A North Texas couple, currently in the process of becoming parents, is among the many families worldwide who have lost money due to allegations that the CEO of a surrogacy escrow management company stole millions from client accounts.
Dominique Side, the CEO of Houston-based Surrogacy Escrow Account Management LLC (SEAM), is accused in a lawsuit of misappropriating escrow funds to finance a lavish lifestyle and a rap career. SEAM was supposed to manage escrow accounts for intended parents and surrogates, covering surrogacy fees, medical expenses, and other costs.
Court records reveal that nearly $10 million intended for surrogacy-related expenses was diverted by Side for personal use, other businesses, real estate, and associates. The FBI’s Houston division is investigating the case and has set up a website for individuals who believe they were affected by SEAM or have relevant information.
Attorneys from Shackelford, McKinley & Norton, LLP are representing nearly two dozen families who collectively lost over $1 million. “It’s devastating to lose that much money,” said Jessica Climer, who is out more than $44,000.
Climer and her husband Richard, married for 13 years, were looking forward to expanding their family. After multiple miscarriages and IVF attempts, they turned to surrogacy. They deposited $47,000 of their life savings into SEAM to cover their surrogate’s medical costs.
Initially, SEAM seemed like a reputable company with a decade of operation. However, in early June, clients received emails about fraudulent activity and payment delays. Ten days later, SEAM sent an email stating that an active federal investigation was underway, and Side would not respond to inquiries.
“It makes you angry,” Climer said. “It’s not fair. We’ve worked so hard for our dream family, and now we just want answers.” Her husband is working extra shifts to support them, and family members have set up a GoFundMe to help recoup the losses.
Despite the financial setback, Climer and her husband plan to proceed with their surrogate, who has been supportive and understanding of their situation.
Their attorney, Marianne Robak, from Shackelford, McKinley & Norton, LLP, is working to recover assets. A judge has granted a temporary injunction to freeze SEAM’s and Side’s bank accounts and any assets purchased with the escrow funds. “We are working tirelessly to locate any assets bought with the misappropriated funds,” Robak said.
This case represents a significant challenge for families who have already faced a difficult journey to parenthood. “The impact goes beyond just financial loss; it’s about the hopes and dreams for these families,” Robak noted. “With the funds gone, many families are struggling to ensure their surrogates and babies receive necessary care.”
Despite the obstacles, Climer remains hopeful. “My faith in God assures me that he will guide us through this, and we believe we’ll get our miracle baby one way or another,” she said.
NBC 5 contacted SEAM for comment but received an automated voicemail and email response. As of now, Side has not been charged with a crime.
