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HomeMy WebLinkAbout00-00267 ~"~'" " ~, HAROLD Z. SWIDLER Plaintiff IN THE COURT OF COMMON pLBAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA vs. NO.OO - 267 Civil Tera EARL WYAND, Defendant NOTICE You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend aqainst the claim set forth in the followinq paqes, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this complaint and notice are served, by enterinq a written appearance personally or by attorney and filinq in writinq with the court your defenses or objections to the elaims set forth aqainst you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proeeed without you and a judgment may be entered aqainst you by the court without further notiee for any money claimed in the complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other riqhts ilIIportant to you. yOU SHOULD TAQ THIS p~ER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NO'!' HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHClNE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP. Court Administrator Fourth Floor Cumberland County Courthouse Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013 Telephone (717) 240-6200 AMERICANS ~TH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990 The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County is required by law to eomply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For Info~tion about aeeessible facilities and reasonable accommodations available to d1sabled ind1viduals havinq business before the Court, please eontact our office. All arranqem.ents must be made at least 72 hours prior to any he~inq or business before the Court. You must attend the sc edule conference or hearinq. ne G. 0 son, Esquire 3 South Second Street Chambersburq, PA 17201 717-264-0445 HAROLl:l Z. SWIDLER Plaintiff IN Tn COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA vs. NO.OO - 267 C;i.vil Term. EARL wYAm>, Defendant PREL:tMINARY OBJECTIONS TO COMPtAINT Am> NOW COMES, the Defendant, Earl Wyand, by his attorney, Tyrone G. Johnson, Esquire, and file the following Preliminary Objections to the Complaint in the above captioned matter, pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.p. l028(a): To TMPROPF.R RF.RVICE Pa.R.Civ.P. l028 (a) (l) 1. Defendant is Earl Wyand of Box 169-J, Marlowe-Berkeley, West Virginia, 25419. 2. Plaintiff has, by letter dated July 24, 2000, a copy of which is attached hereto, made a part hereof and marked as Exhibit ~A", acknowledged receipt of Defendant's letter dated July 14, 2000, which letter requested a copy of the Affidavit of Service relative to Plaintiff's counsel's allegation of having had the Defendant served with a Writ Of Summons by a Private Investigator. A copy of the above referenced Affidavit Of Service is also attached hereto, made a part hereof and marked as Exhibit ~B". 3. Despite these ascertains, Defendant asserts herein that he was never served a copy of the Praecipe For Writ Of Summons on May 26, 2000, nor at any other time by a Private Investigator or anyone else. 4. Despite Plaintiff's Attorney's awareness of Defendant's assertions in Paragraph No.2 above, and despite Plaintiff's Attorney's awareness of Defendant's whereabouts being known, Plaintiff's Attorney has not personally served Defendant with a copy of the Praecipe For Writ Of Summons as original process pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 400, 401, 403, and 404, nor did Plaintiff's Attorney send the Defendant a copy of said document as an attachment to his July 24, 2000, letter. WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests this Honorable Court to dismiss Plaintiff's Complaint for lack of proper service of process on him, and to award him costs of suit, including attorney's fees for defense of this action pursuant to Title 42 Pa.C.S.A. Section 2503 (9). II. OF.MURRER Pa.R.Civ.P. l028 (a) (4) 5. Plaintiff claims in Paragraph No. 7 of the Complaint that the Defendant had knowledge of his personal property being located at the premises at the time the lease was executed. 6. Plaintiff claims in Paragraph No. 8 of the Complaint that his efforts to sell the aforementioned property to the Defendant were unsuccessful. 7. By way of admission, Plaintiff has asserted that the Defendant did not have dominion or control of said personal property which the Plaintiff had for some time abandoned. Plaintiff has therefore failed to demonstrate in his Complaint the fundamental principal for Conversion by a showing that the Defendant in some way interfered with his dominion or control of said property, Cemnil v. u.S., 402 F.2d l.68 (CA3, 1968); and he has failed to demonstrate in his Complaint that the Defendant actually appropriated his property other than an unsupported self serving statement in Paragraph No. lO that the property was taken away by the Defendant and his accomplices, see Baker v. RilngoR, 229 Pa. Super 333, (1974). 8. The Plaintiff maintains that the Defendant refused to surrender the subject property upon demand for it's return; however, he had not asserted that the defendant was a bailee and has not demonstrated how or when the Defendant was ever in possession of property that he maintains was left by him in a building never occupied by the Defendant; nor had he provided proof of a proper demand. 9. The Plaintiff in Paragraph No. 9 of the Complaint by admission states that he assumed repossession of the leased premises on or before November 30, 1997, which repossession according to Plaintiff's Complaint ih Paragraph No.4 would have been before the expiration of the leased term. Plaintiff attempts to plead or suggest that as a result of the lease recission that the Defendant was required to return property to him which the Defendant was neither in pQssession of or contracted for. Should the Plaintiff be suggesting that the Conversion rests upon the Defendant's failure to ~ ,-. return goods to the Plaintiff after recission of the contract then the Complaint does not state a claim and fails for want of a contract for the sale of property between the parties. lO. In an action for Conversion those persons who can be held liable include a bailee, a person who sells property without a right to do so, and a person who conveys imperfect title; and, the defendant is neither a bailee nor has the Complaint demonstrated that the Defendant sold or conveyed the property or that he is presently in possession thereof; only an opinion that the Defendant removed the property from the premises. WBERBFORB, Defendant respectfully requests this Honorable Court to grant this demurrer and to dismiss Plaintiff's Complaint for failure to state a cause of action against him, together with costs of suit, including attorney's fees for defense of this action pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S.A. Section 2503 (9). II. INSUFFICIRNT SPRCTFTCTTY OF PT~AnTNG Pa.R.Civ.P. 1028 (a) (3) ll. The general rule in the measure of damages is the value of the goods at the time of conversion or the highest value at any time between the conversion and the trial; therefore, the Defendant is entitled to a more specific pleading of the Complaint informing him of the alleged basis of Plaintiff's claim as the complaint does not provide enough information to enable Defendant to make a clear determination as to exactly what the ascertained quantity and quality of each item of property is in issue or the value and age of each item. 12. The Plaintiff is, pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. Rule 1019(h) since the claim is based in part upon a writing, to have attached to the pleading a copy of the writing or the material part thereof. The Defendant does not have a copy of the Lease referenced in the Complaint and he is entitled to one. 13. In Paragraph No. 10 of Plaintiff's Complaint, Plaintiff claims that Defendant and his accomplices removed and carried away his personal property. Plaintiff does not state with specificity as to how or when he alleges this occurred, nor does he identify the alleged accomplices or whether there was any police involvement. Defendant is entitled to a more specific pleading of the Complaint informing him of the alleged basis of Plaintiff's averments to this claim. 14. In Paragraph No.9 of Plaintiff's Complaint, Plaintiff claims that on or about November 30, 1997, that the lease was null and void; however, he does not state whether this is the same date that his building keys were returned to him or whether he actually took repossession before that date. Defendant is entitled to a more specific pleading of the Complaint informing him of the alleged basis of Plaintiff's averments to this claim. 15. In Paragraph No.8 of Plaintiff's Complaint, Plaintiff claims that numerous unsuccessful discussions took place between the parties regarding the purchase of the property; however, he does not state exactly what materials were the subject of the discussions. Defendant is entitled to a more specific pleading of the Complaint informing him of the alleged basis of Plaintiff's averments to this claim. WHEREFORE, The Defendant demand that the Complaint be dismissed, and that he be awarded costs, including attorney's fees for defense of this action pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S.A. Section 2503 (9). d, ne G. John , squire orney for Defendant 30 South Second Street Chambersburg, PA 17201 (717)264-0445 VERl:F:tCATl:ON We verify that the statements made in this document are true and correct in part according to my personal knowledge, and as to the remainder, upon information and belief. I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of Pa. C.S.A. Section 4904, relating to unsworn falsifications to authorities. Date: Earl Wyand - - '.'-' CE~T:II'ICATE 01' SE~VICE I , Tyrone G. Johnson, Esquire, certify that I served a true and correct copy of Defendant's Preliminary Objections to Complaint by first class mail, postage prepaid on August 25, 2000, to: Bruce J. Warshawsky, Esquire Law Office of Berstein & Warshawsky 1820 Linglestown Road Harrisburg, PA l7l10 (Attorney For Plaintiff) Ty ne G. Johnso , Esquire Attorney for Defendant 30 S. Second Street Chambersburg, PA l7201 (717) 264-0445 VE~II'ICATION I, Tyrone G. Johnson, Esquire, hereby state that I am the attorney for the Defendant in this action, and that the statements made in the foregoing Complaint are true and correct to the best of my personal knowledge, and as to the remainder, upon information and belief and that the Defendant is presently unavailable to sign this verification and that I am authorized to do so. The undersigned understands that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of Pa. C.S.A. Section 4904, relating to unsworn falsifications to authorities. Date: t!!!