 26, 2018 agreement,

Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, and K.F.I. suffered substantial damages, the full amount of which will

be established at trial of this matter.

WHEREFORE, Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, and K.F.I. demand judgment against Counter-

Defendants for compensatory damages, specific performance compelling Counter-Defendants to

recognize and award Piccolo, Johnson, Moris, and K.F.I. their 10% ownership interest in the

above-referenced entities, prejudgment interest, post-judgment interest, costs, and such other relief

as the Court deems just and proper.

COUNT FOUR: BREACH OF FIDUCIARY DUTY


(Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, and K.F.I. Against Temurian)

98. Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, and K.F.I. re-allege paragraphs 1 through 73 as if fully

set forth herein.

99. Temurian is a manager and member of Vista Technologies.

100. Under California law, the manager of a limited liability company “owes the

same fiduciary duties to the limited liability company and to its members as a partner owes to a

partnership and to the partners of the partnership.” People v. Pac. Landmark, LLC, 129 Cal. App.

4th 1203, 1212 (Cal. Ct. App. 2005).

101. Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, and K.F.I. collectively own 10% of the outstanding

membership interest in Vista Technologies, as specifically recognized by the January 26, 2018

written agreement.

102. As a result of his status as a manager of Vista Technologies and due to the special
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TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 46 of 48

relationship of trust placed in Temurian by Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, and K.F.I., Temurian is a

fiduciary of Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, and K.F.I. and owes certain fiduciary duties of loyalty, to

act in good faith, and to act with due care thereto.

103. Temurian breached these duties by refusing to recognize Piccolo, Johnson, Morris,

and K.F.I.’s ownership interest, by excluding Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, and K.F.I. from voting and

other membership matters, by using Vista Technologies’ funds to pay personal expenses of

Temurian and his girlfriend (Houry Tartarian), by making profit and other distributions without

accounting for the aforementioned 10% ownership interest, and by refusing to allow any of

Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, or K.F.I. to access the company’s books and records.

104. As a result of Temurian’s breaches of fiduciary duty, Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, and

K.F.I. have incurred substantial damages, the full amount of which will be established at trial of

this matter.

WHEREFORE, Piccolo, Johnson, Morris, and K.F.I. demand judgment against Temurian

for compensatory damages, prejudgment interest, post-judgment interest, costs, and such other

relief as the Court deems just and proper.

COUNT FIVE: VIOLATION OF CAL. CORP. CODE § 17704.10


(By Piccolo, Johnson, and Morris Against Vista Technologies)

105. Piccolo, Johnson, and Morris re-allege paragraphs 1 through 73 as if fully set forth

herein.

106. Cal. Corp. Code § 17704.10 provides, in pertinent part:

(b) Each member, manager, and transferee has the right, upon
reasonable request, for purposes reasonably related to the interest of
that person as a member, manager, or transferee, to each of the
following:
(1) To inspect and copy during normal business hours any of the
records required to be maintained pursuant to Section 17701.13.

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TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
Case 0:18-cv-62737-RS Document 147 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/15/2019 Page 47 of 48

107. The records required to be maintained pursuant to Cal. Corp. Code § 17701.13 are

as follows:

(d) Each limited liability company shall maintain in writing or in


any other form capable of being converted into clearly legible
tangible form at the office referred to in subdivision (a) all of the
following:
(1) A current list of the full name and last known business or
residence address of each member and of each transferee set forth in
alphabetical order, together with the contribution and the share in
profits and losses of each member and transferee.
(2) If the limited liability company is a manager-managed limited
liability company, a current list of the full name and business or
residence address of each manager.
(3) A copy of the articles of organization and all amendments
thereto, together with any powers of attorney pursuant to which the
articles of organization or any amendments thereto were executed.
(4) Copies of the limited liability company’s federal, state, and local
income tax or information returns and reports, if any, for the six
most recent fiscal years.
(5) A copy of the limited liability company’s operating agreement,
if in writing, and any amendments thereto, together with any powers
of attorney pursuant to which any written operating agreement or
any amendments thereto were executed.
(6) Copies of the financial statement of the limited liability
company, if any, for the six most recent fiscal years.
(7) The books and records of the limited liability company as they
relate to the internal affairs of the limited liability company for at
least the current and past four fiscal years.

108. On July 5, 2019, Piccolo, Johnson, and Morris sent Vista Technologies a statutory

demand to inspect and copy the aforementioned records required to be maintained by Vista

Technologies pursuant to Cal. Corp. Code § 17701.13.

109. Piccolo, Johnson, and Morris, as owners/members of Vista Technologies, have a

statutory right to inspect and copy the aforementioned documents.

110. Vista Technologies failed to respond to Piccolo, Johnson, and Morris’ statutory

demand and have further refused to provide the requested access to the subject documents.

111. Cal. Corp. Code § 17704.10 states, in pertinent part: “a court of competent

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TELEPHONE (954) 603-1340
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jurisdiction may enforce the duty of making and mailing or delivering the information and

financial statements required by this section and, for good cause shown, extend the time therefor.”

WHEREFORE, Piccolo, Johnson, and Morris demand judgment against Vista

Technologies for violation of Cal. Corp. Code § 17704.10, for an Order compelling Vista

Technologies to provide the requested documentation, for reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs

incurred in obtaining this relief, and such other relief as the Court deems just and proper.

Demand For Jury Trial

Counter-Defendants demand a trial by jury on all issues so triable.

Dated: September 15, 2019. DESOUZA LAW, P.A.


3111 N. University Drive
Suite 301
Coral Springs, FL 33065
Telephone: (954) 603-1340
DDesouza@desouzalaw.com

By: /s/ Daniel DeSouza, Esq.______


Daniel DeSouza, Esq.
Florida Bar No.: 19291

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I hereby certify that on September 15, 2019, I electronically filed the foregoing document

with the Clerk of the Court using CM/ECF, which will electronically serve all counsel of record.

/s/ Daniel DeSouza___


Daniel DeSouza

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