HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — At least two dozen families are accusing the owner of a surrogacy company of stealing the funds they entrusted to her for their surrogacy journeys.
The money, meant to be held in trust and used for healthcare, insurance, and compensation, was allegedly diverted to fund the owner’s lavish lifestyle, according to attorneys.
“The funds were used to support her lifestyle, grow her businesses, and essentially deceive the intended families who lost so much,” said Marianne Robak, the attorney representing the families.
The company, Surrogacy Escrow Account Management LLC (SEAM), is owned by Dominique Side, who did not attend the court hearing on Wednesday. In a 2022 interview with Voyage Houston, Side described herself as a “serial entrepreneur.” Court records allege she transferred SEAM funds to her music studio, fashion line, vegan lifestyle brand, and even used them to “bankroll her music career as ‘Dom,’ a racy rap and R&B singer and music producer.”
On Wednesday, a judge temporarily froze Side’s assets.
The lawsuit, representing over 24 families, claims the company exploited them due to their desire to grow their families. Attorneys estimate there could be hundreds of potential victims nationwide.
Side’s business partner, Anthony Hall, testified on Wednesday, saying, “She told me there were some issues with some of the funds. For me, doing the right thing was making sure she owned and was accountable.”
The lawsuit states that some families contributed $50,000, but a financial expert testified that the money is likely gone. Attorneys are uncertain whether the families will recover any of their funds.
Last month, the FBI posted an appeal on social media, urging potential SEAM victims to come forward.
