NORTH TEXAS — A couple from North Texas, currently in the process of becoming parents, is among hundreds of families worldwide affected by a scandal involving a surrogacy escrow management company. The CEO of the Houston-based Surrogacy Escrow Account Management LLC (SEAM), Dominique Side, is accused of embezzling millions from the company’s escrow accounts.
According to a lawsuit, Side misappropriated nearly $10 million intended for surrogacy, medical costs, and other fees. Instead, the funds were allegedly used to support Side’s lavish lifestyle and rap career. The FBI’s Houston division is investigating the case and has established a website for those who may have been affected by SEAM or have relevant information.
Attorneys from Shackelford, McKinley & Norton, LLP are representing nearly two dozen families who have collectively lost over $1 million. Jessica Climer, who has lost more than $44,000, described the situation as “devastating.”
Climer and her husband, who have been married for 13 years, had been trying to start a family after facing multiple miscarriages and IVF attempts. They turned to surrogacy and deposited $47,000 into SEAM to cover their surrogate’s medical expenses. Initially, the company appeared legitimate, but in June, Climer and others received emails indicating fraudulent activity and delayed payments. A subsequent email from Side mentioned an ongoing federal investigation but provided no further details.
The couple’s frustration is compounded by their financial loss and the uncertainty of recovering their funds. Climer’s husband is working extra shifts to help cover the lost money, and family members have set up a GoFundMe account to support them. Despite the setback, Climer remains hopeful and plans to proceed with transferring an embryo with their current surrogate, who has been understanding of their situation.
The couple’s attorney, Marianne Robak, reported that a judge has granted a temporary injunction to freeze SEAM’s and Side’s assets. Robak’s team is working to trace and recover assets purchased with the embezzled funds, which could potentially benefit affected families.
Robak emphasized that the case affects more than just financial matters, impacting the future hopes of these families. Many are struggling to ensure their surrogates and babies receive the necessary healthcare amid this crisis.
Climer remains optimistic, relying on her faith to believe that they will eventually achieve their dream of having a child.
NBC 5 reached out to SEAM for comment but received only automated responses. As of now, Side has not been formally charged with any crime.
