JUNE 19

BETHALTO

$95,000 -432 TEXAS BLV-PAUL A JOINER EXECUTOR OF PATSY A JOINER, DECEASED TO SHERRIE HARNED

COLLINSVILLE

$78,000 -207 GREENFIELD DR-CARL L REIMLER, SURVIVING JOINT TENANT OF LOIS ANN REIMLER TO LUTHERAN SENIOR SERVICES

$71,000-66 CARNATION DRIVE-LORENA DORTCH TO HAROLD PARKER

EDWARDSVILLE

$30,000-BOHM SCHOOL ROAD-BRAD MERTENS TO MARGARET JACKSON

$71, 500-6925 MARINE ROAD-THE KEY KEEPER, LLC TO DENNIS POTHAST

$75,000-520 N FILLMORE ST-COMOHOMA REALTY, LLC TO 2D1C LLC

$117,500-564 CLOVER DR-NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE TO RPM PROPERTY INVESTMENTS INC

$127,900-1560 GRAND AVE-MATTHEW BABOR TO JONATHAN WAHRMAN

$165,900-55 BOXWOOD CT-CHRISTINA E CARPENTER TO ASHLEY BROWN

$195,100-8 DUNLAP COURT N-JOAN EVERS TO JAC KEM AND RITA KING

$357,000-65 SUNSET HILLS DR-BRIAN CURTIS TO BRIAN DEBATIN

$450,000-7355 HEARTHSTONE BLVD-ANDREW AND JULIA CONNER, TRUTEES OF THE CONNER RECOCABLE LIVING TRUST TO THE BANK OF EDWASRDSVILLE

$623,000-8 SUGAR CREEK LANE-JEFFREY V NOLL TO TIMOTHY BLAHA

GLEN CARBON

$1,000-2953 OLD TROY RD-LISA ANN LOCHIRCO TOVILLAGE OF GLEN CARBON

$57,000-7120 AUGUSTA DRIVE-SAVANNAH CROSSING DEVELOPMENT, INC TO ANDREW AND JODIE NERT

$183,000-130 BOLLINGER ST-LARRY JONES AS TRUSTEE FOR LARRY L. JONES AND DIANE S. JONES JOINT TENANCY TRUST TO LUIS BECCERIL

$340,000-3119 BIRMINGHAM DRIVE-DANIEL AND MELISSA DEGROOT TO NADEEM EJAZ AND SAMRA NADEEM

$352,000-210 EDWARDS ST-BBR PROPERTIES LLC TO DEWAYNE O'BRIEN

GRANITE CITY

$500-2103 ALEXANDER ST-DEONICIO MARGUELES TO DANIEL GLEN HAGDEN

$20,000-2524 LINCOLN AVE-GOSHEN REAL ESTATE, LLC TO WISE CHOICE PROPERTES

$23,586.54-2172 BERN AVENUE-DEBORAH J BURTON TO RYAN BURTON

$67,000-2601 STATE STREET-HWS INVESTMENTS LLC TO JORGE MEDINA

$68,000-2457 STATE STREET-BISTATE CONSTRUCTION SERVICE TO CHARLES KELLER

$82,200-2828 DOGWOOD DR-ADAM DELP TO MARK BAUGH 

HAMEL

$234,500-278 STETSON DRHAMEL-ROSEMARY DAUBE TO LAUREN BUCHLER

TROY

$42,000-107 GEORGE BUSH BLVD-VICKSBURG DEVELOPMENT TO WARRENS HOME BUILDERS, LLC

$530,000-109 BROOKFIED CT-ALLEN ELLINGTON TO JASON OGLESBY

JUNE 20

ALTON

$5,000-2700 VIEWLAND ST- CHRISTINE L DREITH, BENEFICIARY TO DONALD Q WEGMAN AND GEORGE H. DREITH, III TO JONATHAN VAN HOESEN

$12,300 -2870 HILLCREST AVE-CHRISTOPHER MIDDLETON TO SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

$72,400-2524 ALFARETTA AVE-TRAVIS ROBERT TARRANT TO MEGHAN ELLIS

$78,500-3840 BERKELEY AVE-LESLIE A MASSEY TO DAISY GIBBONS

BRIGHTON

$175,000-602 JOSH DR- RYAN AD KATIE THIEL TO JOSEPH SHARP

COLLINSVILLE

$48,000-1108 CLEVELAND ST- JOSEPH RAKERS TO HERBERT LANDS

$117,000-512 NORTH CENTE STREET- RICHARD KINDLE TO RICHARD JONES JR

$150,000-132 TIMBER RUN CT- STEVEN M MANCINAS TO CHAD KUKOROLA

$170,000-5 HOLIDAY DR- STEPHEN WILFONG TO MARK ZIES

EDWARDSVILLE

$85,000 -220 4TH AVENUE-ROBERT K ROHRKASTE LIVING TRUST TO M N INVESTMENT GROUP, LLC

$90,000 -OLD CARPENTER RD-DIXIE HARR TO ANDREA HESTER

$129,000-964 HILLSBORO AVE-SUSAN FLYNN-PARY FLYNN

$197,900-1 RIDGE COURT-STEPHANIE KRAUSS TO DEREK DODD 

$200,000-2159 S STATE ROUTE 157-ABSTRACTS AND TITLES, INCORPORATED TO CARRINGTON HOMES INC

$214,900-11 DUNLAP COVE-DAVE V HODGE III TO HEATHER MAHASSEK

$295,000-35 COUNTRY CLUB VIEW-KIMBERLI J DOUTY TO LANDON AND TAMARA BODENSCHATZ AND JANIS GILBERT AND ALAN L HESS

GODFREY

$10,000 -4825 BRECHT LN-TAMMY J SCHMIDT TO SI RESOURCES LLC

$79,900 -108 SAINT THOMAS DR-ANDREA JANE LAMARTINA TO ANNA MILFORD

GLEN CARBON

$299,900-104 CRYSTAL GATE-SCOTT AND SHELLY STUMP TO DAVE HODGE V III

$320,000-129 MERIDIAN OAKS DRIVE-BRIAN AND JULIE MOLLET TO TREVOR D BEAL

GRANITE CITY

$100-HARDING-JESSE TEDDER TO WILLIAM ACORD

$105,000-2659 STATE STREET-JMR HOLDINGS, LLC TO JAMES AND MARY BASS

HAMEL

$253,000-416 MARTY GRATEN CT-MATTHEW AND CASSANDRA CARNEY TO ROBERT AND MALLORY GABLE

HIGHLAND

$31,500-115 TAMARACK LN- A AND J ASSOCIATES TO BARBARA BAKER

$62,205-707 PIKE DR E-DOROTHY J WING TO ALEX RAKERS

$82,000-213 WALNUT ST-THOMAS J GOLDASICH TO TUT PROPERTIES, INC

$113,000 -705 PINE ST -SCOTT AND MELISSA BORROR TO S FRYE

$115,000-904 12TH ST- GREGORY S HAWLEY  TO ANGELA GOODALL

$130,000-10 RED OAK DR-VERA L HENSCHEN, TRUSTEE DECLARATION OF TRUST OF VERA L. HENSCHEN TO BRENDA MILES

$154,000-15 ARBOR CREST DR- JODY JAKEL TO CINDY TOENNIS

$165,000-46 FAITH DR-RETKO GROUP LLC TO DWIGHT D RUTZ REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST

$210,000-12053 HIGHLAND RD-JEROME AND KAREN KUHL TO JUSTIN LOVE

$219,750.00-275 BANEBERRY DR- METTLER DEVELOPMENT LLCTO SHERRI GEIGER

MARINE

$44,000-150 N DUNCAN ST- PRO PERFORMANCE, INC TO SHEPARD FAMILY LIVING TRUST

MARYVILLE

$235,000-6958 MAGONA CT- CHARLES PORTER TO WILLIAM AND TONI WARREN

TRENTON

$47,000 -1734 HILL RIDGE DR- TIMOTHY HOWARD TO RAY ENGLAR

TROY

$140,000-ST. ROUTE 162- PATRICE WATSON AND VENITA L MARONIE TO DUSTIN COLEMAN

WOOD RIVER

$203,997-3422 MAPLE RIDGE DRIVE- FULFORD HOMES RHT LLC TO ADAM & SARA AUMEND

JUNE 21

ALTON

$154,900 -2340 EDWARDS ST- NICHOLAS AND ABBY ONTIS TO JORDAN BRAUNDMEIER

BETHALTO

$91,000-308 E SHERMAN ST- JOSEPH AND JAMIE MARIE SHARP TO BARBARA WILLIAMS

EDWARDSVILLE

$128,000-1448 LADD AVE- LINDA MALONE TO KELLI MOSS

$607,500-5961 STAUNTON RD- MATTHEW D REDENIUS TO JAIME JEDLICKA

GLEN CARBON

$1,350-2941 OLD TROY ROAD- RICHARD C PARKER JR TO VILLAGE OF GLEN CARBON

GODFREY

$86,800-5907 VOLLMER LN- EDWARD WEBSTER TO PHILIP J STUMPF

$92,000-4403 DELTA QUEEN LN- CEDRIC AND PATRICIA MACK TO COURTNEY FOUST

HARTFORD

$250,000-STATE ROUTE 3- R. LOUISE ORY, TRUSTEE OF THE R. LOUISE ORY LIVING TRUST TO R LOUISE ORY LIVING TRUST

HIGHLAND

$222,000-165 QUAIL DRIVE- CHRISTOPHER AND BLANCHE WILLIAMS TO CASEY LANGENSTEIN

TROY

$174,900-95 RED COACH LANE- TIMOTHY HUGHESTO MICHAEL JENKINS

WOOD RIVER

$116,000-461 PERSHING AVENUE- RAKESH AND MITAL PATEL TO MICHAEL BRENTON STREET

$159,900-41 INDIAN DR- RICHARD SINCLAIR TO MARK DIVELEY

JUNE 22

ALTON

$2,750-1108 HARRISON ST- U.S. BANK TO ADAM WRIGHT

$16,000-1024 DIAMOND ST- MARTHA L LEWIS SJT OF SPENCER W LEWIS TO ERNESTO LUNA

$23,000-218 W ELM STREET- WELLS FARGO TO MATT PARKER

$114,900 RESIDENCE4805 WICK MOR DR- DONALD AND DORIS LUCKERT REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST TO DENNIS GILL

$116,000-2204 NORSIDE DR- PATRICIA J LEAMON TO RYAN LONG

$125,000-623 E 8TH ST- CHRISTOPHER WOOLDRIDGE TO CHRISTOPHER SMITH

$129,900-2927 MAIN ST- ERIN PEEBLES TO HOLLIN SNIDER

$240,000-810 GROVE ST- CAROL K. HURLEY DECLARATION OF TRUST

 TO CHRISTOPHER WOOLDRIDGE

BETHALTO

$30,000-170 GABRIELLE CIR- SCHREIBER FARM, LLC TO C A JONES INC

$30,000-109 GARRETTFORD DR- SCHREIBER FARM, LLC TO C A JONES INC

COLLINSVILLE

$71,750-1015 LAFAYETTE COURT- JONATHAN M HIPP TO PHILIP WILLS

$88,500-908 VIVIAN ST- VANESSA BADGETT TO NICOLE WAINWRIGHT

$190,000-746 N LIBERTY RD- HILDA JANE WOLF TO DAVID WILLIAM MUELLER

COTTAGE HILLS

$13,060-1360 12TH STREET- U.S. BANK TO FREEDOM HOMES LLC

EDWARDSVILLE

$2,500 -623 ENSIGN CIRCLE- HOLISHOR ASSOCIATION, INC TO DYLAN CASEY

$30,000-PLUM ST- RITA EADS, SURVIVING JOINT TENANT OF RUTH C EADS, DECEASED TO ROBERT C CONNORS

$100,000-STATE ROUTE 143- J ROYCE PEDIGO TO RICK KAHRIG

$125,000-405 PLUM ST- RITA EADS, SURVIVING JOINT TENANT OF RUTH C EADS, DECEASED TO REILLY PATTON

$205,000-1300 GLOUCESTER DRIVE- WILSON AND FELITA MCCASKILL TO CODY E BASCIANO

$202,000-3410 MANASSAS DRIVE- JEFF MILLER TO RYAN STOWE

$240,000-2829 FALCON CREST DR- DARYL AND DAWN MEYENBURG TO MICHAEL JONES

$332,000-7344 KINDLEWOOD DRIVE- JOHN AND KRISTINE MLADUCKY TO LARRY ANDERSON

$365,000-6 HICKORY KNLS DR- SAMUEL GALLANT TO SUZANNE GARRISON

$384,000-567 E LAKE DR- DAVID M MINDRUP SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE OF THE MINDRUP REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST TO RICHARD L WALKER

