How a Surrogacy Escrow Scandal Unraveled Lives and Lavish Lifestyles
Meet Dominique Side and Her Company SEAM, Embroiled in a Controversy That Has Left Intended Parents and Surrogates High and Dry
There is a lot happening in the Houston courts right now. A lawsuit was filed yesterday against singer Chris Brown, alleging assault on four concertgoers. They are suing Brown, Live Nation, and some members of Brown’s entourage for $50 million in damages. Also, there is a hearing scheduled for July 30th in the ongoing bankruptcy saga of the law firm McClenny Moseley & Associates. I’ll be sure to provide updates here.
In the meantime, the story behind Dominique Side and the Surrogacy Escrow Account Management firm is mind-blowing. I hope to provide you with some background on this case, as it is one I plan to follow and research closely.
Let me introduce you to Dominique Q. Side, also known as "DOM," Dominique Q. Hawkins, Dominique Quran, and Vgn Bae. Dominique is currently at the center of a massive scandal involving the Houston-based Surrogacy Escrow Account Management, LLC (SEAM). Just as Dominique has many pseudonyms, there are numerous LLCs connected to her, with funds from SEAM allegedly funneled into these entities, making the financial trail complex and convoluted.
Surrogacy Escrow Account Management, LLC has been accused of mishandling at least $16 million in funds meant for the health of gestational carriers and unborn babies. Dominique Q. Side, the agency’s owner, faces serious accusations of fraud, betraying the trust of “intended parents” and surrogates. Families are left without their investment in the surrogacy process, while surrogates, some of whom are pregnant, find themselves without funds meant for their support.
Dominique Side attempted to launch a music career and invested in real estate, a fashion company, and a music studio, all with funds that came from parents looking to have a baby via surrogacy. Side allegedly used these funds to purchase luxury vehicles, designer clothing, and to pay for extravagant personal expenses.
Surrogacy is a complex and costly process, often costing “intended parents” up to $125,000. Typically, those who choose surrogacy hire an agency to find a carrier and to manage the process. The agency may then recommend escrow management companies to handle the funds, ensuring payment for the surrogate's legal and medical care as well as for the unborn baby. Escrow accounts are crucial in surrogacy, providing security for the parties by ensuring timely payment for medical bills and living costs.
Twenty-three families who entrusted Dominique Side and SEAM with their escrow accounts and fiduciary responsibilities have filed a lawsuit, claiming their funds were grossly mishandled. These families deposited between $12,400 and $90,400 into SEAM’s escrow account. It’s likely there are many more victims, as over 800 individuals belong to a private Facebook group dedicated to those affected by the alleged scheme.
Bank records indicate that Side transferred more than $2.2 million to launch her persona of “Dom”, described as a “racy rap and R&B singer and music producer”. Reports also indicate that SEAM funds were used to acquire high-end music equipment and a lavish studio, with the equipment valued between $700,000 and $1,300,000.
Funds were allegedly funneled through Vgn Bae, LLC to purchase real estate, including a five-acre tract in Houston and a property known as the Winton Property. The LLC, owned by Side, is suspected of being used not only for accumulating assets but also for concealing the origins of the funds.
SEAM reportedly transferred close to $5 million to pay for Dominique’s personal credit card and $275,000 to her clothing line, Nikki Green, LLC. The fashion company is partially owned by Dominique Side and her business partner Anthony Hall. Nikki Green recently debuted at Fashion Week in Las Vegas which was reportedly funded by the escrow accounts of the intended parents.
Incidentally, the reviews on the Vgn Bae website speak for themselves:
According to the LA Times, Side borrowed funds from several hard-money lenders, including Pearl Delta Funding, Dynasty Capital, and Arsenal Funding, but defaulted on her obligations. Documents show a reliance on these lenders to cover escalating expenses.
In January, Side borrowed $69,500 from Pearl Delta Funding but defaulted in February, prompting a lawsuit for breach of contract. She then secured $650,000 from Dynasty Capital, agreeing to repay $975,000. In May, Dynasty Capital sued her for breach of contract. Continuing to seek funds, Side obtained $100,000 from Arsenal Funding, agreeing to repay $149,000. She defaulted on this loan as well, and Arsenal filed suit.
Interestingly, in lending documents with Arsenal, Side disclosed her largest revenue sources, listing three companies in Southern California: US Harvest Babies Surrogacy, Mel & Mlang International Surrogacy, and a Shady Grove Fertility Office. Shady Grove has denied any relationship with Side or SEAM but acknowledged that some patients might have independently engaged with SEAM. Side also reported that SEAM's monthly revenue was $2.78 million.
Dominique and SEAM have also been implicated in diverting money into another company, Life Escrow LLC, which was registered to Anthony Hall, her business partner. Hall appeared in a Harris County courtroom last week, without an attorney, and distanced himself from Dominique and SEAM. He claimed that his initial association with Dominique, who presented herself as an investor, involved building a website for SEAM between 2021 and 2022.
Hall, who has been involved in music and media since 2016, stated that he brought in his own equipment for this work. Despite years of involvement, he asserted that he received no compensation from SEAM except for specific contracts and invoices. Hall appeared in court without an attorney. Side was expected to be at the hearing last Wednesday but did not show up, leading some to wonder if she is in hiding.
Prior to the allegations, Dominique was interviewed for an article in Voyage Houston. When asked, "How do you define success?" her answer now appears deeply ironic:
”Knowing I’ve made a difference in someone’s life sparks joy and defines success to me.”
One of the victims, Arielle Mitton, has launched a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of raising $38,000. She and her partner were required to deposit $50,000 into SEAM’s escrow account. While some of the money was used for the surrogacy, they have yet to recover the remainder. Seeking legal advice, they have been informed that the likelihood of recovering the funds is slim. Mitton has expressed frustration over the lack of government regulation for escrow companies compared to banks, highlighting a potential gap in oversight.
The alleged misconduct by SEAM has profound impacts on the surrogacy industry and affected families. Trust in surrogacy agencies and escrow services has been shaken, leaving intended parents and surrogates facing significant financial and emotional distress. Families are struggling with the loss of their investments, while surrogates, some pregnant, are left without essential funds. This scandal could lead to stricter regulations and heightened scrutiny in the industry, potentially reshaping practices and restoring confidence.
The civil case is currently in the pre-trial phase, with a temporary injunction in place to freeze SEAM's assets until the investigation concludes. Other lawsuits have been filed, and the FBI has called for anyone affected by SEAM to come forward with information. As we wait for the dust to settle, we hope to see Dominique Side in court. More importantly, we hope that the victims can recoup their money and that the babies are delivered safely and in good health.