We've Been Sued by Christopher Morales

Last Wednesday I was directed to an article on Autograph Alert that, beyond saying the usual things they say about this site and me, seemingly "outed" one of our members whose comments they didn't like. At the end of the article, they wrote:

"By the time you read this story,
Cyrkin will have the first of a major rude awakening,
one he has invited and is well deserved."

The next morning I received an email from a court services firm asking for an appointment to serve me with legal papers. I arranged to be served this Wednesday. And I had a copy of the suit sent to me.

I have been sued by Christopher Morales, the autograph authenticator I have called, "the forger's best friend." Morales is joining me to his lawsuit against Roger Epperson alleging:

libel
slander
business disparagement
tortuous interference with prospective business relations, and
civil conspiracy.

I don't look forward to this or any lawsuit. Who does? But I feel it's my duty, and all of ours, to do everything we can to protect collectors, fans and the autograph hobby against forgeries. So, like Roger has, I'll defend the lawsuit vigorously—and I will not stop speaking out.

I stand behind everything I've ever said or published about Christopher Morales, and the forgery industry that uses him. I would be surprised if even one-percent of the autographs he has authenticated are genuine. But this is Morales's opportunity to prove that I am wrong; that most of the autographs he authenticates ARE genuine—and that we are "out to get him."

The truth is on our side.

Sincerely,

Steve Cyrkin
Editor & Publisher

10 members like this

Comment by CJCollector on March 27, 2011 at 1:03pm: So that means on the below Coach's Corner auction (March 25, 2011) which contains 25 signatures of the 1939 Yankees on a baseball would mean that Mr. Morales charged $75.00 to "forensically examine" 25 signatures which equals 50 hours minimum.

That comes to $1.50 per hour for his services.

Comment by DB on March 27, 2011 at 1:06pm: and of course we have no idea what we are talking about ;-)

can u spell "rubber" stamp.... since his credentials as a forensic whaterver didn't impress a "smaill claims court" judge imagine how it's gonna go in a "civil court" trial. While Cyrkin is gonna have to "shut up" otherwise his lawyer is gonna choke him like a chicken.... it is too bad that we can't sit on the sidelines and watch but then again so aren't Morales & his den of thieves that associate with him.

Comment by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on March 27, 2011 at 1:34pm: DB, I'm not going to shut up. Whether Morales has knowingly authenticated forgeries as genuine, or just has no idea what he's doing, that's for the court to decide. But so many forgeries have passed through his hands, from so many of the same sources and supply chains, that I think of Morales similar to a mob accountant. The records and testimony he'll provide could take down a big part of the forgery industry. And thanks to the lawsuit, we're entitled to all of it...we need it for our defense.

Comment by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on March 27, 2011 at 1:40pm: Chris...you're right. I can't imagine how the numbers ever will add up.

Comment by CJCollector on March 27, 2011 at 1:41pm: But, Mr. Zipper, it was "forensically examined."

Comment by DB on March 27, 2011 at 2:11pm: Steve, remember to listen to the advice of your attorney. What's important is the success of the mission and not giving them one "inch" and as tough as it's gonna be - it's the mission that is important. We'll be able to hold our own with The Zipper, TomTresh2 and the rest of our merry band in the interim.

What I find applaudable is that Coach's Corner actually endorses his examinations. Too bad there aren't any firms that would consider a class action suit in parallel.

Comment by CJCollector on March 27, 2011 at 2:14pm: I agree with DB, Steve. The long-term is most important here.

Comment by CJCollector on March 28, 2011 at 8:58am: Below is the "Forensic Document Examiner Law & Legal Definition:

A forensic document examiner refers to a person who studies all aspects of a document to determine its authenticity, origin, handwriting, photocopies, inks and papers.

A forensic document examiner is intimately linked to the legal system as a forensic scientist. A Forensic Document Examiner must have a sound basic education through the baccalaureate degree. The typical training period is two years of study and practical experience in an established questioned documents laboratory where the examiner trainee studies the basic literature, completes study projects, becomes familiar with the role of forensic sciences in general and questioned documents in particular as they relate to the legal system.

Comment by CJCollector on March 28, 2011 at 9:29am: 80% of people who buy autographs are casual buyers. They are not "hobbyists." They do not know autographs. They don't do any research. The only thing that they have "heard" is that as long as it comes with a COA that's all that matters.

But, when that casual autograph buyer purchases an autograph with a COA from a "Forensic Document Examiner" I am certain that weighs heavily in that buyer's decision to purchase that autograph. That title of "Forensic Document Examiner" is impressive to that "casual" autograph buyer.

That also means anyone who has the title of "Forensic Document Examiner(FDE)" must be held under much more scrutiny because they are charging anywhere between $200.00 and $400.00 per hour for their services plus a retainer sometimes, so they better know their stuff. A true FDE is going to spend hours examining a document, letter, a signed baseball, etc.

If you are paying a FDE to perform a job for you, you are paying for years of training and their expertise and a true FDE is not cheap. Forensic Document Examiners (the ones I am aware of) are not "authenticators." They don't know sports autographs. They must first acquire know exemplars (plural) and then go through the painstaking process of forensic examination which normally takes hours and sometimes days. Their final decision could be challenged in a court of law and they (the FDE) must be able to explain how they came to their final conclusion.

Comment by DB on March 28, 2011 at 10:07am: Chris & don't forget they think it's a bargain... and don't necessarily know or understand the lineage of a dealer or auction house. More often it is by word of mouth or somone they knew got something at this place or from that person. Causal is a good description and I would bet a $1.00 they have no idea as to what a Forensic Document Examiner reall means but as you say it does sound impressive and in fact if offered as part of an item thru the mail that potentially constitutes mail fraud.

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