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the Sentinel EPE recycler "was supposed to be better than * * *
the state-of-the-art machines at that time." Petitioner could
not recall speaking to Becker about SAB Recovery. After his
initial introduction to Becker, and except for an occasional
phone conversation with Leicht when Tucker was out of the office,
during his first year as a client, petitioner recalled dealing
only with Tucker.
Petitioner confirmed at trial that if he needs information,
he knows how to get it. He is familiar with a library and how to
get information from various publications. Petitioner knew how
to locate plastics trade journals, but he did not consult any
such magazines before investing in the Partnerships. Petitioner
explained that "one of the ways * * * [he] [gets] information
best is to go to experts, generally in the [fields] of science
and technology and medicine." He did not, however, consult
anyone outside of Becker Co. about the Partnerships. Petitioner
was never led to believe that Becker was an engineer or had any
expertise in plastics. He knew that Tucker was an accountant but
assumed that Tucker was "relying upon the advice [of] experts
that Stuart Becker had engaged." Petitioner did not ask Tucker
who those experts were.
Petitioners never made a profit in any year from their
participation in SAB Recovery and SAB Reclamation. Petitioner
did not see a Sentinel EPE recycler prior to investing in the
Partnerships. He has no education or work experience in plastics
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