Olson v. Potter (In Re Potter), 88 B.R. 843 (Bankr. N.D. Ill. 1988). · Go Syfert
Olson v. Potter (In Re Potter), 88 B.R. 843 (Bankr. N.D. Ill. 1988). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
“once the creditor has introduced some evidence of the disappearance of substantial assets, the burden shifts to the debtor to explain satisfactorily the losses of deficiencies.”
123 citation events (61 in the last 25 years) across 30 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Bay State Milling Co. v. Martin (In Re Martin) (ilnb, 1992-05-18)
Treatment trajectory · 1988 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
1988 2007 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 50 distinct citers. How cited ↗
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Bay State Milling Co. v. Martin (In Re Martin) (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
Bankr. N.D. Ill. · 1992 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
once the creditor has introduced some evidence of the disappearance of substantial assets, the burden shifts to the debtor to explain satisfactorily the losses of deficiencies.
cited Cited as authority (rule) FCB BANKS v. Abrahim
Bankr. S.D. Ill. · 2025 · confidence medium
Ehle v. Brien (In re Brien), 208 B.R. 255, 258 (1st Cir. BAP 1999), quoting In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bankr.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Lee Alexander Bressler - Adversary Proceeding
Bankr. S.D.N.Y. · 2020 · confidence medium
S.D.N.Y. 1997) (citing In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 848 (Bankr.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Lee Alexander Bressler
Bankr. S.D.N.Y. · 2020 · confidence medium
S.D.N.Y. 1997) (citing In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 848 (Bankr.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Patak v. Jones
Bankr. W.D. Pa. · 2020 · confidence medium
Tax returns are only as good as the underlying financial information used to prepare them. 133 In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bankr.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Muhammad v. Reed (In re Reed)
Bankr. N.D. Ill. · 2015 · confidence medium
Olson v. Potter (In re Potter), 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bankr.N.D.Ill. 1988) (Ginsberg, J.).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Rutili v. O'Neill (2×)
Bankr. N.D. Ill. · 2012 · confidence medium
Id. at 554-5 (citing In re Volpert, 1994 WL 605894 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1994)); In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988); In re Martin, 141 B.R. 986, 999 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1992). 28.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Sherwood Fine Art, Inc. v. Burrik (In Re Burrik)
Bankr. W.D. Pa. · 2011 · confidence medium
“Under this section of the Code, the plaintiff has the initial burden of identifying the assets in question by appropriate allegations in the complaint and showing that the debtor at one time had the assets but they are no longer available for the debtor’s creditors.” In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bankr.N.D.Ill. 1988).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Melaragno v. Ciotti (In Re Ciotti)
Bankr. W.D. Pa. · 2011 · confidence medium
In re Nam, 245 B.R. 216, 224, n. 7 (Bankr.E.D.Pa.2000); In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988) (citing In re Martin-Trigona, 732 F.2d 170 (2d Cir.1984)), cert. denied, 469 U.S. 859 , 105 S.Ct. 191 , 83 L.Ed.2d 124 (1984).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Neiman v. Irmen (In Re Irmen)
Bankr. N.D. Ill. · 2007 · confidence medium
S.D.N.Y.1998); In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 848 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Fiala v. Lindemann (In Re Lindemann)
Bankr. N.D. Ill. · 2007 · confidence medium
Baum, 359 F.2d at 814 ; Olson v. Potter (In re Potter), 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988) (citing Baum).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Nuvell Credit Corp. v. Ross (In Re Ross)
Bankr. N.D. Ill. · 2007 · confidence medium
Under § 727(a)(5), the Debt- or/Defendant should be denied her discharge if she fails to satisfactorily explain any loss of assets or deficiency of assets to meet the debtor’s liabilities, Olson v. Potter (In re Potter), 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Wachovia Bank, N.A. v. Spitko
Bankr. E.D. Pa. · 2006 · confidence medium
“Although the explanation need not be far-reaching and comprehensive, it must consist of more than a ‘vague, indefinite, and uncorroborated hodgepodge of financial transactions.’ ” In re Costello, 299 B.R. 882, 901 (quoting In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988)); see In re Sendecky, 283 B.R. 760, 766 (8th Cir. BAP 2002); see In re Green, 268 B.R. 628, 650 (Bankr.M.D.Fla.2001) (debtor provides only a vague explanation as to what happened to the lost assets); In re Carter, 236 B.R. 173, 180 (Bankr.E.D.Pa.1999) (“Some type of believable, direct evidence will be required to…
