Table of Contents

Bland Richter Law Firm Sues Sweetgrass Capital Partners and Sweet Grass Vodka Amid Mounting Legal, Financial Troubles

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Bland Richter LLP has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Nicholas Worth Mitchell III against Sweetgrass Capital Partners, LLC, and multiple defendants, including Sweet Grass Vodka. The lawsuit, alleging fraud and misconduct, claims Mr. Mitchell lost over $1 million in home equity through deceptive practices involving the sale of his Charleston property.

The complaint, filed in the Charleston County Court of Common Pleas, details a complex transaction in which Mr. Mitchell, expecting over $1 million in equity from the $1.65 million sale of his home, was allegedly misled into signing away his rights shortly before closing. According to the lawsuit, Mr. Mitchell was told the document was a formality needed to complete the sale; instead, it purportedly waived his right to repurchase the property at a drastically reduced price of $472,000.

“This case represents an egregious breach of trust,” stated Ronnie Richter, a partner at Bland Richter. “Our client entrusted his life savings to financial professionals who allegedly manipulated him. We intend to demonstrate that their actions were not only negligent but fraudulent and malicious.”

This lawsuit also highlights other defendants allegedly tied to Sweet Grass Vodka, a South Carolina-based spirits brand founded by Alice and Jarrod Swanger. Initially celebrated for its unique approach—each bottle containing a blade of Charleston sweetgrass and marketed as using locally sourced ingredients—Sweet Grass Vodka has since become entangled in severe financial and legal issues.

Movie Star Joined Sweetgrass

In July 2023, actor Jeremy Renner joined Sweet Grass Vodka as a celebrity partner, which boosted the brand’s visibility. However, only months after Renner’s involvement, Sweet Grass Vodka faced financial troubles and accusations from investors who fear losing millions. According to The Post and Courier, Sweet Grass Vodka allegedly purchased bulk vodka, diluted it, and bottled it under its brand, contradicting claims of local sourcing. Former employees have come forward, reporting unpaid wages and widespread payroll inconsistencies.

Judgments are Piling Up on Sweetgrass Owner

Adding to the brand’s financial woes, Sweet Grass Vodka’s founder, Jarrod Swanger, recently lost two judgments: one to Blue Bridge Financial for $41,903.72 and another to South Carolina Federal Credit Union for $26,154.39, prompting Swanger to sell his home to meet creditor demands. Renner, initially promised equity in the brand and featured in promotions, has sought to sever ties due to late payments and production issues, even canceling a scheduled photoshoot and removing the brand from his social media.

Named defendants in the lawsuit, including Jarrett Hodson, Jason Rosenthal, Michael Dunbar “Mick” Jewell, Leonard “Lenny” Mitchum, and Eric J. Bradshaw IV, are accused of roles in the alleged scheme against Mitchell, including misrepresentation and fund transfers. Bland Richter LLP seeks damages for breach of contract, fraud, conversion, negligent misrepresentation, conspiracy, and violations of the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act, among others, with a jury trial requested.

“The implications of this case extend far beyond Mr. Mitchell’s personal losses,” noted Eric Bland, another partner at Bland Richter. “This raises serious questions about consumer protections in complex real estate transactions and the conduct of financial service providers.”

Further complicating Sweet Grass Vodka’s operations, the South Carolina Department of Revenue has denied renewal of its liquor license due to tax issues and lack of required liquor liability coverage. Despite winning accolades, including Best Domestic Vodka of 2022 from The Fifty Best, Sweet Grass Vodka’s Charleston lounge has shut down due to unpaid rent, marking a swift decline for the once-promising brand.

Amid these financial and legal scandals, Bland Richter LLP remains committed to seeking justice for Mr. Mitchell, who, along with his family, now faces potential homelessness. “We are dedicated to holding these parties accountable for what we believe is unconscionable conduct,” Richter added.

With growing controversies, Sweet Grass Vodka’s future remains precarious as financial and legal challenges continue to mount against the brand.

Connect with CC News Network:

Stay updated with CC News Network’s latest investigations, book releases, and appearances by following him on social media. Join the growing community of readers and true crime enthusiasts who trust James Seidel for his insightful analysis and gripping storytelling.

Over 1,200,000 Million likes of Tiktok alone!

Join Our Close to 100,000 Social Media Fans: