FR EA
1021-00008 · Client 1021 · E-Discovery
privilege-log-final.xlsx DOCUMENT Litigation
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[sheet: Cover]

FieldValue
Document TitlePrivilege Log — Final Version
MatterAudit Committee Internal Investigation — Verimark Hospitality Group Inc.
Matter Number1021-00008
ClientAudit Committee of the Board of Directors of Verimark Hospitality Group Inc.
Client Ticker / ExchangeVMRK (Nasdaq)
Prepared BySteven Hollander, Associate; Liam Donahue, Senior Associate — Calderwood & Harkness LLP
Supervising AttorneysHoward Quinn, Responsible Partner; Conrad Ashby, Billing Partner
Firm Address200 South Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 4400, Miami, FL 33131
Date of LogDecember 22, 2023
Investigation OpenedJuly 24, 2023
Investigation ClosedJanuary 9, 2024
Total Documents Logged4,218
Basis for WithholdingAttorney-Client Privilege and/or Attorney Work Product Doctrine
Documents Collected (Total)~1,200,000
Documents Reviewed (Post-TAR)~347,000
E-discovery VendorTriton discovery Solutions Inc.
Forensic Accounting Advisor (Kovel)Crestline Forensic Advisory LLC (Engagement No. CFA-VHG-2023-0089)
Independent AuditorHargrove, Steen & Aldrich LLP
Outside Securities CounselWestlake Burris & Holt LLP
Custodians Identified11
Custodians Collected8
Privilege Designation KeyAC = Attorney-Client Privilege; WP = Work Product; AC/WP = Dual Designation; Kovel = Communication with forensic advisor under Kovel doctrine

[sheet: Privilege Log]

Entry No.Document IDCustodianDocument DateDocument TypeAuthor(s)Recipient(s) / CCPrivilege BasisWithheld or RedactedDescription
1VHG-PRIV-000001Patricia Navarro2023-07-17EmailDiane KowalskiHoward Quinn; Conrad AshbyACWCommunication from Audit Committee Chair to outside counsel regarding retention of Calderwood & Harkness LLP for internal investigation into VCR revenue-recognition and expense-reporting irregularities
2VHG-PRIV-000002Patricia Navarro2023-07-17Attachment — Engagement LetterDiane KowalskiHoward QuinnACWExecuted engagement letter between Audit Committee of VHG and Calderwood & Harkness LLP setting forth scope, billing rates, and privilege protocols
3VHG-PRIV-000003Howard Quinn2023-07-21LetterHoward QuinnDouglas Reinhardt (Crestline Forensic Advisory LLC)AC/WPWKovel retention letter engaging Crestline Forensic Advisory LLC as forensic accounting advisor at the direction of the Audit Committee; engagement number CFA-VHG-2023-0089
4VHG-PRIV-000004Howard Quinn2023-07-24MemorandumHoward Quinn; Liam DonahueDiane Kowalski; Reginald Faulkner; Sandra YeungAC/WPWInvestigation scope memorandum and work plan prepared by outside counsel for Audit Committee addressing premature revenue recognition at Coral Dune Resort & Residences and Palmetto Bluff Club and fictitious vendor scheme
5VHG-PRIV-000005Howard Quinn2023-07-24NoticeHoward QuinnVHG Officers and Employees (Company-Wide)WPWDocument preservation notice issued in connection with internal investigation; marks formal opening of investigation
6VHG-PRIV-000006Howard Quinn2023-07-24NoticeHoward QuinnGarrett W. Daskine; Nicole Prescott; Ryan Mateo Serrano; VCR Finance PersonnelWPWTargeted document preservation notice to VCR custodians specifying preservation of financial records, purchase orders, and vendor contracts related to timeshare sales and capital-improvement projects
7VHG-PRIV-000007Howard Quinn2023-07-26MemorandumHoward Quinn; Liam DonahueDiane Kowalski; Reginald Faulkner; Sandra YeungAC/WPWMemorandum setting forth Upjohn warning procedures, privilege protocols, guidelines for interactions with individual counsel (Merritt & Dunleavy LLP, Langford Pace LLP, Coletti & Ruiz PA), and coordination with VHG General Counsel Patricia Navarro
8VHG-PRIV-000008Liam Donahue2023-08-04MemorandumLiam Donahue; Steven HollanderHoward Quinn; Conrad AshbyWPWE-discovery protocol and TAR 2.0 methodology memorandum documenting predictive-coding workflow, custodian collection plan for 8 of 11 identified custodians, de-duplication procedures, and quality-control sampling; coordinated with Triton discovery Solutions Inc.