> - ~ - 00 Tone G. Johnson, Esquire .. THE ~W OFFICE OF JBlERNSTlE][N & W ARSlHIA WSKY MILTON BERNSTEIN, ESQUIRE E.maiJ: mill b@prodigy.net BRUC~ J. WARSHAWSKY, ESQUIRE E-mail:-bruce_w@prodigy.net DIANE K. McKAY, PARALEGAULAW CLERK E-mail: dianernckay@pradigy.net 1820 linglestown Road Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110 Phone (7171232-8500 Fax (717 232.8035 July 24, 2000 Mr. Earl Wyand t/o Funeral Transport Services Rt 1, Box 169]R Marlowe, WV 25419 Re: Swidler v. Wyand Dear Mr. Wyand: Thank you for your letter dated July 14, 2000. I enclose herewith a copy of the Affidavit of Service you requested. Although unimportant to the underlying substance of the lawsuit, you certainly have the right to assert that you were never properly served. I will again strongly suggest that you engage counsel to represent you. We are proceeding with the lawsuit and I am also enclosing herewith a copy of the Complaint which has been filed against you in the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. You have twenty (20) days to respond. Very truly yours, > BERNSTEIN & WARSHAWSKY BJW:dlz Enclosure cc: Mr. tIarold Swidler EXIllBIT "A" Legal ad";'"" to prof"sio""" '''''' the Imsinei' community; aad to iadividuals for estat" and finandal p14nni"D ~ COMMON WEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA ) )SS: ) (") (:1 C') (-- c- -, .il -0 S:-~~ ~~ I . , >:. ; >..) (/} ,. ~~ l ...:> ':'. .- -. ,) -. " .' ;-~:i ,) :....:1 C) _..J -"... AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY IN RE: ,J,UIO,{CI! ". (J./y"'AAltJ /JO. O<CJoo - J?tf 7 (('11./1/) " Before me, the undersigned authority, a Notary Public, in and for said Commonwealth and County, personally appeared Robert E. Bendig Private Detective, County of Allegheny Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Lie. # 346, according to law, deposes and says that on the..:? G?j day of /-1/1 y . Wl!lr of Su,<.t;-to,v! doo('> at S": 3 Cl o'c1ock.a.mJp.m., true and correct copies of the Pcl;l;v" <<"d Noti"" of I killing filed on the above -- named case were served upon H,<'. C /1,< t. Go Y /f "-'0 at the /':VNc;j/tf( rt'!I'I-NI/-ldrtr ,f'e-eu,C6'J t<'c. I Au); address of: /If. 9 .::n<'. M/ltf~(llue. to lI'. ';?s--!/9' Service was effected by the following: H~ct personally served. [] Adult fam ily member with whom Subject resides. Name and Relationship [] Adult in charge of Subject's residence who refused to give name or relationship. [] Manager/clerk of place of lodging in which Subject resides. Name [] Agent or person in charge of Subject's office or usual place of business. Name > / [] Other: Sworn to and subscribed before me this /~...d~f~~~~~ ~.\i~alY !"l1fl-;:-ln I .....-..-.........-.-..-.----,--.... 1... __._._. ..... i'!' ;:,.~',:.,: :: : .;: t I ''11' , ;;I.:::,:;,~ -,..\....".,:,.,::.:.....,:...._,':,(.:,./.....,' " , " "'I'.; .;.,.-,)C.::'s,:'': ~";~' '-,1''';, t.:, .";::, :;', ),.'.:- . .~.~. "j . ,:'; .;0 EXIllBIT "B" .! :"-" \..',"-,.: f. E iM_~~"'_I\\I..rK' ..''''''liill-.''........ '.-j.-", l'-M.-~IIiI~~diOi_ ~. "" llil " " ". ~i (") ."- (".J. ~, C C) -n ~ 1> -0 r:~] -,') rnr-'l ,.,'1 Z::U ~;~; r', -.-, ;1:1 L "-" re- ..- i () )S ~. "TI " .-'1 L (-:! ! ~-=s J> CJ J_.~ "TJ C r. () Z :::> s;! :<l :OJ (::J -< - '. ,~-' ".> --, - -I _p ~ :1: ,. 'I I \1 -i' 'I o! ~" f IN THE COURT OF COJ'vlMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA w 'I' ,! f: v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW .' " il 11 'I !:: i!' I! ii I! I! :: 11' ii: I ,I Ii' HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff NO. 2000-267 Civil Term EARL WYAND, Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED 1. Motion to Strike pursuant to PaRCiv.P. 1028(a) (2) for failure to conform to PaRCiv.P. 1026. I:: I I' 1" Ii I, I I:, q, PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS TO PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS AND NOW COMES, Harold Swidler by and through his attorneys Bernstein & Warshawsky to file the following Preliminary Objections: 1. The Writ of Summons in the instant matter was filed on January 13, 2000, which Plaintiff attempted to serve by certified mail twice but which went unclaimed by Defendant (see attached Exhibit "A" and "B", the certified mail envelopes). 2. Plaintiff reissued the Writ of Summons on March 16, 2000 and arranged for personal service on Defendant. The reissued Writ was served on Defendant on May 26, 2000, and the certificate of service was filed of record on June 22, 2000. 3. The Complaint was filed and served upon Defendant on July 25, 2000, by first class mail at the address where personal service was effected. 4. A Ten Day Notice, filed contemporaneously herewith and a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "C", was mailed to Defendant by first class mail on August 18, 2000. 5. Preliminary Objections were filed in this matter on August 25, 2000, thirty one (31) days after the filing and serving of the Complaint and seven (7) days after the Ten Day Notice was served. , - ,'" ~--. "I . ,~ 6. Defendant has not identified any justifiable reasons for the delay in filing his Preliminary Objections. 7. Although Plaintiff is not required to demonstrate prejudice, absent Defendant's lack of justification for delay, Plaintiff has been prejudiced to the following manner: A. Defendant admits receiving Plaintiff's letter dated July 24, 2000 accompanying the Complaint (see Paragraph 2 of the Defendant's Preliminary Objections). B. Defendant's Preliminary Objections lack merit in that the facts of record evidence proper service in accordance with the applicable Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure; (2) the facts of record do not support Defendant's objection in the nature of demurrer, as the Complaint clearly establishes a cause of action in conversion; and (3) Defendant seeks to require Plaintiff to plead facts in the form of a more specific pleading which facts are properly developed during discovery. C. Determination of Defendant's Preliminary Objections will serve to delay this matter unnecessarily, as the cause of action arose on January 17, 1998 when Plaintiff discovered the items missing. Due to Defendant's obfuscation in this lawsuit thus far, more than 9 months have elapsed since the Writ of Summons was filed. D. Plaintiff had prepared and was ready to file a Default Judgment in this case on August 29, 2000. Only the diligence of Plaintiff's counsel in checking the docket prior to the filing of the Default Judgment (Plaintiff's counsel had not, as of August 28, 2000, received the Preliminary Objections filed August 25,2000) prevented the improper filing of the Default Judgment. 8. Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, specifically Pa R.Civ. P. 1026 and Pa.R.Civ.P. 237.2 support Plaintiff's request that this Honorable Court strike the Defendant's Preliminary Objections. WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff respectfully requests that the Court strike the Defendant's Preliminary Objections in their entirety due to their untimely filing and Plaintiff in costs, attorneys fees and other just and appropriate relief ;; ,,-. ,'-~ '" _ ,_." --'" ~d ' __.' II. Motion to Strike vursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P. 1028(a) (2) for failure to conform to Pa.R.Civ.P. 1024. 9. Defendant's Preliminary Objection claiming improper service raises an issue of fact. 10. Defendant's Preliminary Objections were verified by Defendant's counsel and not by Defendant. II. No facts are of record to suggest that Defendant's counsel properly executed the Verification pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P. 1024(c). Given the serious nature of Defendant's allegations (that he was not served with the Writ of Summons), notwithstanding his acknowledgment of receipt ofthe Complaint (by the letter accompanying it dated July 24, 2000), it is proper for this Honorable Court to strike the Preliminary Objection alleging improper service. 12. Furthermore, because Pa.R.Civ.P. 1024 requires that the Verification be signed by a party and may only be signed by a non-party if". .. The Verification of none [of the parties] can be obtained within the time allowed for filing the Pleading. . .", the Court may conclude that no such justification exists and that further no justification for the delay in filing the Preliminary Objections exist and that striking them in their entirely is proper. WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff respectfully requests this Honorable Court strike the Defendant's Preliminary Objections, in whole or in part, and award Plaintiff his costs, attorneys fees and other just and appropriate relief D&, qfy~ 0 Law Office of Bernstein & Warshawsky ~ Supreme Court Id No. 58799 1820 Linglestown Road Harrisburg, P A 1711 0 (717) 232-8500 Attorney for Plaintiff ~ -,. ~,J:;~I ~,,~ ' >' ~~v ~ ~b ..s:: " ~ 't, \;)' \ 3; ~ t t.! c" <:'--0.. C7~, --4 ~ \ ' ---.\ \J --...l ~ ~~::) ~.~ . DOOODDD 00 I) Ifftfilll 5l i!2f If ~ :It 0 <" _,'\ r if ~ 1 ~ W ;. I) i ~ ~t>)\ If~.titl~tt~ ~4 - ~c:: : >Ii ~ J ~ ~~~ - '-< - ~ ~, ;;0'. : >-J ~ ::-:;;::--"""~~ : <:-{z>-< ~W-C/J:P. =-v, "Oz =-t:rot) '-0 ;;0 >-J : .rr},j ; -m \;";;0 -0< Yr=; 7"m , C/J ~ ~ ~ C '"lJ %;;~ ;:~~~ ::l~OF=l ;:z~~ c: 0 '< ~ Ii<;;" 0 . "" ~ gR~Z 5l g ~ ~ '<Q. "'" <' '" (lj " :; =. 0 ;:0 :.a z -J CPl 5 ~ (i.] 0=< Z .",",~ , . N I.n ""' ru a- I.n II'" ..J] -J a- 'j , 'J ~; .- '\~ '\-'> ),...., . 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Wyand c/o Funeral Transport Service Route I, Box 169JR Marlowe, WV 25419 Date of Notice: August 18,2000 No. 2000-267 Civil Term CIVIL ACTION - LAW JURY TRIAL DEMANDED IMPORTANT NOTICE . L ._1 _, ~ YOU ARE IN DEFAULT BECAUSE YOU HAVE FAILED TO ENTER A WRITTEN APPEARANCE PERSONALLY OR BY ATTORNEY AND FILE IN WRITING WITH THE COURT YOUR DEFENSES OR OBJECTIONS TO TI-IE CLAIMS SET FORTI-] AGAINST YOU. UNLESS YOU ACT WITHIN TEN DAYS FROM TI-IE DATE OF TI-lIS NOTICE, A JUDGMENT MA Y BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU WITHOUT A l-IEARING AND YOU MAY LOSE YOUR RIGHT TO SUE THE DEFENDANT AND THEREBY LOSE PROPERTY OR OTlIER IMPORTANT RIGHTS. