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HomeMy WebLinkAbout97-00871 'r., ~ . I i1~ '" " \) ..q :).., ~ ~ ~ . , .2 t-I . VI l < ". (,J 0 <1 III q I 1 I ) r) 'z-", C~) ~ --- . ~ \ .Jo MAR 2 3 1999 \, CAPITAL RECOVERY ASSOCIATES. INC, Plaintiff, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA i ! ' I I i I I I , ! I , , ' I i v, BYBEE & SHAW, FLOYD BYBEE. AND MICHAEL SHAW Defendants No 97.871 CIVIL TERM AND NOW, this /~:L ORDER ap-u,( day of Mareh. it is hereby Ordercd that Plaintiffs Pctition to Lift the Stay crcatcd by thc Deccmber 18. 1998. Order. be GRANTED, IT IS FURTHER ORDERED. that Defendants Brief in Support for its Pctition for Rclicf from Default Judgment be filed on or beforc /11 't;;.. J <{ I Cj qr; . 1999. and Plaintiffs Brief in 1/ . Opposition to Defcndants Petition for Relief from Dcfault Judgmcnt be filcd on or bcforc !r ;'.:n.-.l~{ tJt, fl. ..1&(1,'1:- '111tU;j J;{ / , 1999, and thc casc listed for Argumcnt Court in the 5ee8ns wecl( ef May, 1999, BY THE COURT -/l' ,4/1- / / J. Dist: I Deanna Lynn Smith. Esquire 76 Greenmont Drive Enola. Pennsylvania 17025 _ ~.., ('P4'~~.(. tll./'1f{, 0 ....5 ~ . Bybee & Shaw 3910 S Rural Road. Ste Bl Tempe, AZ 85282 .. . :>. 0\ ~~ ~ c- .. ~~ ..:z E .g~ ~~ '.:J ;$: C - ~0 [ , a:ili ~ W$ oq; ~ 0\ g 0\ C,J CAPITAL RECOVERY ASSOCIATES, INC, PlaintilT, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA v, BYBEE & SHAW, FLOYD BYBEE, AND MICHAEL SHA W Defendants No 97.871 CIVIL TERM PETITION TO LIFT STAY AND NOW comes PlaintilT, Capital Recovery Associates, Inc" by and through its allomey, Deanna Lynn Smith, and submits the following in support of the herein requested relief: 1) On December 18, 1998, an Order was granted permilling Defendants the opportunity to litigate their Petition for Relief from Default Judgment, Petition filed December 15, 1998, (Order Allached at Exhibit A,) 2) The Default Judgment was entered against Defendants on August 7, 1997, 3) The Order at Paragraph 7, stayed all proceedings pending the outcome of Defendant's Motion to Open the Judgment. 4) On September 25, 1998, Plaintiff, by and through its allomeys FENNEMORE CRAIG, Allomey Keith L. Hendricks. 3003 North Central A venue, Phoenix, Arizona, 85012- 2913, filed a Notice of Filing Foreign Judgment in an allemptto begin collection of the Default Judgment. (See Filing of Foreign Judgment. Allached to Exhibit B. Affidavit of Hendricks,) 5) On September 3. 1998. Mr. Hendricks sent a Icttcr to Dcfendants informing them that if the judgment were not paid, the judgment would be domesticated, (See attached affidavit of Attorney Hendricks. Exhibit C,) 6) On October 29, 1998, the Clerk of the Arizona Superior Court issued a writ of general execution against Defendants, (See Affidavit of Hendricks,) 7) On October 29, 1998, a deputy ofthc Maricopa County Sheriff's Office scrved a copy of the Writ on defendants, (Sce Affidavit of Hendricks,) 8) On December 7, 1998, Attorney Hendricks caused a subpoena to be issued against Defendants, (See Affidavit of Hendricks,) 9) After the subpoenas were served, an attorney from Arizona contacted Allorney Hendricks indicating that she represented Defendants and requesting additional time be given for Defendants' to comply with the Subpoena and depositions, At no time did this attorney infonn Allorney Hendricks of a Pennsylvania action, (See Affidavit of Hcndricks,) 10) Defcndants ignored a properly issued and served subpoena in Arizona, 11) Under Arizona law, in order to stay execution of a judgmcnt. bond must be posted, A,R,S, ~12-1704(A), 12) Defendants did not post bond in this action, 13) Defendants filed a Motion to Stay execution of the proceedings in Arizona, based on this Honorable Court's December 18, 1998. Order, 14) Defendants received an order staying the execution of the judgment in Arizona. despite ignoring a subpoena and not posting bond, on February 18. 1999, (See Attached Arizona Order, Exhibit C,) , 15) PlaintilTnegotiated with Defendants' attorney,lmblum, in good faith the extension of time in order to conduct discovery, (See Ordcr of Judge Hess dated February 10, 1999, Exhibit D,) 16) PlaintilTbelieves and therefore avers that Defendants acted in bad faith and hired Imblum only to cause further delay in the execution of the judgment. 17) Defendants failed to supply any of the requested documents which were requested in January of 1999, 18) PlaintilTbelieves and therefore avers that Defendants never intended to litigate this matter, 19) PlaintilT believes and therefore avers that Defendants intended to use this Honorable Court merely to delay execution of the Judgment. 20) PlaintilT believes and therefore avers that Dcfendants attorncy, Imblum, acted in good faith. 21) During Imblum's representation, dcpositions were conducted, including the Deposition of Mr, Shaw, a Defendant. 22) In his deposition, Mr, Shaw indicated that hc knew about the Default Judgment on or about August 7, 1998; admitted to receiving the 10-day notice in May of 1998; admitted to making telephone calls. sending facsimilcs and other written correspondence into Pennsylvania, admitted to defending this case while in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and admitted that they did not act on the default judgment because they did not believe PlaintilTwould not execute on same, (Deposition to be provided,) 23) Plaintiffbelicves and therefore avers that Dcfendants will fail in their attcmpt to obtain rclief from thc Dcfault Judgmcnt bccausc thcy had knowlcdgc of thc Default. failed to act in a timely manncr and have no reasonable argumcnt as Defendant Shaw admittcd to numcrous contacts with Pcnnsylvania, 24) Dcfcndants waitcd ovcr onc and onc/halfyears to attempt to opcn/strikc thc delimit judgcment. 25) Dcfcndants knew about thc 10-day notice and subsequent August 7. 1998, Ordcr in a timely manncr, 26) Defendants waited until the ShcriffofMaricopa County, Arizona. came to execute on thc Judgment to seek relief in Pennsylvania, (See Sherifrs Affidavit, last page of Hendircks Affidavit, Exhibit B.) 27) Plaintiff respectfully requcsts that this Honorable Court lift the stay created in the December 18. 1998, Order as Dcfendants acted in bad faith, 28) Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Honorable Court lift thc stay creatcd in the Deccmbcr 18, 1998, Order as Dcfendants ignored a subpocna in Arizona and misrepresented information to Plaintiffs attorney in Arizona, 29) Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Honorablc Court lift thc stay created in the December 18. 1998, Order as Defendants failed to post bond as required by Arizona law, 30) PlaintiO'rcspectfully rcquests that this Honorablc Court lift the stay creatcd in the December 18, 1998, Order as Defendants uscd this Honorablc Court merely to further delay cxecution of the Judgmcnt. 31) Plaintiffbelievcs and thcrcforc avcrs that it will prcvail in its opposition to seck relief from the Default Judgment. 32) Plaintiff believes and therefore avers tllUt it will be prejudiced if the uction in Arizonu is not pennilled to continue in a timely manner, 33) Plaintiff believes and therefore avers Ihatl11uch of the requested discovery for this Action was also requested in the subpoena issued in Arizona, 34) Defendants failed to comply with eithcr discovcry, 35) Plaintiff believes and therefore avers that continuing the Action in Arizona will only expedite discovery in this Action, 36) Plaintiff believes and therefore avers that continuing the Action in Arizona will not result in Defendants having to pay monies or lose property prior to resolution in this Honorable Court, 37) Plaintiff believes and therefore avers that lifting the stay created in the December IS, 1995, Order will prevent Defendants from further delaying this Action, 3S) Plaintiff will not grant another extension and expects this Case to be listed for Argument Court by the second week of May, 1999, 39) Plaintiff will have its brief completed, with or without discovery in a timely manner for the Argument Court judges' review, 40) Plaintiff also requests that this Honorable Court issue a briefing schedule so that Defendants cannot use their non.payment of their attorney as an excuse for failure to file a brief and thus further delaying this Action, (See Withdrawal of Appearance of 1mblum Exhibit E,) 5, Whcn I rcturned Mr, Bybcc's call, I infonned him that I thought that such a request was improper, I infonned him that although I might dclay thc domestication ofthc judgment for a few days as a mattcr of courtesy, I did not think it was a proper request to essentially seek an open extension of time to challcngc the judgment, given the fact that he had known about the judgment for over a ycar and had not ycttaken any action to seck to sct it aside, Mr, Bybee did not object to or challengc my statcmcntthat hc had known about the judgment for over a year, 6, I have had no o\her oral communication with Mcssrs, Bybec or Shaw, 7, On or about September 25, 1998, I filed the papers neecssary to effectuate the domestication of the Pennsylvaniajudgmcnl in Arizona, A copy of those papers is attached as Exhibit B, On the same date, I sent a copy ofthesc papcrs to Messrs, Bybec and Shaw and the law linn of Bybee & Shaw, In addition, we filed a proofofmailing with the Arizona court, 8. On or about October 29, 1998, the Clerk of thc Arizona Superior Court for Maricopa County issued a writ of general execution against Messrs, Bybcc and Shaw and the law linn of Bybee & Shaw, 9, On or after October 29, 1998, a deputy of the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office served a copy of this writ of general execution on the law linn of Bybee & Shaw. A copy of the proof of service of process is attached as Exhibit C, 10, On or about December 7,1998, I noticed several depositions to aid in the enforcement ofthejudgmenl. I also caused subpoenas to be issued, It is my understanding that these subpoenas were served on Messrs, Bybee and Shaw and the law linn of Bybee & Shaw on or about December 8, 1998, The depositions were scheduled to take place on December 23, 1998 at my office, 2 A --;. /".- r ' I MARICOPA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE Civil Process Section 102 Weal Madison Slreot Phoenix. Arizona 8'003.2292 CAPITAL RECOVERY ASSOCUTES IN vs. BYBEE 6 SHAW STATE OF ARIZONA ) Case # CV9817S49 ) 55. county of Maricopa ) Docket # C0138022 1, JOSEPH H. ARPAIO, SHERIFF OF MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA, DO HEREBY CERTIFY THAT 1 RECEIVED THE WITHIN WRIT OF GENERAL EXECUTION ON THE 29TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 1998, SERVED THE DEFENDANT WITH A COPY OF THE WRIT, AND HAVING BEEN UNABLE TO LOCATE SUFFICIENT UNENCUMBERED PROPERTY TO LEVY, 1 HEREWITH RETURN SAID WRIT OF GENERAL EXECUTION TO THE CLERK OF THE SUPERIOR COURT OF HARICOPA COUNTY, UNSATISFIED. I . ED KLH NOV ~ 'J 1999 I ...'....J'. ;"--.:. !~---- DATED THIS 8TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 1998. F...: Depot" t .............. S L.ss Hil.lge ( ) .... S Return ............... S Additionll Fe.s ...... S 125.00 18.00 10.00 10.00 REFUND ....... S 87.00 Joseph H. Arpl10 Mlricopl County Sh.riff By D. SHEETS, 1150827, Deputy Sheriff ~~ \ A3020 CVLF003 ~. , ')~."1A..-'~ ~r t~, r' ". )'.~ &I...J. ,JJ..'-<.-~~ (;~-"j /,..{-''<'-<J J J1.