Q&A with John Bales, founder of Biodynamic Ventures
Bales is among a growing number of entrepreneurs trying to get in on the ground floor of what is being called the “green rush.”
John Bales
Articles
Feds decline to press charges against former prosecutor Brizzi
Federal prosecutors have declined to press criminal charges against former Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi after a three-year investigation failed to yield sufficient direct evidence he accepted bribes while in office.
Elkhart building at center of Bales trial set for auction
The building, owned by Indianapolis attorney Paul Page, houses Indiana’s Department of Child Services. Page agreed in January to plead guilty to one count of wire fraud in exchange for cooperating with federal prosecutors in the trial of brokers John M. Bales and William E. Spencer.
Jury: Real estate execs Bales, Spencer not guilty of fraud
SOUTH BEND — John M. Bales lifted his crossed hands to his face and began to cry Thursday evening as a federal judge read the same jury verdict on each of 13 fraud counts against the real estate broker and his partner: Not guilty.
Defense rests in Bales trial after flurry of witnesses
Closing arguments are expected to begin Wednesday afternoon in the federal fraud trial of Indianapolis real estate broker John M. Bales and partner William E. Spencer after the defense raced through seven witnesses Tuesday and early Wednesday.
Defense attorneys turn tough in Bales trial
The legal team representing real estate broker John M. Bales and partner William E. Spencer haven't called their first witness and already they're putting up a spirited fight as federal prosecutors seek to prove 13 charges including bank, mail and wire fraud.
Former Venture employee turns on Bales during testimony
An FBI investigation into Venture Real Estate Services and principals John Bales and Bill Spencer had already begun when Matthew Dyer signed on as the company's controller in December 2009. Bales told him the company had done nothing illegal, Dyer testified Wednesday.
Bales defense: Elkhart deal was a ‘scheme to help’
Facing a looming deadline to find suitable office space for the state Department of Child Services, Indianapolis real estate broker John M. Bales and partner Bill Spencer in 2008 dipped into their own pockets to help close a difficult lease deal, their defense attorneys contend.
Fraud trial for broker Bales begins in South Bend
The federal fraud trial of Indianapolis real estate broker John M. Bales and a partner began Monday morning in South Bend with a jury-selection process that may not have run as smoothly if it took place in central Indiana.
Daniels’ chief of staff purchased parcel from Bales
The chief of staff to Gov. Mitch Daniels, Earl A. Goode, bought a residential lot from the real estate broker John M. Bales about two years after an agency led by Goode awarded Bales a contract to handle state leasing.
Officials steered lease deal to Bales
State officials in 2005 vowed to run a competitive process to select a private firm to handle real estate leasing for public agencies, but a 20-page request for services to more than 400 potential bidders was a sham, according to three people with knowledge of the process.
Warnings about broker’s tactics went unheeded
Several state employees openly questioned how John Bales' real estate brokerage did business long before the FBI launched an investigation that led to his indictment.
Grand jury indicts local real estate broker Bales
A grand jury in South Bend has returned a 14-count criminal indictment against Indianapolis real estate broker John M. Bales and two associates over a state lease deal in Elkhart that was first revealed as part of an IBJ investigation.
Former partner of Moe & Johnny’s owner alleges fraud
Real estate executive John Bales filed a lawsuit last month accusing Chuck Mack of “willfully and maliciously” misappropriating $200,000 that belonged to him.
Politically connected broker’s deals raise conflict questions
John Bales' firm earned $2.9M in commissions on leases for state agencies and $270,000 in commissions
on the sale of surplus state properties. He also acted as a developer for public-sector
tenants—putting them into buildings owned by him or his associates.
Prosecutor Brizzi defends no-cost real estate deal
Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi paid nothing for a 50-percent stake in an Elkhart office building he acquired with a
local defense attorney.
Brizzi’s lease deals benefited friend, donor
Records show Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi directed lucrative work for the Prosecutor’s Office to his friend, business
partner and political contributor John Bales.