Stine
Madison County Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth on June 27 set a case management conference for Sept. 26 in a bank's case against an Edwardsville couple for allegedly disconnecting their sump pump and leaving basement windows open after their home was foreclosed.
First Collinsville Bank sued Dustin and Patricia Houseman last year claiming the Housemans took out a $198,000 mortgage on April 6, 2006, at their home at 187 Holiday Dr.
The Housemans have since defaulted on their mortgage, and First Collinsville foreclosed on their home, according to the complaint.
After securing the property on 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.
Ruth signed an order Nov. 4, allowing defendant Patricia Houseman of Eldred, Ill., to defend herself as a poor person without payment of fees, costs or charges.
Houseman indicated she is a single mother with a 14-year-old son, and has a monthly income of $1,112, consisting of unemployment benefits.
She denied her conduct was sufficient to justify an award for exemplary damages.
Kevin J. Stine of Mathis, Marifian and Richter will be representing the bank.
Madison County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-851.