Coyle v. Richetti

OPINION OF THE COURT

B. Marc Mogil, J.

He who places his hand into a stranger’s blazing fire to gather in coins belonging to another, scorching his fingers in the unsuccessful attempt, has neither anyone to blame nor any recourse at law. The result is self-inflicted and predictable.

The court was presented at a trial on July 22, 1988, with the rather unique attempt by a player in a so-called "pyramid investment game” to recover a portion of his lost ante ($1,500). James Coyle, of Woodside, Queens, and friends, attended a pyramid-scheme gathering at the North Merrick home of Gene and Doran…