cited Cited as authority (rule) Structured Asset Services, L.L.C. v. Self (In Re Self)
Bankr. N.D. Ill. · 2005 · confidence medium
Baum, 359 F.2d at 814 ; Olson v. Potter (In re Potter), 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bankr.N.D.Ill. 1988) (citing Baum).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Martinez v. Los Alamos National Bank (In Re Martinez)
10th Cir. · 2005 · confidence medium
See also McCarthy v. Arndstein, 266 U.S. 34, 41-42 , 45 S.Ct. 16 , 69 L.Ed. 158 (1924); McCormick v. Banc One Leasing Corp. (In re McCormick), 49 F.3d 1524, 1526-27 (11th Cir.1995); Olson v. Potter (In re Potter), 88 B.R. 843, 849-50 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988). 11 .
cited Cited as authority (rule) Saluja v. Mantra (In Re Mantra)
Bankr. N.D. Ill. · 2004 · confidence medium
Baum v. Earl Millikin, Inc., 359 F.2d 811, 814 (7th Cir.1966); Olson v. Potter (In re Potter), 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988) (citing Baum).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Richardson v. Von Behren (In Re Von Behren)
Bankr. C.D. Ill. · 2004 · confidence medium
Baum v. Earl Millikin, Inc., 359 F.2d 811, 814 (7th Cir.1966); In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Goodmar, Inc. v. Hamilton (In Re Hamilton)
Bankr. W.D. Ky. · 2004 · confidence medium
C. 11 U.S.C. 727(a)(5) provides that discharge will be denied if: (5) the debtor has failed to explain satisfactorily, before determination of a denial discharge under this paragraph, any loss of assets or deficiency of assets to meet the Defendants liabilities; The party objecting to a debt- or’s discharge has the initial burden of proof to identify the assets in question by appropriate allegations in the complaint and to show the debtor possessed the assets at one time. 2 Olson v. Potter (In re Potter), 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Caterpillar, Inc. v. Gonzalez (In Re Gonzalez)
Bankr. S.D. Florida · 2003 · confidence medium
Baum v. Earl Millikin, Inc., 359 F.2d 811, 814 (7th Cir.1966); In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Clean Cut Tree Service, Inc. v. Costello (In Re Costello) (2×)
Bankr. N.D. Ill. · 2003 · confidence medium
Scott, 172 F.3d at 969 ; Bay State Milling Co. v. Martin (In re Martin), 141 B.R. 986, 995 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1992) (citation omitted); Olson v. Potter (In re Potter), 88 B.R. 843, 848 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988) (citation omitted).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Gray v. Gray (In Re Gray)
Bankr. W.D. Mo. · 2003 · confidence medium
Baum v. Earl Millikin, Inc., 359 F.2d 811, 814 (7th Cir.1966); Olson v. Potter (In re Potter), 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Stathopoulos v. Bostrom (In Re Bostrom)
Bankr. N.D. Ill. · 2002 · confidence medium
Baum v. Earl Millikin, Inc., 359 F.2d 811, 814 (7th Cir.1966); Olson v. Potter (In re Potter), 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Interstate Producers Livestock Ass'n v. Hammitt (In Re Hammitt)
Bankr. C.D. Ill. · 2001 · confidence medium
Baum v. Earl Millikin, Inc., 359 F.2d 811, 814 (7th Cir.1966); In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Riehm v. Park (In Re Park)
Bankr. D.N.J. · 2001 · confidence medium
Although the plaintiff questions the debtor’s income and expenses, as reported in his schedules, in comparison to his tax returns, this discrepancy does not convert to *332 a denial of a discharge under § 727(a)(3) based on a failure to keep or maintain books and records. 7 Under section 727(a)(5) 8 , “ ‘the plaintiff has the initial burden of identifying the assets in question by appropriate allegations in the complaint and showing that the debtor at one time had the assets but they are no longer available for the debtor’s creditors.’ ” In re Brien, 208 B.R. 255, 258 (1st Cir. BA…
cited Cited as authority (rule) Neugebauer v. Senese (In Re Senese)
Bankr. N.D. Ill. · 2000 · confidence medium
In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 848 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988). 23.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) PNC Bank, National Ass'n v. Buzzelli (In Re Buzzelli)
Bankr. W.D. Pa. · 2000 · confidence medium
“Under this section of the Code, the plaintiff has the initial burden of identifying the assets in question by appropriate allegations in the complaint and showing that the debtor at one time had the assets but they are no longer available for the debtor’s creditors.” In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Blan
Bankr. W.D. Ark. · 1999 · confidence medium
Ass’n v. Rezak (In re Lederman), 140 B.R. 49, 52 (Bankr.E.D.N.Y.1992); Marine Midland Bank, N.A. v. Endres (In re Endres), 103 B.R. 49, 53 (Bankr.N.D.N.Y.1989); Olson v. Potter (In re Potter), 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988); In re Connelly, 59 B.R. 421, 430 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1986).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Migoscha, S.A. v. Meffert (In Re Meffert)
