The Madison County Sheriff's Department has served a summons to appear in court to an Edwardsville couple after a bank claimed the couple purposely flooded the basement of their foreclosed home.
First Collinsville Bank filed a lawsuit Aug. 26 in Madison County Circuit Court against Dustin and Patricia Houseman for disconnecting the sump pump and leaving basement windows open.
The sheriff served the summons on Sept. 14.
In its complaint, the bank claims the Housemans took out a $198,000 mortgage on April 6, 2006, on their home at 187 Holiday Drive in Edwardsville.
The Housemans have since defaulted on their mortgage, and First Collinsville foreclosed on their home, according to the complaint.
After securing the property July 14, First Collinsville discovered it in "decrepit condition," the suit states.
"Defendants had disconnected the electrical supply to the sump pump and left the basement windows open, which resulted in the basement and other areas of the property suffering extreme water damage," the complaint says.
In its complaint, First Collinsville Bank seeks a judgment of more than $50,000, plus attorney's fees, costs and other relief the court deems just.
Kevin J. Stine of Mathis, Marifian and Richter represent the bank.
Madison County Circuit Court case number : 11-L-851