Alton lawyer claims he wasn't paid for Royal Island Bahamas work

An Alton lawyer says he was never paid for his help in a Caribbean resort purchase deal.

Luther W. Simmons filed a lawsuit against Christopher T. French Sept. 15 in Madison County Circuit Court.

According to the petition, French hired Simmons for legal and consulting services on March 9. Simmons says French was in a quest to buy a controlling interest in Royal Island Bahamas and needed legal advice.

Simmons says he received notice Aug. 29 that French was ending their contract for services. The following day, Simmons alleges he sent a bill to French which, he says, has not been paid.

Simmons accuses French of breach of contract and asks for more than $75,000 in damages plus court costs.

Simmons is serving as his own legal counsel.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 11-L-923