53 West Oak St.
Scott Hassebrock filed a four-count complaint against his neighbor, Mona Keck, accusing her of changing the locks on property she sold him.
The suit filed on Dec. 30, 2005, in St. Clair County Circuit Court claims that on Sept. 27, 2005, Keck conveyed in fee simple and by warranty deed to Hassebrock, real property in Mascoutah at 53 West Oak St.
A general warranty deed is a type of deed where the seller guarantees that he or she holds clear title to a piece of real estate and has a right to sell it. The guarantee is not limited to the time the grantor owned the property-it extends back to the property's origins.
Hassebrock claims that on Oct. 17, 2005, Keck hired a locksmith to change the locks with the intent to deprive him access and otherwise harm him.
He claims that Keck acted negligently by hiring the locksmith. His suit claims Keck is negligent for willful and wanton misconduct.
Hassebrock claims that Keck instructed Mascoutah officials to turn off the utilities on Nov. 22, 2005, with the intent to deprive him of the use and enjoyment of the property.
Hassebrock claims that because of Keck's actions he suffers from extreme mental anguish.
He also claims his personal property in the home has been damaged.
"Keck's actions set forth establish a pattern of willful, wanton, and reckless conduct and call for the imposition of punitive damages," the complaint states.
Hassebrock is seeking damages in excess of $100,000 plus an order enjoining Keck from coming on or interfering with his use and enjoyment of the property.
He is representing himself in the case.
05 L 776 (20th Circuit)