GODFREY

$175,770-1621 MONT VISTA AVE- DALLAS M. BURKE DECLARATION OF TRUST TO NADIA KAMBARIAN

$106,000-207 SAINT THOMAS DR- JAMIE C MILLIGAN TO CHERRIE B SMITH

GLEN CARBON

$115,000 -110 GINGER CREEK PARKWAY APT 9- ASHLEY NIEBUR TO STEPHEN HAGOPIAN

$301,000-136 SOMERSET DR- MICHAEL JONES TO BRIAN COURTNEY

GRANITE CITY

$1,763-1636 DELMAR AVE- THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATIONTO JCS ACQUISITIONS, LLC

$7,500-4103 KASEBERG DRIVE- JCS ACQUISITIONS, LLC TO LYNNETTA SPIROFF

$16,500-1636 DELMAR AVE- JCS ACQUISITIONS, LLC TO TROIKA PROPERTIES LLC

$18,150-2644 GRAND AVE- EDNA L COUNTS, SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE OF THE HARRY AND EDNA COUNTS REVOCABLE FAMILY TRUST TO JESSE T TRENT

$28,000-3915 CENTRAL LANE- SAUL EDWARD SAMPSON TO KELLY DARLENE SCHAEFER

$35,000-2508 & 2504 E 27TH ST- BRENDA J MCCART, EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF RUBY M JOHNSON, DECEASED TO KEVIN KINGSLEY

$67,900-3003 MARSHALL AVE- RICHARD MOSS TO JOSEPH NYHOFF

$144,620.11-2350 WATERMAN AVE- LOANDEPOT.COM LLC TO SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

HIGHLAND

$198,000-120 BLACK WOLF RUN- MARTIN A JANSEN TO WILLIAM H TWYFORD

MARYVILLE

$50,000-93 STONEBRIDGE BLUFF DR- RETAIL PLACE, LLC TO LERCH HOMES INC

$173,000-100 RIDGE DR- TYLER AND JAMIE WILKE TO BRIAN DOSSETT

$169,000-2325 WESTCHESTER DR- AGATA F ORTEGA REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST TO CHRISTOPHER POLLOCK

$192,500-600 ANDRA DRIVE- CRAIG AND KRISTA BAUER TO RICHARD JAMES

$271,500-1916 CRIMSON OAK- MUSEC HOMES INC TO DANIELLE FRIES

$305,000-18 ASHFORD OAKS COURT-DAVID AND KATHLEEN PENROD TO WILSON AND FELITA MCCASKILL

$415,000-93 STONEBRIDGE BLUFF DR- LERCH HOMES INC TO THERESA GEORGE

NEW DOUGLAS

$24,900-503 S 5TH ST- FANNIE MAE TO MAXX WEBB

PONTOON BEACH

$102.00 -4103 KASEBERG DRIVE- THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION TO JCS ACQUISITIONS, LLC

SAINT JACOB

$50,000-8750 CARDINAL CREEK- WCE, LLC TO PAOLI BUILDING ARTS LLC

TROY

$128,000-ZERK RD- RAYMOND AND SUZANNE TAYLOR TO BRYAN FRICKE

$166,000-53 CEDARBROOKE- GREGORY S BELL TO TIMOTHY YORK

$305,000-125 WINDSOR DR- DEAN AND KELLI FORTNER TO ERIN DUNN

JUNE 23

ALTON

$5,000-1017 BROOK ST- CLARENCE M TOWNSEND TO THE BOOTLEGGERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC

BETHALTO

$8,500 -216 N ELM ST- MARK AND BETH ANN CINCOSKI TO NEAL FURLOW

$28,000 -66 WOODCREST DR- BETHCOR, INC TO DON FLACK

COLLINSVILLE

$25,000 -314 STRONG AVE- PATRICIA JONES TO WISE CHOICE PROPERTES

$244,000-126 DAVID DRIVE- ANTHONY AND CAROL BLACK, CO-TRUSTEES TO KATHRYN WALBER

EDWARDSVILLE

$280,000-300 WILLOW CREEK DR-JOHN AND AMY MACKIE-KYLE BETTS

$305,000 =-3417 ANTIETAM CT-MICHAEL AND JARA WONG TO BRIAN T BARONE

GLEN CARBON

$19,000-16 WALNUT DR- KUI LIOU TO CRAIG EDWARDS

$82,500 -177 SOUTH MAIN STREET- PHILLIP AND PATRICIA CONREAUX TO JASON FILLINGIM

GODFREY

$24,900-RANWORTH DR- LAND SALES, INC TO RICHEL STRATTON

GRANITE CITY

$300-2607 CAYUGA ST- KATHERINE FREEZE TO TIFFANY RUBIO

$27,175.62-2320 ADAMS STREET- CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC TO SECRETARY HOUSING URBAN DEVELOPMENT

$27,500-2424 BENTON ST- LINDA HERZING EXECUTRIX OF THE ESTATE OF DORIS J. YOUNG, DECEASED TO TAYLOR FAMILY ENTERPRISES LLC

$28,490-3129 MYRTLE AVE- FANNIE MAE TO MATTHEW FINGERHUT

$79,000-2557 STATE STREET- JEFFREY & VICTORIA HANEY TO CRAIG SMITH

HIGHLAND

$18,500-421 QUAIL RUN-STATE BANK OF ST. JACOB TO JOHN NIEHAUS

$42,000-304 WALNUT STREET-WILFRED HOLZINGER AND RICK AMMANN TO MY 3 ANNS LLC

$115,000-1904 OLIVE STREET-KEITH HORN AND PATRICIA HOLLAN TO JOSHUA BUCK

TROY

$83,850 -333 ORCHARD CT-WELLS FARGO TO CBH HOLDINGS LLC

WOOD RIVER

$208,492-3437 MAPLE RIDGE DRIVE-FULFORD HOMES RHT LLC TO MIYUKI T BRITTAIN

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Farm, defending a claim that it corrupted the Illinois Supreme Court by securing the election of Justice Lloyd Karmeier in 2004, has filed two bits of a deposition swearing he knew nothing of support from State Farm.

Plaintiffs seeking $10 billion from State Farm in U. S. district court deposed Karmeier in March 2016, but most of the transcript remains confidential.

Plaintiffs aim to recover a $1 billion judgment that the Supreme Court reversed in 2005, in Avery v. State Farm, with interest and triple damages.

State Farm attached portions of Karmeier’s testimony to a recent summary judgment motion that challenged federal court jurisdiction.

State Farm argues that federal courts can’t review state court decisions.

Plaintiffs argue that no court but a federal court can provide a remedy for corruption in a state court.

The first bit of transcript that State Farm filed with the summary judgment motion didn’t identify the lawyer asking the questions.

Context suggests State Farm counsel Ronald Safer of Chicago.

The lawyer said: “Aside from the assertions that plaintiffs made in their motion for your nonparticipation in the Avery case, did you have any knowledge that State Farm supported your campaign in any way?”

Karmeier: “No.”

The lawyer repeated the disclaimer about plaintiffs’ assertions and asked: “Did you have any knowledge that any individual from State Farm in any way supported your campaign?”

Karmeier: “No.”

The lawyer repeated the disclaimer and asked, “Did you have any knowledge that State Farm contributed to your campaign in any way, directly or indirectly?”

Karmeier: “No.”

The lawyer repeated the disclaimer and asked, “Did you have any knowledge that anyone related to State Farm in any way had contributed to your campaign, directly or indirectly?”

Karmeier: “No.”

The lawyer asked if he had discussions about the Avery case with anyone except one discussion he mentioned with campaign manager Steve Tomaszewski.

Karmeier: “No.”

The lawyer said: “Looking at paragraph 89 of the complaint, the first sentence is, ‘Karmeier knew the sources of his contributions.’ Is that true?”

Karmeier: “No.”

The lawyer then asked about Illinois Civil Justice League director Ed Murnane, a defendant along with State Farm.

Plaintiffs claim Murnane recruited Karmeier for State Farm’s benefit and played a big role in the campaign.

The lawyer asked Karmeier, “Did Ed Murnane inform you of his day to day operations?”

Karmeier: “No.”

In the second bit of the deposition, Russell Scott of Belleville questioned Karmeier on behalf of State Farm employee William Shepherd, also a defendant.

Plaintiffs claim Shepherd, like Murnane, recruited Karmeier.

Scott: “I believe that you testified previously that you have no memory of ever meeting Mr. Shepherd?”

Karmeier: “That’s correct.”

Scott: “Is it fair to say that Mr. Shepherd never served on your campaign committee?”

Karmeier: “That’s correct.”

Scott: “Never served on your campaign finance committee?”

Karmeier: “That’s correct.”

Scott: “Did not provide you advice regarding what has been called your recruitment as a candidate for the Supreme Court?”

Karmeier: “That’s correct.”

Scott said: “Never gave you advice on campaign strategy or campaign finance?”

Karmeier: “That’s correct.”

Scott: “Do you have any idea what Mr. Shepherd’s position at State Farm was?”

Karmeier: “I did not.”

Scott: “Do you have any idea what his day to day activities at State Farm are or were?”

Karmeier: “I do not.”

Scott: “And in no way did you conspire with Mr. Shepherd regarding anything with respect to your campaign or the Avery decision?”

Karmeier: “That’s correct.”

State Farm also attached to its motion a portion of a deposition that Karmeier campaign worker and current Troy mayor Al Adomite gave in 2015.

Safer asked Adomite about a discussion with Karmeier.

Adomite: “I indicated to him that that information was available on the state Board of Elections website and so, if he was investigating who contributed to the Karmeier campaign, his best source would be the state Board of Elections website.”

Safer: “Do you know whether Judge Karmeier was keeping track of the source of contributions?”

Adomite: “No, I don’t know that.”

Safer: “Do you know whether he went to that website and tracked the contributions to his campaign?”

Adomite: “No, I don’t know that.”

Safer: “Do you know whether Judge Karmeier was monitoring campaign donation disclosure reports?”

Adomite: “No, I don’t know that.”

Safer: “Did you have any knowledge of support that State Farm provided to Judge Karmeier?”

Adomite: “No, I did not.”

Safer quoted Daniel Reece, an investigator for plaintiffs, who wrote that Adomite and members of Murnane’s executive committee confirmed that State Farm gave tremendous or significant support to Karmeier’s campaign.

Safer: “Did you tell Mr. Reece that you had any information that State Farm gave tremendous or significant support to Judge Karmeier’s campaign?”

Adomite: “No, I did not.”

Safer: “Is this part of Reece’s affidavit, paragraph 57, as it pertains to your statements, also untrue?”

Adomite: “Yes, it is.”

Safer: “Did Mr. Reece provide a false account of your conversation with him in his affidavit?”

Adomite: “Yes, he did.”

State Farm also filed reports of interviews that Reece and colleague Steve Senteney conducted in 2011, when plaintiffs tried to reopen the Avery case.

Reece and Senteney interviewed Adomite and wrote that he was familiar with prominent attorneys.

They wrote: “He did not think any of these people were seriously considered as candidates because Karmeier was the obvious pick.

“Mr. Adomite was very proud of the way the campaign was managed, although he did not take credit for any specific part of it.”

They wrote that he was well acquainted with Shepherd but not familiar with any other State Farm representatives except his agent.

They interviewed lawyer Paul Evans of O’Fallon and wrote that he said Karmeier was the only realistic candidate at the time.

They wrote that Evans said he was not aware of any vetting committee to find or evaluate candidates in 2004.

They interviewed Kimberly Maisch, Illinois director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, and wrote that she said she asked members to choose between Karmeier and opponent Gordon Maag.

They wrote: “They overwhelmingly encouraged support for Karmeier, and she lent NFIB’s endorsement to him.

“She did not recall any discussions of other candidates on the Republican side before Karmeier was chosen as the nominee.

“She was not familiar with any other prominent down state candidates that would have been possible contenders for the nomination.”

They wrote that Maisch knew Shepherd very well and saw him often in his role as lobbyist in Springfield.

They wrote: “She knew State Farm took an active role in elections through the executive committee of ICJL, but she could not recall his level of participation in the Karmeier race of 2004.”

Reece and Senteney tried to interview her husband, Todd Maisch, head of government affairs for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.

They wrote: “Mr. Maisch said he knew the purpose of the interview and directed Reece and Senteney to the Chamber’s attorney.”

Likewise, Illinois Manufacturers Association vice president of government affairs Mark Drenzler directed them to the association’s lawyer.

Reece interviewed Patricia Rutrough, former wife of State Farm vice chairman James Rutrough, by telephone at her home on a South Carolina island.

