Damages hearing moved in Rick Jones breach of contract suit against homebuyer

A hearing on the damages owed to former real estate developer Rick Jones by a homebuyer who did not go through with a home purchase has been moved.

Madison County Associate Judge Thomas Chapman had been set to rule on the damages issue July 29.

However, upon the oral motion of plaintiff's attorney Harry Sterling, the damages hearing was moved to Sept. 30 at 10:30 a.m.

Jones won a default judgment against defendant Melissa Tucker earlier this year from then-presiding judge Madison County Chief Judge Ann Callis.

Jones sued Tucker last year, claiming she breached a contract the two had to purchase a home in one of Jones' developments.

Jones also has a breach of contract suit pending against the city of Wood River over another botched land deal.

The Wood River suit was filed at nearly the same time as the Tucker suit.

Wood River is fighting the suit and it remains pending before Madison County Circuit Judge David Hylla.

No attorney has entered an appearance on Tucker's behalf.

Jones is currently serving time in prison pursuant to a plea bargain. He was indicted on federal tax evasion charges.

The case is Madison case number 09-L-891.