-...u.lt SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA IoWlICOPA COlM'Il'Y r CO?'i I. CUJll( OF 'Mi ooum I'OftM WllO C.W1IIs 0IfIuW FIbIUaIy 1 B, 1l1l9 lIfE HONORAIIU: .IOHH H. SI!IDB. IP CV 98-17'49 ~ CAPITAL 1U!:COVJmY AUOC%A'l'EB, DC. kith L. HendriclCs, U27'O v. BYBU Ii SHAW, et; al. KlCRABL C. SHAW PLGYD It. bXImA 3910 S RllItAL JIQAD S'l'!l 11-1 TEIIPE AZ 8'0182 .JL ,y:~:u. G. v Ie.. .L l -CLv I P..U...L Aj j )...y-I ? t~~,J 't POt'&. . . J'I fJu "l ~- <".J. <:tdu...... j. . ) '1-JL.,->l.,~ L,,- r A '1'he cow:t bas received and considared De1:~' Motion to suy Enttln:_t: tit JUdglleJtt aJld Uae RolJponH. '.rha Court: has also considered tJle provisions D~ A.R.S. U3-1704 (A). :It; appears that: in 1:h1s case, the pannsylvanla Cl::lI1rt did in faen: Mur an Order having tbo errect tlf a stay or lbrecnlt:ion of the JUdpent: which vas previouly ent.A4 by the l'ennllylvania Court. The Pentlsylvanl. o~" in liI\IUtion. wl1iah b: da1:e4 De(!_h.r 18, Ultll, was entered after Defendan1:1l rUed a Kotlon t:o Set AIlic!Q tba o.fault Jud'J1lent whiob. VAll ~er.d in l'ennaylvanill. It would not appear that pllrllqraph 7 of' the order would rerer to anything' oth_ t:blUl a Stay of BxQcUtolon of t:hll .Tudgaent. Thus, unless and untU tho PannarlvlUlla Court: clarities tJl.e Decll'lllber 18, 1511'8 ONel:', this co1.lrt int:axprsts _ 118 being in the nature of an ordllr stayin'it execution of the 1'ennliylvania Jud~. It further appears that the Pennaylvanla COW;1; 414 not condition antry of toh. at:ay upon tbe postoin", of any bone! 01:' otbeJ; security for the sat:1sfac'tion of the J\1dg11ent. The authority cite hy Detendants appeilrlil to enable 1;I1e PGnnsylvania Court to eDtlit' an order in thD nat:ura of a Suy of Exeoution wlthOllt the requU~t ot . po$ting or security. 'l'hia CDl1rt is, tberefore, of t:he opinion tI1.at uat; portion of 112-1704(~) bas hMn pt. Continued ,....1 0Q<t0eC ........ Oil ~ l<5'Gj .':) ''I' MI:l. llf1(O dB :JW Zlil=Bl 66/pZ/ZB , .1 FEB 24 '99 1~:51 FR "3 602 915 5999 TO 0503801430011717 P.04/04 SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA WJo'JeClPA COUNTY r , COi?i L QJ!IlIC ~ 'll1I! OOIM1' J FOAM WID C.Wr118 ~ I'GbNarfy 11. 1. 11tE HONORAIltE JOtIN H. 8I!lII!L III CV 98-17549 RBI CAPIDL IUICOVllRY ASSOCIATES v. BYJlUIf , SHAW ContlJlued F" the fOrlMioing reuone, IT 18 nDnOl>KD guyi.ng enfo~t of tho Poreign ",udgaant in this c... unt~l fUrtftGr ord.r ot tho court. __OIl ......l.. ~ iCS'CJl I':l 'y !Ill ~.. unci:) ctlS:lIl l!Iilllll ~ ** TOTAL PAGE, 04 ** , ~ .:r ?-: C'". / t-o- g ~.1. r If%- ;..1' > ,.-: ':_ ~l~ ~1.~1 ~; -, () ,.---- ,,; O. ','" (..l. - , ~\:~ ,~.' -",' r'-., ,I F ,,:. :-,;.:\... :I- .' u- en ) u Ul u C;f.hllt(!:~, !:'.';.(I.:" .\.c:r.'.c': A.:., ..~ !.'.~'.:.. .---------------.----.--.--...--------~~i-t-----..- In the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania VS, <"1>0' 1 /J,.. Judgment in fa\'or of PJainLifl on h-hh_U_UhU____ 6.lj2t.'.t:;.'!:>:?...!':~.!!!)l-{(!.z..fY>:-.... !'~!J!lWIL,;J /1 . t 'I ('1' 7 . I" (' 'h! Y LIJ!:,1f!;'........tI_._..__.._ lor $:!.'I..~!!: .-lky..d.n?!I.k!~(...~f..-.t!/!{..t2/jL. ~.2~('.,.~..._ 27. \>/1 {} I .,', :<;0, .::.0..' ....lx.!___u_. Tenn, 19...__. .--------------------------. .---.. ----------------- a ( ~ L I }'''7 Enlered ----.,-:.J~(..:nn..:-u---u_____ 19....:. ................ ~......-............. '.'.'.'.'.'.'.~; ;;!~~~,-;.'. ~;:';~:;-~;: ;.~; ~I- (2~~r:~c.:~ 1::".. .:&.t ~.,......... _.... _.... Plaintifl 1I'1tJ.'l'.Ir n ,)()O.:J , in the aba\': Judsrm:nt. do 3pPl'ar and acknowh:d;e th:u I' f -, tha day ha\'c had and receivcod and Irorn cl/bt.t;.x:!W..IJ.2' at 1 /1l.,.~a_1_1.2~c.It2f !:.sl1'f!.. .tlct;.?'!. f!x/11:. .o.t!!l!C /?a~/ ~~'c ) U1C d=:~nd:J.nt in the abo\'~ Jud;:n':rHj full p:\yment :lnd ',:lh!Jction of the SJr;:e, wit!} intcrc't Jr.d lOSU, Jod desired lh:u s:uisCi1cuon thereCorc sh:LU be entered upon the recorc!s lhereor. -r'" . /)'(rh~ /!....LG.Y?:5 And further, ..Y do hereby JuthOrlZC and empoweL-U-un.--uhu__U:..:,r___nu..nu____....__n__ .......__n................._ theProthonotJry of SJid Court, to JppcJr -nR,-c_m_~n______n__uhhu.._...._________ Jod in My n,1rne :lnd stCJd to enter full sJtisbc:1on upon the record of SJid Judgment. :LS full}' .:lnd cCfectually. to JII intents Jnd purposes. JS I could wcre I pt:!"~on;'\lIy p~esent in person 10 do so, And for so doing this shJII be )'our suHicient W:Lrr:Lnl of Juthority, [0 te.nimoD)' whereof, r C3l' 01 .u_.__._.0~~.c~~______u_________....._. AD/93:'~\~L . ~~?:__'_1_~~~-::!_..__. ha\c hereunlo sct cur h:L~cS :md SCJIs this 11'(, -------..-..-----..-------..-..--------..-- \5,,1) . -- -.. --. -.- --- --...---_____.u____...___ (5,,1', St3.le of Penru)'lnni:1 } COUDry of Cumberl3nd. Person311y 3ppmcd belore me, L'le subscribe" [laOj.k:;.I.-!<!.'f:P_~~'!faf;.r.~:~~~!.c._s.;{;,.~...--.----- r- C'j' . C', ), ......---....---...-.--.....-..--.--.----------.----... -.tt((.--~C~~[_~.,--!.('f:~~Qif/l~.__.__._._ -..------..-----..------------------------------ (Scal) --..-----..---..------------.------------....--..-..----...----....-----------------..---....-------------------------- -uu.....___._uuu.___._...._..u.______ .__.___.__... __ __.. __.. __.. _.u_.__ .__..___.. the P13intill in the 3.bove Jud3mcm, and in due fonn of law :lcknowh:dgcd the \,ithin ar.d fort:going- Power of Anomey to satisfy the Judg. m~nt set forth, ~r) be :let and deed, and dl:sir~l! tholt t1..: S'::':.~~ 5:1::.11 be filed of record in the office of the Prothon- ,Jl"l.1) of tll~ (..".\lrt 'Jf Common PJC:LS of said Count)', .-----.--..--_1_(7._1.'.'......------.---.--..- Ir. -.estim,my whcreor, I h:l....e hereunto set my h:llld and scal this 7 ci,y d..__ :..--!.UCJ..!_~_I:~___..___..___._.m.. A. D, 1'>:0.::(.,..1 _ NoIIlrleI~...-, -;.', ell 1r1\- _u ---....."'MllndiiUhfnCGid-.. f~h':-_...._L -~('i1"- H~~~~~ "'HO H .....-,~~~ClI~ ' .......r. ...... " "J.,t"t r-'-'- r' I ,,'t'J ...~ 'I 'j., I ",' I j' '~I'",. ," ,'1 '" "11', , .'f"':"~f'J '/ ....,.r...III, .'l~",\ , .' Ii' "~ ,'; If i, l._..._.._..._......... .. " .' .:r.. ,I , = , E ! , I ;... , - I '.' - - ~ Z - ~ ~ ~ .... g - 0 & . = - . r- ::: ~ - - ..... i < . ::l :Ii !! '0 > E - ;>-, ! 0 ... ,~ .... - - ~ . 0.' en ~ - ! >- ~ ~ - 0 . ~ ~ - . E Z ~ . '. ~ ~n (-- " . , :-~ , I , , . : ~) ;"';; C) MARICOPA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE Civil Process Section 102 Wo.l Madilon Streol Phoonlx, Arizona 85003-2292 CAP IT AL RECOVERY VI. BYBEE & SHAW STATE DF ARIZONA ) case # 97871 ) 55, county of Maricopa ) Docket # C120844 J. SKINNER IIS405, BEING FIRST DULY SWORN ON OATH DEPOSES AND SAYS: THAT HE IS A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES OVER THE AGE OF 21 YEARS: THAT HE HAS NO INTEREST WHATSOEVER IN THE WITHIN ENTITLED HATTER; THAT HE IS A REGULARLY APPOINTED DEPUTY SHERIFF OF MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA, AND AS SUCH HAS THE POWER TO SERVE CIVIL PROCESSES WITHIN SAID COUNTY; THAT HE SERVED THE WITHIN NOTICE ON THE 24TH DAY OF MARCH, 1997, ON THE WITHIN NAMED DEFENDANT MICHAEL SHAW, ESQUIRE, IN PERSON, AT 3910 S. RURUAL ROAD, SUITE #8-1, TEMPE, ARIZONA, AT 10:30 A.H., IN THE COUNTY OF MARICOPA, A COPY OF SAID NOTICE TO WHICH WAS ATTACHED A TRUE COPY OF THE COMPLAINT, VERIFICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS MENTIONED THEREIN.: Notice to plead entered as notice. Certificate of service entered as miscellaneous. Feu: -1 s.rvic.....,... S II mil............ J notary......... __ c.rtific.tion.. 20.00 Jos.ph H. Arp.io 22.50 M.ricop. County Sheriff 10.00 Tot.l 52.50 Subscrib.d Ind sworn to before me thil ~ dlY of ~L /9q1 '-fJ'UiUIAA _ ~, mah.uIJ Not.ry Public in Ind for the County of H.ricop. - St.te of Artzonl AB20 CVLF002 My Comm:SSion Expires r/ov. 28, 10111 - CAPITOL RECOVERY ASSOCIATBS I INC., I I Plaintiff I I V. I I BYBEE " SHAW, FLOYD BYBEE, and I Ml:CHAEL SHAW, I I Defendants I IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOP. THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA CIVIL ACTION NO. lICV-97-646 FILED HARRISBURG. PA Jut 11997 ORDER MAR~. ' m~E'\. CI.'::"l" Per ~___ ___ . (1) Defendants' motion Before the court are two motions: to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction, or, in the alternative, to transfer venue, and (2) Plaintiff's motion to remand. For the reasons stated below, the court will grant Plaintiff's motion to remand and deny Defendants' motion as moot, Prior to commencing the present action, Plaintiff initiated an almost identical case in the Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas, The amount in controversy alleged in that case exceeded the amount in controversy requirement of $75,000. On February 5, 1997, Defendants removed the prior case to this court and filed a motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction, or alternatively, to transfer venue, The case was docketed as Civil Action No. 1:CV-97-180. Plaintiff never responded to Defendant's mc~~on but voluntarily discontinued 97-180 without preju1ice on Feb~ "' 18, 1997. Plaintiff s;se~~ently filed the present action in the Court of Common Pleas. ~efendants removed the case to this court / on April 24, 1997, simultaneously filing a motion to dismiss for personal jurisdiction, or, in the alternative, to transfer venue. Plaintiff responded to Defendants' motion on May 12, 1997 and filed a motion to remand to the state court. In its motion to remand, Plaintiff argues that the amount in controversy does not exceed the jurisdictional amount requirement of $75,000,' Plaintiff also contends that Defendants have not served notice of removal upon the Prothonotary of the Cumberland Court of Common Pleas and have not, therefore, effectuated removal of the instant case. Defendants have not responded to Plaintiff's motion to remand, nor have they filed a reply brief in support of their own motion. Defendants' response to Plaintiff's motion was due May ,27, 1997.2 On or about June 5, 1997, the court received a telephone call from Defendant Shaw. Defendant Shaw represented to the law clerk assigned to this case that he had not responded to Plaintiff's motion to remand because the documents he received contained the caption number of the previously dismissed action, Civil No. 1:CV-97-180. Defendant Shaw was informed that the , Plaintiff mistakenly identifies the requisite jurisdictional amount as $50,000, The amount in controversy requirement was recently amended and effective January 17, 1997 changed to $75,000. 2 The Middle District Local Rules provide that a nonmovant has fifteen days after service of the movant's brief to respond. (M.D. Pa. R. 7,6), Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 6(e) adds three days when service is accomplished by mail, Federal Rule 6(a) excludes from computation the day on which the movant filed its motion. 2 motion had been correctly docketed in Civil No. 1:CV-97-646. The law clerk recommended to Shaw that he contact Plaintiff's counsel, explain his mistake, attempt to obtain additional time within which to respond, and then communicate with the court. On or about June 12, 1997, the court received a copy of a letter addressed to Shaw from Plaintiff's counsel, indicating that he would not agree to grant Shaw any additional time within which to respond to Plaintiff's motion to remand. Shaw has not communicaced with the court in any manner since his telephone call to chambers. A review of the complaint reveals an allegation of an amount in controversy of approximately $34,0000, an amount well below the $75,000 jurisdictional amount requirement, Plaintiff's complaint differs primarily from the complaint filed in Civil Action No. 1:CV-97-180 in its omission of Plaintiff's prior claim for punitive damages in the amount of $500,000, and in its reduction of the amount of damages claimed for defamation of business reputation and intentional interference with contractual relations. "As the plaintiff is considered to be 'the master of his or her own claim,' he may insulate a case from removal by waiving a portion of his damages and asking for less than the jurisdictional amount," Corwin Jeeo Sales. v. American Motor Sales, 670 F.Supp" 596 (M.D. Pa. 1986) (Rambo, J.) (auotina 14A Wright, Miller & cooper, Federal Practice and Procedure,S 3702 at 3 Venue 3) Venue is proper for this action pursuant to Pa,R,C.P, No. 1006 the cause of action arose and/or the transactions took place out of which this cause of action arose, in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Parties 4) Plaintiff, Capital Recovery Associates, rnc, ("CRA"), is a Pennsylvania corporation with its principal place of business located at 324 Market Street, Lemoyne, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. 