Bankr. S.D.N.Y. · 1998 · confidence medium
Ehle v. Brien (In re Brien), 208 B.R. 255, 257 (1st Cir. BAP 1997); Rieser v. Humphrey (In re Humphrey), 146 B.R. 202, 205 (Bankr.S.D.Ohio 1992); Olson v. Potter (In re Potter), 88 B.R. 843, 848 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Wazeter v. Michigan National Bank (In Re Wazeter)
W.D. Mich. · 1997 · confidence medium
In re Cox, 904 F.2d at 1402 ; In re Pulos, 168 B.R. 682, 689 (Bankr.D.Minn.1994); In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 848 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Brien (2×)
1st Cir. BAP · 1997 · confidence medium
Riumbau v. Colodner (In re Colodner), 147 B.R. 90, 94 (Bankr.S.D.N.Y.1992); Olson v. Potter (In re Potter), 88 B.R. 843, 847 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988) (merely parroting the statute verbatim is not sufficient for a claim of fraud).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Gore v. Kressner (In Re Kressner)
Bankr. S.D.N.Y. · 1997 · confidence medium
In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 848 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Mozeika v. Townsley (In Re Townsley)
Bankr. E.D. Tex. · 1996 · confidence medium
In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bkrtcy.N.D.Ill.1988). *65 Mozeika has established that Towns-ley deposited $315,148.88 into his bank in 1991 and 1992.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Banner Oil Co. v. Bryson (In Re Bryson)
Bankr. N.D. Ill. · 1995 · confidence medium
See Id. 42 However, the debtor’s explanation “must consist of more than ‘a vague, indefinite, and uncorroborated hodgepodge of financial transactions.’ ” Id. (quoting Baum v. Earl Millikin, Inc. (In re *956 Baum), 359 F.2d 811, 814 (7th Cir.1966)); Bailey, 145 B.R. at 925 ; In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Illinois Ex Rel. Ryan v. Volpert (In Re Volpert) (3×) also: Cited "see"
Bankr. N.D. Ill. · 1994 · confidence medium
Duane v. Altenburg, 297 F.2d 515, 518 (7th Cir.1962); In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 847 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988) (Ginsberg, J.).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Miller v. Pulos (In Re Pulos)
Bankr. D. Minn. · 1994 · confidence medium
Olson v. Potter (In re Potter), 88 B.R. 843, 848 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Montey Corp. v. Maletta (In Re Maletta)
Bankr. D. Conn. · 1993 · confidence medium
In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988); In re Delancey, 58 B.R. 762, 769 (Bankr.S.D.N.Y.1986).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Rieser v. Humphrey (In Re Humphrey)
Bankr. S.D. Ohio · 1992 · confidence medium
Olson v. Potter (In re Potter), 88 B.R. 843, 848 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988) (discussing § 727(a)(3)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Community Bank of Homewood-Flossmoor v. Bailey (In Re Bailey) (2×) also: Cited "see"
Bankr. N.D. Ill. · 1992 · confidence medium
Under § 727(a)(3), a debtor may not be granted a discharge if the debtor’s financial records do not enable the court to evaluate the debtor’s current financial condition and reconstruct the debtor’s business transactions for a reasonable period of time “with substantial completeness and accuracy.” In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 848 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988); In re Calisoff, 92 B.R. 346, 356 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Charter Federal Savings Ass'n ex rel. Resolution Trust Corp. v. Rezak (In re Lederman)
E.D.N.Y · 1992 · confidence medium
See, Martin Trigona v. Belford (In re Martin Trigona), 732 F.2d 170, 175 (2d Cir.1984); Marine Midland Bank v. Endres (In re Endres), 103 B.R. 49, 53 (Bankr.N.D.N.Y.1989); Olson v. Potter (In re Potter), 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988); In re Connelly, 59 B.R. 421, 430 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1986).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Lederman
Bankr. E.D.N.Y. · 1992 · confidence medium
See, Martin Trigona v. Belford (In re Martin Trigona), 732 F.2d 170, 175 (2d Cir.1984); Marine Midland Bank v. Endres (In re Endres), 103 B.R. 49, 53 (Bankr.N.D.N.Y.1989); Olson v. Potter (In re Potter), 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bankr.N.D.Ill. 1988); In re Connelly, 59 B.R. 421, 430 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1986).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Sarandon v. Marceca (In re Marceca)
S.D.N.Y. · 1991 · confidence medium
In re Jenkin 83 B.R. 733, 734-35 (9th Cir. BAP 1988); In re Marceca, 127 B.R. 328, 332 (Bankr.S.D.N.Y.1991); In re Zell, 108 B.R. 615, 624 (Bankr.S.D.Ohio 1989); In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 847 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) AmSave Credit Corp. v. Marceca (In Re Marceca)