9VHG-PRIV-000009Howard Quinn2023-08-09LetterHoward QuinnWilliam Gentry (Hargrove, Steen & Aldrich LLP)ACWLetter to independent auditor establishing coordination protocols between internal investigation and HSA audit activities, addressing information sharing and privilege protections regarding HSA's June 19, 2023 communication of potential material weakness in VCR internal controls
10VHG-PRIV-000010Howard Quinn2023-08-11LetterHoward QuinnIrene Castellanos (Westlake Burris & Holt LLP)ACWLetter coordinating SEC disclosure obligations including Form 8-K filing under Item 4.02 (Non-Reliance on Previously Issued Financial Statements) and ongoing disclosure considerations
11VHG-PRIV-000011Liam Donahue2023-08-14ScriptCalderwood & Harkness LLPN/A (internal template)WPWStandard-form Upjohn warning script for use at commencement of witness interviews advising that counsel represents the Audit Committee, not any individual, and that attorney-client privilege belongs to VHG
12VHG-PRIV-000012Liam Donahue2023-08-15Memorandum of InterviewLiam Donahue; Steven HollanderHoward Quinn; Conrad AshbyWPWMemorandum documenting interview of William Gentry, CPA, HSA lead engagement partner (informational; not under Upjohn warnings); covers identification of $9.8 million in timeshare deposits recorded as completed-sale revenue in Q1 2023 despite unexpired rescission periods under Florida Statute § 721.10
13VHG-PRIV-000013Liam Donahue2023-08-22Memorandum of InterviewLiam Donahue; Steven HollanderHoward Quinn; Conrad AshbyWPWMemorandum documenting interview of Thomas Rhett Griffith, VHG CFO; covers knowledge of VCR revenue-recognition practices and HSA communication of June 19, 2023
14VHG-PRIV-000014Liam Donahue2023-08-29Memorandum of InterviewLiam Donahue; Steven HollanderHoward Quinn; Conrad AshbyWPWMemorandum documenting interview of Margaret Calder, VHG CEO; covers oversight of VCR, knowledge of division financial performance, and communications with Garrett Daskine
15VHG-PRIV-000015Howard Quinn2023-09-08ReportHoward QuinnDiane Kowalski; Reginald Faulkner; Sandra YeungAC/WPWInterim Status Report No. 1 to Audit Committee summarizing investigation progress including document collection status, initial interviews, administrative leave of subjects effective August 7, 2023, and coordination with Westlake Burris on Form 8-K filed August 14, 2023
16VHG-PRIV-000016Howard Quinn2023-09-15MemorandumHoward Quinn; Liam DonahueDiane Kowalski; Reginald Faulkner; Sandra YeungAC/WPWMemorandum analyzing voluntary production strategy for SEC Division of Enforcement preliminary inquiry File No. HO-14237; addresses privilege waiver risks and selective-waiver doctrine
17VHG-PRIV-000017Liam Donahue2023-09-27Memorandum of InterviewLiam Donahue; Steven HollanderHoward Quinn; Conrad AshbyWPWMemorandum documenting first interview of Ryan Mateo Serrano, VCR Controller (counsel Marco A. Ruiz of Coletti & Ruiz PA present); covers creation of 47 fictitious purchase orders attributed to Gulf Standard Contracting LLC, Clearwater Design Collective Inc., and Suncoast Property Services LLC
18VHG-PRIV-000018Liam Donahue2023-10-04Memorandum of InterviewLiam Donahue; Steven HollanderHoward Quinn; Conrad AshbyWPWMemorandum documenting interview of Garrett W. Daskine, VCR Division President (counsel James Corwin Merritt of Merritt & Dunleavy LLP present); covers role in directing premature revenue recognition and approving vendor invoices; subject declined follow-up interview
