Former Disney actor Erik von Detten faces $900K elder abuse lawsuit over gold coin scheme

Former Disney actor Erik von Detten and precious metals firm Rosland Capital are being sued by an elderly couple for allegedly defrauding them of over $900,000 through a gold coin investment scheme. The lawsuit, filed in May 2026 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claims the couple spent $2.1 million on coins worth only $1.3 million. Rosland Capital has since filed for bankruptcy, and a case management conference is scheduled for November 9, 2026.
Key points
- Sheila and Norman Greenberg, ages 85 and 97, filed the lawsuit in May 2026 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, naming von Detten and Rosland Capital as defendants.
- The couple alleges they spent $2,146,958.22 on gold coins worth approximately $1,360,925.00, resulting in a loss of about $900,000.
- The lawsuit claims von Detten and Rosland Capital exploited the couple's lack of knowledge about gold and their advanced age to persuade them to invest their retirement savings.
- Rosland Capital filed for bankruptcy in July 2026, after the Greenbergs filed their lawsuit.
- A case management conference is scheduled for November 9, 2026, in Santa Monica, with the case assigned to Judge Bradley S. Phillips.
Background
Erik von Detten is known for his roles in 'The Princess Diaries' and 'Toy Story,' and he stepped away from Hollywood to work in finance, joining Rosland Capital in 2018. The lawsuit highlights concerns about elder abuse and fraud in financial investments, particularly targeting senior citizens.
How outlets are covering it
The Independent, USA Today, and the Los Angeles Times all report on the lawsuit, emphasizing the alleged fraud and elder abuse. The Independent and USA Today focus on the financial details and the couple's claims, while the Los Angeles Times highlights the couple's vulnerability and the advertisements' appeal to seniors. All outlets agree on the core facts but differ in their emphasis on the broader implications of elder abuse and the company's bankruptcy.
Why it matters
The case underscores the risks of financial fraud targeting elderly individuals and the importance of protecting retirement savings. It also raises questions about the practices of precious metals firms and the need for stricter regulations to prevent elder abuse.
What to watch
The case management conference is scheduled for November 9, 2026, where the court will review the case and set a timeline for proceedings. The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for von Detten and Rosland Capital, as well as for the regulation of financial investments targeting seniors.
- Princess Diaries heartthrob sued for elder abuse over gold coins The Independent
- Princess Diaries ' Erik von Detten Accused of Elder Abuse in Lawsuit E! News
- Former Disney star accused of elder abuse and fraud KTLA
- 'Princess Diaries' actor Erik von Detten sued for alleged elder abuse USA Today
- Disney actor accused of $2-million gold scam and elder abuse in new lawsuit Los Angeles Times
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Read on The Independent