1933 Securities Act

Federal Judge Dismisses FDIC’s Securities Fraud Claims Against Countrywide

On April 8, U.S. District Judge Mariana R. Pfaelzer of the Central District of California dismissed the FDIC’s suit against Countrywide.  FDIC, as the receiver for Colonial Bank, filed suit against Countrywide and Bank of America as its successor for violations of the 1933 Securities Act.  FDIC alleged Countrywide made false statements in offering documents in connection with the issuance of residential mortgage-backed securities in violation of Sections 11 and 15 of the Act.  Judge Pfaelzer held that each claim was barred by the statute of limitations of one year from when the plaintiff discovered, or a reasonably diligently investor would have discovered, the alleged misstatement.  Judge Pfalezer held that a reasonably diligent plaintiff would have had adequate information to make such a discovery before August 14, 2008, and consequently the bank’s claims had expired by the time the FDIC was appointed receiver, one year later.  Decision.