Bozarth
Maag
Madison County Circuit Judge Andreas Matoesian is set to give the final nod to the settlement of a class action suit filed last year against the owners of the Shop n'Save grocery chain-- Super Valu Inc.
Lead plaintiff Mary Voyles has led a class of people who were charged more than 50 cents in check cashing fees.
The final approval hearing will be Aug. 6 at 9 a.m.
Voyles and the class allege that Super Valu's stores illegally charged overly high fees for check cashing services. The class filed suit last year alleging claims of consumer fraud, unjust enrichment, violation of the Illinois Check Cashing Act, and other claims.
The suit sought damages in excess of $50,000 per count and other relief.
Matoesian gave the settlement of the suit May 19.
In that preliminary agreement, class members will receive $20 each up to $75,000 in relief.
In the event that part of the $75,000 is left over, half will go to local food banks and the remaining half will be returned to the defendants.
Voyles will receive $500 as lead plaintiff.
Thomas and Peter Maag, Brian Wendler, and Jeffrey Millar are designated class counsel. They will receive $18,000 in legal fees.
Super Valu must also, under the settlement, amend its business practices, although it continues to deny the charges.
The class is made up of those who used the service between Jan. 1, 2007 until June 10, 2009 at Super Valu's Illinois stores including
Jewel-Osco stores and Shop n'Saves.
The settlement only resolves the Illinois-based litigation against the defendant.
Troy Bozarth represents Super Valu.
The case is Madison case number 09-L-542.