19VHG-PRIV-000019Liam Donahue2023-10-11Memorandum of InterviewLiam Donahue; Steven HollanderHoward Quinn; Conrad AshbyWPWMemorandum documenting first interview of Nicole Prescott, VCR VP of Finance (counsel Candace O'Brien Langford of Langford Pace LLP present); covers implementation of revenue-recognition scheme and awareness of shell entities
20VHG-PRIV-000020Howard Quinn2023-10-20ReportHoward QuinnDiane Kowalski; Reginald Faulkner; Sandra YeungAC/WPWInterim Status Report No. 2 to Audit Committee summarizing subject interviews, preliminary Crestline forensic findings, revenue overstatement of $26.4 million across Q3 2022–Q2 2023, and expense irregularities of $1.83 million through three shell entities
21VHG-PRIV-000021Howard Quinn2023-10-25LetterHoward QuinnJames Corwin Merritt (Merritt & Dunleavy LLP)AC/WPRLetter to Daskine's counsel requesting additional documents and follow-up interview; references connection to Gulf Standard Contracting LLC and Suncoast Property Services LLC
22VHG-PRIV-000022Howard Quinn2023-10-30LetterHoward QuinnCandace O'Brien Langford (Langford Pace LLP)AC/WPRLetter requesting second interview of Nicole Prescott to address additional evidence regarding Clearwater Design Collective Inc. and revenue-recognition scheme
23VHG-PRIV-000023Liam Donahue2023-11-08Memorandum of InterviewLiam Donahue; Steven HollanderHoward Quinn; Conrad AshbyWPWMemorandum documenting second interview of Nicole Prescott (counsel Candace O'Brien Langford present); covers role as sole shareholder of Clearwater Design Collective Inc. and mechanics of revenue-recognition overstatement
24VHG-PRIV-000024Howard Quinn2023-11-22ReportHoward QuinnDiane Kowalski; Reginald Faulkner; Sandra YeungAC/WPWInterim Status Report No. 3 to Audit Committee reporting on Serrano cooperation agreement, second Prescott interview, shell-entity analysis progress, and SEC coordination regarding File No. HO-14237
25VHG-PRIV-000025Liam Donahue2023-11-28MemorandumLiam Donahue; Steven HollanderHoward Quinn; Conrad AshbyWPWShell entity analysis memorandum detailing corporate formation, ownership, and transactional history of GSC (formed March 12, 2021; 19 invoices, $812,400; beneficial owner Daskine), CDC (formed June 4, 2021; 16 invoices, $587,600; sole shareholder Prescott), and SPS (formed November 18, 2021; 12 invoices, $430,000; sole member Daskine); identifies largest invoice $94,500 (GSC-2023-007, February 14, 2023)
26VHG-PRIV-000026Liam Donahue2023-12-05Memorandum of InterviewLiam Donahue; Steven HollanderHoward Quinn; Conrad AshbyWPWMemorandum documenting second interview of Ryan Mateo Serrano (counsel Marco A. Ruiz present), conducted under cooperation agreement dated November 15, 2023; covers detailed account of 47 fictitious purchase orders, fund-flow from VCR to shell entities, and Daskine's direction of the scheme
27VHG-PRIV-000027Howard Quinn2023-12-12MemorandumHoward Quinn; Conrad AshbyDiane Kowalski; Reginald Faulkner; Sandra YeungAC/WPWMemorandum recommending termination for cause of Daskine and Prescott and non-cause termination of Serrano; analyzes employment agreements, clawback considerations, and D&O insurance implications under North Atlantic Indemnity Corp. policy NAI-DOL-2023-004891
28VHG-PRIV-000028Howard Quinn2023-12-18LetterHoward QuinnJames Corwin Merritt (Merritt & Dunleavy LLP)ACWLetter notifying Daskine's counsel of for-cause termination of Garrett W. Daskine effective December 18, 2023, and outlining post-termination obligations
