Former New York Mets outfielder Endy Chavez claims he was tricked into paying $1.2 million by a fellow major leaguer and has unsuccessfully attempted to get the money back.
Infielder Melvin Mora, also from Venezuela, had borrowed money from Chavez in installments beginning in 2019, according to legal documents filed Friday in Manhattan Supreme Court.
Chavez, 46, who played for the Amazings from 2006 to 2008, is suing Mora for fraud and breach of contract, claiming he “has not been able to repay and will never be able to repay” his debts.
Mora, 52, allegedly promised a six-fold return on his investment, according to Chavez’s lawyer, Matthew Britt.
Britt told the Post that he doesn’t believe there is currently an investment opportunity.
Britt said Chavez hit the former pro infielder where it hurt by delivering the subpoena, a legal precursor to the lawsuit, at the Hall of Fame Game in Cooperstown.
Britt claims Mora only repaid $50,000.
“He betrayed Endy’s trust,” Britt said. “We don’t believe it was a legitimate company. We think he just stole his money.”
Chavez is seeking $5 million in damages.
“Melvin was my friend, we come from the same country, I respected him and trusted him,” he told The Post, via Bild.
“He assured me time and time again that this was a safe and secure loan and investment, and then when I finally agreed, he disappeared with my money. I was financially devastated, embarrassed and hurt. I didn’t want to sue him like this, but he stopped returning my calls and never returned the remaining money I had.”
Mora, who played for the Metropolitans from 1999-2000, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
