Mr. Sacks was not a man to stand on ceremony.

The chair sold within the hour, at the asking price, Mr. Sack said.

Mr. Sacks has been given the title of vice chairman.

Mr. Sacks said many of the charges had been dismissed in similar suits.

Mr. Sacks has worked at the shelter virtually since it opened, trying to be there roughly one night a week.

Mr. Sacks should think about running for his local board of education.

Mr. Sack, 59, said he plans no immediate changes in the strategy he developed four and a half years ago.

"Mr. Sack always calls me to cover for him on these nighttime matters."

Mr. Sack said some of the start-up companies in the cases were "little more than an idea and an office."

Mr. Sack said she was unable to provide documentation, however, to support her claim.