Jon Kaplan

Accused of check kiting in a civil lawsuit that, in turn, sparked an ongoing federal fraud inquiry, Sarasota real estate investor Marvin Kaplan is fighting back.

Kaplan this week filed a lengthy set of counter-claims in the civil suit against him and Smith Advertising, contending he is a victim of a Ponzi scheme conspiracy.

Kaplan, who also once owned numerous Dunkin Donuts franchises, claims the scheme was run by Smith principals and a former business associate, hospitality operator Larry Starr.

Kaplan also alleges that the total amount invested — and lost — in the scheme may total hundreds of millions of dollars.

The scheme also involved Bridgeview Bank, an Illinois lender where Smith kept accounts, Kaplan alleges.

Kaplan additionally accuses Regions Bank, which filed the civil suit against him and the firm earlier this year, of defaming him in an effort to steer blame away from its negligence. Read More

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