5) Plaintiff is engaged in the business of collections, primarily collecting personal checks that were dishonored by the individual check-writers' financial institutions. 6) Defendant Floyd Bybee is an attorney who is domiciled in Arizona and practices law in Arizona at 3910 South Rural Road, Suite B-1, Tempe, Arizona, and is a partner with Bybee & Shaw, 7) Defendant Michael Shaw is an attorney who is domiciled in Arizona and practices law in Arizona at 3910 South Rural Road, Suite B-1, Tempe, Arizona, and is a partner with Bybee & Shaw, General Allegation. B) On March 13, 1996, Defendants sent CRA a demand letter for one of Defendants' clients, Sherry, threatening to sue eRA for an alleged violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ("FDCPA"). (Exhibit A) 9) Defendants' client, Sherry, had allegedly written an NSF check (non-sufficient funds) check to CRA's client. 10) On March lB, 1996, Defendants sent CRA another letter regarding the terms of a settlement with Sherry, (Exhibit B) 11) On March 25, 1996, CRA sent a $500,00 check to Bybee & Shaw in an attempt to settle the case with Sherry, (Exhibit C) 12) On April 9, 1996, Defendants sent a facsimile to CRA demanding money for another of their clients, Riley, for alleged violations of the FDCPA. (Exhibit D) 13) Defendants' client, Riley, had allegedly written an NSF check (non-sufficient funds) check to CRA's client. 14) On or about April 19, Carl Burd, General Manager of CRA (hereinafter "Burd") telephoned Defendant Shaw regarding the allegations against CRA. 15) Burd and Defendant Shaw agreed that CRA would pay $2700.00 for both claims, Sherry and Riley. 16) Burd and Defendant Shaw agreed that Defendant Shaw would return to CRA, the first installment of $500.00, as described in Paragraphs 9) and 10) above, un-cashed, and CRA would send another check for the total settlement amount to Defendant Shaw. 17) On May 9, 1996, CRA sent a check for $2700 for the Sherry/Riley settlement. (Exhibit E) 18) On May 9, 1996, CRA sent a letter to Defendants, memorializing the Sherry/Riley settlement and requesting the $500,00 be returned, (Exhibit f) 19) On June 3, 1996, Defendants sent a letter to CRA acknowledging the receipt of the settlement money from CRA along with copies of the releases for both cases, (Exhibit G) 20) On June 3, 1996, Defendants sent a letter to Mark Bradshaw, counsel for CRA at that time, regarding a new alleged claim against CRA under the fDCPA for another client of Defendants named Pollard. (Exhibit H) 21) Defendant's client, Pollard, had allegedly written an NSf (non-sufficient funds) check to CRA's client, 22) Defendants cashed and retained the $500,00 payment from the Sherry settlement, despite acknowledging receipt of full satisfaction combined Sherry/Riley settlement. 23) Defendants cashed and retained the $500.00 in anticipation of future settlements because they planned to continue these actions against CRA. 24) The June 3, 1996, letter from Shaw to Attorney Bradshaw stated that, "I am already in receipt of $500,00 towards the amount," (See Exhibit H,) 25) Defendants elected to retain the $500,00 over-payment for the Sherry/Riley settlement, before any alleged new claims were made known to CRA. 26) Plaintiff contacted Shaw and requested the $500.00 payment be returned to CRA. 27) Defendants improperly retained $500.00 and were unjustly enriched by this act. 28) Defendants breached the settlement agreement with CRA for Sherry/Riley by improperly retaining additional consideration that was not part of the settlement agreement. 29) Defendants knowingly made a false statement regarding the $500,00 as part of an ongoing scheme to defraud CRA of money. 30) On or about July 26, 1996, Defendant Shaw contacted one of CRA's major clients in order to damage CRA's business reputation, 31) Defendant Shaw told this CRA client that CRA was not properly "licensed" in the States of Arizona and Connecticut in order to damage CRA's business reputation, 32) Defendant Shaw's representation to CRA's client was false as CRA was not conducting business in the States of Arizona and Connecticut, 33) Defendants knew that any prior CRA activity within the state of Arizona was accidental and acknowledged same on several occasions. 34) Plaintiff believes and has knowledge that Defendants' primary practice is illegally and wrongfully making demands for payment or maliciously filing law suits against individuals and entities that collect on worthless/bad checks. 35) Plaintiff believes and has knowledge that Defendants file suits and threaten legal action for the purpose of shielding their clients from criminal and civil liability. 36) Plaintiff believes and has knowledge that Defendants' practices and procedures are unethical and illegal and have been perpetrated on numerous individuals and entities throughout the United States, 37) Defendants, in their letters and phone calls, allege that Plaintiff violated the FDCPA for not being "licensed" in Arizona, and this tactic is part of Defendants' scheme to defraud and to seek monies from Plaintiff through unconscionable and illegal means, 38) Defendants and their clients have no standing to sue under Arizona law for state licensing violations. 39) Plaintiff believes and has knowledge that Defendants clients have not paid for their worthless/bad checks and may never intend to pay for their worthless/bad checks. 40) Defendants intend to practice this scheme to defraud upon Plaintiff by threatening to file or by filing a law suits against Plaintiff in an attempt to extort monies from Plaintiff, to cause interference with Plaintiff's business and to cause injury and damage to Plaintiff's business reputation by willfully and maliciously publishing defamatory statements. 41) On or before July 25, Plaintiff received a call from Matthew Nayden ("NaydenH), attorney for Stacy Allen ("AllenH); Ms, Allen was CRA's former in-house counsel. 42) Nayden informed Plaintiff, through its counsel, that Allen received a phone call from Defendant Shaw, demanding $1,500.00 to settle an alleged FDCPA violation. 43) Plaintiff, through its counsel, informed Nayden that CRA would not settle any alleged claims with Defendants, 44) On July 30,1996, Defendant Shaw sent a demand letter to Allen, through her counsel, (Exhibit J) 45) Nayden, Allen's counsel, again contacted CRA and sent a facsimile copy of the demand letter from Defendants, 46) Nayden, Allen's counsel, was again advised that CRA would not settle any alleged claims with Defendants. 47) On September 5, 1996, Defendant Shaw filed a law suit .' against CRA and Allen. 48) The September 5,1996, the lawsuit against CRA and Allen was dismissed, sua sponte by the judge, on September 6, 1996. (Exhibit K) 49) As of this date, Defendants have not returned the $500.00 as requested, 50) On or about December 11, 1996, Defendants contacted Larry Rosen, an attorney that also represents CRA, and demanded $1,500.00 to settle an alleged .DCPA claim, 51) As of this date, Defendants have continued their practice of demanding money from CRA or CRA representatives under the means described herein, Count I - Fraud And Conspiracy To Dexraud 52) Plaintiff hereby incorporates Paragraphs 1 through 51 as if fully set forth herein. 53) Defendants misrepresented their right to retain the $500.00 payment. 54) Defendants misrepresented that the allegations and demands for money were valid legal claims. 55) Defendants knew or should have known that writing a worthless check is a tortious activity pursuant to Arizona Statute, A,R,S, ~12-671. 56) Under Arizona Statutes, A.R.S.. ~12-671(C), failure within 12 days after receiving notice of nonpayment or dishonor to pay the check or draft is prima facie evidence of intent to defraud, 57) Defendants knew or should have known that writing a worthless check is a criminal act under Arizona Statute, A,R.S, S13-1807, 13-1802, 58) Defendants knew or should have known that they neither they nor their clients had standing to sue under Arizona law for state licensing violations, 59) Defendants acknowledged that CRA's activity within the state of Arizona was accidental, thereby giving them a viable defense for alleged FDCPA violations/claims. 60) Defendants knew that defending a lawsuit in Arizona would be both costly and time consuming to CRA, regardless of the results. 61) Defendants made these misrepresentations with the intent of inducing Plaintiff into mailing money to Defendants on behalf of Defendants' clients. 62) Plaintiff justifiably relied on these misrepresentations which did mislead and deceive Plaintiff to mail money to Defe~dants. 63) Plaintiff negotiated two settlement agreements for alleged FDCPA violations based on Defendants' misrepresentations. 64) As a result of Defendants misrepresentations, Plaintiff has sustained damages in the amount of $5000,00, representing actual monies paid to Defendants, plus attorneys fees for out-side counsel to assist in the negotiacion process of approximately $200,00. claim between eRA and their clients, Sherry and Riley, 70) Defendants received the full satisfaction under the terms of the Sherry/Riley agreement, $2,700.00, 71) Defendants failed to return the initial payment of $500,00, despite receiving $2,700,00 in full satisfaction for the Sherry/Riley agreement, Wherefore, Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant in the amount of $3,200.00, plus appropriate interest, attorney's fees and costs, Count IV - Fraud with respect to Settlement Agreements 72) Plaintiff hereby incorporates Paragraphs 1 through 71 as if fully set forth herein. 73) Defendants negotiated the Sherry/Riles joint settlement agreement for $2,700.00, 74) Defendants misrepresented that they would return the $500,00 initial payment for the Sherry settlement. 75) Defendants planned to continue threatening and/or filing lawsuits against Plaintiff. 76) Defendants never intended to return the $500,00 rather, kept the $500.00 in anticipation that Plaintiff would settle another alleged claim. 77) Defendants knew that Plaintiff would rely on their misrepresentations. 78) Plaintiff did rely on Defendants misrepresentations and were induced into settling the Sherry/Riley alleged claim and an earlier alleged claim, 79) Plaintiff was damaged by Defendants' acts. Wherefore, Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendants in the amount of $3,200,00, plus appropriate interest, attorney's fees and costs, Additionally, Plaintiff requests that Defendants be enjoined from this practice within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Count V - Defamation to Business Reputation 80) Plaintiff hereby incorporates Paragraphs 1 through 79 as if fully set forth herein. 