Owners of Crushed Grapes accused of owing $118,000 in rent

Owners of an Edwardsville wine store are being sued for allegedly failing to pay rent.

Jones-Edwardsville Properties (JEP) filed a lawsuit against Crushed Grapes Ltd., Leonard J. Scaturro and Arlene I. Scaturro on Sept. 12 in Madison County Circuit Court.

In October 1999, the Scaturros and Crushed Grapes agreed to a lease contract with JEP, according to the lawsuit. A recent renewal signed in November 2011 extended the contract to October 2016. The monthly payment allegedly was more than $2,300.

JEP alleges the Scaturros and their company failed to pay any monthly payments under the most recent lease agreement. The defendants allegedly vacated the building April 14 at which time they owed nearly $50,000 in past due rent and fees. JEP also contends the Scaturros are responsible for paying rent due for the remainder of contract, bringing the total owed to more than $118,000.

Crushed Grapes and the Scaturros are accused of breach of contract. JEP asks to be awarded a judgment of the remaining balance of the rental agreement plus interest and costs of the lawsuit.

The real estate company is represented by attorney James M. Kreitler of Hillsboro, Mo.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 14-L-1253.