[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 6, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S997]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JERI MELLON

 Mr. BRYAN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Geraldine M. ``Jeri'' Mellon, who passed away on January 7, 1996 in 
Henderson, NV.
  Jeri's courage and determination helped to convict Charles Keating, 
the former owner of Lincoln Savings and Loan, who was responsible for 
the Nation's worst savings and loan swindle in history. The innocent 
victims of the savings and loan collapse were mostly elderly 
bondholders who lost their life savings.
  Jeri testified about the fraud before Los Angeles County Court in 
1991, where she represented 23,000 bondholders. She moved the courtroom 
to applause with her emotional speech about the swindle. In 1993, Jeri 
also testified against Keating in Federal court, helping to secure his 
conviction.
  Jeri's efforts to assist the victims of the S&L scandal went far 
beyond testifying in court. She helped organize and lead Lincoln-
American Continental Corp. Bondholders Action Committee, a support 
group for the victims. Through the group, a lawsuit was filed against 
Keating and others that resulted in the bondholders' recovery of 
approximately 60 percent of the money they had lost.
  I had the opportunity to meet this dedicated woman when she came to 
Washington, DC to testify before Congress. Jeri recently helped me lead 
the fight against a bill in the Senate that would undermine investors' 
rights in cases of fraudulent investment schemes. Unfortunately, the 
legislation passed.
  Before her retirement, Jeri was a registered nurse and also served in 
hospital administration. She was extremely active in her field and was 
a member of many health organizations. I am certain she was as 
successful and dedicated to her career as she was to her later 
endeavors.
  Jeri will be remembered and missed by her many family and friends who 
loved her. She will also never be forgotten by the thousands of 
individuals she stood up for in a most difficult time. I am pleased to 
recognize Jeri Mellon for her life of service.

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