81) Defendants telephoned one of Plaintiff's major clients and made defamatory statements regarding CRA and their business practices. 82) Defendants caused to be published defamatory statements such as: a. that, Plaintiff has caused harm or damage to Defendants' clients; b, that, Plaintiff has attempted to collect monies from Defendants' clients in an attempt to deceive Defendants' clients; when in fact, these amounts were legally owed to Plaintiff's clients; c, that, Plaintiff has violated certain laws and statutes governing the collection of worthless checks. 83) Such statements made by Defendants were false and made with the intent to injure Plaintiff's business reputation or for the purpose of oppressing Plaintiff into paying monies for acts that Plaintiff did not participate in or commit. 84) Defendants' acts of defamation were committed knowingly, willfully, wrongfully and maliciously, and without legal justification or excuse. 85) As a result of Defendants' publication of such defamatory statements, Plaintiff has been injured in their good name, business interest, and reputation in the business community ascertainable. Wherefore, Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendants in the amount of $5,000.00, plus appropriate interest, attorney's fees and costs, Count VI - Intentional Interference With Contractual Relations 86) Plaintiff hereby incorporates Paragraphs I through 85 as if fully set forth herein, 87) Defendants knowingly, willfully, wrongfully, maliciously, and without legal justification or excuse, interfered with Plaintiff and its client, 88) Defendants have and continue to cause harm by making misstatements, threatening or filing lawsuits, and by committing other acts with the direct purpose to discredit Plaintiff and with the purpose of interfering with Plaintiff's relationship with its client, 89) As a result of Defendants' intentional interference with Plaintiff's contractual relations, Plaintiff has been harmed, Wherefore, Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendants in the amount of $10,000,00, plus appropriate interests, attorney's fees and costs. Count VI - Unfair Business Practices 90) Plaintiff hereby incorporates Paragraphs 1 through 89 as if fully set forth herein, 91) Defendants' conduct as described herein constitutes unfair or deceptive business acts or practices within the meaning of the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, ("UTpN), 73 P.S, 5201-1, et seq, 92) As a result of Defendants' unconscionable acts and practices, and Defendants' violation of the UTP, Plaintiff is entitled to recover attorney's fees and costs, In addition, Plaintiff requests that Defendants be enjoined from this practice within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. rrmuW' 0I'I'IC1iS 01' BYBEE & SHAW MICHAEL C. SIIA W fUlYD W. BYBEE 3910 NOlTfll RURAl. ROAD. SUITF. n.I, TEMPF.. ARIZONA 85281 TF.LF.PIIONElI601) 911.7545 FAX. 601) 858.oJ48 March 13, 1996 SENT VIA FACSIMILE TO: (717\ 730-7070 AND BY REGULAR MAIL Mr. Edward Maxwell CRA SECURITY SYSTEMS P.O. Box 625 LeMoyne, PA 17043 Re: Kimberly Sherry Your Ref: 02311692-01N Dear Mr, Maxwell: Please be advised that I have been retained by the above captioned individual regarding a dunning letter that she has received in Arizona from CRA Security Systems ("CRA") concerning a debt allegedly owed Walgreens. I am enclosing a copy of the dunning notice dated December 13, 1995, received and read by Ms. Sherry, for your convenience. At present, it is my client's intention to file a lawsuit against CRA unless resolution of her claims is reached. CRA has violated several provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. S1692 et sea. and applicable Arizona state law in its attempt to collect this alleged debt from Ms. Sherry. First and foremost, eRA was not licensed by the Arizona State Banking Department to collect debts within the state of Arizona. As a member of the American Collectors Association, you are no doubt aware that Arizona is a closed border state, and as such, all collection agencies must be licensed to collect debts here pursuant to A.R.S. S32-1024. Despite that knowledge, CRA has continued to dun Ms. Sherry knowing she was residing in Arizona. Furthermore, the majority of courts that have examined the issue have held that violations of applicable state law constitute violations of 15 U.S.C. SI692e(10). (See Siblev v, Firstcollect, Inc" WL 782171 (M.D.La 1995), Gaetano v. pavco of Wisconsin. Inc" 774 F.Supp. 1404 (D.Conn. 1990), and Kuhn v. Account Control Technoloav. Inc., 865 F.Supp. 1443 (D.Nev. 1994). E. )t h',b;~ A Mr. Edward Maxwell CRA SECURITY SYSTEMS March 13, 1996 page -2- At this point, however, Ms. Sherry is willing to resolve her claims without litigation, by releasing eRA trom any and all liability concerning its illegal attempt to collect the debts allegedly owed walgreens for the following: (1) CRA agrees to pay the sum of Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00) to Ms. Sherry in the form of a certified check made payable to the order of Bvbee /;, Shaw. Trust Account. I will diary this matter for Tue~day, March 19, 1996, at 4:00 p.m. (M.S.T.). If I have not received a reply by then, I will follow the instructions of my client and litigation will be initiated in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona alleging violations of the Fair Debt Collection practices Act. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely, THE LAW OFFICES OF BYBEE /;, SHAW :rI1.#.f?ff:J 5( . . . THIS ENTIRE LETTER IS MEANT SOLELY FOR SETTLEMENT PURPOSES PURSUANT TO RULE 408 OF THE FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE. . . . MCS:lr Encl: as stated cc: Client (w/O enclosures) FRon rAx uo HI1R IU.I'I'I'" 01103'" P .~ '. JIll "If W"l'llI'" BYBEE" SUA W MIC:HAFJ, C:. 51L\W fUlVD W, "VIIEE J910 sour" AlIML KO^U. ~lIl'n: ".1. 'n:M,t:. AMIZUNA ..un nurHIINl:Il6l1J1 VII.1SU FAX! 60J "foOl. j ~ ,4 I : Re: Kimberly Sherry ~n~1f.n J ~~~~\'\(, _~ vI) , ~~~ i. I I i I I I March 18, 1996 SE~ VIA FAX TO: (7171 730-7070 Mr. Carl Burd CRA SECURITY SYSTEMS P.O. Box 625 LeMoyne, PA 17043 Dear Mr. Burd: This letter will confirm our telephone conversation of last Thursday, wherein it was agreed that Ms. Sherry would settle her claim against CRA for its payment of $1,500,00. It was agreed that eRA will pay said sum as follows: 1) $500.00 on March 25, 1996; 2) $500.00 on April 25, 1996; and 3) $500.00 on May 25, 1996. I am also enclosing a proposed Release for your review. I will hold the executed Release until receipt of the final payment. At that time I will forward the Release to you for your records. Thank you for your assistanco in bringing this matter to a quick and equitable resolution. Feel free to contact me if you have questions regarding any of the above. Sincerely, THE LAW OFFICES OF BYBEE & SHAW F~.j7 encl: As stated MAR-18-1996 15:03 E'1C~' b;~ , '. "'" .... Ln 0 N 0 l.D 0 0 ..-- ;i 0 0 LJ1 0 M 0 '" 0 . N 0 "" <I) 0 Z - .. 0 .. 0 0 .. .... Z .. '" .. U .. w .. J: U !I all M ~ ~ ~I $ o 3!: iii ~ g. a l2!i;~::: <~)(~ ~Slilu1 W2ci~ >"a:~ 8 j:j !9 W n: -J ~ ~ ~~ s"" Cc- ..... '" N ..... ~~ c::::t c:.n --I ....... c::I <fl 0: < "" "" o Q Q '" 0: Q Z ::> :: ... (ll l'J r.. I(l ... C <1 o 'tl .. o N 0: IX) N '" :t.. IX) .. .. .c ~ Cl)Q:::-N ,< <Il d" '" QI QI QI aJO.&.J c.. .Cl ~.... S >. 0\ ::t 41 tQMtI)f-t ~~ >~~ a:i?!5it> . = CtI LJ1 LJ1 ..: - o o - 111 .. - Lll oJ' CtI - o ,." - ,." o .. ~ ,." Lt1 '" Lll - o ~ f~h,~,+ c . . ~ . THltLcW0177C1!SOI' BVRFF& SHAW _ C, 6HAW FLOltI w. 8YBu ~!Hn Anll'rw AIIDal Rnan AII~ R.1 Ti=UPF ADl7n....l 1t1i?R? TElEPHONE: l602l 1121.7545 FAX (1Il11)~ June 3, 1996 Mr. Carl Burd P.O. Box 625 Lemoyne, PA 17043-0625 Re: Kimberly R Sheny and Maria C. Riley Dear Carl: I am in receipt of payment in the amount of $1200.00 each for Kimberly Sheny and Maria Riley. As per our agreement, enclosed please find the two original Releases executed by my clients, Thank you for resolving both matters in a prompt and equitable fashion. Sincerely, BYBEE & SHAW 111 ulJf:l Michael C. Shaw, Esq. MCSlc1 Enc1: as stated Exh;Io,'f r; 08'06'96 lh:"'~ FlcHER FI" L . , J JJ J ~d~ + 1.IJI'U~Ef; LLP ~ 71777307070 ," 1Hr utlOmcao, BYBEE & SHAW ~C&_ FLCMl W Snlr NO,55S P002/006 3910 SolIrHRlnw. RO.Ill. Surre B-1. TIIolPE. MloIIA em TIUMlof lI02lezt.7M5 F...' t6ll2l8OW July 30, 1996 S&NT VIA FAc;SIMlLE TO: (410) 547-0699 ~ BY llEGULAR mJt Matthew Nayden, Esq, Ober, Kaler 120 E, Baltimore Street Baltimore, MD 21202 Re: Joseph W. Draper Your cl: Slaty Allen Dear Mr, Nayden: As per our telephone diSl:USsion, please be advi'lCd tlw I have been retained by the above referenced individual concerning a dunning letter he received from SllJcy L, Allen, Esq., regarding a debt allegedly owed Walgreens, I am enclosing a copy of the letter, received lI1d'read by Mr. Draper. for your convenience At present, it is my client's intention to file a law suit against Ms. ADen, eRA Security Systems. Inc II1d Walgreens, unless resolution of his claims is reached. Ms ADen's letter sent to Mr Draper violated the Fair Debt CoUection Practices Act,' IS USC See 1692!:1 Klj, and applicable Arizona state law in several respects, First, Ms, ADen's client, CRA Security Systems Inc, remains unlicensed within the state of Arizona. to coDect debts here, Therefore, if eRA has no power or authority to coDcct the alleged debt owed Walgreens, obviously neither can Ms, Allen, Thus, the letter violated l692e (5) and (10) Second, the letter contains numerous threats regarding litigation over the N S F check. Since Ms Allen is not licensed to practice law in Arizona. the threats were false Moreover, since eRA is not Iicen.sed by the Arizona SWe Banking Dcpanment to coDcct debts here, Ms. Allen could have talcen no action, including the 9/6/95 letter, 011 its behalf Lastly, in conducting my reasonable investigation of the facts, pursuant to FRCP. RJJ!e II, it is my belief that WaIgrcens never authorized legal intervention on behalf of Ms ADen, Baled on the above, I believe Ms. ADen, in IlIct, did not even mail this letter. Rather, CRA is responsible for its contents and mailina. AUl-06-1996 15:35 EKhibit A 4107271362 P.02 e ~hib,'+ J: OCt '07'961MONI 16:08 RENAUD COOK VIDEAN ..."\'" ~ , , TEL 602154144& p, 008 2 --.. F1I.eo -IlECEtIlED - LOooeo _COP.,. SEP 1 1 1996 f l<U S O/S7: fl.,. O/STRICTop~~Tcoullr ....IZO'~14 OEPUl 3 4 S 6 IN '!'HE UNITED ST~ES DISTRICT COUR'1' FOR TKB DISTRICT OF ARIZONA 1 8 9 JOSEPH w. DRAPER, 10 Plaintiff I I I No. qrv 96-2038 PHI PGR I I I ORDER I I I I .) vs. 11 12 CRA SECURITY SYSTBKS, INC. 13 Defendant 14 IS On September 5, 1996, the plaintiff filed a complaint alleging 16 that the defendantB violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act 11 in th~ir attempts to collect on a non-Bufficient fundo check. 18 Havin; reviewed the complaint, the Court finds that it should sua 19 sponte dismis8ed for failure to Btate a claim pursuant t:o 20 Fed.R.Civ.P. l2(b)(6). See SDarlin' v. Hoffman Con8trucUon Co.. 21 ~, 864 F.2d 635, 638 (9th Cir. 1,98). The Court's finding i8 22 baoed upon its decision in Charles v. Checkrite. Ltd., CIV 95-2263 23 PBX PGR, filed Kay 9, 1996 (doc. '48), wherein it concluded that a 24 HSF chsck does not constitute a debt within the purview of the 2S 26 1 AO 12 '...."ev OCT-e7-1996 19:1e 6e22541448 . e-)lch\\a\~ -:f ..... 0 b: ..~.: If'. ,.. c:-, :.,. UJ(~ ,... (y, ,.- tt' ~ . '1 , . C'- ~; ~~ .i ~:-J .- " C..., , to') I.Jr' . \. '~ ,- . -. fiL >- liu .. ".