Pawn shop owner accuses partner of conversion

A St. Clair County man is suing his business partner, claiming he was never reimbursed for his investment in a pawn shop.

Terris Stahl, through his guardian, Aletha Stahl, filed a lawsuit May 2 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Charles Smith.

Terri Stahl says he entered into a partnership with Smith in January 2009 for the business known as Mid Town Pawn & Jewelry. Stahl claims he gave Smith $50,000 as an investment in the pawn shop and made purchases of $17,000 in inventory and improvements to the business.

Stahl alleges Smith never paid him any percentage of sales or pay back Stahl's initial investment of $50,000.

Stahl accuses Smith of breach of contract and conversion of investment to personal use. He is asking for the partnership be dissolved. Stahl is also asking for more than $100,000 in damages plus court costs.

Attorney Bradley C. Allen of Belleville is representing Stahl.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case No. 11-L-220