Bankr. S.D.N.Y. · 1991 · confidence medium
A complaint which fails to identify what property was transferred, concealed, removed, destroyed or mutilated does not satisfy Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 9(b), which requires that “[i]n all averments of fraud or mistake, the circumstances constituting fraud or mistake shall be stated with particularity.” In re Jenkin, 83 B.R. 733, 734-35 (9th Cir. BAP 1988); In re Marceca, 127 B.R. 328, 332 (Bankr.S.D.N.Y.1991); In re Zell, 108 B.R. 615 , *777 624 (Bankr.S.D.Ohio 1989); In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 847 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Hillis v. Martin (In Re Martin)
Bankr. N.D. Ind. · 1991 · confidence medium
“What constitutes adequate records must be decided on a case-by-case basis.” In re Sullivan, 111 B.R. 317, 321 (Bankr.D.Mont. 1990); In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 848 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988).
cited Cited as authority (rule) AVCO Financial Services of Billings, One v. Sullivan (In Re Sullivan)
Bankr. D. Mont. · 1990 · confidence medium
In re Horton, 621 F.2d 968 (9th Cir.1980); In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 848 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988); In re Mart, 87 B.R. 206, 210 (Bankr.S.D.Fla.1988).
examined Cited as authority (rule) In Re ICS Cybernetics, Inc. (3×) also: Cited "see"
Bankr. N.D.N.Y. · 1989 · confidence medium
The Court also directs Allen to answer the twelve questions posed by Debtor’s counsel concerning the four proofs of claim he allegedly filed. 4 This directive does not preclude Allen from proffering a particularized response— explaining “some nexus between the risk of criminal prosecution and the information requested,” In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 850 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988), and his need to assert his constitutional privilege — to those questions seeking answers he perceives to be incriminating and not subject to the “required records” exception.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Ernst v. Walton (In Re Walton)
Bankr. S.D. Ohio · 1989 · confidence medium
Also, as the court stated in In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988): Under this section of the Code [§ 727(a)(5)] the plaintiff has the initial burden of identifying the assets in question by appropriate allegations in the complaint and showing that the debtor at one time had the assets but they are no longer available for the debtor’s creditors.
cited Cited as authority (rule) First Security Bank of Helena v. Hirengen (In Re Hirengen)
Bankr. D. Mont. · 1989 · confidence medium
In re Horton, 621 F.2d 968 (9th Cir.1980); In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 848 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988); In re Mart, 87 B.R. 206, 210 (Bankr.S.D.Fla. 1988).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Marine Midland Bank, N.A. v. Endres (In Re Endres) (3×) also: Cited "see"
Bankr. N.D.N.Y. · 1989 · confidence medium
See McCarthy v. Arndstein, 266 U.S. 34, 40 , 45 S.Ct. 16, 17 , 69 L.Ed. 158 (1924); Lefkowitz v. Turley, 414 U.S. 70, 77 , 94 S.Ct. 316, 322 , 38 L.Ed.2d 274 (1973); In re Martin-Trigona, 732 F.2d 170, 175 (2d Cir.), cert. denied 469 U.S. 859 , 105 S.Ct. 191 , 83 L.Ed.2d 124 (1984); Olson v. Potter (In re Potter), 88 B.R. 843, 849 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988); In re Connelly, 59 B.R. 421, 430 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1986).
cited Cited "see" Doubet, LLC v. Palermo (In Re Palermo)
Bankr. S.D.N.Y. · 2007 · signal: see · confidence high
See In re Kressner, 206 B.R. 303, 315-16 (Bankr.S.D.N.Y.1997) (citing In re Potter, 88 B.R. 843, 848 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988)).
discussed Cited "see" Troost v. Kitchin (In Re Kitchin)
Bankr. N.D. Ill. · 2005 · signal: see · confidence high
See Olson v. Potter (In re Potter), 88 B.R. 843 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1988) (citing Kimmel v. Peterson, 565 F.Supp. 476 (E.D.Pa.1983))(“allegations of fraud based on information and belief do not satisfy the specificity requirement, unless accompanied by a statement of facts upon which the belief is founded.”) The failure of Plaintiffs to comply with Fed.
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
In Re Virginia POTTER, Individually and D/B/A Architectural Designers and Associates, Debtor. Guy OLSON and Patricia Olson and G.E.O. Electric, Creditors-Plaintiffs,
v.
Virginia POTTER, Individually and D/B/A Architectural Designers and Associates, Defendant
16-04863.
United States Bankruptcy Court, N.D. Illinois.
Mar 31, 1988.
88 B.R. 843
Adrianne S. Harvitt, Harvitt & Gekas, Ltd., Chicago, Ill., for debtor., Bruce Dopke, Schwartz, Cooper, Kolb & Gaynor, Chicago, Ill., Nikki J. Cheeseman, Jones & McJoynt, Donners Grove, Ill., for plaintiffs., David R. Brown, Arkin & Brown, River Forest, Ill., Trustee.
Robert E. Ginsberg.
Cited by 61 opinions  |  Published