“They were divorced in 2003,” Reece wrote.

He wrote that she was familiar with names of directors and the executive staff including Shepherd.

He wrote that she wasn’t familiar with Murnane.

Reece: “She did not know how State Farm made decisions as to which politicians to support, or how money was given to them.

“Ms. Rutrough did not know Lloyd Karmeier’s name, and did not know anything about the judicial election in 2004.”

The case started in 1997, at Williamson County courthouse in Marion.

At trial in 1999, with Michael Avery of Louisiana as class representative, jurors found State Farm provided inferior parts for crash repairs.

Associate judge John Speroni entered judgment awarding more than $1 billion to policyholders in 48 states.

Fifth District appellate judges affirmed the judgment in 2001.

State Farm appealed and the Supreme Court heard oral argument, but the Justices had not reached a consensus at the time of Karmeier’s election.

Avery moved to disqualify him, but he participated in the decision.

All six participating Justices reversed the judgment and decertified the class.

Two Justices would have remanded the case for possible trials by subclasses.

Avery moved to disqualify Karmeier again in 2011, when they petitioned to recall the Court’s mandate, but their motion and their petition failed.

Avery’s lawyers sued State Farm in federal court in 2012, replacing him with Mark Hale of New York State as lead plaintiff.

Hale alleged that State Farm, Murnane, and Shepherd conspired in violation of the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

District Judge David Herndon plans a trial next year.

Monday, Aug. 28

1:00 P.M.

PEGGY KELTNER V SUNCOKE ENERGY

14-L-1540, MUDGE

Tuesday, Aug. 29

9:00 A.M.

SAM WARDEN V NORFOLK SOUTHERN

15-L-450, MUDGE

1:00 P.M.

ANGELA HUMMER V WILLIAM BEDELL

14-L-980, MUDGE

Thursday, Aug. 31

9:00 A.M.

MATTHEW DEBGROOT V GREGORY GAYLORD

15-L-1095, MUDGE

RYAN DILL V GREGORY HALLIDAY

16-L-1451, DUGAN

1:00 P.M.

AMANDA BARR V LOUIS HALFACRE

17-L-578, MUDGE

REBECCA KUJAWA V JOHN HOPKINS

17-L-321, MUDGE

JEROME HALL V PIASA ENTERPRISES

17-L-148, MUDGE

DAVID MAYHALL V ERIC PHILLIPS

17-L-14, MUDGE

DAVID SHERRILL V STATE FARM

16-L-1640, MUDGE

TYLER GREEN V RUSSELL SMITH

16-L-1413, MUDGE

CYNTHIA DAVIDSON V 3M COMPANY

16-L-1392, MUDGE

RICHARD MUNSTERMAN V BIG DADDYS

16-L-1125, MUDGE

JAMES RUSHING V GERY FORBES

16-L-1040, MUDGE

FRED SCHMIDT V BARNETT OUTDOORS

16-L-808, MUDGE

RHONDA BOYER V BANTI BAHANTA

16-L-478, MUDGE

DARYL BUDER V CONSUMERS INSURANCE

16-L-306, MUDGE

LAWRENCE BUTLER V SCHNUCK MARKETS

15-L-1551, MUDGE

ELM SHEET METAL V SAND CONSTRUCTION

15-L-1023, MUDGE

BARRY ALDRIDGE V CHRISTOPHER DUGUAY

15-L-248, MUDGE

MICHELLE WILLIAMS V JUDY HANNING

15-L-163, MUDGE

GATEWAY PUBLIC V JASON BRUNAUGH

14-L-1055, MUDGE

TRUDY LEHNEN V SHELL OIL COMPANY

13-L-679, MUDGE

JACK BROWN V SHELL OIL COMPANY

11-L-1008, MUDGE

ANDREW KAYSER V SHELL OIL COMPANY

11-L-901, MUDGE

Friday, Sept. 1

2:30 P.M.

PRAIRIE FARMS V SANITARY STAINLESS

12-L-1323, MATOESIAN

EDWARDSVILLE – Fifteen HeplerBroom attorneys were named to the Best Lawyers in American list for the 2018 edition. 

Varying in locations and areas of practice, each attorney selected to the list is first nominated and reviewed by their peers.

Seven attorneys from the firm’s Edwardsville office were named in the edition. 

Several of those honored specialize in multiple fields, such as mass tort law, including attorneys Brenda G. Baum, Gordon R. Broom, Eric Hall, Jeffrey S. Hebrank and Larry E. Hepler. 

Jason Rankin, who specializes in product liability litigation, and Troy A. Bozarth also made the list.

Though the firm is based in Illinois, it has several locations throughout the Midwest, including St. Louis. 

Five attorneys from the St. Louis firm were named to the list, including: Glenn E. Davis, whose list of many practice areas includes mergers and acquisitions; Theodore J. MacDonald Jr, who represents white-collar criminal defendants, among other clients; Thomas J. Magee, who focuses on professional malpractice law, among others; Gerald T. Noce, who specializes in personal injury litigation; and Michael L. Young, who focuses on insurance law.

HeplerBroom also had attorneys in its Springfield location recognized. Edward W. Dwyer and Katherine Hodge both work within environmental law. 

Also, attorney Anthony J. Tunney of the Chicago office was recognized, who focuses on insurance litigation.

To be named a Best Lawyer, attorneys must score highly on anonymous peer reviews and later be selected in a series of polls. 

EDWARDSVILLE — A motorist is suing another driver for allegedly causing a collision. 

Brian Stueckel filed a complaint on Aug. 17 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Jessica Morgan, alleging she failed to operate her vehicle with reasonable care for the safety of others.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Aug. 25, 2015, Morgan collided with his vehicle, causing him to suffer severe and permanent injuries and damages. 

The plaintiff alleges Morgan drove her motor vehicle at a speed greater than reasonable, failed to keep careful lookout and failed to yield the right of way.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against defendant in excess of $50,000 plus costs of this action. 

He is represented by Kenneth B. Beljanski of Brown & Brown LLP in Fairview Heights.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 17-L-1169

EDWARDSVILLE — A driver is suing another motorist for allegedly turning in front of her at the intersection of South State Route 157.

Mary Christen filed a complaint on Aug. 9 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Paige Frye, alleging she failed to properly operate her vehicle.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Oct. 24, 2015, she was driving at the intersection of South State Route 157 when Frye's vehicle allegedly collided with her vehicle, causing injuries. 

