DragonCon founder claims he was cheated

DragonCon founder Ed Kramer is suing the current director of Atlanta’s annual sci-fi/fantasy convention, alleging he shortchanged Kramer on stock proceeds.

In the suit, filed in Fulton Superior Court, Kramer accuses DragonCon president Robert Patrick Henry of misspending company funds on Las Vegas boondoggles and hiring unqualified relatives.

Kramer also accuses Henry of hiding company financial records to trick him into selling 2,050 shares in DragonCon for less than they’re worth. “Pat Henry initiated an aggressive, coercive, and nepotistic campaign,” the suit states, “to wrest control of the company away from its shareholders.”

Kramer’s attorney, McNeill Stokes, refused to comment. Henry responded only by e-mail.

“Although he [Kramer] is a minority shareholder,” wrote Henry, “he no longer has control over management decisions. That loss of control may be what motivated him to bring these baseless allegations.

“DragonCon has enjoyed great success since Mr. Kramer left, and we do not think a court will second guess the way that current management has run it.”

The civil case coincides with Kramer’s pending criminal trial on charges he molested three teenaged boys. The case, which began with Kramer’s arrest in August 2000, has been repeatedly delayed because of chronic health issues.

Kramer, 47, suffers from severe spinal cord injuries that affect his ability to breathe and make it difficult for him to stay alert. His doctor has said Kramer can only stay in court for two hours at a time.

Nevertheless, Kramer is demanding a jury trial in the civil case, which, if granted, could prolong it.

Kramer founded DragonCon in 1986. The first convention was held the following year at the Piedmont Plaza Hotel. The event attracted 1,400 people.

Since then, DragonCon’s legions of impersonators of Imperial storm troopers, Star Trek officers, orcs and double hair-bunned princesses have hit warp drive.

The 2008 event in downtown Atlanta drew more than 30,000 people, according to DragonCon.

Kramer accuses Henry of underreporting attendance figures at past conventions to keep Atlanta’s fire marshall from materializing at the events.

According to the lawsuit, Kramer hired private investigators to stake out the 2008 convention. They counted more than 41,000 in attendance.