Lollipop Tree Owners Refuse to Return Company Vehicle
PORTSMOUTH, NH - Already facing a lawsuit, founders of The Lollipop Tree business got themselves into even more potential legal trouble after they allegedly refused to turn over a company vehicle and attempted to hack into the business computer system.
PORTSMOUTH, NH - Founders of The Lollipop Tree business, already facing a lawsuit, got themselves into even more potential legal trouble after they allegedly refused to turn over a company vehicle and attempted to hack into the business computer system, according to Foster's Daily Democrat.
According to the Democrat, the company's court appointed receiver, James Ebbert, said Bob and Laurie Lynch allegedly refused to return a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban, which he said is now an asset of the bank. Ebbert also claimed that Bob Lynch unlawfully acted as a representative of the business following the bank takeover in order to make sure his company cell phone was not turned off.
The lawsuit also claimed that the Lynches attempted at least 83 times to gain access to the store's secure computer network, according to the Democrat.
According to the lawsuit filed in Maine's U.S. District Court on Dec. 16, the bank alleges that Lynch and his wife took a $600,000 loan on Jan. 25, 2004, and mortgaged their Rollinsford, N.H., home as collateral. The bank claims in their civil suit that the Lynches failed to make required monthly payments, despite notification made less than a year ago that they were in default, the Democrat reported.
As of Dec. 14, the couple owed the bank more than $2 million in principal, interest, and late and legal fees, according to the suit. Interest of more than $400 a day continues to accrue, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit claims the Lynches defaulted on other business with the bank related to an overdraft protection account and a VISA corporate credit card. The bank also alleges the couple transferred $70,000 in cash to hire contractors to work on their personal residence, which had more than one mortgage, reported the Democrat.
More Operations

Managing Fleet Costs in an Era of Permanent Volatility
Fleet operating costs have risen more than 20% since 2020, raising a key question: When does extending a vehicle's service life stop making financial sense?
Read More →
The Next Evolution of Fleet Management: Autonomous Operations
This opening keynote session at the Fleet Forward Conference highlights the future of autonomous driving for fleets.
Read More →
How to Reduce the Total Cost of Risk From Catalytic Converter Theft
A stolen catalytic converter can cost fleets far more in downtime and lost productivity than in repairs. A total-cost-of-risk approach can help fleet managers quantify their exposure and prioritize theft prevention.
Read More →
Personal-Use Charges Rise as Vehicle Values Fall | AF News Recap
Personal-use charges are climbing, wholesale used-vehicle values are declining, and commercial fleet sales growth is slowing. This week, we're breaking down the latest fleet data, plus how Element Fleet Management is helping Waymo prepare for its first Canadian robotaxi market.
Read More →
Here's When You Should Make an Exception to Fleet Policy
Fleet policies are designed to create consistency, but not every driver or situation fits neatly within standard rules.
Read More →
AI-Native or AI-Acquired: What Should Fleet Managers Look for in an AI Platform?
Six questions can help fleet managers look beyond AI marketing claims to evaluate integration, data access, and real-world operational performance.
Read More →
A buyer's guide to fleet management software in 2027
Buying fleet management software in 2027 means looking beyond features and price. As fleet operations, technology and expectations evolve, this guide explores what today’s fleet professionals should consider when choosing a system that can deliver value now and adapt to what comes next.
Read More →
What Will Shape the Next Era of Fleet Management?
EVs, AI, and autonomous vehicles are reshaping fleet management. Discover what’s ahead—and how fleet leaders can prepare for the next era.
Read More →
How Fleets Can Recruit and Train Veterans for Technician Roles
Here's how the technician shortage has affected uptime for fleets, and what to do about it.
Read More →
Avis Budget Group Deploys Neology Toll Management Technology Across Major Brands
Neology’s neoFleet platform will manage toll transactions and toll-authority operations for vehicles across Avis, Budget, Payless, Budget Truck and Zipcar.
Read More →
