Freehold, NJ - Dwek Defense Claims He Was Under Duress

Freehold, NJ - In a twist to Solomon Dwek's real estate empire meltdown, Dwek said he will use his own "fear" as a defense to PNC Bank's claim that he defrauded it of more than $21 million - and gave millions in assets to an uncle.

In a civil court filing made public, Dwek claimed in a cryptic sentence that he did not commit fraud because he was under duress, "including duress from fear and duress produced by a moral compulsion sufficient to overcome one's will." 
The legal papers provided no elaboration. Dwek's attorney, Robert A. Weir Jr. of Red Bank, could not be reached for comment.

"It's kind of like saying the devil made me do it," said Dennis T. Kearney, PNC's attorney in the case.