News Summary
In Charleston County, a couple has filed a civil lawsuit against their former friends, claiming fraud linked to a failed beer investment. Lisa Pollner and Caleb Fournier allege that Scott and Meghan Hansen misled them into investing $500,000 in Island Brands, using the funds for personal expenses instead of business growth. The lawsuit highlights misleading practices in securing investments and raises concerns among other investors about financial management, as the beverage company faced dissolution following substantial losses.
South Carolina – A civil suit has been filed in Charleston County by a couple against their former friends, alleging fraud linked to a failed beer venture. Lisa Pollner and Caleb Fournier are suing Scott and Meghan Hansen for $500,000, claiming that they were misled into investing in Island Brands, a beverage company, under false pretenses. The plaintiffs assert that the Hansens misused their investment funds for personal expenses instead of business development.
The lawsuit states that Pollner and Fournier were deceived into providing substantial investments, starting with $125,000 in May 2018, which they believed secured a 2.5% stake in American Beverage Holding LLC, Island Brands’ parent company. Subsequent investments of $125,000 in October 2018 and $250,000 in February 2019 were also made, under the belief that the business was thriving.
According to the legal complaint, the Hansens allegedly used the funds for personal necessities and luxuries, including vacations and daily expenses. The couple reportedly attended company events, convinced that they had substantial roles in the business, only to later discover that their investments had been misappropriated. The lawsuit refers to Scott Hansen as a “roadside con artist,” criticizing the deceptive practices employed by the couple.
The plaintiffs accuse the Hansens of creating misleading legal documents to cover up financial mismanagement and of making fraudulent representations to solicit further investments, effectively creating an illusion of a successful enterprise. This deceit continued until early 2025 when American Beverage Holding LLC was dissolved, resulting in considerable financial loss for Pollner and Fournier.
The troubling allegations have raised concerns among other investors involved with Island Brands, many of whom are questioning how their funds were utilized amidst claims of malpractice and financial malpractice. Additional reports indicate that prior to the company’s dissolution, Scott Hansen was removed from his CEO position, following significant financial mismanagement leading the brand towards bankruptcy.
In acknowledgment of the financial hardships faced, Island Brands has reportedly offered former investors a 50% rebate on future purchases as a form of compensation following the abrupt dissolution of its parent company. However, this does little to alleviate the substantial losses incurred by Pollner and Fournier and others similarly affected.
The couple’s lawsuit reflects the pain and betrayal felt by many who trusted the Hansens, and they are seeking legal resolution for what they describe as a manipulative investment scheme. Legal experts note that this case highlights the critical need for transparency in investment dealings, as well as the potential dangers of engaging in business relationships where personal and financial interests may overlap.
As the case unfolds, it serves as a cautionary tale to both investors and entrepreneurs about the importance of due diligence and the risks associated with personal relationships in business. The outcome of this lawsuit could have implications not only for the plaintiffs but also for other investors and related entities in the beverage industry.
The legal proceedings will inevitably draw attention from both the local community and the broader business sector, underscoring the potential repercussions of investment fraud. It remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved in court, but the plaintiffs are determined to hold the Hansens accountable for their alleged misdeeds.
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Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
