eff Monser, co-founder of the California Roots Music and Arts Festival (“Cali Roots”), has filed a complaint alleging that his longtime business partner Dan Sheehan engaged in fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and conversion in order to deprive him of his ownership stake in the popular reggae festival.

According to documents obtained by World Music Views, the complaint states that Sheehan repeatedly misrepresented the existence of a third-party buyer, LIVECO, claiming the company was purchasing Cali Roots. According to Monser, those claims were false.

“To the contrary, when Dan Sheehan made these statements, he knew they were false and intended for Monser to rely on these statements in inducing Monser to sign,” the filing asserts.

On May 1, 2023, Monser asked Sheehan whether Cali Roots had additional funds in its operating account that would be shared following the alleged sale. Sheehan allegedly responded: “No. Cali Roots is pretty stretched right now and will probably use every cent to pay for this year. Which is why I want to get this deal done asap.”

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