Catalina Island scuba diving business owner agrees to settlement

The owner of a Catalina Island scuba diving business accused of price fixing has agreed to pay a settlement of $6,500, the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office announced Wednesday.

Robert S. Kennedy, who owns Scuba Luv Inc., was accused of engaging in anti-competitive business tactics designed to force Ron Moore of Dive Catalina from the Avalon area’s diving trade. Kennedy did not admit liability but will pay $1,500 in civil penalties and $5,000 in legal and investigative costs. Judge Robert L. Hess approved the settlement.

John W. Mello, a co-defendant in the case and the former owner of Catalina Divers Supply, agreed in February to pay a settlement of $11,000.

“Cases like this serve as a reminder to businesses in general that laws against restraint of trade must be taken seriously and will be vigorously enforced,” said Kathleen Tuttle, deputy in charge of the office’s antitrust section, who handled the matter.

-- Corina Knoll

Comments

[Bryan T]

Six thousand dollars? He probably earns that in a good weekend. "Vigorous enforcement"? Hardly.

Good on the DA for investigating and negotiating settlements, but our public attorneys need to start adding zeroes until businesses stop price-fixing. Take 'em to trial!

[Disinterested Bystander]

This fine hardly seems aligned with the time to investigatte, the work involved to prosecute, and the actual prosecution. Hell, it barely covers the cost to serve the paperwork. The DA's office has accepted the role of the Fool in this play! If they were willing to settle for $6500 and let him not admit guilt! DUMB DA!