Alton jazz club and owner sued

A Madison County man is suing the owner of an Alton jazz club after she allegedly refused to pay him for construction work at the club and failed to share profits that were allegedly promised.

Ronald Hammonds filed the lawsuit Nov. 7 in Madison County Circuit Court against Cynthia Crawford, individually and doing business as Jazz on Broadway.

According to the complaint, Hammonds did remodeling work at Jazz on Broadway between April and July. Hammonds says the work and materials totaled $30,000 but Crawford has yet to pay for them. Hammonds claims he and Crawford had a verbal agreement in April to be equal partners in the club. However, Crawford has allegedly refused to share the profits.

Hammonds also accuses Crawford of filing a false report of battery in July with the Madison County Circuit Court clerk, claiming he shoved her at the club. He says that never happened.

Hammonds is suing Crawford for breach of contract, libel and slander. He is asking to be paid $200,000 in damages plus court fees.

Attorney Luther Simmons of Alton is representing Hammonds.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 11-L-1172