~ ,:n.. j_: ~i -. r- ::; C1' '...1 Capital Recovery . . Associates, Inc., : Plaintiff, . . . . v. . . . . Bybee & Shalf, an . . Arizona Partnership, . . Floyd Bybee, and . . Michael Shalf, : Defendants. . . In the Court of Common Pleas CUmberland County, Pennsylvania No. 97-871 Civil Term Complaint in Lalf TO: Lawrence E. Welker, PROTHONOTARY: PRAECIPE TO WITHDRAW APPEARANCE OF COUNSEL Please take notice, as of this date, I hereby withdraw my appearance as counsel in the above referenced matter pursuant to the request of Capital Recovery Associates, Inc. Please mark the docket accordingly. Respect full y submit ted, Dated: if 17 ') 7- .5 1'1 /17 By: A}U-1tAU- i3.."..... n J/I-i-"-;{ 4- Deanna~nn Smith Attorney for Plaintiff IDU 77414 1101 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 (717) 234-4583 ~j:d~.;(h ;to-" r4?<.L--t/\ >- 0 '~ 0; c: '.' t=: .. . ) ., - .:..,. w~: ,.~ O. - ;:e u:~, L: ',;:j lip 1-- 0, o.D ':~? or: u. '. :;;: -' :- :!.U r..:'; ,,- .; 0- 0- ;;: r:,,; ... r- ,) (,; C' >- Cl ,y' e; - ~~ .' .-r: u_,~,,'" - , (:' ~. , " . f'" l":_. :.:1 bF '- , , '.0 'ff) 0'. , I ~.~; I ~. lJ,..I" _~Il :- j: IJ w:.., .,,; 'n... , :..... ':) u. - 0 o- r.> CAPITAL RECOVERY ASSOCIATES . IN 'l'HE COURT OF CCMMON PLEAS OF . INC. , . CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA . Plaintiff : , . v. . NO, 97-871 Civil Tezm . : BlIBEE & SHAW, an Arizona, : CIVIL ACTION - LAW Partnership, and FLOYD BlIBEE, : and MICHAEL SHAW, . . Defendants : JURY rnIAL DEMANDED RULE TO SHOW CAUSE AND NOW, this I '-( , day of A,., ',/ , , 1997, a Rule is hereby issued on all parties to show cause why Deanna Lynn Smith should not be permitted to withdraw as counsel for Plaintiff in the above matter. RULE RETURNABLE -z..t> . DAYS FROM SERVICE go,., eJ..I rtUhw BY THE COURT: -l(i rilL / / J. .'C') ..0 0 ,'-" -J '., ;";. "'" '... -nt':. -n .i,:n f;;: ''.:I r- '1m .r,' '6 ([} .J f~;' ~ .~:~ ~)- ....{ .0 ("I - ,:-'i,n ~', .. 2-< .,' r:- :ii --: CJ1 -< CAPITAL RECOVERY ASSOCIATES . IN THE COURT OF CCM<1ON PLEAS OF . INC., . CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA . Plaintiff : : v. : NO. 97-871 Civil Tenn : BYBEE & SHAW, an Arizona, : CIVIL ACTION - LAW Partnership, and FLOYD BYBEE, . . and MICHAEL SHAW, : Defendants . JURY TRIAL DEMANDED . PETITION FOR RULE TO SHOW CAUSE TO THE HONORABLE, JUDGES OF SAID COURT: AND NOW, comes Deanna Lynn Smith, Esquire who respectfully sets forth the following in support of this Petition: 1. Plaintiff has requested that Deanna Lynn Smith, Esquire withdraw as its counsel in the above matter, WHEREFORE, it is hereby requested that Your Honorable Court Order that Deanna Lynn Smith, Esquire be permitted to withdraw as counsel for Plaintiff in the above case. Respectfully Submitted: DATE: c.f, 1,Ql t'U.A. - eanna Lynn lth, Esquire 1101 North ont St, Harrisburg, Pa. 17102 (717) 234-4583 Atty, I,D. 77414 VERIFICATION I hereby verify that the statements made in the foregoing document are true and correct. I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. Section 4904, relating tu unsworn falsification to authorities, Dated: If ~ 1- '17 ~~ ~', DEANNA LYNN?~ ~ . .'. ).. i 1 Michael C. Shaw 2 Floyd W. Bybee 3910 S, Rural Road 3 Suite B-1 Tempe. Arizona 85282 4 (602) 921-7545 5 Defendants Pro Se 6 7 8 , . I ;,1 (l\" , I , \,,- ' J \, J I I ".- /) /~p I \. )!O 4 ~,. IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICf COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRlCf OF PENNSYLVANIA 9 10 11 CAPITAL RECOVERY ASSOCIATES, INC" 12 13 14 Plaintiff, ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) APR 241991 No, 97- cj71 c;;J~ v. NOTICE OF REMOVAL OF ACfION UNDER 28 U,S,C. ~1441(b) (DIVERSITY) 15 BYBEE & SHAW, an Arizona Partnership, FLOYD BYBEE, and MICHAEL SHAW, 16 17 FILED HARRISBURG, PA Defendant(s), 18 19 20 t" ~ '-~ , TO THE CLERK OF THE ABOVE-ENTITLED COURT: " . PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that defendants. Bybee & Shaw. an Arizona partnership. Floyd 21 22 23 24 25 Bybee. and Michael Shaw, hereby removes to this Court the state court action described below, I, On December 23, 1996 an action was commenced in the Common Court of Pleas in and for the State of Pennsylvania, Cumberland County. entitled Capital Recovery Associates, Inc,. Plaintiffs vs, Bybee & Shaw, an Arizona Partnership. Floyd Bybee, and Michael Shaw. 26 27 Defendants, as case number 96-6917 Civil Term, 2, The first date upon which defendants received a copy of that complaint was 28 January 16, 1997 when defendants were served with a copy of the complainl and a Notice to .' '. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Plead from the state coun, 3, On February 5. 1997, defendants filed with this Coun a Notice of Removal of Action Under 28 U,S,c. ~1441(b) and a Motion 10 Dismiss for Lack of Personal Jurisdiction; or A1lernatively 10 Transfer Venue Pursuant to 28 U,S,C, ~ 1404(a), The action was subsequently removed to this Coun and assigned to the Honorable Sylvia H, Rambo. under case no, I :CV-97- 0180, 4, Plaintiff never responded to defendants' NOlice of Removal nor their Motion to Dismiss, Inslead, plaintiff filed a Notice of Dismissal without Prejudice, which was signed by Judge Rambo and filed with the Coun on February 18. 1997, 5, On February 20, 1997, another action was commenced in the Common Coun of Pleas in and for the State of Pennsylvania, Cumberland County, entitled Capital Recovery Associates. Inc,. Plaintiffs vs. Bybee & Shaw, an Arizona Pannership. Floyd Bybee, and Michael Shaw, Defendanls, as case number 97-871 Civil Tenn, A copy of that complaint is attached hereto as Exhibit A. 6, The firsl date upon which defendants received a copy of this complaint was March 25, 1997 when defendants were served with a copy of the complainl and a Notice to Plead from the state coun, A copy of the Notice to Plead is attached hereto as Exhibit B. 7, State action no. 96-6917 and state action 97-871 are vinually identical except for the amount prayed for by plaintiff. 8, Under the doctrine enunciated in .'II. Paulllldem/lilV Co. \I. Cah Co.. 303 U,S, 283,58 S,CI. 586 (1938), this action is a civil action of which this Coun has original jurisdiction under 28 U,S,C, ~ 1332. and is one which may be removed to this Coun by defendants pursuant 10 the provisions of28 U,S,C, ~1441(b) in that it is a civil action between citizens of different slates and the matter in controversy exceeds the sum of$75.000,OO, exclusive of interest and . I . Venue 3) Venue is proper for this action pursuant to Pa,R.C.P. No, 1006 the cause of action arose and/or the transactions took place out of which this cause of action arose, in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Parties 4) Plaintiff, Capi tal Recovery Associates, Inc. ("CRA"), is a Pennsylvania corporation with its principal place of business located at 324 Market Street, Lemoyne, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 5) Plaintiff is engaged in the business of collections, primarily collecting personal checks that were dishonored by the individual check-writers' financial institutions, 6: Defendant Floyd Bybee is an attorney who is domiciled in Arizona and practices law in Arizona at 3910 South Rural Road, Suite B-1, Tempe, Arizona, and is a partner with Bybee & Shaw. 7) Defendant Michael Shaw is an attorney who is domiciled in Arizona and practices law in Arizona at 3910 South Rural Road, Suite B-1, Tempe, Arizona, and is a partner with Bybee & Shaw. .' General Allegations 8) On March 13, 1996, Defendants sent CRA a demand letter for one of Defendants' clients, Sherry, threatening to sue CRA for an alleged violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ("FDCPAN), (Exhibit A) 9) Defendants' client, Sherry, had allegedly written an NSF check (non-sufficient funds) check to CRA's client. 101 On March 18, 1996, Defendants sent CRA another letter regarding the terms of a settlement with Sherry. (Exhibit B) 11) On March 25, 1996, CRA sent a $500.00 check to Bybee & Shaw in an attempt to settle the case with Sherry, (Exhibit CI 12) On April 9, 1996, Defendants sent a facsimile to CRA demanding money for another of their clients, Riley, for alleged violations of the FDCPA. (Exhibit D) 13) Defendants' client, Riley, had allegedly written an NSF check (non-sufficient funds) check to CRA's client. 14) On or about April 19, Carl Burd, General Manager of CRA (hereinafter "BurdN) telephoned Defendant Shaw regarding the allegations against CRA. 15) Burd and Defendant Shaw agreed that CRA would pay $2700.00 for both claims, Sherry and Riley. 16) Burd and Defendant Shaw agreed that Defendant Shaw would return to CRA, the first installment of $500.00, as described in Paragraphs 9) and 10) above, un-cashed, and CRA would send another check for the total settlement amount to Defendant Shaw, 17) On May 9, 1996, CRA sent a check for $2700 for the Sherry/Riley settlement. (Exhibit E) 18) On May 9, 1996, CRA sent a letter to Defendants, memorializing the Sherry/Riley settlement and requesting the $500,00 be returned, (Exhibit F) 19) On June 3, 1996, Defendants sent a letter to CRA acknowledging the receipt of the settlement money from CRA along ~ith copies of the releases for both cases. (Exhiblt G) 20) On June 3, 1996, Defendants sent a letter to Mark Bradshaw, counsel for CRA at that time, regarding a new alleged claim against CRA under the FDCPA for another client of Defendants named Pollard. (Exhibit H) 21) Defendant's client, Pollard, had allegedly written an NSF (non-sufficient funds) check to CRA's client, 22) Defendants cashed and retained the $500.00 payment from the Sherry settlement, despite acknowledging receipt of full satisfaction combined Sherry/Riley settlement. 23) Defendants cashed and retained the $500.00 in anticipation of future settlements because they planned to continue these actions against CRA, 24) The June 3, 1996, letter from Shaw to Attorney Bradshaw stated that, "I am already in receipt of $500.00 towards the amount." (See Exhibi t H,) 25) Defendants elected to retain the $500,00 over-payment for the Sherry/Riley settlement, before any alleged new claims were made known to C~A. 26) Plaintiff contacted Shaw and requested the $500,00 payment be returned to CRA. 27) Defendants improperly retained $500.00 and were unjustly enriched by this act. 22) Defendants breached the settlement agreement with CRA for Sherry/Riley by improperly retaining additional consideration that was not part of the settlement agreement, 29) Defendants knowingly made a false statement regarding the $500,00 as part of an ongoing scheme to defraud CRA of money, 30) On or about July 26, 1996, Defendant Shaw contacted one of CRA's major clients in order to damage CRA's business reputation, 31) Defendant Shaw told this CRA client that CRA was not properly "licensed" in the States of Arizona and Connecticut in order to damage CRA's business reputation, 32) Defendant Shaw's representation to CRA's client was false as CRA was not conducting business in the States of Arizona and Connecticut, 33) Defendants knew that any prior CRA activity within the state of Arizona was accidental and acknowledged same on several occasions, 34) Plaintiff believes and has knowledge that Defendants' primary practice is illegally and wrongfully making demands for payment or maliciously filing law suits against individuals and entities that collect on ~orthless/bad checks. 