Ex-Disney actor Erik von Detten sued over alleged $2.1 million gold coin fraud
Former Disney actor Erik von Detten has been named in a California lawsuit alleging elder abuse and fraud over gold coin sales bought with more than US$2 million in retirement savings, as reported by Variety.
The case was filed in California in May. It names von Detten, 44, and his employer Rosland Capital, a precious metals organisation, as defendants.
The plaintiffs are Sheila Greenberg, 85, and Norman Greenberg, 97, a couple from Southern California, according to KTLA. They allege they lost about US$900,000 after buying gold coins through the company. Their purchases at issue totalled US$2.1 million, according to USA Today.
The Greenbergs say they first contacted Rosland Capital in 2020 after seeing a television advertisement. They were then put in touch with von Detten, who had joined the company in 2018 after largely stepping away from acting. The couple allege he presented himself as an experienced adviser and encouraged them to buy Lady Liberty gold coins.
Von Detten is known for roles in Disney titles including “The Princess Diaries” and “Brink!”. He also appeared in “Toy Story”, according to E! Online. Rosland Capital advertised on Fox News and Newsmax with spots starring actor William Devane pitching gold coins.
The business behind the claim has since collapsed. Rosland Capital ceased operations and declared bankruptcy in July, listing about US$64 million in liabilities and US$500,000 in assets. Its bankruptcy filings state the company had faced scrutiny from the New York Attorney General’s Office and the Securities and Exchange Commission, which oversees financial markets and investor protection.
Court papers describe a company under strain. Rosland reported US$151 million in revenues in 2021, followed by net losses of US$24 million from 2022 to 2025 because of excessive cash outflows, according to its first-day bankruptcy filing. Sales representatives were paid 15% to 35% of the profit on each order, whether or not that order was later refunded. When the firm shut down, about 470 messages and voicemails were waiting that asked for refunds or delivery of gold products.
The creditors’ committee in the bankruptcy is now seeking to subpoena von Detten to investigate the failure. The lawsuit’s allegations have not been decided in court.
