In the criminal trial against Harvey Newkirk, a former Bryan Cave counsel, a lead Bryan Cave partner testified that when Newkirk was hired, he told the firm he represented corporate executive Calvin Darden Sr. and that he and Darden had a longstanding relationship.

Newkirk was arrested in April for his alleged role in a scheme to fraudulently induce lenders to provide millions of dollars in a deal to buy Maxim magazine. He was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

The Southern District U.S. Attorney's Office alleges that from August 2013 to February 2014, Newkirk and a co-conspirator, Calvin Darden Jr., misled lenders by falsely promising assets owned by Darden's father, Calvin Darden Sr., would be pledged as security. Darden Sr. is a former UPS executive and serves on the boards of Target, Coca-Cola Enterprises and Cardinal Health.