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER

ROBERT E. GINSBERG, Bankruptcy Judge.

This matter comes to be heard on the debtor’s motion to dismiss a complaint objecting to her discharge filed by Guy Olson, Patricia Olson and G.E.O. Electric (“Plaintiffs”). For the reasons stated below, Counts I and III of the Plaintiffs’ complaint are dismissed unless amended within 21 days to plead fraud with particularity in accordance with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 9(b). The debtor’s motion to dismiss Counts II is denied for reasons stated herein. The debtor’s motion to dismiss Count IY is granted.

FACTS

On February 26, 1987, the debtor filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code (the “Code”). The debtor’s financial troubles stem primarily from the fact that she was sole proprietor of a business known as Architectural Designers and Associates, (“AD”). AD was in the business of design and construction of custom built homes in DuPage County for approximately ten years. At the Chapter 11 § 341 Meeting of Creditors held on April 14, 1987, debtor’s counsel announced the debtor’s intention to convert the case from a Chapter 11 proceeding to a Chapter 7 proceeding. On April 24, 1987, this Court converted the proceeding on the debtor's motion. The debtor’s bankruptcy schedules and statement of affairs, indicate that the debtor had a negative net worth of $451,857.00.

On June 5, 1987, the debtor attended the § 341 Meeting of Creditors in the Chapter 7 case. At the meeting, the debtor identified herself and her signature on her bankruptcy petition, invoked her fifth amendment right against self incrimination, and refused to answer questions regarding her present or past financial condition. [1] The trustee filed a motion to compel the debtor to submit to an examination and to turnover property of the estate. On July 17, 1987, the trustee’s motion was denied. On August 4, 1987, the Plaintiffs filed a two count complaint objecting to the debtor’s discharge and seeking to vacate the automatic stay. On November 9, 1987, the Plaintiffs filed an amended four count complaint objecting to the debtor’s discharge. Essentially, the complaint alleged that the debtor was not entitled to a discharge under sections 727(a)(2), 727(a)(3), 727(a)(4), and 727(a)(5) of the Code. The debtor responded with a motion to dismiss the complaint for failure to state a claim.

Standard For Motion to Dismiss

In order for the debtor to prevail on her motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim it must clearly appear from the pleadings that the Plaintiffs could prove no set of facts in support of their claims which would entitle them to relief. Conley v. Gibson, 355 U.S. 41, 78 S.Ct. 99, 2 L.Ed.2d 80 (1957); Swanson v. Wabash, Inc., 577 F.Supp. 1308 (N.D.Ill.1983). The issue is not whether a plaintiff will ultimately prevail, but whether the plaintiff has pled a theory of a cause of action sufficient to[*847] entitle it to offer evidence to support its claims, i.e. whether there is some theory upon which the plaintiff could recover assuming arguendo that the plaintiff could prove the necessary facts. Scheuer v. Rhodes, 416 U.S. 232, 236, 94 S.Ct. 1683, 1686, 40 L.Ed.2d 90 (1974). In passing on this motion to dismiss, the Court will, of course, construe all of the allegations of the complaint favorably to the plaintiff. Id. at 236, 94 S.Ct. at 1686.

Discussion

The debtor alleges, and the Plaintiffs admit, that Counts I and III of the Plaintiffs’ complaint sound in fraud, and are therefore governed by the specificity requirement of Rule 9(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The debtor alleges however, that Counts I and III fail to satisfy the specificity requirement of Rule 9(b), and therefore must be dismissed. This Court agrees.