As a result, Christen claims she suffered disability and incurred medical expenses. 

The plaintiff alleges Frye failed to keep a proper lookout, improperly turned in front of the plaintiff's oncoming vehicle without yielding the right of way and failed to reduce speed.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment for an amount in excess of $50,000, plus costs of suit and any other relief the court deems just and proper. 

She is represented by Joseph E. Hoefert of Joseph E. Hoefert in Alton.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 17-L-1145

EDWARDSVILLE — A passenger is suing Amtrak after she allegedly fell on an unsecured stepstool while exiting the commuter train.

Angela R. Gaddy filed a complaint on Aug. 15 in the Madison County Circuit Court against National Railroad Passenger Corporation, doing business as Amtrak, alleging Amtrack breached its duty to exercise the highest degree of care.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Aug. 15, 2016, she was attempting to depart an Amtrak train when she fell to the ground due to an unsecured stepstool. 

She claims she sustained injuries to her right elbow, right shoulder, head, neck and other parts of the body. 

She also alleges she suffered pain, disability, disfigurement and became obligated to large sum of money for necessary medical care, treatment and services. 

The plaintiff alleges the defendant failed to provide adequate egress from the train and failed to provide assistance to departing passengers.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks damages of more than $50,000, plus costs of suit and any further relief that the court deems just and proper. 

She is represented by Rodney D. Caffey and Ralph J. Mendelsohn of The Caffey Law Firm LLC in Godfrey.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 17-L-1166

BELLEVILLE – A motorist alleges =his insurance has failed to settle his claim for uninsured motorist benefits.

Robert L. Brown filed a complaint on Aug. 8 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Unique Insurance Co., alleging the licensed insurer failed to comply with the terms of the insurance policy.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Jan. 15, he suffered injuries and damages when he was involved in motor vehicle accident negligently caused by an uninsured motorist. The suit states that the plaintiff had insurance through the defendant at the time of the incident, which included uninsured motorist coverage.

The plaintiff alleges he demanded arbitration pursuant to the terms of his insurance policy five times from February to June and also demanded a certified copy of his policy, but the defendant has failed to respond to these demands. 

He claims the defendant has failed and refused to tender an offer of the policy limits to settle his claim.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against defendant, attorney's fees and costs for this action and any further relief that the court may deem equitable.

He is represented by Kevin Boyne of Kevin Boyne PC in Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 17-L-425

EDWARDSVILLE — A worker is suing a bag machine manufacturer alleging she was severely injured when her hair became caught in an unguarded rotating roller.

Tina M. Hill filed a complaint on Aug. 15 in the Madison County Circuit Court against H.G. Weber & Company Inc., alleging the defendant failed to provide a machine that has an automatic shut-off.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on March 15, her hair and scalp were ripped off from her skull when her hair and netting were caught by an unguarded rotating roller of a bag machine that was manufactured by the defendant. 

As a result, Hill claims she was severely and permanently injured, suffered great pain, disfigurement, lost wages and benefits and incurred medical expenses. 

The plaintiff alleges H.G. Weber & Company negligently designed, manufactured and sold a bag machine with insufficient safety features and failed to provide adequate warning of a danger associated with the exposed roller.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against defendant in excess of $50,000. 

She is represented by Richard J. Zalasky and Ashley E. Vaughan of Brown & Crouppen PC in St. Louis.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 17-L-1161

EDWARDSVILLE — A woman filed a Dram Shop suit against Grantfolk Bowl for allegedly selling alcohol to an intoxicated person who later hit a disabled person and drug him by her SUV. 

LaLonna Doerr, guardian of the estate of Joshua W. Doerr, a disabled person, and Kinley Doerr, a minor, by her father, and next friend through his guardian, LaLonna Doer, filed a complaint on Aug. 10 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Jeffrey D. Mettler, doing business as Grantfolk Bowl, alleging the tavern operator violated the Dram Shop Act.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Aug. 16. 2016, Joshua W. Doerr was ran over and drug by an SUV begin driven by Christy G. Cummins, who was intoxicated at the time. 

Doerr suffered severe and permanent injuries to his face, head, body and limbs, and has suffered pain and mental anguish. 

The plaintiffs allege the defendant negligently sold and/or gave alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated person.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against defendant in excess of the statutory limits of the court, plus costs of this action. 

She is represented by Philip J. Luding of Sandberg Phoenix & Von Gontard PC in Edwardsville.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 17-L-1151

EDWARDSVILLE — A motorist is suing another driver for allegedly turning left in front of her without proper care, causing a collision in Helvetia Township. 

Mary A. Wolfe filed a complaint on Aug. 18 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Brian Boesser, doing business as St. Morgan Produce, and Hayden W. Smart, alleging they failed to operate and maintain a vehicle with reasonable care.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on June 2, she was driving northbound on State Route 160 near its intersection with Rosde Road in Helvetia Township when Smart, acting in the course and scope of his employment with Boeser, collided with her vehicle. 

As a result, Wolfe claims she suffered severe injuries, pain, suffering, medical treatment and expenses. 

The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to keep the vehicle under control and failed to yield right of way to a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction before turning left.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment in an amount in excess of $50,000, plus costs of suit, and for such other and further relief as the court deems just and proper. 

She is represented by Eric J. Calrson of Byron Carlson Petri & Kalb, LLC in Edwardsville.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 17-L-1176

EDWARDSVILLE — A man is suing health care providers after his wife suffered a broken hip when she was left unattended.

Walter Hayes, power of attorney for Lorraine Hayes, filed a complaint on Aug. 16 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Alton Memorial Hospital, doing business as Eunice Smith Home, and Bethesda Health Group Inc, alleging they failed to exercise ordinary care.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on April 22, 2016, his wife Lorraine Hayes sustained a hip fracture when she fell at the Eunice Smith Home while she was left unattended. 

As a result, she has suffered aggravation of a previous condition, pain, mental anguish and medical costs. 

The plaintiff alleges the defendants negligently failed to assist Lorraine Hayes with ambulation and/or any other means of safe transfer.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against defendants in excess of $50,000, costs of suit and all further relief that the court may deem just. 

He is represented by Robert H. Gregory of Law Office of Robert H. Gregory PC in East Alton.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 17-L-1168

EAST ST. LOUIS – Former Madison County administrator Joseph Parente destroyed the operating system of his computer in order to hide evidence in a civil suit, county veteran assistance superintendent Brad Lavite alleged on Aug. 16. 