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS NOTICE TO A LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT I-lAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE TIlE FOLLOWING OfFICE TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP: Cumberland County Lawyer Referral Service Cumberland County Bar Association 2 Liberty Avenue Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 249-3166 it ''''''~'''_'';';~'-''<-'''" BERNSTEIN & W ARSHA WSKY ~ 1820 Linglestown Road Harrisburg, P A 17110 (717) 232-8500 Attorney for Plaintiff ,'",'" '"-- IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff No. 2000-267 Civil Term v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW EARL WYAND, Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, Bruce J. Warshawsky do hereby certify that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing Imnortant 10 Day Notice upon the following below-named individual(s) by depositing the same in the U.S. Mail, postage pre-paid, this 18th day of August, 2000. Mr. Earl W. Wyand c/o Funeral Transport Services Route I, Box I69JR Marlowe, WV 25419 DEFENDANT BERNSTEIN & WARSHAWSKY: ruce J. arshawsky 1820 Linglestown Road Harrisburg,PA 17110 (717) 232-8500 Attorney for Plaintiff - >-'-< ~ ;J>;::3rn ~o~ C::l'CIl CIlZ....J tllOtr1 C:::l'Z ?:Itr1"" o CIl,,~ " ....J " "'0<: :::~~ --.JZCIl -?:I:I: 00>- 6~ ~ "U ~~ ~ m 3 ,. "'- ~() ~rJ ~.t c o o '0 " - ~?:IQ.~ e: 0 0 .., - " . _.....Joyjtl1 o rll C Pol ~ I--'::J >-t ri" fD- - .. to @ ~ - ~ 0 -.' <X....J..,., .... ... - P> - - NO\"'] v"o '" - "J::a.~"'d C:L. -?:Io '" ::\. - CIl (I) < n' (I) '" ~ ~ m N ,> " W N W , ~".r~1 r ".':/.\)\ I / t ,;,\ II /'0 ~ .-., I - 'II ~":"; ';),1 (.) ". / '.' I .J",. ;Iii I ".\A~:'I r. ~ ~':~,~~ \ r~ -., .,,~., 1., ..' .... r_"....,'~ \ ~ , :;>::P,:'Jpt', ';,'1 "'>Ir".'~~!!!:~'<<1}\.' _1:::'. ~" i0! ,il I\t~ 1(31 LA Ilil ;'jl 1.." l,ltl!l\ 1'::)1 I: I . !~ IF'11 ...._~J\ ::-:'-".-;-.. . .... . .. . .. 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(" ..J)--j '1"" (it ..,J "3 ..~ c ,,~, 0-< '" SDJ ~ Om 0 mc '" ~'" ~ Om ~ "0 r Z'" UI U10gJ c" < ~g ii ~~ m mm I~ 00_ "'~ " ~zm ~o :0 ~- -t ~~ :n mm_ :o~ (") ~:l> ::!-t !i1m ~O ~." ~s: 'oj> 0- m'- "'2 15Gl ~ "'-'.,', .~ -:;.- '.- ~,~-,:,,,,::"<- ,'>f --.---1 ~. IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff NO. 2000-267 Civil Term v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW EARL WYAND, Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, Bruce J. Warshawsky, Esquire, do hereby certify that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing Preliminary Objections to Preliminary Objections upon the following below-named individual(s) by depositing the same in the U.S. Mail, postage pre-paid, this (~T'Jday of .Iefl~ 2000. Tyrone G. Johnson, Esquire 30 South Second Street Chambersburg, P A 17201 COUNSEL FOR DEFENDANT ~ce J. arshaws squire Law Office of Bemstein & Warshawsky 1820 Linglestown Road Harrisburg, P A 17110 (717) 232-8500 Iliii_ <l~ , l ~_1J (") C) 0 c: 1;.'"-.:;; -;-1 ::? \...:'l -'- ctJ "r' ni I~,_,! '1 It-:l -0 F;::;;; Z~XJ ;r!Z Zr- cn:C': . -<:: -.:::~- kC.J '" ~~~ :s: C) ::>:: ~C) .';:; --, ""- :t =2 ....J -< it ~~ ~ ~ -.~,.-~~- '" IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff No. 2000-267 Civil Term v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW EARL WYAND, Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED NOTICE TO DEFEND YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this Complaint and Notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the Court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so, the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP. Office of the Court Administrator 4thFloor, Cumberland County Courthouse 1 Courthouse Square Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17103 (717) 240-6200 ~ " L '-. ,- -.1:;,~1 IN THE COURT OF CO:MMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff NO. 2000-267 Civil Term v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW EARL WYAND, Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED AVISO USTED HA smo DEMANDADO / A EN CORTE. Si usted desea defenderse de las demandas que se presentan mas adelante en las siguientes paginas, debe tomar accion dentro de los proximos veinte (20) clias despues de la notificacion de esta Demanda y Aviso radicando personalmente 0 por medio de un abogado una comparecencia escrita y radicando en la Corte por escrito sus defensas de, y objecciones a, las demandas presentadas aqui en contra suya. Se Ie advierte de que si usted falla de tomar accion .como se describe anteriormente, el caso puede pro ceder sin usted y un fallo por cualquier suma de dinero reclamada en la demanda 0 cualquier otra reclamacion 0 remedio solicitado par el demandante puede ser clictado en contra suya por la Corte sin mas aviso adicional. Usted puede perder dinero 0 propiedad u otros derechos importantes para usted. USTED DEBE LLEV AR ESTE DOCUMENTO A SU ABOGADO INMEDIATAMENTE. SI USTED NO TIENE UN ABOGADO 0 NO PUEDE P AGARLE A UNO, LLAME 0 VA Y A A LA SIG UlENTE OF1ClAN PARA A VERlG UAR DONDE PUEDE ENCONTRAR AS1STENC1A LEGAL. Office of the Court Administrator 4thFloor, Cumberland County Courthouse 1 Courthouse Square Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17103 (717) 240-6200 ~ ....- ~ " I ~'- ~ ,~ -c. . . IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff NO. 2000-267 Civil Term v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW EARL WYAND, Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED COMPLAINT Now, the Plaintiff, Harold Z. Swidler ("Swidler"), by and through his attorneys, the Law Office of Bernstein & Warshawsky, files the following action against the Defendant, Earl Wyand ("Wyand") and in support thereof avers: I. Swidler is an individual residing at 315 Washington Lane, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. 2. Wyand is an adult individual with a business address of c/o Funeral Transport Services, Rt I, Box 169 JR Marlowe, West Virginia 25419. 3. At all times relevant hereto, Swidler was an owner of the premises located at 710 E. King Street, Shippensburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, with a 12,550 sq. ft. commercial building erected thereon (the "Premises"). 4. On or about October II, 1997, Swidler and Wyand entered into a Lease Agreement ("Lease"), whereby Wyand would lease from Swidler the Premises for a period often (10) years. 5. Prior to executing the Lease, Swidler had stored at the Premises various items used for the maintenance and to be used for improvements to the Premises including the following items: air conditioners, aluminum glass double doors, riding lawnmower, plywood, rubber roofing pads, drywall sheets, building lumber, a ten unit electrical system service, all of which had a collective value of $44,700.00 ("Swidler's Personal Property"). 6. In accordance with the Lease, Wyand was required to perform all repairs and improvements for his use and occupancy of the Premises. ~~. ' .' ~~ ~""'''''','. 7. Wyand had knowledge that Swidler's Personal Property was located at the Premises at the time the Lease was executed. 8. Swidler and Wyand had numerous discussions about Wyand's purchase of all or some of Swidler' s Personal Property for use at the Premises, but no agreement was reached with regard to such purchase. 9. Because Wyand could not secure governmental approval for his intended use of the Premises, Swidler and Wyand agreed, on or about November 30, 1997, that the Lease would be considered null and void. 10. On or about January 17, 1998, Swidler discovered that Swidler's Personal Property was removed from the Prenllses. Swidler's Personal Property was removed and carried away by Wyand and/or his accomplices, which items were the property of Swidler, and who is entitled to possession thereof. 11. Swidler has demanded from Wyand the return of Swidler' s Personal Property and/or their value, but Wyand has failed and refused to do so. 12. Wyand, by his actions, has converted Swidler's Personal Property to his own use for the detriment ofSwidler in the amount of $44,700.00. WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Harold Z. Swidler respectively requests that this Honorable Court grant him damages in the amount of $44,700.00, costs, other expenses and attorneys fees as the Court deems just and appropriate. Date: /1J-1 /00 Respectfully Submitted: Law Office of Bernstein & Warshawsky ~ Supreme Court Id No. 58799 1820 Linglestown Road Harrisburg, P A 1711 0 (717) 232-8500 Attorney for Plaintiff M"" ~" , ''-<; IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff NO. 2000-267 Civil Term v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW EARL WYAND, Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED VERIFICA TION I, Harold Z. Swidler, verify that the statements made in the foregoing Complaint are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false statements are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.g 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. Date: 7/Jl.(f'UJoo .-, '" -~ -. ,,- IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff NO. 2000-267 Civil Term v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW EARL WYAND, Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, Bruce J. Warshawsky, Esquire, do hereby certify that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing Comolaint upon the following below-named indivicral(s) by depositing the same in the U.S. Mail, postage pre-paid, tbi~~ of V~2000. Mr. Earl Wyand c/o Funeral Transport Services Rt 1, Box 169JR Marlowe, WV 25419 DEFENDANT ."~_. Bruce 1. War wsky, Esquire Law Office of Bernstein & Warshawsky 1820 Linglestown Road Harrisburg, P A 17110 (717) 232-8500 :1 I I j 1~i1't5,!;Ij 1. "" ;-l'-! !ll ~ .', _~ ,- '" ' .,- ,J' ".' AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE COMMON WEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA ) )SS: COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY ) IN RE: gt.U'/..JAcl! 1/. WYIf/AN.(J ,ua, 0/.(10 0 'C .i!u 7 (("I(/;/.) Before me, the undersigned authority, a Notary Public, in and for said Commonwealth and County, personally appeared RobertE. Bendig Private Detective, County of Allegheny Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Lie. # 346, according to law, deposes and says that on the ~ G -?f day of 1-1 A y' Wl!lr 0.# Sw",,,",o,,,s. &-(J&O at 5": 3 0 o'clock-a.mJp.m., true and correct copies of the P"t;t;Vll g..ud :tJ6ti...,.., vfII"a.l~5 filed on the above-named case were served upon H/ C:At!t. WYApU~ at the r-VNc."'''''{ 7"l"tWJ'/-'t112r J'au/ceJ A'c. / At7X address of: /1ft9 ::r~. M/llfto<ue. tUIl'.. ,;?~""I'/9' servp.-was effected by the following: [..(Su~ect personally served. [] Adult family member with whom Subject resides. Name and Relationship [] Adult in charge of Subject's residence who refused to give name or relationship. [] Manager/clerk of place oflodging in which Subject resides. Name [] Agent or person in charge of Subject's office or usual place of business. Name [] Other: ~/ Robert E. Bendi, .. #311 Sworn to and subscribed before me this l (~/~. Of~.' ~~:,~&7~ ~.