29VHG-PRIV-000029Howard Quinn2023-12-18LetterHoward QuinnCandace O'Brien Langford (Langford Pace LLP)ACWLetter notifying Prescott's counsel of for-cause termination of Nicole Prescott effective December 18, 2023, and outlining post-termination obligations
30VHG-PRIV-000030Liam Donahue2023-12-28MemorandumLiam Donahue; Steven HollanderHoward Quinn; Conrad AshbyWPWRevenue-recognition analysis under ASC 606 for VCR timeshare-interest sales; quantifies aggregate overstatement of $26.4 million (Q3 2022: $4.7M; Q4 2022: $6.1M; Q1 2023: $9.8M; Q2 2023: $5.8M); FY 2022 after-tax income overstatement of ~$8.17M (5.74% of net income); with input from Crestline Forensic Advisory LLC
31VHG-PRIV-000031Liam Donahue2023-12-28MemorandumLiam Donahue; Steven HollanderHoward Quinn; Conrad AshbyWPWExpense-reimbursement irregularity analysis documenting fictitious vendor scheme; 47 purchase orders totaling $1.83M directed to GSC ($812,400), CDC ($587,600), and SPS ($430,000); traces funds to personal expenditures including residential renovation at 312 Harbor View Lane, Destin, FL, boat-slip fees, and luxury-goods purchases
32VHG-PRIV-000032Howard Quinn2024-01-03MemorandumHoward Quinn; Conrad AshbyDiane Kowalski; Reginald Faulkner; Sandra YeungAC/WPWRemediation recommendations memorandum addressing enhanced internal controls over VCR revenue recognition, vendor-approval reforms, reconciliation of timeshare deposits against rescission-period expiration, whistleblower procedures, and SOX Section 404 compliance
33VHG-PRIV-000033Howard Quinn2024-01-09ReportHoward Quinn; Conrad Ashby; Liam Donahue; Steven HollanderDiane Kowalski; Reginald Faulkner; Sandra YeungAC/WPWFinal Investigation Report to Audit Committee — comprehensive report covering revenue-recognition irregularities ($26.4M), expense-reimbursement irregularities ($1.83M), findings re Daskine, Prescott, and Serrano, 22 interviews of 18 witnesses, review of ~347,000 documents, Crestline forensic analysis, remediation recommendations, and SEC disclosure/restatement implications
34VHG-PRIV-000034Priya Venkatesh2023-08-28MemorandumPriya Venkatesh; Douglas Reinhardt (Crestline Forensic Advisory LLC)Liam Donahue; Howard QuinnKovelWCrestline forensic analysis of VCR timeshare deposit recording practices at Coral Dune Resort & Residences and Palmetto Bluff Club; prepared at direction of counsel under Kovel doctrine
35VHG-PRIV-000035Priya Venkatesh2023-09-22SpreadsheetPriya Venkatesh (Crestline Forensic Advisory LLC)Liam Donahue; Steven HollanderKovelWCrestline forensic workpaper analyzing timeshare-interest deposit transaction data for Q3 2022–Q2 2023; identifies rescission-rate of ~14.3% versus ~11% industry average; prepared at direction of counsel
36VHG-PRIV-000036Priya Venkatesh2023-10-15MemorandumDouglas Reinhardt; Priya Venkatesh (Crestline Forensic Advisory LLC)Howard Quinn; Liam DonahueKovelWCrestline forensic analysis of fund-flow tracing from VCR disbursements through Gulf Standard Contracting LLC, Clearwater Design Collective Inc., and Suncoast Property Services LLC bank accounts to personal expenditures; prepared under Kovel doctrine
37VHG-PRIV-000037Patricia Navarro2023-07-11EmailPatricia NavarroHoward QuinnACWCommunication from VHG General Counsel to outside counsel regarding Audit Committee resolution of July 10, 2023 to retain independent counsel for internal investigation
38VHG-PRIV-000038Thomas Rhett Griffith2023-08-03EmailThomas Rhett GriffithPatricia Navarro; Howard QuinnACWCommunication from VHG CFO to counsel regarding VCR financial-reporting concerns and preservation obligations