Rule 9(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, made applicable to adversary proceedings in bankruptcy by Bankruptcy Rule 7009(b), requires that in “averments of fraud or mistake, the circumstances constituting fraud or mistake shall be stated with particularity”. One of the primary purposes of Rule 9(b) is to insure that pleadings give defendants fair notice of plaintiffs’ claims and the grounds therefore, so that defendants can frame their answers and defenses. Dahl v. English, 578 F.Supp. 17 (N.D.Ill.1983); Kaufman v. Magid, 539 F.Supp. 1088 (D.Mass.1982).

Accordingly, allegations of fraud based on “information and belief” do not satisfy the specificity requirement, unless accompanied by a statement of facts on which the belief is founded. Kimmel v. Peterson, 565 F.Supp. 476 (E.D.Pa.1983). Moreover, simply stating the technical elements of fraud is not sufficient. Riverway Co. v. Spivey Marine and Harbor Service, 598 F.Supp. 909 (S.D.Ill.1984).

Although bankruptcy courts in applying Rule 9(b) take a more liberal approach to the specificity requirement where matters are peculiarly within the adverse party’s knowledge, the allegations must still contain the requisite specificity. See, In re O.P.M. Leasing Services, Inc., 32 B.R. 199 (Bankr.S.D.N.Y.1983).

Count I

Count I of the complaint asserts that the debtor should be denied a discharge because “on information and belief ... that the Debtor, within one year prior to filing her petition, with intent to hinder, delay or defraud ... has transferred, removed, destroyed, mutilated or concealed property including but not limited to her general ledger of business activities for the years 1982 through 1987.” This conclusory allegation falls woefully short of giving the debtor notice as to the charge made against her, and prevents the debtor from formulating an effective response. Moreover, “fair notice requires something more than a quotation from the statute”, it requires facts in support of the allegations. In re Hart, 461 F.Supp. 328-30 (E.D.Ark.1978). See also In re O.P.M. Leasing Services, Inc., 32 B.R. 199 (Bankr.S.D.N.Y.1983). The Plaintiffs’ complaint does nothing more than parrot the statute verbatim and suggests, without really claiming, that somehow the statute applies to the allegedly missing ledger books. It does not tell the debtor what other “property” might be involved, whether she is alleged to have transferred the property, removed it, destroyed it, mutilated it, or concealed it. Lack of such particularity runs afoul Rule 9(b) as well as basic standards of notice pleading. Although greater liberality is afforded in fraud pleadings in a bankruptcy case, Count I of the Plaintiffs’ complaint fails to satisfy even this more relaxed standard. In the interest of fairness, the Court will treat the motion to dismiss Count I as a motion for a more definite statement under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(e) and give the Plaintiffs an opportunity to satisfy the requirements previously discussed. Unless the Plaintiffs amend Count I within twenty-one days to supply additional facts in support of their claims under section 727(a)(2) of the Code, Count I is dismissed.

[*848] Count III

In Count III of their amended complaint the Plaintiffs allege that “on information and belief ... the Debtor knowingly and fraudulently, in or in connection with this case, withheld from the Trustee, recorded information, including her general ledger books, documents, records and papers relating to the Debtor’s property or financial affairs.” This allegation parrots section 727(a)(4) of the Code just as the allegation in Count I parrots section 727(a)(2) of the Code. Thus, the result of the debtor’s motion as to Count III should be the same as that reached on the debtor’s motion with respect to Count I.

Section 727(a)(4) of the Code is also subject to the particularity requirement of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 9(b). The term “knowingly and fraudulently” in this context requires that the debt- or’s actions must have been taken with the knowing intent to defraud the trustee, or taken so recklessly as to justify a finding that the debtor acted fraudulently. In re Black, 19 B.R. 468 (Bankr.M.D.Tenn.1982). Yet, the Plaintiffs’ complaint does not contain facts to support the conclusion that the debtor has intentionally withheld recorded information from the trustee. While the Plaintiffs identify the document and from whom it has been withheld, this does not suffice. Although an inference of actual intent may be drawn from convincing extrinsic evidence of fraud, In re Rubin, 12 B.R. 436 (Bankr.S.D.N.Y.1981), the Plaintiffs have pled no circumstances which could give rise to an inference of fraud. In effect they appear to be guessing that the debtor might have withheld the general ledger and other records from the trustee. Rule 9(b) requires more than a guess. Count III is dismissed in twenty-one days unless it is amended to plead fraud with greater particularity.

