Trial begins for Bremen couple who lost $1 million

A Bremen couple who filed a lawsuit in 2010 against their former financial adviser for persuading them to invest in a fund that was tied to infamous stockbroker Bernie Madoff have finally gotten their day in court. Daniel and Suzanne Goldenson, formerly of New Jersey, have sued John “Launny” Steffens, founder of Spring Mountain Capital, as well as Gregory Ho, the firm’s chief operating officer, for securities fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation and nine other counts. They are seeking unspecified damages but allege they lost more than $1 million. The complex jury trial began Thursday in U.S. District Court in Portland and continued Friday with lengthy testimony from Suzanne Goldenson. More in the Portland Press Herald here.