Princess Diaries’ Erik von Detten Accused of Elder Abuse in Lawsuit

In the lawsuit, the couple said that von Detten knew they had “never invested in gold or other precious metals and really knew very little about these things,” but that they wanted to take the leap because they believed it was a safe alternative. 

“Von Detten acknowledged that he understood their goals and their lack of knowledge and that he possessed sufficient experience and expertise and could help,” the lawsuit alleged. “He earned their trust and confidence such that they agreed to accept his recommendations without question.”

The filing alleged that the couple—using funds from their IRA—placed an October 2020 order for 1,328 Lady Liberty gold coins and 1,499 in November 2020, 60 percent above market value. Around August 2021, they also purchased 109 Lewis Chessmen King coins at a 36 percent premium and 50 F1 coins at a 34 percent markup with money from their family trust.

The filing argued that von Detton and Rosland Capital “took, secreted, appropriated, obtained or retained an unconscionable mark-up over the fair value of no less than $900,000 for a wrongful use” despite knowing it would “likely be harmful” to the couple.