~ ~... .. ~~. .~ , .'''.....,---~-'''"''''~.~=~.~-''~...1 . n\1otElllal Sea! N Dayle Kemerer, [,iota!'} Public ! 'Hernpfiefd ~VJj?, \;Ve~'~mol-:";2n~.C~~1r:r,~ 1 Mi' COmmiSGKm E;.:p,ies vet {, ~\;,J~~ ..: -.- ~-==---~~=~-~~-~~-",,~,=~-=-,~~--<<",j Mem?;ocr, renr.r'Y~\l0.:l\.1 fi.-;::'(Y:;::?;'~:~~i ;f;' :':,..,~[':<.:;.; .!fW'i't~t':[;:ij::: "lOillIIiiraJ. ",:;iN,!Jl;@' I. ~~-liIiBI:iIll ..... 'oilili"""~ ~. ..... ~ ~- '"~, ~" - u o ~ ~f42 Z:Ll Z'- (J)7> .....,..--:. <:2 Cc; >C:' ~7 . );'i~ 2: -:J -<.. ~~ c c::.' '-- r- z: n i II !i I I (~.! ~, c-' N ,. G -'::'1 c:<;;} ~~~ ~ ~ ='< Cd :'.:J (:;l "~{lfif)l:I~f%t , ~ '. . ,~. ~., ',- '", " -. ",;.-. IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUJ\1BERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff No. 2000-267 Civil Term v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW EARL WYAND, Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED To: Mr. Earl W. Wyand c/o Funeral Transport Service Route 1, Box 169JR Marlowe, WV 25419 Date of Notice: August 18, 2000 IMPORTANT NOTICE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT BECAUSE YOU HAVE FAILED TO ENTER A WRITTEN APPEARANCE PERSONALLY OR BY ATTORNEY AND FILE IN WRITING WITH THE COURT YOUR DEFENSES OR OBJECTIONS TO THE CLAIMS SET FORTH AGAINST YOu. UNLESS YOU ACT WITHIN TEN DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU WITHOUT A HEARING AND YOU MAY LOSE YOUR RIGHT TO SUE THE DEFENDANT AND THEREBY LOSE PROPERTY OR OTHER IMPORTANT RIGHTS. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS NOTICE TO A LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE FOLLOWING OFFICE TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP: Cumberland County Lawyer Referral Service Cumberland County Bar Association 2 Liberty Avenue Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 249-3166 STEIN & WARSHAWSKY I Bruce J. ar awsky 1820 Linglestown Ro Harrisburg, P A 17110 (717) 232-8500 Attorney for Plaintiff "' ". -"'- "-~'- --.--, '" IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff No. 2000-267 Civil Term v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW EARL WYAND, Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, Bruce J. Warshawsky do hereby certifY that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing Important 10 Dav Notice upon the following below-named individual(s) by depositing the same in the U.S. Mail, postage pre-paid, this 18th day of August, 2000. Mr. Earl W. Wyand c/o Funeral Transport Services Route I, Box 169JR Marlowe, WV 25419 DEFENDANT BERNSTEIN & WARSHAWSKY: '- 0 <::;) '"' '-' c 0 -1"1 s:: If.) -no:> JTI -n ~m -0 r';:'~ :0 'l;}t~1 ZS;' cn2 ~ ~)['--, -<L ~~ ~O -0 ~G :.:rr.: ;;;;8 - .. --1 Z :!fJ =! ...J -< r-' , ~_.~ ~ -, - - -. .~"~, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff NO. 2000-267 Civil Term v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW EARL WYAND, Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED PRAECIPE TO REISSUE WRIT OF SUMMONS To the Prothonotary: . Kindly reissue the original writ of summons in the above-captioned action. Law Office of Bernstein & Warshawsky Date: March 13, 2000 ~ Q 1'''''..f.",tF Bruce J. War awsky Supreme Court Id No. 58799 1820 Linglestown Road Harrisburg, P A 17110 (717) 232-8500 Attorney for Plaintiff .jtji.lL~~~~i!H_~~!!i1~~oI"J\.H"g'nW!1l>i.l!!lii" ~o~ ~-"~. ,,,,,..-, I'" ~= u~ 1Ml1Ilil:ii~ "~~,~- ~~~- ~ ~ 8 ~ "t if ~::n ~!B ::u r- ~~ 0- :o~ is...... ~ ~ gifl '9 Goo) ~ ~ -< J:, ..,~-" ~ '-~" I', -- ....... IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff NO. .1 tJVV. ;Lt.. 7 ~ /.4--- v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW EARL WYAND, Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED PRAECIPE FOR WRIT OF SUMMONS To the Prothonotary: Kindly issue a writ of summons in the above-captioned action. Date: January 13, 2000 ruce 1. shaws Supreme Court Id 2854 N. 2nd Street Harrisburg,PA 17110-1206 (717) 232-8500 Attorney for Plaintiff -~ r~ ~ l' ~ '1t"", 11Ilii:&.~ ,~~ ~'-~"'~~ & 0 -~ --,,",-,- ,='" "',= .- .... 0 8 ~ c: '> s::: L ..... ifE J:>o l=f, fJJ :;e - :B~ GO~ W 0 ;:'0 -n =::l-ri ~ ...J.~ ..,., ~8 ::z Qa ~ ot1"1 ~ l'\) ~ =< -< ~ j "Il --<. ':\;a ."\ "\ ~ ~ ~ ~ " 'I ~ -,. I, ~ . -- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania County of Cumberland Harold Z. Swidler Court of Common Pleas VB. No. ~Q99_:.~~J_h_~J.'!:H_.:r.~!l.!1m_____hn 19m_ Earl Wyand In -'~!y}..! _~~.:t..:!:<2!.l.:-Jo~___ __ _ _ ____m_______m_ To ~~!_~~~_________________________________ You are hereby notified that .___F_~QlfL_~._p~idl~________________________.________________________________________________ the Plaintiff has commenced an action in ______C,iyi-.,L!.J;lYLn__n__nn_______n____n__n__n___ against you which you are required to defend or a default judgment may be entered against you. (SEAL) .__~t~_~_B~__~~~____________________________ . Prothonotary Date1' <m!.'~_'::Y-11..._?QitQ____________ 19____ II,.. Q , By __~------~-------------------- Deputy ..."-.... ,,' 'H_"'~'" =-._jIlflll!lil:Mt~.- - "0'- O'wlliii4I-"~~~"~~ ^"^1Ji' -LL--'" ~~ "-~"-~'".. ~ .. .0 . , ^~ -- , ~ , t>j :I: :I:l\,)al In ~ 8 -.J OJ co ~ ,f-" 'I\,) f-' ,~ f-' '0 -.J ~ ~ 0 If-'. f-' b f-'. (1) If-' ~ 0. '0 m z , I, I\,) cr. "--< :~ B. N ,I\,) W C . r . "" I\,) '1 I\,) Irt I--' , '98.& 'f-" le in ;1>- co '0 ~ U1 '1 '::> f-" 'f-" S 0 'tJUlm " - 0. ,<: 0 OJrtffi 'I:'" f-' .If-'- i:l . ~ iOJ ~ ~ If-' ~, f-'(1)~ i~ I..., , ;:rt~ , .(1) , I ... l~ , , 1:1 , f-' , I 0 , , , , I t>j I , , f-' m , I , I\,) ..0 , , I - , 0 . , ... I '" , , I , I , I , I I , ~[ ~t f'() ..... ~kJ . \' -t~ l (Y~ t bI ~ . " ~d _,_ PRAECIPE FOR LISTING CASE FOR ARGUMENT (Must be typewritten and subnitted in duplicate) TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY: Please list the within matter for the next Argunent Court. ---~----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CAPTION OF CASE (entire caption must be stated in full) HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, ( Plaintiff) vs. EARL WX1'iND ( Deferxlant) No. 26:7 Civil Term Xle< 2000 L State matter to be argued (Le., plaintiff's rrotion for new trial, deferxlant's demurrer to ctmplaint, etc.J: Plaintiff I S 'Prelimina:vyr)b~j ections to Defendant I s Preliminary Obj-ections 2. Identify counsel who will argue case: (a) for plaintiff: Bruce J. Warshawsky Address: 1820 Linglestown Road Harrisburg, PA 17110 (b) for defendant: Address: Tyrone G. Johnson 30. South Second Street Chambersburg, PA 17201 3. . I will notify all parties in writing within b<<:> days that this case has been listed forargunent. 4. Argunent Court Date: 11 October 2000 Dated: 13 September 2000 illllillWllIIiilliiI I t: L " - 'Jr::Iij~I<Jilii!jiW""""=l.- ""-... " .~. tilL "0,,,",,,,,,,,, "':' Ii ,I " I ! I I , I I , , Ii " I ! ~ 'I (') C) 0 c: 0 --n ~ u:l --t -o{"U m ~l? ~!T1 -0 ::0 z~ \0 ::-g8 ID:z: ;:.::)6 ~6 .,-4 . -0 1'''', ~O ...;;::... ~)h :i>8. r:y Zrn ':), ~ :-,) ;c:; :xl \0 ..< I ; '" ." _ I ~. IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUN'l'Y, PENNSYLVANIA HAROLD Z. SWJ:DLER No. 2000-267 Civil Term Plaintiff vs. Civil Action-Law EARL WYAND, Defendant Ju~y T~ial Demanded VERIFICATION I, Earl Wyand, hereby verify that the statements made in a Preliminary Objection filed on my behalf on August 25, 2000, in the above captioned matter, are true and correct in part according to my personal knowledge, and as to the remainder, upon information and belief. I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of Pa. C.S.A. Section 4904, relating to unsworn falsifications to authorities. At the time of filing I was unavailable to be in the state of Pennsylvania. Date: October (p , 2000 E~Ll~X~c/' CERTIli'J:CAH OF SERVICE I , Tyrone G. Johnson, Esquire, certify that I served a true and correct copy of Defendant's Verification in ~ stated above by first class mail, postage prepaid on October , 2000, to: Bruce J. Warshawsky, Esquire Law Office of Berstein & Warshawsky l820 Linglestown Road Harrisburg, PA 17110 (Attorney For Plaintiff) T ne . Jon on, Esquire A orney for Defendant 30 S. Second Street Chambersburg, PA 17201 (717) 264-0445 j .~,~~","~I.... " &l ~- -'1!ifjil!""~'-"- -17 MMii:.;:!IiilW:~j;Jh,,,;;WiI&J'k~d'" ,.,1', ~.~-, ' --""'""""-' ::' o ~_. "'O(.r; fl1[,;.-,i Z.J-J ZC:" ~?;, y!<-.> ~C) ~C:.) ).-:o>C 2' ~ b o o .\....., --t I 0"' ~ (:) -n :::.: "' r , ,~:--n "0 '~h~ ':~t) 5rn c;;! ::.0 '< :.:: w ...J d , i Ij . "' -,'. ,. - . . HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA vs. 00-0267 CIVIL EARL WYAND, Defendant CIVIL ACTION - LAW IN RE: DEFENDANT'S PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS AND PLAINTIFF'S PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS THERETO BEFORE HOFFER. PJ.. HESS AND GUIDO. J.J. ORDER AND NOW, this Z-tl day of January, 2001, the preliminary objections of the defendant for a more specific pleading and in the nature of a demurrer are DENIED. A hearing on an allegation of improper service is herewith set for Thursday, February 8, 2001, at 11:00 a.m. in Courtroom Number 4, Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle, P A. BY THE COURT, Bruce Warshawsky, Esquire For the Plaintiff I1J Tyrone G. Johnson, Esquire For the Defendant ~~ --fY)a.U 01-4-01 R){S :rlm r""'-" ~... ".. -'~ .... , \'JiV'/1) /ll(~k7(~j it A;~~~~~~1v:gd '. '. >' /:,...t_~7,C'>-1! " "'-J",j,., -.,V " U']"' . '/ j',Jr,f .~ ry..... ?;J'..