One day after the US Supreme court declined to hear Steve Hilbert's last appeal, the company he founded is looking for ways to go after his assets.
Out of legal options, former Conseco CEO, Stephen Hilbert must now pay the company he founded $84 million. This comes after the US Supreme Court refused to hear Hilbert's appeal of a judge's order that he repay the company for stock loan made while he was chairman.
The Carmel insurer is now filing motions to release escrow funds from an auction of Hilbert's personal possessions and submitting documents to proceed with a sheriff's sale of Hilbert's former sprawling estate.
But for Conseco to collect, it's now targeting Hilbert's wife Tomisue, alleging that he transferred much of his wealth to his wife, including a Caribbean home, art and antiques in order to shield his assets from Conseco.
"The only reason she's involved in a lawsuit is because Conseco has alleged that her husband fradulently transferred property to her. We contest that," said Linda Pence, Tomisue Hilbert's attorney.
Stephen Hilbert didn't respond to request for an interview but previously denied Conseco's claims that he used his wife to hide his wealth. "It's insulting and untrue and we're eager to prove it," he said.
"It's an appalling thing for them to come after my assets when I was on none of those loans," said Tomisue Hilbert.
Despite their protests, Conseco attorneys say they will move quickly to seize and sell the Hilbert's assets and to collect the millions they insist Hilbert is hiding.
The case now shifts from Stephen to Tomisue Hilbert. Her attorney filed several motions in court yesterday to have the case dismissed.