Count II

Count II of the Plaintiffs’ complaint requests denial of a discharge under section 727(a)(3) of the Code based on inadequate books and records kept by the debt- or. Section 727(a)(3) of the Code provides that the Court shall deny a discharge where the debtor has “concealed, destroyed, mutilated, falsified, or failed to keep or preserve any recorded information, including books ... from which the debt- or’s financial condition or business transactions might be ascertained, unless such act or failure to act was justified under all the circumstances of the case.” Intent to defraud is not an element of this objection to discharge. In re Kinney, 33 B.R. 594 (Bankr.N.D.Ohio 1983). Therefore, it is governed by the notice requirement of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 8 and not the particularity requirement of Rule 9(b). See Securities and Exchange Commission v. Tiffany Industries, Inc., 535 F.Supp. 1160 (E.D.Mo.1982). The question is not why doesn’t the debtor have adequate books and records but rather simply does the debtor have adequate books and records.

The adequacy of a debtor’s books and records is a question of fact to be determined in each instance under the particular circumstances. In re Horton, 621 F.2d 968 (9th Cir.1980). Whether books and records are adequate usually depends on the nature of the debtor’s business. See In re Wilson, 33 B.R. 689 (Bankr.M.D.Ga.1983). As a general rule, books and records are sufficient if they permit the court and creditors to trace the debtor’s financial dealings. In re Waldroop, 22 B.R. 284 (Bankr.D.N.M.1982).

In the case at bar, it is claimed that the debtor’s general ledger of her business activities between 1982-1987 has not been produced. In addition, it is also alleged that the debtor lost $1.2 million dollars between January 25, 1984 and February 26, 1987. If these allegations are true, it may well be that the debtor’s existing books and records are inadequate to permit the trustee and the Court to reconstruct the debtor’s financial history. The debtor’s assertions that the trustee possesses other books and information which in sum are adequate to reconstruct the debtor’s financial history and that her failure to maintain a general ledger was justified in the circumstances may well prove correct and obviate the plaintiff’s complaint[*849] under section 727(a)(3) of the Code. However, those assertions give rise to questions of fact which should be resolved at trial, not on a motion to dismiss.

Count IV

Count IV of the complaint is based on an alleged violation of section 727(a)(5) of the Code. Section 727(a)(5) of the Code provides that a debtor will be denied a discharge where “[T]he debtor [fails] to explain satisfactorily ... any loss of assets or deficiency of assets to meet the debtor’s liabilities.” Under this section of the Code, the plaintiff has the initial burden of identifying the assets in question by appropriate allegations in the complaint and showing that the debtor at one time had the assets but they are no longer available for the debtor’s creditors. In re Savel, 29 B.R. 854 (Bankr.S.D.Fla.1983). Once the creditor has introduced some evidence of the disappearance of substantial assets, the burden shifts to the Debtor to explain satisfactorily the losses or deficiencies. In re Martin, 698 F.2d 883 (7th Cir.1983).

What constitutes a “satisfactory” explanation is left to the discretion of the Court. In re Baum, 359 F.2d 811 (7th Cir.1966). The debtor's explanation must consist of more than “vague indefinite and uncorroborated hodgepodge of financial transactions.” Id. at 814. See also In re Delancey, 58 B.R. 762, 769 (Bankr.S.D.N. Y.1986) and cases cited therein. Instead it must be a good faith explanation of what really happened to the assets in question. Mere generalities will not suffice. In re Savel, 29 B.R. 854 (Bankr.S.D.Fla.1983).

In the present case the Plaintiffs have set forth prima facie case under section 727(a)(5) of the Code. The Plaintiffs have alleged that the debtor’s January, 1984 financial statement indicates that the debtor had a positive net worth of $836.000. The debtor’s bankruptcy schedules and statement of affairs filed on April 1, 1987 indicate that the debtor had a negative net worth of $451.857. Thus, the debtor lost more than $1.2 million dollars in assets in the three years prior to her bankruptcy filing. Assuming the Plaintiffs’ allegations to be true for purposes of this motion to dismiss, the burden shifts to the debtor to explain satisfactorily the dissipation of assets. Ordinarily this would give rise to questions of fact to be resolved at trial However, that is not the case here. In this case, the debtor does not propose to explain the losses. Instead she has asserted her right against self-incrimination and refused to answer any questions about her financial transactions.

The Fifth Amendment’s privilege against self incrimination may be asserted by a debtor in a bankruptcy proceeding. In re Martin-Trigona, 732 F.2d 170 (2d Cir.1984), cert. denied, 469 U.S. 859, 105 S.Ct. 191, 83 L.Ed.2d 124 (1984). Absent a grant of immunity, a debtor may properly assert his Fifth Amendment right and retain his right to be discharged. Id. at 173. See also 11 U.S.C. § 727(a)(6). Cf. 11 U.S.C. § 344. A claim of Fifth Amendment privilege is well taken where the witness can demonstrate any possibility of prosecution which is more than fanciful. In re Folding Carton Antitrust Litigation, 609 F.2d 867 (7th Cir.1979). See also In re Connelly, 59 B.R. 421 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1986). Moreover, it is the possibility of prosection, not the judge’s assessment of the likelihood of such prosecution, which establishes a valid claim. In re Corrugated Container Antitrust Litigation, 661 F.2d 1145, 1150 (7th Cir.1981).