-q , ;--'1// /0 -<,{"'J ....,.,) [ -, '~., , " HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 00-0267 CIVIL vs. EARL WYAND, Defendant CIVIL ACTION - LAW IN RE: DEFENDANT'S PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS AND PLAINTIFF'S PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS THERETO BEFORE HOFFER. P.l.. HESS AND GUIDO, J.J. OPINION AND ORDER This is a case in which the defendant challenges the service of original process. The plaintiff, Harold Z. Swidler, filed a praecipe for writ of summons on January 13, 2000. The defendant, Earl A. Wyand, is a resident of West Virginia. The plaintiff attempted to serve Wyand by certified mail, twice, in accordance with PaRC.P. 403 and 404, but was unsuccessful. Following the two unsuccessful attempts at service of the writ of summons by mail, the plaintiff, on March 16, 2000, had the writ of summons reissued. The plaintiff maintains that the defendant was served personally with a copy of the reissued writ of summons by private investigator, Robert E. Bendig, on May 26, 2000, at Funeral Transport Services, Route 1, Box 169 JR, Marlowe, WV 25419. An affidavit of service, provided by Bendig, was filed of record on June 22,2000. The defendant asserts that he was not personally served or otherwise served with a copy of the writ. The plaintiff then filed a complaint in this case. It was served upon the defendant by first-class mail on July 25, 2000. The complaint alleges that on or about October 11, 1997, Swidler and Wyand entered into a lease agreement whereby Wyand would lease the premises from Swidler for ten years. Swidler had stored at the premises various items used for the -" ,,->--,~~, . ,-, - ~~''-- -" ".,j;=", ,. " "-~,- """ I 00-0267 CIVIL maintenance and improvement of the premises, including air conditioners, aluminum glass double doors, a riding lawn mower, plywood, rubber roofing pads, drywall sheets, building lumber, and an electrical system service, all of which had a collective value of $44,700.00. Swidler and Wyand had several discussions about Wyand purchasing some or all of the property from Swidler, but they purportedly never reached an agreement. On November 30, 1997, Swidler and Wyand agreed that the lease would be cancelled because Wyand was unable to secure governmental approval for his intended use of the property. On or about January 17, 1998, Swidler discovered that the property stored at the premises had been removed. A complaint alleges that it was Wyand who removed and carried away the property from the premises. When there was no answer to the complaint, the plaintiff served a ten-day notice of default on the defendant. This was done by first class mail on August 18,2000. On August 25, 2000, the defendant filed preliminary objections claiming improper service pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1028(a)(1), a demurrer pursuant to PaRC.P. 1028(a)(4), and a claim oflack of specificity pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1028(a)(3). The preliminary objections of the defendant demurring to the plaintiff s complaint and seeking greater specificity are clearly without merit. They will be denied without further discussion. The preliminary objection raising a claim of improper service will, however, remain as an issue at least insofar as the defendant shall be granted a hearing on the matter. Proper service is a prerequisite to the court's jurisdiction over the person of a defendant. Frvcklund v. Wav. 410 Pa. Super. 347, 599 A.2d 1332, 1334 (1991). In determining whether proper service has been made, we require strict adherence to the rules. Collins v. Park, 423 Pa. Super. 601,621 A.2d 996,997 (1993). Improper service is not merely a procedural defect that 2 -~' ~ -- '-.'-'; 00-0267 CIVIL can be ignored when the defendant, by whatever means, becomes aware that an action has been commenced against him.l Frvcklund, 410 Pa. Super. at 351-52, 599 A.2d at 1334. The rule applicable to service outside the Commonwealth is Pa.C.R.P. 404 and provides that service may be made by a competent adult. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has held in the absence of fraud, the return of service of a sheriff, which is full and complete on its face, is conclusive and immune from attack by extrinsic evidence. Hollinger v. Hollinger, 416 Pa. 473, 206 A.2d 1 (1965). The Court explained: The rule of conclusiveness of a return of service of process is based upon the presumption that a sheriff, acting in the course of his official duties, acts with propriety and, therefore, when a sheriff in the course of such duties makes a statement, by way of an official return, such statement is given conclusive effect. However, both logic and common sense restrict the conclusive nature of a sheriff s return only to facts stated in the return of which the sheriff presumptively has personal knowledge, such as when and where the writ was served. . . Id. at 477,206 A.2d at 3. Some courts have expanded the rule of conclusiveness to include constables. See Anzalone v. Vormack, 718 A.2d 1246, 1249 (Pa. Super. 1998). In Vormack, the court reasoned that because of the judicial nature and role of a constable and sheriff in the effectuation of service of process before the minor judiciary, we see no reason to reserve the conclusiveness and immunity from extrinsic attack of a return of service to a sheriff only. Id. 1 Because improper service goes to the jurisdiction of the court, it can be raised at any time. For this reason, clearly, the preliminary objections of the plaintiff to the defendant's preliminary objections, alleging that the defendant's objections are untimely, must be denied. Objections to improper service can be raised eyen after judgment. See Dubrey Y. Izaguirre, 454 Pa.Super. 504, 685 A.2d 1391 (1996). 3 ~o " -"->" .. - . ,.~ 00.0267 CIVIL Here, however, the defendant is attacking the return of service by a private detective hired by the plaintiff. In this regard, we know of no authority to the effect that a private detective's return of service is conclusive and immune from a defendant's attack. Unlike a sheriff or constable, a private detective is not working in an official capacity for the Commonwealth but rather as a person hired by one of the parties. Thus, we cannot deem the return conclusive on the basis that the detective has acted in a judicial role. The defendant has filed a verification (albeit belatedly) confmning, under oath, his assertion that he was not the person served by Detective Bendig. An issue of fact is thus raised by this preliminary objection. As noted in Pa.R.C.P. 1028(c)(2), it now becomes incumbent upon us to consider evidence "by depositions or otherwise." In an effort to avoid additional delay in this case, we will set a brief hearing before the court, itself, on this matter. ORDER AND NOW, this 3" day of January, 2001, the preliminary objections of the defendant for a more specific pleading and in the nature of a demurrer are DENIED. A hearing on an allegation of improper service is herewith set for Thursday, February 8, 2001, at 11:00 a.m. in Courtroom Number 4, Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle, P A. BY THE COURT, 0111.1-- 4 00-0267 CIVIL Bruce Warshawsky, Esquire F or the Plaintiff Tyrone G. Johnson, Esquire For the Defendant :rlm 5 HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff vs. EARL WYAND, Defendant AND NOW, this , ,,~ I- , , ~ IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA BY THE COURT, -I' T day of February, 2001, at the request of counsel for the parties, hearing in this matter set for February 8, 2001, is continued to Wednesday, March 28, 00-0267 CIVIL CIVIL ACTION - LAW ORDER 2001, at 3:00 p.m. in Courtroom Number 4, Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle, PA. Bruce Warshawsky, Esquire For the Plaintiff Tyrone Johnson, Esquire For the Defendant :rlm ~\ t/ D~-O:~ !III ~,,,,,,:..L , ~-' II , ~~""~ "Q-~1i~' L~ JWIiiI,i~..&d!,I " \/INVfiVS;NN3cl , \ t--w10r] (\!,,\Fi:.PP\I"['''' {\J.J \\! '<1 '_A' \'.' ,.,",.\~~' ~ IV ~ (' e' 1 ' l',J \ V .tl V>\I;J \1 - D3:l \ 0 l~';\i';,;,,)',~!;-' ,j'; ...)1\ fI,U~.J,:""" ,"_d ,_o~ v :\C~'A:l::\C).-u:nH ....... " ,"-- ,-,," HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff - -' ~" - , .- ~ - -.--"-,;--- IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF v CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CIVIL ACTION - LAW EARL WYAND, Defendant NO. 00-0267 CIVIL TERM IN RE: HEARING CONTINUED ORDER OF COURT AND NOW, this 28th day of March, 2001, further reinstated complaint. hearing in this matter is continued pending service of the By the Court, Bruce Warshawsky, Esquire For Plaintiff Tyrone Johnson, Esquire For Defendant :bg /-1J Hess, J. 0j~ lfi' '\.~~ iii 'Ii ... ,~~ , ~. , "'";'iliItlilil~"Y~~~ ,- ""'.. "' \iiN\f!\lASNN:id , '^'ilIJ-;'I'1\!',ni-PC!'^lln..... I\JJ'L, ,_,' '_"" ,-",..,_L~, f'.-/ L'1 :6 !",-.! fj\J .. \' "11 I" / -~ ."'0' 1',1 \.1 I...;' '" lI:'"' (I' AC'-l.v_, ,',)[ :-'--.-,;','''' .'r, ~J'.J ib I ==-~ . .' 1Ii1ili1/ll ,. HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff :tN THE COURT OF COM4ON PLEAS OF CUMBElU.AND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANrA vs. NO.OO - 0267 Civil Tez:m EARL WYAND, Defendant ~OTICE You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claim set forth in the following pages, you IIlUst take action within twenty (20) days after this c~laint and notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the court without further notice for any money claimed in the c~laint or for any other claim or relief requested by the plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. YOU SHOux.D TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A ~R OR CANNOT AFFOlID ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT wmmE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP. Court Administrator Fourth Floor Cu.berland County Courthouse Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013 Telephone (717) 240-6200 AMERICANS W!TH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990 The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County is required by law to c~ly with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For Info:r:mation about accessible facilities and reasonable accommodations available to disabled individuals having bUsiness before the Court, please contact our office. All arrangements must be made at least 12 hours prior to any hearing or business before the Court. You must attend the schedule conference or hearing. Ty, , Esquire 30 South Second Street Cha:mbersburg, PA 17201 717-264-0445 : ,.~I -" . , " ~ler.-_ HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANXA VB. NO.OO - 0267 Civil Term EAllL WYAND, Defenc:l.ant ANSWER WITH NEW MATTER OJ!' DEFENDANT AND NOW comes Defendant, Earl Wyand, by and through his Attorney, Tyrone G. Johnson, Esquire, and submits the following Answer With New Matter Of Defendant and states in support thereof as follows: l. Denied. Defendant, is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of averments of paragraph 1 and proof thereof is demanded. 2. Admitted. 3. Denied. Defendant, after reasonable investigation, is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments of paragraph 3, and finds that this averment may be inaccurate in that the Plaintiff may be the agent or co-owner of the subject building. Written proof of Plaintiff's alleged sole ownership therefore is demanded. As to the remaining averments, Defendant, after reasonable investigation, is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments and proof therefore is demanded. 4. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that the Defendant conditionally entered into lease negotiations with the Plaintiff, wherein the Plaintiff was to, upon condition precedent to a lease, provide the Defendant with a written lease which was never provided. As to the remaining averments, Plaintiff has failed to attach proof of the alleged lease agreement and they are denied therefore. Defendant, after reasonable investigation, is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of these remaining averments and strict proof therefore is demanded. 