351 Plaintiff believes and has knowledge that Defendants file suits and threaten legal action for the purpose of shielding their clients from criminal and civil liability, 36) Plaintiff believes and has knowledge that Defendants' practices and procedures are unethical and illegal and have been perpetrated on numerous individuals and entities throughout the United States. 37) Defendants, in their letters and phone calls, allege that Plaintiff violated the FDCPA for not being "licensed" in Arizona, and this tactic is part of Defendants' scheme to defraud and to seek monies from Plaintiff through unconscionable and illegal means. 38) Defendants and their clients have no standing to sue under Arizona law for state licensing violations, 39) Plaintiff believes and has knowledge that Defendants . clients have not paid for their worthless/bad checks and may never intend to pay for their worthless/bad checks, 40) Defendants intend to practice this scheme to defraud upon Plaintiff by threatening to file or by filing a law suits against Plaintiff in an attempt to extort monies from Plaintiff, to cause interference with Plaintiff's business and to cause injury and damage to Plaintiff's business reputation by willfully and maliciously publishing defamatory statements, 41) On or before July 25, Plaintiff received a call from Matthew Nayden ("NaydenH), attorney for Stacy Allen ("AllenH); Ms, Allen was CRA's former in-house counsel. 42) Nayden informed Plaintiff, through its counsel, that Allen received a phone call from Defendant Shaw, demanding $1,500,00 to settle an alleged FDCPA violation. 43) Plaintiff, through its counsel, informed Nayden that eRA would not settle any alleged claims with Defendants, 44) On July 30,1996, Defendant Shaw sent a demand letter to Allen, through her counsel, (Exhibit J) 45) Nayden, Allen's counsel, again contacted CRA and sent a facsimile copy of the demand letter from Defendants. 46) Nayden, Allen's counsel, was again advised that CRA would not settle any alleged claims with Defendants, 47) On September 5, 1996, Defendant Shaw filed a law suit against CRA and Allen. 48) The September 5,1996, the lawsuit against CRA and Allen was dismissed, sua sponte by the judge, on September 6, 1996, (Exhibit K) 49) As of this date, Defendants have not returned the $500.00 as requested. 50) On or about December 11, 1996, Defendants contacted Larry Rosen, an attorney that also represents CRA, and demanded $1,500.00 to settle an alleged fDCPA claim. 51) As of this date, Defendants have continued their practice of demanding money from CRA or CRA representatives under the means described herein, Count I - Fraud And Conspiracy To De:fraud 52) Plaintiff hereby incorporates Paragraphs 1 through 51 as if fully set forth herein. 53) Defendants misrepresented their right to retain the $500.00 payment, 54) Defendants misrepresented that the allegations and demands for money were valid legal claims, 55) Defendants knew or should have known that writing a worthless check is a tortious activity pursuant to Arizona Statute, A,R,S, ~12-671. 56) Under Arizona Statutes, A.R,S., ~12-671 (C), failure within 12 days after receiving notice of nonpayment or dishonor to pay the check or draft is prima facie evidence of intent to defraud, 57) Defendants knew or should have known that writing a worthless check is a criminal act under Arizona Statute, A,R,S, 513-1807, 13-1802. 58) Defendants knew or should have known that they neither they nor their clients had standing to sue under Arizona law for state licensing violations. 59) Defendants acknowledged that CRA's activity within the state of Arizona was accidental, thereby giving them a viable defense for alleged FDCPA violations/claims, 60) Defendants knew that defending a lawsuit in Arizona would be both costly and time consuming to CRA, regardless of the results. 61) Defendants made these misrepresentations with the intent of inducing Plaintiff into mailing money to Defendants on behalf of Defendants' clients, 62) Plaintiff justifiably relied on these misrepresentations which did mislead and deceive Plaintiff to mail money to Defendants, 63) Plaintiff negotiated two settlement agreements for alleged FDCPA violations based on Defendants' misrepresentations. 64) As a result of Defendants misrepresentations, Plaintiff has sustained damages in the amount of $5000.00, representing actual monies paid to Defendants, plus attorneys fees for out-side counsel to assist in the negotiation process of approximately $200,00. Wherefore, Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendants in the amount of $5200.00, plus appropriate interest, attorney's fees and costs, Addi tionally, Plaintiff requests that Defendants be enjoined from this fraudulent practice within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Count II - Unjust Enrichment 65) Plaintiff hereby incorporates Paragraphs I through 64 as if fully set forth herein. 66) Defendants acquired the value $500.00 from Plaintiffs and were unjustly enriched. 67) Defendants acquired the value of $4,500,00 from Plaintiffs from Defendants continuous practice of threatening lawsuits and/or filing lawsuits, despite the tortious activity of their clients. Wherefore, Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendants in the amount of $5200.00, plus appropriate interest, attorney's fees and costs. Count III - Breach of Contract 68) Plaintiff hereby incorporates Paragraphs 1 through 67 as if fully set forth herein, 69) Defendants negotiated an agreement to settle an alleged ! ! t ~. " . claim between eRA and their clients, Sherry and Riley. 70) Defendants received the full satisfaction under the terms of the Sherry/Riley agreement, $2,700,00. 71) Defendants failed to return the initial payment of $500,00, despite receiving $2,700,00 in full satisfaction for the Sherry/Riley agreement. Wherefore, Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant in the amount of $3,200.00, plus appropriate interest, attorney's fees and costs. Count IV - Fraud with respect to Settlement Agreements 72) Plaintiff hereby incorporates Paragraphs 1 through 71 as if fully set forth herein. 73) Defendants negotiated the Sherry/Riles joint settlement agreement for $2,700.00, 74) Defendants misrepresented that they would return the $500,00 initial payment for the Sherry settlement. 75) Defendants planned to continue threatening and/or filing lawsuits against Plaintiff. 76) Defendants never intended to return the $500,00 rather, kept the $500.00 in anticipation that Plaintiff would settle another alleged claim. 77) Defendants knew that Plaintiff would rely on their misrepresentations. 78) Plaintiff did rely on Defendants misrepresentations and , . checks. B3) Such statements made by Defendants were false and made with the intent to injure Plaintiff's business reputation or for the purpose of oppressing Plaintiff into paying monies for acts that Plaintiff did not participate in or commit, B4) Defendants' acts of defamation were committed knowingly, willfully, wrongfully and maliciously, and without legal justification or excuse, B5) As a result of Defendants' publication of such defamatory statements, Plaintiff has been injured in their good name, business interest, and reputation in the business community ascertainable, Wherefore, Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendants in the amount of $5,000,00, plus appropriate interest, attorney's fees and costs. Count VI - Intentiona~ Interference With Contractua~ Relations B6) Plaintiff hereby incorporates Paragraphs I through B5 as if fully set forth herein. B7) Defendants knowingly, willfully, wrongfully, maliciously, and without legal justification or excuse, interfered with Plaintiff and its client. BB) Defendants have and continue to cause harm by making misstatements, threatening or filing lawsuits, and by committing other acts with the direct purpose to discredit Plaintiff and with the purpose of interfering with Plaintiff's relationship with its client. 89) As a result of Defendants' intentional interference with Plaintiff's contractual relations, Plaintiff has been harmed. Wherefore, Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendants in the amount of $10,000,00, plus appropriate interests, attorney's fees and costs. Count VI - Unfair Business Practices 90) Plaintiff hereby incorporates Paragraphs 1 through 89 as if fully set forth herein. 91) Defendants' conduct as described herein constitutes unfair or deceptive business acts or practices within the meaning of the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, ("UTP"), 73 P,S, 5201-1, et seq. 92) As a result of Defendants' unconscionable acts and practices, and Defendants' violation of the UTP, Plaintiff is entitled to recover attorney's fees and costs, In addition, Plaintiff requests that Defendants be enjoined from this practice within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. \' nIB lA" 0I'PfC63 01' BYBEE" SHAW 3910 SOlrrll RURAl. ROAD. SUITE 8.1. TEMPE. ARIZONA 15181 TELEPIIONElI601l911.7545 FAX. 601 158-43411 MICHAEL C, SllAW fl,OYD W, BYBEE March 13, 1996 SENT VIA FACSIMILE TO: (717\ 730-7070 AND BY REGULAR MAIL Mr. Edward Maxwell CRA SECURITY SYSTEMS P.O. Box 625 LeMoyne, PA 17043 Re: Kimberly Sherry Your Ref: 02311692-01N Dear Mr. Maxwell: Please be advised that I have been retained by the above captioned individual regarding a dunning letter that she has received in Arizona from CRA Security Systems ("CRA") concerning a debt allegedly owed Walgreens. I am enclosing a copy of the dunning notice dated December 13, 1995, received and read by Ms. Sherry, for your convenience. At present, it is my client's intention to file a lawsuit against CRA unless resolution of her claims is reached. CRA has violated several provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. 51692 et sea. and applicable Arizona state law in its attempt to collect this alleged debt from Ms. Sherry. First and foremost, CRA was not licensed by the Arizona State Banking Department to collect debts within the state of Arizona. As a member of the American Collectors Association, you are no doubt aware that Arizona is a closed border state, and as such, All collecticn agencies must be licensed to collect debts here pursuant to A.R,S, 532-1024. Despite that knowledge, CRA has continued to dun Ms. Sherry knowing she was residing in Arizona. Furthermore, the majority of courts that have examined the issue have held that violations of applicable state law constitute violations of 15 U,S.C. 51692e(10). (See Siblev v, Firstcollect. Inc., WL 782171 (M.D.La 1995), Gaetano v, Pavco of Wisconsin, Inc., 774 F.Supp. 1404 (D.Conn, 1990), and Kuhn v. Account Control Technoloav, Inc., 865 F,Supp. 1443 (D.Nev. 1994). E.)t h'lb;~ A ? +~~'~)(1 ~~ojl ;:'" .~ ~~ o-l tn:..JtD .. = >D'< 9 ... - a- ::c '0 I'" 0.. c: () .. '. .. Z )> <II '" 'tl ::>:l' \1' '" ~ > I '" = N -"'<II '" r- . 0 = :T ::Il ., .. '" m .. '" ~ " 0 ~'Okl8 lr' v> '"' '" ',J t"" . .. < LI1 '" Xl > ~P~m ,,J :> '" "" " <II J11"',,::Il '00",< .. ~ >x~)> .. ::::~!!l~ 0 ~ 'g "" $: .. -l "" m 0 !/l .. Z CJ P r lr' .. 0 c::ll t:. ....... LI1 ':j t- .. ., en ~n ~. 0 -J c:::;) ~o 0 " '" OQ- ~lC .. iD w ~ ;~ r - "- ~ ~:u '" ~n LI1 ~m ;. v> U LI1 ;$~ Q "- "'0 i~ CJ iJ "',. .... .. m n .. J: m .. n " " .. Z . .. 0 0 " 0 " Z 0 <J> '" ? 0 v>,. '" 0 O~ v> Cl og w Cl LI1 O~ 0 ->. 0 0 en 0 N 0 Ul . c.N III" ""'11I"" Ill'.'" P . II ~ HI) . ,,'I,)" . - .-....--. -- -- '." . : ..... nl'Jl"~..t)mu.J or BYBEE & ~t.IA W Mln1A.1, r, ~n^'" FWrvW.""'I'P 3910 SOurH Iluw.RoAD. SlIltr 8,1. H""u. ^""nHA "'1'1 1ILlrllnH': (AlIZI ;;;j";~~- FNI' (&01111I" lilt. rAX TRANSMITTAL COVER SHEET Date: y- q -96 Timel To: C~' I ~.,(J cc< ~ c;('('" ~t Pr'./()c(ia e;\~ HeBsag~: Cod../k.