The debtor alleges that prior to the first § 341 Creditors Meeting she was served with a grand jury subpoena from the Office of the State’s Attorney of Du-Page County. At the § 341 meeting the debtor responded to every question by asserting her Fifth Amendment privilege, except to identify herself and her signature on the petition. Where a court is faced with a blanket assertion of the Fifth Amendment privilege, it is usually incumbent upon the court to conduct an inquiry into the legitimacy and scope of such a claim. U.S. v. Goodwin, 625 F.2d 693 (5th Cir.1980). Generally the witness must have reasonable cause to apprehend danger of self-incrimination from direct answers to the specific questions posed. Hoffman v. [*850] U.S., 341 U.S. 479, 486, 71 S.Ct. 814, 818, 95 L.Ed. 1118 (1951). Reasonable cause exists where there is some nexus between the risk of criminal connection and the information requested. See Martin-Trigona v. Gouletas, 634 F.2d 354 (7th Cir.), cert. denied, 449 U.S. 1025, 101 S.Ct. 593, 66 L.Ed.2d 486 (1980); In re Connelly, 59 B.R. 421 (Bankr.N.D.Ill.1986).

There is little doubt in this case that the debtor’s Fifth Amendment claim is well founded. The debtor left behind her a trail of unhappy clients who had given her substantial sums of money to build homes she apparently never finished. A number of those clients have filed nondischargeability complaints under section 523(c) of the Code as a result of those transactions. Apparently some of those same disgruntled clients have complained to the DuPage County State’s Attorney. An investigation is underway. The implications for the debtor are clear and her right to assert a Fifth Amendment claim in these proceedings seems equally clear.

The problem is determining what her valid assertion of a Fifth Amendment privilege means in 11 U.S.C. § 727(a)(5) terms. Surprisingly, neither the parties, nor the Court on its own investigation, have found any caselaw on point. Clearly a debtor can assert a valid Fifth Amendment privilege under section 727(a)(6) of the Code and receive a discharge unless the debtor has been granted immunity. Under section 727(a)(6)(B) of the Code the debtor can hold out for either state or federal immunity without risking his/her discharge. Cf. 11 U.S.C. § 344.

The rights granted to a debtor under section 727(a)(6) would be meaningless if they were subject to forfeiture under section 727(a)(5) of the Code. "[Wjhere one section of the Bankruptcy Code specifically governs an issue, another section should not be interperted to cause an irreconcilable conflict.” In re Martinson, 26 B.R. 648, 653 (D.N.D.1983), citing Richards v. United States, 369 U.S. 1, 82 S.Ct. 585, 7 L.Ed.2d 492 (1961). See also In re Farmer, 81 B.R. 857, 861 (Bankr.E.D.Pa.1988) and cases cited therein. The only analysis that makes sense is to read the two provisions together and read section 727(a)(5) of the Code in light of section 727(a)(6) of the Code. Congress intended to protect a debt- or’s right to protection against self incrimination without penalty in bankruptcy. This altered previous law. See House Report No. 95-595, 95th Cong., 1st Sess. 384 (1977); Senate Report No. 95-989, 95th Cong., 2d Sess. 98 (1978), U.S.Code Cong. & Admin.News 1978, p. 5787. It clearly was an intentional policy decision by Congress. In light of that decision, the valid assertion of a Fifth Amendment privilege must constitute a satisfactory explanation under section 727(a)(5) of the Code. Accordingly, Plaintiffs have failed to state a cause of action under 11 U.S.C. § 727(a)(5) and Count IY must be dismissed.

Conclusion

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT debt- or’s motion to dismiss Counts I and III of the Plaintiffs’ complaint is granted unless the Plaintiffs file an amended complaint under either or both of those counts within twenty-one days in accordance with this opinion.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that debt- or’s motion to dismiss Count II is denied because Count II presents a question of fact, the resolution of which may only be determined after a hearing on the merits.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that debt- or’s motion to dismiss Count IV is granted because the debtor may assert her Fifth Amendment privilege and receive a discharge.

1

. Apparently the debtor asserted her Fifth Amendment privilege because she had been served with a grand jury subpoena by the Du-Page State’s Attorney’s Office.