His lawyer, Tom Burkart of Hamel, moved for sanctions including an instruction for jurors to presume the lost information was unfavorable to the defense. 

He wrote that under federal rules, sanctions could include default judgment.

“Joseph Parente’s deliberate action in disabling access to all files on his computer was done with the intent to deprive plaintiff of access to this information and the possible use of it in this litigation,” Burkart wrote.

“The county defendants, including their counsel, failed to take any steps to preserve this information.” 

John Gilbert represents Parente, former board chairman Alan Dunstan, and State’s Attorney Tom Gibbons. 

Heidi Eckert represents Lakin. 

On Aug. 21, Burkart filed an electronic message he sent them three days after voters replaced Dunstan with Kurt Prenzler. 

It shows that Burkart told them, “I have already advised all people associated with the veterans assistance commission office to preserve all electronic devices, both personal and business.” 

“I trust you have done the same,” he wrote.

“I would suggest this is especially important since the recent election results, although not yet official, indicate Mr. Dunstan will no longer be an officer of the county.”

Lavite sued Parente, Dunstan, Gibbons, and sheriff John Lakin last year, alleging violations of free speech, free assembly and due process. 

In 2015, Parente banned Lavite from all county property including the veteran assistance office on the first floor of the administration building. 

Parente acted after Lavite kicked a window out of a Wood River police car. 

Lavite’s counselor at the U.S. Veterans Administration changed his medication and pronounced him fit to work, but Parente didn’t lift the ban. 

The veteran assistance commission stood by Lavite and retained Burkart, who sued in Madison County court for an injunction, salary, and legal fees. 

Burkart claimed Parente fired Lavite not in fear for public safety but in retaliation for actions Lavite had taken and statements he had made. 

The county defendants moved to dismiss the suit, and Associate Judge Stephen Stobbs granted the motion. 

Fifth District appellate judges reversed Stobbs in August 2016, finding that elected officials possess no authority over veteran assistance commissions. 

Stobbs recused himself, and Chief Judge Dave Hylla assigned the case to Clinton County Circuit Judge William Becker. 

The case would later return to the Fifth District, where Lavite argues that defendants haven’t complied with last year’s order. 

In the federal case, which Burkart filed immediately after the Fifth District reversed Stobbs, District Judge David Herndon set trial for this December. 

Last November, Magistrate Judge Reona Daly set an Aug. 4 deadline for discovery and an Aug. 18 deadline for dispositive motions. 

In May, Burkart amended Lavite’s complaint to add an allegation that defendants wrongfully assumed control of about $342,000 in commission money. 

Burkart proposed an action for accounting, with judgment against officials in an amount found to be due to the commission. 

Defendants moved to dismiss the complaint in June, arguing that Lavite must pursue retaliation claims through the Madison County suit. 

On Aug. 16, twelve days past the discovery deadline, Gilbert and Eckert moved to extend deadlines. 

They didn’t move to delay trial, but they asked for exactly that.

“Due to the nature and extent of the allegations contained in plaintiff’s complaint as well as the number of defendants, defendants will require time beyond the Aug. 4 date in order to conclude both written and deposition discovery,” they wrote.

“Further, this case has been delayed due to the appeal in the underlying and parallel state court case.” 

They respectfully requested deadlines of Dec. 31 for written discovery, March 31 for party depositions, and May 31 for dispositive motions.

“Finally, defendants request that the trial month be reset for December 2018,” they wrote. 

On the same date, Burkart sought sanctions for the allegedly intentional destruction of Parente’s operating system. 

He sought separate sanctions over discovery, claiming defendants took nine months to make initial disclosures that they should have made in 14 days. 

He asked that all allegations in the complaint be taken as established, or in the alternative that defendants be barred from presenting information or calling witnesses identified in the disclosures. 

On Aug. 17, Gilbert moved to extend the deadline for response to Sept. 15. 

Burkart opposed the extension on Aug. 18, denying that defendants require additional time to investigate destruction of information. 

He wrote that the new administration knew of the destruction as early as December 2016. 

“As early as March 15, the new county chairman requested Madison County State’s Attorney, the very office that requests this extension, to officially investigate the destruction of electronically stored information on Dunstan and Parente’s computers,” Burkart wrote. 

He wrote that Lavite’s motion for sanctions wouldn’t apply to Lakin, unless the sheriff wished to admit involvement in the destruction. 

On Aug. 21, Burkart objected to the motion for a new schedule. 

He wrote that pendency of the Madison County case in no way interfered with the ability of defendants to propound discovery. 

He wrote that they must show excusable neglect for failing to comply with the discovery deadline.

“Defendants have not alleged facts establishing excusable neglect and do not argue that such exists,” he wrote.

As of Aug. 21, Herndon had not resolved the motion to dismiss Lavite’s complaint. 

“I'm afraid this is not the proper forum for your lawsuit, Mr. Gamer. The alleged injury you're seeking damages for did not occur in Illinois and no defendant has a connection to this state. As an Illinois judge, I cannot assert jurisdiction over a case that has nothing to do with Illinois. Do you understand what you need to do?”

“I get your drift, judge. Find some warm body from Illinois and add him as a defendant, right?”

When judges are too subtle or give the parties appearing before them too much credit for following simple guidance, erroneous conclusions can be drawn by the latter.

That may explain the behavior of plaintiff Bernard Henneberger, whose breach-of-contract suit was dismissed by an Illinois district court on jurisdictional grounds.

What did Henneberger do? He drew the wrong conclusion and refiled his suit, this time adding an Illinois-based party with a tenuous connection to his claim.

Judges were not amused, at both district and appellate levels.

Seventh Circuit appellate judges affirmed the district court’s second dismissal of Henneberger's suit on jurisdictional grounds, recognizing and denouncing his ploy as an effort to defeat removal and dismissal.

“The [district] judge observed that the suit’s sole connection with Illinois is that Henneberger now lives there, while personal jurisdiction depends on the activities of the defendants rather than those of a mobile plaintiff,” the appellate justices wrote in their opinion.

They noted that Henneberger could have responded to the district court’s decision by recognizing that he needed to pursue the case in one of the two states to which defendants are tied, Texas and Virginia, but Henneberger chose to refile in Illinois.

“Henneberger should count himself lucky that defendants have not asked for sanctions,” the justices chided. “He cannot expect to avoid penalties if he continues his doomed attempt to litigate this claim in Illinois.”

