Judge Orders Cohen to be Held Indefinitely

SAN JOSE — The saga between Sex.com former owner Gary Kremen and Stephen Cohen, the man who stole the domain name from its rightful owner by submitting a forged document to Network Solutions, is still engaged in a protracted legal battle that is just beginning.

Piling onto his current legal woes, not to mention the $85 million (plus interest) judgment against him for stealing Sex.com from Kremen, Cohen was ordered held in jail indefinitely by Judge James Ware, during which time the court will seek to determine Cohen’s assets. Cohen was found to have lied under oath about his ownership of two foreign accounts, Ware ruled.

According to court transcripts obtained by XBIZ, Cohen allegedly transferred 3.4 million euros between banks shortly before he was arrested in November in Tijuana, Mexico. Cohen denies ownership of these accounts.

Kremen told XBIZ his private investigators discovered the accounts, one believed to originate in Lithuania, the other from Deutsche Bank.

“I think this is clearly the most glaring example with these transfers so apparent three weeks before his arrest, but there are a couple other banks we’ve also identified for the court in this paperwork, too, that Cohen neglected to include in either his declarations or either of his two depositions,” Kremen’s lawyer, Tim Dillon, said.

In 2001, Judge Ware ordered Cohen to place $25 million in the court’s control and not transfer any money between his accounts. Cohen has allegedly violated the judge’s ruling with the transfer.

“In six months time when he comes back before the court, it would then be my position to have plaintiff give me further status report with respect to its investigation of this account,” Ware said. "I’m exercising my discretion to hold [Cohen] in custody until that period of time.”

While many incorrectly assume that Cohen has been formally found guilty and sentenced to prison, Kremen is quick to point out that is not the case. In 2001, there was a formal finding of fact that Cohen had forged the document awarding him Sex.com. Thus far, Cohen has not been officially charged with domain name theft, tax evasion or other charges.

“I really don’t wish Cohen any harm,” Kremen said. “I feel sorry him. It seems like he’s in a very tough prison. Most people think this case is over, but it’s really just beginning. Today he filed a motion with the 9th Circuit Court claiming he has 9 cents to his name. It was handwritten in his prison cell. He must think he’s a great jailhouse lawyer.”

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

2024 XBIZ Miami Show Schedule Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the release of the full show schedule for XBIZ Miami, the adult industry's biggest summer conference, set to take place May 13-16.

California Labor Division Rules in Nicole Doshi's Favor in Motley Contract Dispute

The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement of the California Department of Industrial Relations ruled on Monday in favor of Nicole Doshi in her contract dispute with defunct talent agency Motley Models and its former owner Dave Rock.

Video: FSC's Alison Boden Testifies Before California Assembly Committee Regarding Age Verification

Free Speech Coalition Executive Director Alison Boden testified before the California Assembly on Tuesday, in opposition to the state’s version of the age verification bills being sponsored around the country by anti-porn religious conservative activists.

Princess Mindy Is LoyalFans' 'Featured Creator' for May

LoyalFans has named Princess Mindy as its Featured Creator for May.

Republicans Behind Oklahoma's New Age Verification Law Gleeful About Potential Pornhub 'Exit'

Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed into law Oklahoma’s version of the age verification legislation being sponsored around the country by anti-porn religious conservative activists.

Woodhull Freedom Foundation Debuts 'Fact Checked by Woodhull' Program

The Woodhull Freedom Foundation has launched its new "Fact Checked by Woodhull" program, which uses peer-reviewed research, compiled and analyzed by professional researchers, to debunk myths weaponized to justify the repression of sex, sexuality and gender expression.

Supreme Court Denies Stay of Texas' Age Verification Law

The U.S. Supreme Court has denied a request by Free Speech Coalition (FSC) and other plaintiffs to stay Texas’ controversial age verification law while the court decides on a petition that would effectively overturn it on constitutional grounds.

QueerCrush Relaunches Through YourPaysitePartner

QueerCrush.com has relaunched through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

High Society Models Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Talent agency High Society Models has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

LoyalFans Announces Banksie Collaboration With I-15 Billboard

LoyalFans has announced its new collaboration with content creator Banksie (formerly Lindsey Banks) with a billboard on I-15, between L.A. and Las Vegas.

Show More