\\~..'> I('tt~\ m~ 0-,'((>:1 N'C"'f,'vu9 SI;:;"~f),Q12. J II iYl:P :''' "" cii'~ ~ '" ~ V~ - ~i<>J " t ;, 9' ill ( , ~ CS-) (;._l I >> 'j .f (,) ~ 0 (\!: .> r- / r1IJA I 9-- -1:J t - t J ().. 1- 0 1-u Fall ,: Page 1 of ;J- If you do not receive all pages, pteaee call (602) 921-7545, pages, This lacBlmi II> IlIIIY cont.ain confid.mt.lal informat I.on illt~nrl,!,l r." t.he 801e u,,, nf the recipient. named abovo. If t.It" r.,,,der '.>1 ~ 1.;' IBc~\milc in not the intended recipient., or an ~mp\oyoe or n~.n' aut.hor l7.p<1 to delivsr it to t.he intended recipient, the rP',,<1~' ;.. warned t.hat nny reading, dills9minfttion, dist.ribut.ion, or copyln'l ,., thl!'l facsimile is strictly prohibited. If you hilve received lid" communi Cl\~, i on in error, please immodiatel Y not,l f,y 0.: hy t:n 1 "1"""'" and destroy the materii\lB received or return them to U!l via ~h'" United states postal Service. Any error constitute privilegc, in the transmission of t.his facsimile a waiver of the att.orney-client privilege, or any other applicablc privilege. shall n,,1 work prO(ItI"~ 4~;~;r A RPR-OS-\9S6 1~:36 Founded 1978 Capital Recovery Associates, Inc. SM Mal' 9, 1991> B}ilce & Shaw 3910 Suulll Rural Ruad Suile B.I Tempe. AZ 85282 Dear Mt, Shaw: Enclosed IS a check for Ille agreed amOWll of 52700. lu sCllle your lwo clients: Maria Riley and Kimberly Sherry, This check will he /\ill and final paymenl. in which eRA is requestiug Ileller releasing us from any funhcr ubhgauun, Ahu. Ille pa>n1em of 5500. " null and void and should be relUmed promplly. Thank yuu, Sincerely, , /.-" , ( ;..........~.:::::::,..c Carl Burd CWih Enclusme This is an ancmpltu cullecl a dehl, E)t J, ;b,~ Any mfumlatiun ul~,"ncd "';11 be used for thaI purpose only, F ExecutIVe Offices' 324 Malkel Slleel. POBox 625, Lemoyne. PA 170,13.0625 (800) 486.0950 (717) 730.7062 Fax (717) 730.7070 .080tv96 P_-,.' J", '!'.,uER "I'H'" JIII't'EL . ... -' r n r; L:,f. + .t't,.: LLP .. 71777307070 NO.555 P002-00, THll.A..Om~o' BYBEE & SHAW Mo\AA C SlIAW F,O\'O W Bftrl ~,o SourHRulI.alRO.Ill, SurTiB.1. Tpi, ARszOllA esm T lWMllOf tIl2l ;2'. TSl3 FAa (lll2)1I6I.Q3lI July 30, 1996 grrr VIA FACSIMlLE TO: (410) S47.o69~ ~ BY REGULAR MAlL Matthew Nayden. Esq Ober. Kaler 120 E Baltimore Street Baltimore. MD 21202 Re Joseph W. Draper Your c1: Stacy Allen Dear Mr Nayden As per ow telephone discussion. please be advised that I have been retained by the above referenced individual concerning a dUlllllllg letter he received from Stacy L Allen. Esq" regarding a debt allegedly owed Walgreens I am enclosing a copy of the lener, re<<ived and'Tead by Mr. Draper. for your convenience At present, it is my cIient's intention to file a law suit egainst Ms. ADen. eRA Security Systems. Ine and Walgrcens. unless resolution of his c:1aims is reached, Ms AIIen's letter sent to Mr Draper violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.' IS use See 1692 ~ Kg, and applicable Arizona state law in several respects, First. Ms Allen's c:lient, CRA Security Systems Inc. remains unlicensed within the state of Arizona. to coUect debts here Therefore, if C R. A. has no power or authority to coUect the alleged debt owed Walgreens. obviously neither WI Ms Allen Thus, the letter violated 1692e (5) and (10) Second, the letter contains numerous threats RgMding litigation over the N S F check Since Ms Allen is notlieensed to practice law in Arizona, the threalS were false Moreover. since CRA is nOI licensed by the Arizona Swe Banking DepartmCllt to coUect debts here, Ms. AIICl1 couId have taken no action. including the 9/6/95 letter, on its behalf Lastly, in conducting my reasonable investigation of the facts. purNalltto FRCP. lWIe II. it is my belief that WaIgrec:ns never authorized legal intervention on beha1f of Ms Allen Based on the Ibove, I believe Ms. Allen, in flatt. did not even lnIIiI this letter, Rather, CRA is responsible for its contents and mailing, RUG-D6-1996 15:35 Exhibit A 410727136:' P.02 e '4th ',bt'+ :t 08/06/96 15:35 FISHER FISHER. WINNER LLP ~ 71777307070 , . NQ,555 P00J~006 Manhew Nayden, Esq Obet.KaIer July 30. 1996 Page-2- r At Ibis point. however, my client is wi1Iing to resolve his claims without 1itiaation. by releasing you IIld your client from any and all liability concerning your illegal attempts to collect the debt owed Walgreen.s for the following (I) You ~ to pay the 5llm of Two Thousand Five Hundred Do11ars ($2.500,00) to Mr. Draper in the fonn ora cenified check made payable to BYbee &. Shaw Trost Ac.c.ount I wiU dWy this matter for Monday. Augu~996, at 4:00 p,m (M ST), If I have not received a reply by then. I will follow the insuuctions of my client and litigation wiU be initiated in the Federal District Coun for the Distnct of Anzona alleging violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, t ! Thank you for your prompl auention 10 this mauer Sincerely, BYBEE&. SHAW m~~ Michael C, Shaw, Esq . . . THIS ENl'IRE LEITER IS MEANT SOLELY FOR SETl'LEMENT PURPOSES PURSUANT TO RULE 40B OF THE FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE. . . . MCS/d end as stated cc, Clienl (without enclosures) AUG-06-1996 15:36 4107271362 P,03 >- ,... :- c.:: C'": j. a, .' 1.1.1<" .. ", , (.); , , r:: ~ .- .. . ....;. -'.-j y~ '"'? ~ i) 0 N , u.... ". ...l. ;-.~ ..~~u G~ . . _;:t:... j:" ..... II. r- ='i 0 0"' D - # , . 'I'"[) ........,,-.,C F~.x.. -Ut,o'.J1.. ,.._ _, .,_ ,'rr",,,,""if'n'l I.X \~ . , '., ,'./ld"\ g(HJ~C \ 8 h',:1::13 C il" ..' ,.' ."J" Uli~;.;~~~~,>.,I.; ,... L"-'\"'\' I \"E"""l'''''''' ~ \'., \..:. ( :.: /01',' '\ , q: l>o ' ~~ ... "' <"( .... ~ ~ ~ F - ' in the above captioned action prior to sending said ten day notice. 4. Defendants, on May 22, 1997, filed a Notice of Removal in the above captioned action. A copy of the Certificate of Service and cover letter to the Prothonotary are attached hereto as Exhibit "C" and incorporated herein by reference. 5. In the Federal action, Plaintiffs filed a Motion to Remand and Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss for Lack of In Personam Jurisdiction and Motion to Transfer Venue. A copy of the Scheduling Order in the Federal action is attached hereto as Exhibit "D" and incorporated herein by reference. 6. On July 1, 1997, Judge Rambo granted Plaintiff's Motion to Remand the Federal Action and ordered the case transferred back to Cumblerland County. A copy of the Judge Rambo's Order is attached hereto as Exhibit "E" and incorporated herein by reference. 7. On or about August 7, 1997, Defendants were sent a Notice under Rule 236 that a Default Judgment had been entered against them in the above matter. B. The Default Judgment was entered in error since the case was removed to Federal Court before the response was due pursuant to the ten (10) day Notice and no additional ten (10) day Notice was sent after the case was transferred back to Cumberland County. 9. The preceding paragraphs demonstrate that Defendants' failure to file an Answer is excusable since filing to remove a 2 state court action to federal court before the time to file a response in the state court action pursuant to a ten (10) day Notice of intention to enter Default Judgment eliminates the right of Plaintiff to take a Default Judgment once the case is transferred back to state court without resending another ten (10) day Notice. 10. Count I of the Complaint requests Judgment for $5,200.00. Plaintiffs allege in paragraph 64 of the Complaint that $5,000.00 represents actual monies paid to Defendants and that the $200.00 represents Attorneys fees. Nowhere in the Complaint is the calculation of the $5,000.00 set forth. The allegations in the Complaint only support a calculation of $3,200.00 being paid to Defendants. Accordingly, the calculation of the amount of the Default Judgment is erroneous. 11. A Default Judgment was entered in the total amount of $34,000.00. That amount was calculated by adding all the amounts requested for the various counts. Nonetheless, many of the counts are duplicative in that they request the same damages based upon monies being paid by Plaintiff to Defendants. Accordingly, the Default Judgment is excessive. 12. The Judgment is improper and in violation of Pa. R.C.P. 1037 (b) (1) since the damages alleged in the Complaint are not a sum certain or an amount which may be made certain by computation and therefore a trial as to damages is required. 13. Defendants attach hereto as Exhibit "F" proposed Preliminary Objections to the Complaint. The proposed 3 CAPITOL RECOVERY ASSOCIATES INC, Plaintiff IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA v. No. 97.871 Civil BYBEE & SHAW, an Arizona Partnership, & FLOYD BYBEE and MICHAEL SHAW Defendants Civil Action..Law DATE: MAY 13, 1997 IMPORTANT NOTICE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT BECAUSE YOU HAVE FAILED TO TAKE ACTION REQUIRED OF YOU IN THIS CASE. UNLESS YOU ACT WITHIN TEN DAYS FROM THE DATE OF TIDS NOTICE, A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU WITHOUT A HEARING AND YOU MAY LOSE YOUR PROPERTY OR OTHER IMPORTANT RIGHTS. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS NOTICE TO A LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNO'J,' AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE FOLLOWING OFFICE TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP: COURT ADMINISTRATOR THIRD FLOOR CUMBERLAND COUNTY COURTHOUSE 1 COURTHOUSE SQUARE CARLISLE, PA 17013 (717).240.6200 " \o,~ if, /6 "Sell-./" r\~ f\. (\ C c:.::/1. /~ ':'J //1 '-f /;/.' Shawn A. Bozarth, Esquire Attorney for CRA INC, 120 South St. Harrisburg, PA 17101 71 7-232-4227 n ..D (") C" ...J "., ..' :'J: ..j ""\:I'~ ,," .~~ (,1;;; -: 6:-~. ;1~ J'.'_" CJ) , (,) ::) .-':: .' ~l. -0 .'-" .,. :!J 2:: (", ~ '!~o z-, ~.) ;f:)n1 >~. "-' ~. ,. U1 5:l - c::> '< -<. .<. . " ..... . --.. . .._~~..._.... " -'- :~',i":,~' ? .-;...: .,' " EXillBIT B . '... , 1 Michael C. Shaw 2 Floyd W. Bybce 3910 S. Rural Road 3 Suite B-1 . Tempe, Arizona 85282 4 (602) 921.7545 5 Derendants Pro Se 6 7 8 iN THE UNITED STATES DISTRJCT COURT FOR THE MIDDLE D1STRJCT OF PENNSYLVANIA 9 10 11 12 ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE CAPITAL RECOVERY ASSOCIATES, INC. No, I.CV.97-646 13 Plaintiff. 14 15 16 v, BYBEE & SHAW, an Ari7.ona Partncrship, FLOYD BYBEE, and MICHAEL SHAW, 17 Derendant(s) 18 19 20 The undersigned hereby certifies that a true and correct copy or the Notice or Removal 21 has been sent to be filed with the Clerk and I or Prothonotary or the Common Court of Pleas in and ror the State or Pennsylvania, Cumberland County on this ;l/lJ._d day May, 1997 22 23 24 25 ~A -cy--- Floycr'Bybee Copy orthe foregoing mailed "-.7.2-"7 to: Deanna Lynn Smith, 1101 North Front Street, Harrisburg. PA 17102 Shawn A. Bozarth, 120 South Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 Attorneys ror Plaintiff 26 27 28 ~//r by IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT MIDDLE DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA CAPITOL RECOVERY ASSOCIATES INC., NO. CV: 97-~0 Plaintiff v. Hon. Sylvia Rambo FILED HARRISBURG, BYBEE & SHAW, an Arizona Partnership, & FLOYD BYBEE and MlCHAEL SHAW Complaint in Law Defendants MARY'iSYI",P\Oi\ perul7T- ORDER AND NOW, this ~ day of ~7..' ,1997 upon consideration of the foregoing MOTION TO POSTPONE CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE: IT IS ORDERED AND DECREED that the Case Management Conference scheduled to be held on or before June 5, 1997 is postponed until after and within thirty days following this Court's ruling on these motions: a. Plaintiff's Motion to Remand. b. Defendants' Motion to Dismiss for Lack orIn Personam ~urisdiction. c. Defendants' Motion to Transfer Venue.. BY TIlE COURT: If. .