39VHG-PRIV-000039Diane Kowalski2023-09-05EmailDiane KowalskiHoward Quinn; Reginald Faulkner; Sandra YeungACWCommunication from Audit Committee Chair to outside counsel and committee members requesting status update on document review and interview scheduling
40VHG-PRIV-000040Howard Quinn2023-11-17EmailHoward QuinnIrene Castellanos (Westlake Burris & Holt LLP)AC/WPWCommunication between investigation counsel and securities counsel regarding SEC voluntary production strategy and privilege log preparation for preliminary inquiry File No. HO-14237
41VHG-PRIV-000041Howard Quinn2023-07-25EmailHoward QuinnLiam Donahue; Steven Hollander; Conrad AshbyWPWInternal C&H team email establishing investigation workstreams, assignment of custodian review responsibilities, and interview scheduling protocols
42VHG-PRIV-000042Liam Donahue2023-07-26EmailLiam DonahueHoward Quinn; Conrad AshbyWPWInternal C&H email transmitting draft investigation scope memorandum for partner review and comment prior to circulation to Audit Committee
43VHG-PRIV-000043Steven Hollander2023-07-27DraftSteven HollanderLiam DonahueWPWDraft interview outline for anticipated interviews of VCR finance personnel, incorporating theories of revenue-recognition scheme
44VHG-PRIV-000044Howard Quinn2023-07-28EmailHoward QuinnDouglas Reinhardt (Crestline Forensic Advisory LLC)KovelWCommunication with Crestline forensic advisor requesting preliminary scoping analysis of VCR general ledger and vendor master file
45VHG-PRIV-000045Liam Donahue2023-07-31MemorandumLiam Donahue; Steven HollanderHoward QuinnWPWLegal research memorandum analyzing scope of attorney-client privilege for corporate internal investigations post-Upjohn and application to Audit Committee investigations
46VHG-PRIV-000046Patricia Navarro2023-08-01EmailPatricia NavarroHoward QuinnACWCommunication from VHG GC seeking legal advice regarding scope of privilege waiver considerations in connection with potential voluntary SEC production
47VHG-PRIV-000047Howard Quinn2023-08-02EmailHoward QuinnPatricia NavarroACWResponse from outside counsel to VHG GC providing legal advice regarding selective waiver doctrine and Fed. R. Evid. 502 protections
48VHG-PRIV-000048Diane Kowalski2023-08-05EmailDiane KowalskiHoward Quinn; Conrad AshbyACWCommunication from Audit Committee Chair to counsel requesting advice on administrative leave decision for investigation subjects
49VHG-PRIV-000049Howard Quinn2023-08-06MemorandumHoward Quinn; Liam DonahueDiane KowalskiAC/WPWMemorandum providing legal advice regarding administrative leave of Garrett Daskine, Nicole Prescott, and Ryan Serrano effective August 7, 2023, including analysis of employment agreements and D&O considerations

50

[sheet: Summary Statistics]

CategorySubcategoryCountPercentage of Total
Privilege BasisAC (Attorney-Client Privilege)140633.3%
Privilege BasisWP (Work Product)126430.0%
Privilege BasisAC/WP (Dual Designation)110526.2%
Privilege BasisKovel (Forensic Advisor Communications)44310.5%
Privilege BasisTotal4218100.0%
Withholding StatusW — Withheld in Full364186.3%
Withholding StatusR — Redacted57713.7%
Withholding StatusTotal4218100.0%
Document TypeEmail218751.8%
Document TypeMemorandum / Memo of Interview63415.0%
Document TypeAttachment / Exhibit52112.4%
Document TypeSpreadsheet / Workpaper3127.4%
Document TypeLetter1984.7%
Document TypeReport1423.4%
