EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County oil well operators are suing an attorney, alleging breach of fiduciary duty.
J.S. Oil Production Inc. and Joseph Scharge filed a complaint Dec. 14 in Madison County Circuit Court against Jack H. Humes Jr. alleging the attorney failed to take actions to protect the plaintiffs' leasehold interests.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs contracted Humes to represent them and protect their legal interest in Clay City, Illinois. As a result of the defendant's breaches, the suit says, the plaintiffs incurred costs in maintaining and operating the Clay City oil wells without the benefit of the income and subsequently lost the ability to maintain and operate them.
The plaintiffs allege Humes failed to file oil and gas liens and foreclosure proceedings to prevent the plaintiffs' leasehold from being transferred free and clear to a third party.
J.S. Oil Production and Scharge seek trial by jury, damages of more than $50,000, court costs and all further proper and just relief. They are represented by attorneys Robert L. DeVoto of St. Louis and by Thomas G. Maag of Maag Law Firm LLC in Wood River.
Madison County Circuit Court Case number 18-L-1669