Hint to Henneberger: Don't push your luck.

EAST ST. LOUIS — A mother is suing biopharmaceutical companies for allegedly failing to warn of the side effects of taking Depakote during pregnancy.

Samantha Cooper-Clark, individually and as parent and natural guardian of L.H., a minor, filed a complaint on Aug. 11 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois against Abbott Laboratories and Abbvie Inc., alleging they failed to adequately warn of the increased risk in taking the medication during pregnancy.

According to the complaint, Clark alleges that in 1999, she ingested Depakote in tablet form during pregnancy to help control her seizure disorder. She claims her child now suffers significant cognitive impairments due to the valproate ingredient that causes birth defects, the suit states. 

The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to exercise reasonable care to adequately warn women and their doctors of the unreasonable risk posed by use of Depakote during pregnancy.

Clark requests a trial by jury and judgment for compensatory and economic damages, attorney fees, expenses, costs, punitive damages, and further relief as the court deems necessary, just and proper. 

She is represented by Janet G. Abaray of Burg Simpson Eldredge Hersh & Jardine, PC in Cincinnati.

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois case number 3:17-cv-00854-NJR-SCW

EAST ST. LOUIS — Alexander County joins the opioid lawsuit wave sweeping across the nation by suing drug manufacturers and distributors for allegedly contributing to opioid overdose and addiction. 

The People of the State of Illinois, The People of Alexander County and Count of Alexander filed a complaint on Aug. 17 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois against AmericasourceBergen Drug Corporation; Cardinal Health, Inc.; Cardinal Health 112, 110, 108, LLC, Cardinal Health 105, Inc.; Cardinal Health 414, LLC and McKesson Corporation, alleging the defendants violated the Illinois Narcotics Profit Forfeiture Act, the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act and the Illinois Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege the defendants' opioid analgesics hydrocodone and oxycodone are widely diverted and improperly used. They claim the widespread use of these drugs has resulted in a national epidemic of opioid overdose deaths and addictions. 

As a result, the epidemic has caused a public hazard to the public health and safety of the county itself. 

The plaintiffs allege the defendants failed to maintain effective controls to prevent diversion in the county, including a duty to monitor, detect, report, and refuse to fill suspicious orders of prescription opioids originating from Alexander County.

The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek judgment to pay punitive and exemplary damages, grant court costs, pre and post-judgment interest, and all other relief as the court deems appropriate and just. 

They are represented by Ann E. Callis, Thomas J. Lech and Gregory R. Jones of Goldenberg Heller & Antognoli, PC in Edwardsville.

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois case number 3:17-cv-00876-NJR-DGW

EAST ST. LOUIS — A lumber distributor is suing several former employees for allegedly raiding the office to loot and destroy trade secrets.

Cedar Creek LLC filed a complaint on Aug. 18 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois against Michael Montgomery, Michael Jennings, Michael Wesley and Matthew Carney, alleging they violated the Illinois Trade Secrets Act and the Federal Defend Trade Secrets Act.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that the defendants are former employees and conspired with one another to collectively resign without notice after a premeditated weekend raid of the plaintiff's East St. Louis office to loot and destroy its trade secret and confidential records related to its customer accounts and other employee files. 

As a result, Cedar Creek suffered damages and irreparable harm, including loss of customers and employees. 

The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to maintain trade secrets after acknowledging the secrecy under the Employee Handbook, denied taking trade secrets and attempted to cover up their traces. 

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment for exemplary damages, award of attorneys' fees, expenses, litigation incurred, and for such other and further relief as the court deems just, proper and equitable. 

It is represented by Michael R. Dauphin of Foley & Mansfield, PLLP in St. Louis.

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois case number 3:17-cv-00879

BELLEVILLE – Two Texas residents allege several Madison County and St. Clair County residents posted defamatory comments online.

Sean Cheatham and Michelle Cheatham filed a complaint on Aug. 10 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Jaclyn Allison, Kathleen Hunt, Katie Elrod, Maureen Napper, Tammy Heitzig Tara Munie Ojeda, Kim Badolato and Tammy Iskarous, alleging the defendants made false statements regarding the plaintiffs.

According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that in July, the defendants posted an online statement that "Michelle has posed as Patrick's mother and had all sorts of vaccination done on Patrick." They also allege the defendants posted comments that Sean Cheatham is dangerous.

Patrick is the son of Sean Cheatham, the suit states. Sean Cheatham alleges he has joint custody of the child and took him to receive vaccines that Trish Cheatham allegedly refused to have done. The suit states that Michelle Cheatham has never impersonated Trish Cheatham.

The plaintiffs allege the defendants posted and published to the world at large false and malicious statements.

The plaintiffs seek judgment in an amount of more than $50,000, plus costs of suit. 

They are represented by Thomas G. Maag of Maag Law Firm, LLC in Wood River.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 17-L-1147

BELLEVILLE – A driver claims she was injured when another motorist failed to yield to the right of way in Fairview Heights and caused a collision.

Alexzandrea Minor filed a complaint on Aug. 4 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Ricardo Tucker alleging that the defendant failed to exercise ordinary care for the safety of others using the public roadways.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on June 5, 2016, she was operating her 2004 Chevrolet Coupe approaching the intersection of Lincoln Trail and Pasadena Drive when her vehicle was struck by Tucker's pickup truck. 

As a result, Minor claims she suffered physical injuries, loss of a normal life and medical bills. 

The plaintiff alleges Tucker failed to yield right of way, failed keep a proper lookout, failed to be attentive and failed to use ordinary care to avoid a collision.

The plaintiff seeks judgment in the amount for actual damages of more than $50,000 together with all costs incurred. 

She is represented by Kevin Boyne of Kevin Boyne PC in Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 17-L-421

BELLEVILLE – A truck driver alleges he was injured when he was unloading a trailer.

James A. Davis filed a complaint on July 20 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Friederich Construction & Trucking Co. alleging negligence.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on May 16, he was working as a driver for Fresh Warehouse and was unloading the defendant's trailer when he was struck by a falling pallet. 

As a result, he claims he suffered injuries.

The plaintiff alleges the defendant failed to properly stack and secure its load of cardboard so that it would not fall when the trailer door was opened.

The plaintiff seeks damages of more than $50,000 plus costs of this suit. 

He is represented by Brad L. Badgley of Brad L. Badgley PC in Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 17-L-387