Bill Gross denies violating restraining order as legal battle with neighbor returns to court – Orange County Register

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Prominent Orange County businessman has denied allegations by a Laguna Beach neighbor who claims he violated a court order by playing loud music on his beachfront property amid legal battle long-standing charges involving harassment and revenge was returned to a courtroom on Tuesday.

Bill Gross, the founder of the Pimco investment fund, and his wife, former professional tennis player Amy Schwartz, have pleaded not guilty to contempt of court allegations related to a restraining order issued by a judge the year latest banning Gross from playing loud music at all hours of the night, including rap music and classic sitcom themed songs.

Gross’s feud with his neighbor, former software company executive Mark Towfiq, has resulted in multiple police calls and a costly court battle. In December, Judge Kimberly Knill issued the restraining order against Gross after listening to days of testimony, but the court order apparently failed to end the clash between neighbors.

Towfiq alleges Gross waged an audio revenge campaign after reporting an unauthorized $ 1 million lawn carving on Gross property. Big counters that he and his wife simply enjoyed music during nighttime swims on their property and accused his neighbor of violating his privacy.

Now Towfiq alleges Gross played loud music again on July 7 and complained about “excessively tall” umbrellas obstructing his view that Gross and his wife put on their property. Gross, in court records, denied the music was loud, wrote that the umbrellas are meant to provide shade for picnic tables, and accused Towfiq of using the restraining order as a “weapon” against him.

The judge noted that unlike previous civil hearings in the case, allegations that Gross violated a court order now turn it into a “quasi-criminal case.” A contempt of court conviction could potentially result in fines or even short stays behind bars, although the discretion ultimately rests with the judge.

Testimony regarding the latest allegations was tentatively scheduled for September 13. In addition to deciding whether the existing order has been violated, the judge will also have to decide to extend the restrictions.

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