The Dennis M. Kleinschmidt and Diana K. Kleinschmidt Joint Revocable Trust #1, by trustee Dennis Kleinschmidt, and The Mary Kim Fuller Living Trust, by trustee Mark Furrer, filed a complaint on Nov. 14 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Brad Schaller, individually, and Schaller Auction Services, alleging that they violated the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Practices Act.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that on Nov. 18, 2014, they participated in an auction performed by Schaller Auction Services in Millstadt. As a result of defendants' alleged deception, the plaintiffs suffered economic losses by overpaying for property and lost opportunity for profit.
The plaintiffs hold the defendants responsible because they allegedly intentionally failed to register and approve all bidders present, failed to record all biddings and unlawfully engaged in shill and/or ghost bidding to raise the price of the land.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek judgment in their favor in excess of $50,000 for each plaintiff, plus attorneys' fees and costs.
They are represented by Donald K. Schoemaker and James A. Bock of Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale PC in Belleville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16--L-601