5. Denied. Plaintiff may have left some junk in the subject warehouse building which neither had installed windows nor installed doors and was therefore totally unsecured and open to anyone to walk into from off the street. Defendant therefore, after reasonable investigation, is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of these """""""'" "-~~ - -~~ remaining averments and strict proof is demanded. 6. Denied. Defendant, after reasonable investigation, is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments and proof therefore is demanded. By way of further answer, Plaintiff has failed to attach proof of the alleged lease agreement which would contain such terms in support of this assertion. Defendant would not assume responsibility for an unsecured building, with no windows or doors and located in an out of the way area in which the Plaintiff maintains he stored, without any security, $44,700.00 in ~Swidler's Personal Property". 7. Denied. Defendant, after reasonable investigation, is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments and proof therefore is demanded. By way of further answer, Defendant avers that the Plaintiff may have left abandoned junk in the unsecured structure, but not $44,700.00 worth of ~Swidler's Personal Property", nor would Defendant have assumed such responsibility . 8. Denied. Defendant, after reasonable investigation, is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments and proof therefore is demanded. 9. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that the Defendant could not use or lease the building for the intended purposes. As it is noted above, leasing of the subject premises was based on certain conditions precedent; however, it is denied that the negotiations were terminated on or about November 30, 1997, but that they were terminated during the first part of the last quarter of 1997. As to a lease agreement, the Defendant seeks specific proof thereof. The remaining averments are denied, as Defendant, after reasonable investigation, is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the remaining averments and proof therefore is demanded. lO. Denied. Defendant, is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of averments of Paragraph 10 and proof thereof is demanded. 11. Denied. Defendant, is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of averments of Paragraph 11 and proof thereof is demanded. 12. Denied. Defendant, is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of averments of Paragraph 12 and proof thereof is demanded. - ,I ~ ' , -- "...~j,,,,~ WHEREFORE, Defendant prays your Honorable Court to dismiss the Complaint of Plaintiff, and enter judgment in favor of Defendant. NEW MATTER 13. The foregoing responses, Paragraphs 1 through 12 to the averments of the Complaint, are incorporated by reference and re- alleged as affirmative defenses. 14. The alleged cause of action did not accrue within the period of the applicable Statute of Limitations and is, therefore, barred. l5. The cause of action averred in the Plaintiff's Complaint arose, according to the date of November 30, 1997, as set out in the Complaint, more than two (2) years prior to the institution of this suit and is barred by the provisions of 42 Pa.C.S.A. Sections 5524(3), et alii, which provide for a two (2) year Statute Of Limitations period for actions for taking, detaining or injuring personal property, including actions for specific recovery thereof, for the following reasons: a. The Plaintiff refers to a lease agreement in his Complaint as having been entered into on or about October ll, 1997, Paragraph 4 of Plaintiff's Complaint. b. The Plaintiff asserts in his Complaint at Paragraph 9, that this lease agreement became null and void on or about November 30, 1997. c. The ~laintiff filed his Praecipe For Writ Of Summons on January 13, 2000, or approximately 43 days after the Statute Of Limitations tolled, or from December 1, 1999, which reflects two (2) years and 43 days from November 30, 1997. d. The Plaintiff, in order to comply with the requirements of 42 Pa.C.S.A. Sections 5524(3), et alii, must have initiated and filed his action with the Prothonotary by December 1, 1999. e. The right of the Plaintiff's action accrued simultaneous with the termination of the Plaintiff's asserted lease agreement which was contemporaneous with his duty to inspect the premises after he maintains that he had gained re-possession which was on or about November 30, 1997, Paragraph 9 of Plaintiff's Complaint. 16. The Defendant has requested proof of the alleged lease agreement, more specifically a copy thereof from Plaintiff, and has not received said document; and Defendant maintains that said document does not exist therefore. "'~~. ~, " " ~,,-, .~'" ~ l7. Plaintiff maintains that he had stored enumerated items at the subject property and alleges that the Defendant and/or his accomplishes removed them or carried them away; however, the Plaintiff does not assert that he had reported the alleged missing property to the local police as being stolen, that the police conducted an investigation, that the police apprehended persons at the premises who were in possession of his property, and that the police have made a report of the incident naming these persons, along with the date that the Plaintiff reported the property stolen, thereby also establishing another date as to when the Plaintiff discovered that the subject property was allegedly removed from the premises. 18. Plaintiff has not named these additional parties, who should be named as a part of the suit, nor does he state whether he has recovered from his building insurance carrier, or from any other carrier for the alleged loss. 19. The Defendant has requested a copy of the police theft investigative report and has not received a copy from Plaintiff. 20. The Plaintiff has caused the Defendant irreparable harm as a result of having initiated his action over 2 years after accrual of the action. 21. The Plaintiff has caused the Defendant not only irreparable harm as a result of Paragraph 20 supra, but has exacerbated this irreparable harm by lack of due diligence in that he did not facilitate service of process upon the Defendant timely and reasonably, but in fact served the Defendant on March 28, 200l, or approximately some three (3) years and four (4) months after the action actually accrued, Paragraph~9 of Plaintiff's Complaint. WHEREFORE, Defendant Plaintiff's Complaint and Plaintiff. prays your Honorable Court to dismiss enter judgment in his favor and against Date: 4/l2/01 *~2df:~~ 1.0. # 48780 Attorney for Defendant 30 S. Second Street Chambersburg, PA 1720l (717) 264-0445 - - " ~'"' VERIFICATION I, Earl Wyand, have read the foregoing document and to the extent it is based upon information that I have given to counsel, it is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that any false statements made herein are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. Section 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. c5JCfOI DATE: April;l~' ,2001 E~W~~ CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I , Tyrone G. Johnson, Esquire, certify that I served a true and correct copy of Defendant's ANSWER WITH NEW ~TTER OF DEFENDANT by first class mail, postage prepaid on April 12, 2001, to: Bruce J. Warshawsky, Esquire Law Office of Berstein & Warshawsky 1820 Linglestown Road Harrisburg, PA 17110 (Attorney For Plai tiff) Ty ne Jo son, Esquire At orney for Defendant 30 S. Second Street Chambersburg, PA 17201 (717) 264-0445 bll'J':~'ii'~ ll~~- ~ ~_,o..oo ~ l-lj!It".i:~'''''''''''''''''''~ .,,~""'~~..~ . " , ~~ ,~"",. ~" .. """,""", ,~ 91'1'0'1'91: (HL) ~01:H Vd 'fimqSJaqwe4:J laaJIS puooas 41nos O€ NOSNHOf '0 HNOIDi.~ jO aOIYO Me-, ~ ...."ftf).. "'0"' ""_ ~L ,-~ .._IIolilidi....~ '" 1__"" () 0 c: :~ ,...<> -':Jr:.:: _dJ '-'-'j rT~ ;::::J " , =-~ -f-i Z ,- C") r....) '-<, ~ ":> N , , J;::" 1_.. ':~l :n ~~ .;., -( ()"\ -" -< -- --...~ d "1_" IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff NO. 2000-267 Civil Term v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW EARL WYAND, Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED REPLY TO NEW MATTER Now, the Plaintiff, Harold Z. Swidler ("Swidler"), by and through his attorneys, the Law Office of Bernstein & Warshawsky, files a Reply to New Matter led by the Defendant, Earl Wyand ("Wyand") as follows: 13. No response is required as affirmative defenses must be specifically pled in New Matter and not incorporated by reference from Defendant's answer. 14. required. The averments of this Paragraph are legal conclusions to which no response is 15. The averments of this Paragraph are specifically denied to the extent that the averments are not legal conclusions, to which no response would be required. By way of further answer, Paragraph 10 of Swidler's Complaint identifies January 17, 1998 as the date on which the cause of action averred in Plaintiff s Complaint accrued. (a) Admitted in part and denied in part. Plaintiffs cause of action is not predicated on the Lease Agreement referred to in Paragraph 4 of Plaintiffs Complaint. To the extent that New Matter Paragraph l5(a) repeats Swidler's Complaint of Paragraph 4, the same is admitted, otherwise it is denied. (b) Admitted in part and denied in part. Plaintiffs cause of action is not predicated on the Lease Agreement re.ferred to in Paragraph 9 of Plaintiffs Complaint. To the extent that New Matter Paragraph l5(a) repeats Swidler's Complaint of Paragraph 9, the same is admitted, otherwise it is denied. (c) Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that Plaintiff filed this Praecipe for Writ of Summons on January 13,2000. It is denied that filing of the Writ was after the statute of limitations tolled, which was a legal conclusion to which no response is required. ~ (d) The averments of this Paragraph are legal conclusions to which no response is required. (e) Denied as stated. Plaintiff s cause of action is based in conversion, not on the Lease Agreement. Plaintiff maintains that he regularly inspected the premises and did not discover that the items alleged converted by the Defendant were discovered missing until January 17, 1998. 16. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that the Defendant has requested proof of the Lease Agreement and that Plaintiff has not provided a copy of said agreement. Discovery in this case has not yet commenced. It is denied that the Lease Agreement does not exist and can be provided to Defendant in response to a proper discovery request. 17. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that Plaintiff has pled in Paragraph 10 of the Complaint that Defendant and his accomplices removed and converted Plaintiffs personal property and it is further admitted that Plaintiff has not averred in the Complaint that the local police were notified or any of the other averments contained in Paragraph 17 of Defendant's New Matter. By way of further answer, none of the averments contained in Paragraph 17 of Defendant' s New Matter were essential to establishing a proper claim of conversion and the information Defendant seeks can be obtained through the appropriate discovery process. 18. Admitted. It is admitted that Plaintiff has not named any other parties to this lawsuit. Defendants may add additional Defendants in accordance with the Rules of Civil Procedure. It is further admitted that Plaintiff does not state whether he has recovered from his building insurance carrier, or from any other carrier for the loss Plaintiff alleges, as such information is not germaine to the cause of action for conversion and the information Defendant seeks will be provided during discovery. 19. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that the Defendant has requested proof of the Lease Agreement and that Plaintiff has not provided a copy of said agreement. Discovery in this case has not yet commenced. It is denied that the Lease Agreement does not exist and can be provided to Defendant in response to a proper discovery request. 20. The averments of this Paragraph oflegal conclusions to which no response is required. To the extent that a response is deemed to be required, after reasonable investigation, Plaintiff is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the matters asserted herein, therefore they are denied. By way of further, Defendant is attempting, in New Matter, to aver a positive counterclaim, when none has been advanced. .--~~ - '- "\l. 21. The averments of this Paragraph oflegal conclusions to which no response is required. To the extent that a response is deemed to be required, after reasonable investigation, Plaintiff is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the matters asserted herein, therefore they are denied. By way of further, Defendant is attempting, in New Matter, to aver a positive counterclaim, when none has been advanced. D,w d2- ') /6! Respectfully Submitted: Law Office of Bernstein & Warshawsky ~ Supreme Court Id No. 58799 1820 Linglestown Road Harrisburg, PA 17110 (717) 232-8500 Attorney for Plaintiff - . ..c" . , IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff NO. 2000-267 Civil Term v. CNIL ACTION - LAW EARL WYAND, Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED VERIFICA TION I, Harold Z. Swidler, verify that the statements made in the foregoing Reply to New Matter are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false statements are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. S 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. Date: ~ (~) {o\ "' '0,,,",- IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff NO. 2000-267 Civil Term v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW EARL WYAND, Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, Bruce J. Warshawsky, Esquire, do hereby certify that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing Reolv to New Matter upon the following below-named individual(s) by depositing the same in the U.S. Mail, postage pre-paid, this ~day of fl-pr I I 200/. Tyrone G. Johnson 30 South Second Street Chambersburg, PA 17201 Attorney for Defendant Bruce J. Warshawsky, Esq . e Law Office of Bemstein & arshawsky 1820 Linglestown Road Harrisburg, PA 17110 (717) 232-8500 III'~ . ,.J~U: llF. 11 ~ ~~ , ~ ~ ~~IIlllli'KlIi!IW ~lJ'1I _ = .' ~ '.- ~~,- ~j!il!iM~I~.~;__ ~ . .- ~ ,. .,",~., ,. llIIB'......,~,.. 1iIIr..... ~~~ ". .." .,," , 0' 0 6 ~ - ..,., J> '-I "1:10;1 -0 ::t..,., nl__P'"l :::.0 rl1,;;;::' 2;':Jj zs:;, N -Clrn (j), U1 :D,? -(::;:: ."~'\ ~o -0 ~~~ Po :x 021 z ~"..C) 5>0 S9 of'11 ~ "-> ~ (..,) -< , -,.~ I ~"'-, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff NO. 2000-267 Civil Term v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW EARL WYAND, Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED RULE TO SHOW CAUSE A Rule to show cause is hereby issued upon the Defendant, Earl Wyand, to show cause why the Motion to Compel Settlement should not be granted. Rule returnable in twenty (20) days from the service of the date of this Order. ::/e,JMl~ .<5; 2-042.. By the Court 4 ~. :JO\~O{ ~r5\a.ws~ jl op'les r(\cl\\e.d > L 1_ L Rv's O~.d.~-Oa. I'f\ . ~.". tiiIiI~!i2\^li.i:~~~8-~i;"a;",,~~;a,_~'o i ,- '~~~~~~.ltlmi\!l" lifI"i.tm~ ,~,"- "" V/MI/\lASNN3d JJNnoo ONI;'lfE3flVvno ~S" ., wd t, :G n sz 8Ji ZO A!:/IIIONCHLU ::10 3~)i:J.:i()-{j~]"ld --,,,,, -~" -~- ,--, .-r, ";...,.'"'~ >~ ,~~~...~.,= ~- -.- ."""~,,"- . '''~ - ~,;;, ; , 1-, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff NO. 2000-267 Civil Term v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW EARL WYAND, Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED MOTION TO COMPEL SETTLEMENT AND NOW, the Plaintiff, Harold Z. Swidler ("Swidler"), by and through his attorneys, the Law Office of Bernstein & Warshawsky, files this Motion to Compel Settlement and in support thereof avers as follows: I. On January 9, 2002, undersigned counsel sent the letter attached hereto as Exhibit "A" dated January 9, 2002, to counsel for Defendant, Earl Wyand ("Wyand"), Tyrone Johnson ("Attorney Johnson"). 2. By letter dated January 15,2002, Attorney Johnson, acting with the express and/or apparent authority of Wyand, authored the letter attached hereto as Exhibit "B", accepting undersigned counsel's proposal to settle this matter for Ten Thousand ($10,000.00) Dollars. 3. Undersigned counsel sent a letter dated January 9, 2002 (dated in error, actually faxed to Attorney Johnson on January 18,2002), attached hereto as Exhibit "C". The terms and conditions contained in Exhibit "C" do not alter the essential terms of the Agreement set forth in Attorney Johnson's letter dated January 15,2002. 4. Undersigned counsel sent the letter attached hereto as Exhibit "D" dated January 31, 2002, in an effort to resolve this matter without resort to filing the instant Motion, but to ,<,,'<' ' ,,;,,_, .j' , ',;i ._; _ ~. ' . ~ .' ..1 . ~ date, neither Attorney Johnson or Wyand has agreed to voluntarily comply with the Settlement Agreement made by and between the parties on or about January 15, 2002. . 5. The concurrence of Attorney Johnson has been sought, who has refused to concur in this Motion. 6. The Honorable Kevin A. Hess has previously ruled on Preliminary Objections in this case. 7. Plaintiff Swidler requests that the Court enforce the terms and conditions of the Settlement Agreement to wit: A. Wyand shall pay Swidler the amount ofTen Thousand ($10,000.00) Dollars on or before April 1, 2002; B. The Parties are directed to execute full and inclusive Releases; C. The Plaintiff shall be directed to file a Praecipe to Settle, Discontinue and End this case upon the satisfaction of conditions A & B above. WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff, Harold Z. Swidler, respectfully requests that this Honorable Court require that the matter be settled in accordance with the terms and conditions of Attorney Johnson's letter dated January 15,2002, to order Mr. Wyand to pay Mr. Swidler Ten Thousand ($10,000.00) Dollars, that the parties execute full and complete Releases and that Mr. Swidler mark this case Settle, Discontinued and Ended. Date: d-/~{Od- Respectfully Submitted: Law Office of Bernstein & Warshawsky 0-n1~../' Bruce J. Warshawsky Supreme Court 1d No. 58799 1820 Linglestown Road Harrisburg, P A 1711 0 (717) 232-8500 Attorney for Plaintiff ,,''''; ,~': -:- :-1 IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff NO. 2000-267 Civil Term v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW EARL WYAND, Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED VERIFICA TION I, Bruce J. Warshawsky, counsel to Plaintiff, have firsthand knowledge ofthe averments contained herein and verify that the statements made in the foregoing Motion to Compel Settlement are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false statements are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.g 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. Date: J(J-10&-- f/l) A/V7 Bruce J. Warshawsky " 'i :i, if! I:' Il I:; Iii ,~ !; .',1 Ii i j':: I; (, , 'f: ~--~ f., ^ '"'0'<- ,,~ eo' J_' "J;,:" , l IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff NO. 2000-267 Civil Term , , ! [ v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW ,i: I; EARL WYAND, Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED Tyrone G. Johnson, Esquire 30 South Second Street Chambersburg, P A 17201 Attorney for Defendant I] Ii Ii r,j Ii II i1 11 " f] [I !'i 11 i1 d Ii I-i fJ " CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, Bruce J. Warshawsky, Esquire, do hereby certify that I served a true and correct copy ofthe foregoing Motion to Compel Settlement upon the following below-named individual(s) by depositing the same in the U.S. Mail, postage pre-paid, this~).. day of ~~ 2002. -y . B e J. arshawsky, Esquire Law Office of Bernstein & Warshawsky 1820 Linglestown Road Harrisburg, PA 17110 (717) 232-8500 '''l' ~'~ k_ . THE LAW OFFICE OF BERNSTE][N & WARSHAWSKY DIANE K. McKAY, PARALEGAL/LAW CLERK E-mail: dianemckay@prodigy.net 1820 linglestown Rood Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110 Phone 17171232-8500 Fax 717 232-8035 MILTON BERNSTEIN, ESQUIRE E-mail: miltb@prodigy.net BRUCE J. WARSHAWSKY, ESQUIRE E-mail: bruce_w@prodigy.net www.lowbw.com January 9,2002 Tyrone G. Johnson, Esquire 30 South Second Street Chambersburg, PA 17201 Re: Swidler v. Wyand Dear Tyrone: Thank you for your letter dated December 27, 2001. As we discussed, the deposition of Mr. Wyand is scheduled for January 29, 2002 at 1:00 p.m. at my office. A Notice of Deposition is enclosed for you to forward to Mr. Wyand. As I also explained to you, Mr. Swid.ler is out of town until April 15, 2002, and he will be unavailable for a deposition on January 29, 2002, or any time before he returns. Finally, your offer of $5,000 is hereby rejected, I am optimistic about resolving this matter, however, and will recommend to my client a settlement in the amount of $10,000, if offered by your client and paid no later than one week prior to the deposition, by January 22, 2002. I look forward to hearing from you, Very truly yours, BERNSTEIN & WARSHAWSKY /Y;-::;; J'///) ( - I / , .