A Sacramento land-conservation nonprofit is seeking property linked to AKT Development as it pursues about $24.7 million from a local developer, intensifying an ongoing court dispute. The Environmental Stewardship Foundation contends that several parcels transferred in 2022 to companies connected to AKT should be considered in satisfying a judgment against developer Chris Vrame, bringing one of the region’s largest landowners into the collection efforts.
The plaintiffs are seeking to satisfy the roughly $24.7 million judgment by pursuing land transferred in 2022 to entities connected to AKT. According to the Business Journal, the collection action was filed in late December, asking a judge to address those transfers as part of enforcing the existing judgment.
Background on the judgment
The $24.7 million judgment originated from earlier civil litigation in which Vrame and several co-defendants were found liable. Vrame has challenged the ruling through post-trial motions and a request for a new trial. Local reporting has followed the case since late 2024, covering hearings and enforcement efforts. Titanium Commercial summarized these developments, including Vrame’s ongoing dispute over the validity of the judgment.
The Environmental Stewardship Foundation, a Sacramento-based 501(c)(3) focused on land conservation, operates with limited resources. Federal nonprofit filings reviewed by ProPublica show the foundation reported approximately $2.96 million in net assets in 2024 and files Form 990-PF returns.
AKT ties and the 2022 transfers
AKT Development, a family-run land and development company founded by Angelo Tsakopoulos, owns significant acreage across the Sacramento region and has been active locally for decades. Its holdings are documented in local histories and profiles, with the Sacramento Tree Foundation and business outlets noting AKT’s long-standing role in regional development. Plaintiffs allege that certain parcels referenced in the recent court filing were transferred in 2022 to entities connected to AKT, a move they say was intended to place assets beyond the reach of creditors…