Porn Valley- According to a story on AVN, the FBI may be investigating Spearmint Rhino CEO John Gray for the theft of domain names. Gray is saying this is not the case.
Michael Ninn has alleged that Gray, Spearmint Rhino or some combination of the two stole domain names purchased by Michael and Q Ninn following their split with Ninn Worx_SR.
Ninn's been battling Gray ever since his dismissal from the company at the end of May. Ninn, who retains 49% ownership in the company, also claims that actions taken by Spearmint Rhino in dismissing him were illegal under California law, and that he should be reinstated. Ninn is also saying that Gray still has equipment and intellectual property belonging to him. There's also a dispute over Ninn's $300,000 annual salary.
Gray claims that Ninn was not an employee and could not be terminated. And according to Gray who has a controlling 51% interest, Ninn was advanced $200,000 against his share of the future earnings of Ninn Worx_SR.
Gray also states that Ninn Worx_SR has been operating in the red since inception.
The story also goes on to report that the FBI has responded to a tip from Q Ninn that individuals working on behalf of Spearmint Rhino have taken control of three domain names: IMNinn.com, JoyceAndIvy.com and JohnLGray.com, the latter site containing information regarding Ninn's rendition of the fall out with Gray.
Q Ninn purchased the domain names through Network Solutions and considers it to be a personal account. Gray, however, disagrees, stating that the Network Solutions account belongs to N Worx Media. When Q Ninn saw that Spearmint Rhino had access to the domain names, she contacted the FBI, alleging computer-related malfeasance.
FBI Agent Justin Vallese is reported to have begun an inquiry into the matter. Meanwhile Network Solutions spokesperson Jillian Smith has indicated that the company is also looking into the dispute.
Gray claims that he has not been contacted by the FBI in regards to this matter. As of last week Gray through his attorney communicated the fact that he would return IMNinn.com and JoyceAndIvy.com, but would retain access to JohnLGray.com because the website was being used to malign him.