--"/ ~r~/'~ ~ ,..,'-! v.,' /' / . .. / , / BruceJ. Warshawsky '.../ BJW/mkz Enclosure cc: Harold Z. Swidler I.{frl~{ adIJi:,o,. to jlr4i:Jsilltll7.{J ami tht' Imsim.J-' (()II!t1lTmi~)': nnd to i1ldh'idum'sJiw f.ittltt'J tHuiJiwwdClI plmmill!7 '-"""" -~ .1 LAW OFFICES Wl1rnnt Ci. ~n1tnsnn 30 SOUTH SECOND STREET CHAMBERBURG, PA 17201 (717) 264-0445 FAX (717) 264-4703 January 15, 2002 Bruce J. Warshawsky, Esquire Law Office of Bernstein & Warshawsky l820 Linglestown Road Harrisburg, PA l71l0 RE: Swidler v. Wyand. No. 00 -0267, Civil Term Dear Mr. Warshawsky: With regards to your notice to take the deposition of Earl Wyand on January 29, 2002, at 1 :00 p.rn., please be advised that Mr. Wyand informed me on 1/14/02 that he can not participate in the schedule deposition due to a conflict. It appears that Mr. Wyand has an important appointment with his physician on that date. Please reschedule the deposition therefore. With regards to your letter dated 1/9/02 please be advised that I am authorized to accept your offer of$1O,OOO.OO in full settlement of your claim. In making this offer, my wishes to inform you that he is not admitting to any wrong doing or liability and that his acceptance will require two (2) payments. The first payment of $5,000.00 will be paid now, and the second payment of $5,000.00 is to be paid on or before April 1, 2002. Full and inclusive releases will be required. It is possible that a Settlement Stipulation may be executed. Please advise as soon as possible in order that we may get you the first payment immediately. v cry tru!9 A/ .. . T. J on, cc: Earl Wyand Box 169-JR Marlowe, West Virginia 25419 - ,'" - THE LAW OFFICE OF JBEIRNSTEJIN & WARSHAWSKY DIANE K. McKAY, PAR.A..LEGAL/LAW CLERK E-mail: dianemckoy@prodigy.net 1820 Unglestown Road Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110 Phone 1717l232-8500 FQ' 717 232.8035 MilTON BERNSTEIN, ESQUIRE E-mail: milt_b@prodigy.net BRUCE J. WARSHAWSKY, ESQUIRE E-mail: bruc6_W@prodigy.net www.lawbw.com January 9, 2002 VIA FACSIMJLE ONLY 264-'- 04"\\ Tyrone G. Johnson, Esquire 30 South Second Street Chambersburg, P A 17201 Re: Swidler v. Wyand Dear Tyrone: Thank you for your letter dated January 15, 2002. Your offer is accepted, provided we receive the first $5,000.00 payment by no later than February 1, 2002 and the second $5,000.00 payment by no later than April 1, 2002. Upon receipt of the second payment we will execute a full, all encompassing, mutual release (which I shall draft) and we will, at our expense, file a Praecipe to Settle Discontinue and End the litigation. In the event your client fails to make either payment timely, we will proceed with the litigation and depose him in ApriL I ask that you provide me with a few dates for the deposition and I will send a revised Notice. Many thanks for your attention to this matter. Please kindly counterexecute this letter below, signifying your assent to the terms contained herein. Very truly yours, ~~fNST~IN~ W~SHA ~5Y .. J;. .' -'/l 'J 'J .' ;?"j // /i ..../ ~. ,/l J Bruce J. Warshawsky</ BJW/mkz Enclosure cc: Harold Z. Swidler Tyrone Johnson, Esq., Attorney for Earl Wyand LC811J advisor to pf(~fcssi(mIlJJ lmd the IntJiuess cO/unnmity; 1'U7d to iNdividuals fin- estates ami fi1tancial planning -- ~"' "Oilv<.: THE lAW OFFICE OF BERNSTEIN & W AJRSHA WSJIIT DIANE K. McKAY, PARALEGAl/LAW CLERK E~moil: dianemckay@prodigy.net 1820 linglestown Rood Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110 Phone {717J 232.8500 Fax (71 7 232-8035 MILTON BERNSTEIN, ESQUIRE E-mail: miltb@prodigy.nef BRUCE J. WARSHAWSKY, ESQUIRE E-mail: bruce_W@prodigy.net www.lawbw.com January 31,2002 VIA F ACSIMILE ONLY 264-0445 Tyrone G. Johnson, Esquire 30 South Second Street Chambersburg, P A 17201 Re: Swidler v. Wyand Dear Tyrone: I am greatly dismayed that your client has chosen to breach our agreement to settle this case, which you communicated to me yesterday by telephone. We are preparing a Petition to Enforce Settlement to present to the Court, as an agreement (not merely an offer made) to settle was formed in my January 9, 2002 (sic, actually faxed on January 18, 2002) correspondence. For now, I would also like to select a date for your client's deposition on any day after February 18, 2002. Your client chose to ignore my first Notice of Deposition and then, after agreeing to a deposition date of January 29, 2002, engaged in negotiations (which smack of bad faith) to settle(culminating in the agreement which he has now breached), taking us past that date (you also stated that he conveniently "forgot" about a doctor's appointment and would not be able to aitend in any event). ;, We also intend to seek sanctions and attorneys fees for your client's obdurate, vexatious and bad faith conduct in connection with this breach. However, we will reconsider taking this tack if he honors the agreement under even more agreeable terms. He can pay the entire $10,000.00 on April 1, 2002, at which time we will execute a mutual and sweeping release and file a Praecipe to Settle Discontinue and End the litigation. If your client wishes to avoid protracted and expensive (and unnecessary) litigation over the Petition, I encourage you to persuade him to settle on these terms. If he wishes to settle on these terms, we should select a deposition date in April, in the vent he should again breach. Please kindly counterexecute this letter below, signifying your client's assent to the terms contained herein. Ltgaf advisar to P17'Jfi:ssiolUds and the bUJiness [o;;mumity,; (wd to individualr fill' c.rtatCJ mid financial plmming ~ ",~~=.-.. .. .~ - - ,~ , LAW OFFICE OF BERNSTEIN & W ARSHA WSKY January 31, 2002 Page 2 Please kindly counterexecute this letter below, signifying your client's assent to the terms contained herein. Very truly yours, ~STEIN & WARS ?L?: BJW cc: Harold Z. Swidler Tyrone Johnson, Esq., Attorney for Earl Wyand LC;Jal adl'isor to frrqfi:ssionaLI' and the business cOlmnulli~ll; rmd to indil'idualsfm' cst-aCts andjincmcial plrtJ/l1in.q .lliIilil!'Ij~;l~~iIiili.ii~~~I!D-j"""'";,;,"-""~o:.._"""~Q,,",,, "~-^ ~-~.""."~ ~~ ~1IlM It''~ - t.II.lAllarilflli~ ... (I"'; 7: f~: Z~~~. .:.::.:::, < it .' ',0 ::;! '~'0 (0 .,-/ " .J [. J , , (~ -;:; si -< " , -~,- ,""""'. , " '" IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff NO. 2000-267 Civil v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW EARL WYAND, Defendant, JURY TRIAL DEMANDED CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, Bruce Warshawsky, Esquire, do hereby certify that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing Rule to Show Cause upon the following below-named individua/(s) by depositing the same in the U.S. Mail, postage pre-paid, this 27th day of February 2002. Tyrone G. Johnson, Esquire 30 South Second Street Chambersburg, PA 17201 ATTORNEY FOR DEFENDANT BERNSTEIN & WARSHAWSKY: '1ill<J,,_ _B"''' .,: LAW OFFICE OF BERNSTEIN & WARSHAWSKY 1820 L~WN ROAD HARRISeURG, PA 17110 f~Z v fF~ 2 '- 2UlJZ -t' .... ~ IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff NO. 2000-267 Civil Term v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW EARL WYAND, Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED RULE TO SHOW CAUSE A Rule to show cause is hereby issued upon the Defendant, Earl Wyand, to show cause why the Motion to Compel Settlement should not be granted. Rule returnable in twenty (20) days from the service of the date of this Order. rebru.o..rj 26. tOO:< By the Court 'j. ,.".' c ~:: ~':(. ",pr." j f ~ r.~\..l"-~~V,, in' \'.'h':f('nYr ! here un1^o sa! h,~nd and ;, _ 5S,,1 of ,.a,'1court at Cadisl", Pa. :~glot.if.~:~~~4f . ~I!If.I!l[~~'~. - dij."'-"'-"'" '~~........~ ,~ ~ JULll] ". "- .""."",~~~.....- .' "II' =~ .-, . ~~ ,"'"'Ill J II " fi' .~" ,~ ~ 0 = 0 c: ''0 --n ~: :J::: -ace ).:::l'~ -:!l n"l!,!; 0'0 ;:~::.c r'-- -0 r--;1 fu s;-~ 0 .r:- ~-=) , -<.L , 0 ~c> ;:.." -- T~ -,; ,~ :~5. -n -"C -T~ t5 ~O ro r:).l-n . c:: Z ':.11 :.y;i =2 :n .-/ -< ~ -- """"". IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff NO. 2000-267 Civil Term v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW EARL WYAND, Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED PRAECIPE TO SETTLE. DISCONTINUE AND END TO THE PROTHONOTARY: Please mark the above-referenced matter settled, discontinued and ended. ce. arshawsky Law Office of Bernstein & 1820 Linglestown Road Harrisburg, P A 1711 0 (717) 232-8500 Attorney for Plaintiff Date: May 30, 2002 "~ .~ ..1 ..:. "'-'~"~~'- .. IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA HAROLD Z. SWIDLER, Plaintiff NO. 2000-267 Civil Term v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW EARL WYAND, Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, Bruce J. Warshawsky, Esquire, do hereby certifY that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing Praecipe to Settle. Discontinue and End upon the below-named individual(s) by depositing the same in the U. S. Mail, first-class postage prepaid, this 30th day of May, 2002. Tyrone G. Johnson, Esquire 30 South Second Street Chambersburg, Pa 17201 ATTORNEY FOR DEFENDANT ~ Law Office of Bernstein & Warshawsky 1820 Linglestown Road Harrisburg, P A 1711 0 (717) 232.8500 ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF .... LW ,~~. ". ".-.. <> ""-~~~-'~.~lil!>l;lj".~ ~~ ~, 11 ." ~- -~ ~.",."~ "" '"" _'0' o C 7 -0~21 n-l\--:-''', ;2"' s; ~.: ,-.:=:c' -- -" .).-~f~' "7'....,. ~~~ L'- =2 o N o -'11 ~-)j,. ~~~ ~':::: :D , .._.8 -'~~~.~) ;~~~ ~j ~ :D -< ~, 1'.) :n eX) ~~-- SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR CASE NO: 2000-00267 P COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA: COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND SWIDLER HAROLD Z VS WYAND EARL CPL. TIMOTHY REITZ , Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of Cumberland County,pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law, says, the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE was served upon WYAND EARL the DEFENDANT , at 0015:47 HOURS, on the 28th day of March , 2001 at CUMBERLAND COUNTY COURTHOUSE 1 COURTHOUSE SQUARE CARLISLE, PA 17013 by handing to EARL WYAND a true and attested copy of COMPLAINT & NOTICE together with REINSTATED and at the same time directing His attention to the contents thereof. Sheriff's Costs: Docketing Service Affidavit Surcharge 18.00 .00 .00 10.00 .00 28.00 So Answers: ~~..i~C~ R. Thomas Kline me this It} ~ day of 03/28/2001 BRUCE WARSHAWSKY ~r--- By: T:4? De ty Sheriff Sworn and Subscribed to before (]jJ,.-f A-ol A.D. I ~Lt2. JhJIJ;~",.~ B thonotary I