Document TypeDraft / Notes1383.3%
Document TypeOther (scripts, notices, agreements)862.0%
Document TypeTotal4218100.0%
CustodianHoward Quinn (C&H)68716.3%
CustodianLiam Donahue (C&H)62414.8%
CustodianSteven Hollander (C&H)51812.3%
CustodianConrad Ashby (C&H)3027.2%
CustodianPatricia Navarro (VHG GC)49611.8%
CustodianDiane Kowalski (Audit Committee Chair)3819.0%
CustodianThomas Rhett Griffith (VHG CFO)2876.8%
CustodianPriya Venkatesh / Douglas Reinhardt (Crestline)44310.5%
CustodianReginald Faulkner (Audit Committee)1844.4%
CustodianSandra Yeung (Audit Committee)1674.0%
CustodianOther Custodians1293.1%
CustodianTotal4218100.0%
Date RangeJuly 20233127.4%
Date RangeAugust 202357813.7%
Date RangeSeptember 202361414.6%
Date RangeOctober 202372117.1%
Date RangeNovember 202369816.5%
Date RangeDecember 202384220.0%
Date RangeJanuary 2024 (through Jan 9)1343.2%
Date RangePre-July 2023 (historical privileged communications)3197.6%
Date RangeTotal4218100.0%

[sheet: Custodian Key]

Custodian NameTitle / RoleOrganizationCollection StatusCustodian ID
Howard QuinnResponsible Partner, White Collar & InvestigationsCalderwood & Harkness LLPCollectedCUS-001
Conrad AshbyBilling Partner, White Collar & InvestigationsCalderwood & Harkness LLPCollectedCUS-002
Liam DonahueLead Associate, White Collar & InvestigationsCalderwood & Harkness LLPCollectedCUS-003
Steven HollanderWorking Associate, White Collar & InvestigationsCalderwood & Harkness LLPCollectedCUS-004
Patricia NavarroGeneral CounselVerimark Hospitality Group Inc.CollectedCUS-005
Thomas Rhett GriffithChief Financial OfficerVerimark Hospitality Group Inc.CollectedCUS-006
Diane KowalskiAudit Committee Chair; Independent DirectorVHG Board of DirectorsCollectedCUS-007
Reginald FaulknerAudit Committee Member; Independent DirectorVHG Board of DirectorsCollectedCUS-008
Sandra YeungAudit Committee Member; Independent DirectorVHG Board of DirectorsIdentified — not separately collected (docs on C&H files)CUS-009
Garrett W. DaskineDivision President (Investigation Subject)Verimark Coastal Resorts LLCIdentified — placed on admin leave Aug 7, 2023; terminated Dec 18, 2023CUS-010
Nicole PrescottVP of Finance (Investigation Subject)Verimark Coastal Resorts LLCIdentified — placed on admin leave Aug 7, 2023; terminated Dec 18, 2023CUS-011

[sheet: Privilege Basis Definitions]

CodeFull DesignationLegal Basis / Description
ACAttorney-Client PrivilegeConfidential communication between client (Audit Committee, VHG officers/employees acting at direction of counsel) and attorney (Calderwood & Harkness LLP or Westlake Burris & Holt LLP) for purpose of seeking or rendering legal advice in connection with the internal investigation
WPAttorney Work ProductDocument prepared by or at the direction of counsel (Calderwood & Harkness LLP) in anticipation of litigation or in connection with the internal investigation; includes fact and opinion work product
AC/WPAttorney-Client Privilege and Work Product (Dual)Document protected under both attorney-client privilege and work-product doctrine; typically memoranda and reports prepared by counsel containing legal analysis communicated to the client
KovelKovel Doctrine (Agent of Counsel)Communication with or work product of Crestline Forensic Advisory LLC (engagement number CFA-VHG-2023-0089), retained as forensic accounting advisor at the direction of counsel under the Kovel doctrine; privilege extends to communications and work product created to assist counsel in rendering legal advice