Summary of Events
Two text messages—both authored by Hanson Le—show a deliberate strategy to delay the lease renewal, conceal the owner’s acceptance of payment, and create a false record of agency authority. The communications span April 6 – April 15 2024 and coincide with the period when Dr. Phat Tran’s tax obligations were due and rent proceeds were diverted off-record from repairs.
Chronology of Communications
1. “New Property Manager” Message – Late May 2024
After the tenants had documented by text messages that no renewal was sent and no repairs were completed to owner then— Hanson Le texted , saying:
“Hi Michael! I am Hanson, a new property manager for Phat Tran. Good to connect with you!”
The identical phone number and style will confirm the same originator. This introduction was a false statement of agency authority transmitted via electronic communication, qualifying as wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343. By misrepresenting his role, Le attempted to redirect contractual and financial dealings away from Berkshire Hathaway oversight and into a private payment channel.
2. “Out of Country” Message – April 6–7 2024
In this second text, Hanson Le who has introduced himself as the “property manager,” claiming to be in Europe on April 7,2024 and unavailable until April 15. He asked tenants to wait for further instructions, effectively halting all lease activity and repairs (dishwasher, mold,windows). At the same time, the owner—had already promised a new DocuSign renewal . The stall ensured no binding renewal would execute before the April 15 tax deadline, shielding income disclosure.
The identical phone number and style confirm the same originator. This second Text message was a false statement of agency authority transmitted via electronic communication, qualifying as wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343. By misrepresenting his role, Le attempted to redirect contractual and financial dealings away from Berkshire Hathaway oversight and into a private payment channel.
Legal Analysis
- Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343): Use of digital communication to transmit false identity and agency authority for financial gain.
- Conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 1349): Coordination with owner Phat Tran to obstruct a lawful DocuSign renewal and conceal taxable income.
- Mail/Wire Fraud Predicate Acts for RICO (18 U.S.C. § 1961 et seq.): Each text constitutes an interstate electronic transmission in furtherance of a scheme to defraud.
- Forgery & Contract Tampering (Cal. Penal Code § 470): Suppression of authentic DocuSign form and replacement with counterfeit paper version weeks later.
- Tenant Protection Violation (Civ Code § 1942.5): Retaliatory interference with lawful lease renewal.
Commentary
The pre-tax-day “out of country” claim lacks credibility. No legitimate property manager loses all access to email or electricity while abroad, nor is Home Depot “blocked overseas.” The excuse functioned only to delay documentation until after the owner could relist the property at a higher rate. This calculated pause—followed by the reappearance of the same person under a “new manager” identity— demonstrates fraudulent intent, collusion, and pattern continuity under RICO.