HOUSTON – A Houston-based escrow account company, Surrogacy Escrow Account Management (SEAM), is under federal investigation for allegedly embezzling funds from hundreds of families seeking to become parents through surrogacy. Despite the serious allegations, the company’s owner, Dominique Side, remains free months after FOX 26’s Jonathan Mejia was the first reporter to break the story on June 15.
Families left in financial distress as FBI probes allegations against SEAM and Dominique Side
What we know:
The investigation into SEAM began after FOX 26 first reported the story on June 15. The FBI launched a federal probe, and lawsuits were filed against the company. SEAM’s bank records were obtained, revealing troubling financial activities. Despite these developments, Side remained free and is reportedly seeking funds for a family reunion, which has further angered her alleged victims.
Millions of dollars were allegedly mismanaged by SEAM and Side while intended parents and surrogates wondered where their money had gone. Side flaunted a lavish lifestyle on social media, funded several entrepreneurial businesses, and started her rap career.
What they’re saying:
Christena Doan, a surrogate from Indiana, recalls the anxiety and stress she felt when payments from SEAM abruptly stopped. “It was just so shocking, and we didn’t know what was going to happen moving forward,” Doan said. She was carrying a baby girl for intended parents Arielle Mitton and her husband, who reside in California.
Side has recently activated her social media again and was seen posting a fundraiser for a family reunion.
Doan expressed her frustration, saying, “I think about the fact that my intended father couldn’t be at delivery because they both couldn’t afford for both of them to travel. It literally went through me like a serrated knife.”
Arielle Mitton, the intended parent, shared her hopes for justice. “I deeply hope that there is some justice that can happen here. Do I expect it? That’s what I’m not sure about,” she said.
“It blows my mind. It makes me so angry to know that she’s just out there and nothing has been done. Here she is living her life, stealing $16.2 million of surrogates and intended families money, and she’s living it like nothing ever happened,” Doan said.
Let’s take a look at where it all began
Timeline:
Will justice be served? Will families get closure?
Dig deeper:
Mitton is now left with paying her $50,000 loan with a 9.5% interest rate to her bank while having to come out of pocket and pay her surrogate.
“I want justice to be served for the families that stopped their journeys because they couldn’t afford it and for others who are now having to pay double,” Mitton said.
A child is priceless, would do it all over again
Big picture view:
Doan went back to work five weeks after delivering the Mitton’s baby and, despite having been through a scandal with SEAM, she said she would do it all over again.
“It’s the best feeling ever. I would do it again because it’s the best feeling. I have no words. There’s no price tag on carrying an intended parents’ baby and bringing a baby and seeing joy on their faces is priceless,” Moan said.
FBI is still actively investigating
What you can do:
The FBI’s Houston Division is seeking to identify potential victims of Surrogacy Escrow Account Management, d.b.a. SEAM LLC. If you believe you were victimized by SEAM or have information relevant to this investigation, please fill out this short form.
Arielle Mitton’s GoFundMe: Aid for Surrogacy Journey After Escrow Fraud
The Source: FOX 26’s Jonathan Mejia spoke with Christena Doan and Arielle Mitton. FBI confirmed with FOX 26 it is still investigating SEAM and Dominique Side.
