EDWARDSVILLE – Three heirs of an estate as well as the estate administrator are suing a Belthalto woman, alleging a questionable real estate transaction.
Michelle Chapman, Monica Winstead, Sheila R. Bowen and William Ressler Jr., as administrator of the estate of Frederick Reynolds, filed the lawsuit Feb. 18 in Madison County Circuit Court against Lisa Bricker of Bethalto, alleging unjust enrichment and negligence, plus several other counts.
The plaintiffs are the legal heirs of Peggy Reynolds and all reside in Madison County.
On Feb. 19, 2014, the complaint states, the defendant recorded in Madison County a quitclaim deed that transferred title to a property from the defendant and Peggy Reynolds, tenants in common, to Lisa Bricker. However, Peggy Reynolds died before February 2014, the suit says.
For the count of negligence, the plaintiffs seek $50,000 from Bricker, whom the suit says caused them irreparable harm and injury.
The suit further alleges Bricker has not provided any accounting for any funds she has received from the property, nor has she distributed that money to the plaintiffs. For that, the plaintiffs seek another $50,000.
In addition, the lawsuit alleges Bricker made fraudulent misrepresentations and otherwise acted wrongfully by transferring title of the property to herself without the consent of the plaintiffs.
Chapman, Winstead, Bowen and Ressler seek exemplary and punitive damages of $2 million, restitution of all amounts, restoration of Peggy Reynolds' interest in the property, plus court costs, attorney fees and other relief the judge deems just and proper. They are represented by attorney Bill T. Walker of Granite City.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 16-L-235