~~ via Rambo, C.], -';'.::~..'';.~-;''-;';:':;'''T''''''''-_'' . . .' ....~ . o. .:- EXHIBIT D I on April 24, 1997, simultaneously filing a motion to dismiss for personal jurisdiction, or, in the alternative, to transfer venue, plaintiff responded to Defendants' motion on May 12, 1997 and filed a motion to remand to the state court. In its motion to remand, plaintiff argues that the amount in controversy does not exceed the jurisdictional amount requirement of $75,000.1 plaintiff also contends that Defendants have not served notice of removal upon the Prothonotary of the Cumberland Court of Common pleas and have not, therefore, effectuated removal of the instant case. Defendants have not responded to Plaintiff's motion to remand, nor have they filed a reply brief in support of their own motion. Defendants' response to Plaintiff's motion was due May 27, 1997.2 On or about June 5, 1997, the court received a telephone call from Defendant Shaw. Defendant Shaw represented to the law clerk assigned to this case that he had not responded to plaintiff's motion to remand because the documents he received contained the caption number of the previously dismissed action, Civil No. 1:CV-97-1BO. Defendant Shaw was informed that the 1 plaintiff mistakenly identifies the requisite jurisdictiona) amount as $50,000. The amount in controversy requirement was recentl: amended and effective January 17, 1997 changed to $75,000. 2 The Middle District Local Rules provide that a nonmovant has fifteen days after service of the movant's brief ~o respond. (M.D, Pa. R, 7.6). Federal Rule 0: Civil Procedure 6(e) adds three days when service is accomplished oy mail. Federal Rule 6(a) exclude: from computation the day on which the movant filed its motion. 2 motion had been correctly docketed in civil No. 1:CV-97-646. The law clerk recommended to Shaw that he contact Plaintiff's counsel , explain his mistake, attempt to obtain additional time within which to respond, and then communicate with the court. On or about June 12, 1997, the court received a copy of a letter addressed to Shaw from Plaintiff's counsel, indicating that he would not agree to grant Shaw any additional time \~ithin which to respond to Plaintiff's motion to remand. Shaw has not communicated with the court in any manner since his telephone call to chambers, A review of the complaint reveals an allegation of an amount in controversy of approximately $34,0000, an amount well below the $75,000 jurisdictional amount requirement. Plaintiff's complaint differs primarily from the complaint filed in Civil Action No. 1:CV-97-1BO in its omission of Plaintiff's prior claim for punitive damages in the amount of $500,000, and in its reduction of the amount of damages claimed for defamation of business reputation and intentional interference with contractual relations. "As the plaintiff is considered to be -the master of his or her own claim,' he may insulate a case from removal by waiving a portion of his damages and asking for less than the jurisdictional amount." Corwin Jeeo Sales. v. American Motor Sales, 670 F.Supp., 596 (M.D. Pa, 1986) (Rambo, J.) (auotina 14A Wright, Miller & ~::per, Federal Practice and Procedure,~ 3702 at 3 CAPITAL RECOVERY ASSOCIATES, INC. plaintiff : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 97-871 CIVIL TERM BYBEE & SHAW, an Arizona Partnership, and FLOYD BYBEE, and MICHAEL SHAW, COMPLAINT IN LAW . . Defendants JURY TRIAL DEMANDED PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS AND NOW, come Defendants Bybee & Shaw, an Arizona Partnership, and Floyd Bybee and Michael Shaw individually, by and through their Attorneys, KnUpp & Kodak, P.C. and preliminarily objects as follows: I. LACK OF PERSONAL JURISDICTION 1. Defendant Bybee and Shaw, is an Arizona Partnership, and Defendants Floyd Bybee and Michael Shaw are residents of the State of Arizona. 2. Defendants have not have the minimum contacts sufficient for in personam jurisdiction under the Pennsylvania Long Arm Statute, 42 Pa. C.S. ~s322 since Defendants' only contact with the State of pennsylvania consisted of sending letters to the State of Pennsylvania. 3. This Court does not have personal jurisdiction over the Defendants. WHEREFORE, Defendants request that plaintiff's Complaint be dismissed. "~ "'1,1.'''''\' , "',;.\i' (/' r:;.-.( EXlUBIT F II. LACK OF SPECIFICITY 4. Plaintiff's Complaint is vague and lacks specificity as follows: a.) In paragraph 29, Plaintiff alleges that "Defendants knowingly made a false statement". The alleged false statement is not set forth; b.) In paragraphs 30 and 31, Plaintiff alleges "Defendant Shaw contacted one of CRA's major clients". The name of the major client is not set forth; c.) In paragraphs 34, 36, 37, Plaintiff alleges that Defendants' practice is "illegal and wrongful". Plaintiff does not specify in what way, if any, they believe that Defendants' actions are illegal or wrongful; d.) In Count V, and Count VI, Plaintiff requests a specific amount of damages without setting forth any reasonable basis for calculations of same; e.) In Count V, Plaintiff alleges defamation. Plaintiff fails to set forth the name of the person to whom the alleged communication was made and the content of the communication; f.) In Count VI, Plaintiff alleges interference with contractual relations. Plaintiff fails to identify its client or in what way Defendants allegedly interfered with Plaintiff and its client and to what extent, if any, the relationship between Plaintiff and its client was harmed; g.) In paragraph VI (Sic) Plaintiff alleges violations 2 CAPITAL RECOVERY ASSOCIATES, INC. Plaintiff : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA : NO. 97-871 CIVIL TERM : r: COMPLAINT IN LAW BYBEE << SHAW, an Arizona Partnership, and FLOYD BYBEE, and MICHAEL SHAW, Defendants JURY TRIAL DEMANDED ANSWER AND NOW, come Defendants Bybee & Shaw, an Arizona Partnership, and Floyd Bybee and Michael Shaw individually, by and through their Attorneys, Knupp & Kodak, P.C. and respectfully respond as follows: JURISDICTION 1. Denied. It is specifically denied that Defendants transacted business in Pennsylvania. Strict proof is demanded. 2. Denied. It is specifically denied that Defendants had "minimum contacts" with Pennsylvania. It is specifically denied that Defendants' contacts with Pennsylvania were purposeful in order to realize pecuniary benefit and/or tortious injury to Plaintiff. Defendants only informed Plaintiff in writing of its violation of the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. (Hereinafter "FDCPA"). VENUE 3. Denied. This action properly lies in Federal Court under the FDCPA. EXHIBIT G PARTIES 4. Admitted. S. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the matter asserted. Strict proof is demanded. 6. Admitted. 7. Admitted. GENERAL ALLEGATIONS B. Admitted in part, denied in part. The March 13, 1996 letter contains no threat. It only sets forth Plaintiff's violation of the FDCPA. 9. Admitted. It is admitted that Plaintiff alleoed that Sherry had written an NSF check. 10. Admitted. 11. Admitted. 12. Admitted in part, denied in part. for itself . The document speaks 13. Admitted. It is admitted that Plaintiff alleged that Riley had written an NSF check. 14. Admitted. 15. Admitted. 16. Denied. The $500.00 payment was to be credited towards the entire amount due from Plaintiff to Defendant. 17. Admitted. lB. Admitted in part, denied in part. The document speaks for itself. It is denied that the document sets forth the 2 \ , ! agreement of the parties. 19. Admitted. 20. Admitted in part, denied in part. Exhibit "H" confirms that the $500.00 would be credit6d towards the Pollard Settlement. Plaintiff received this letter and did not object to its terms. 21. Admitted in part, denied in part. It is admitted that Plaintiff alleged that Pollard wrote an NSF check. 22. Denied. By the terms of Exhibit "H", this payment was not for the Sherry/Riley settlement. 23. Admitted in part, denied in part, The Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) was credited towards the Pollard settlement. 24. Admitted. 25. Denied. It was specifically communicated to Plaintiff that this amount would be credited towards the Pollard settlement. (See Plaintiff's Exhibit "H"). 26. Admitted. 27. Denied. See response to paragraphs 22, 23 and 25 above. 28. Denied. See response to paragraphs 22, 23 and 25 above. 29. Denied. See response to paragraphs 22, 23 and 25 above. Plaintiff had full disclosure and knowledge of Defendants' actions on June 3, 1996 and did not object to same. 30. Denied. Defendant at no time had any intent to damage Plaintiff's business reputation. It is specifically denied that 3 Plaintiff's business reputation was damaged. Strict proof is demanded. 31. Denied. See response to prior paragraph. Further, said allegation is true. 32. Denied. Plaintiff was at least conducting some business in the State of Arizona if not also in the State of Connecticut. 33. Admitted in part, denied in part. It is admitted that Plaintiff conducted activity in the State of Arizona. It is denied that Defendants knew and acknowledged that same was accidental. 34. Denied. It is denied that Defendants did anything illegal or wrongful and/or filed malicious lawsuits. 35. Denied. Defendants filed suits and threatened legal action if and when same were warranted. Defendants have no information as to what Plaintiff believes or of what Plaintiff has knowledge. 36. Denied. Responses to paragraphs 34 and 35 above are incorporated herein by reference. 37. It is denied that Defendants had a scheme to defraud and to seek monies through unconscionable and illegal means. In paragraph 33 of Plaintiff's Complaint, Plaintiff admits that it was not "licensed" in Arizona. 38. Denied. The allegations of paragraph 38 are conclusions of law to which no response is required. 39. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are 4 without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as the truth of the matter asserted. Strict proof is demanded. 40. Denied. It is denied that Defendants intended to defraud, extort, interfere with Plaintiff's business and/or cause injury and damage to Plaintiff's business reputation. It is denied that Defendants willfully and maliciously published defamatory statements. Strict proof is demanded. 41. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the matter asserted. Strict proof is demanded. 42. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the matter asserted. Strict proof is demanded. 43. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the matter asserted. Strict proof is demanded. 44. Admitted. The document speaks for itself. 45. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the matter asserted. Strict proof is demanded. 46. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the matter asserted. Strict proof is demanded. 47. Admitted. 48. Admitted. Further, such dismissal is without prejudice. 5 49. Admitted. 50. Admitted. Further, the violation of the FDCPA was the same as previous violations which Plaintiff admitted and settled. 51. Admitted in part, denied in part. Defendants contacted Plaintiff when Plaintiff violated the FDCPA. Said contacts were legal. COUNT I - FRAUD AND CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD 52. Denied. Defendants incorporates herein by reference the responses to paragraphs 1 through 51 above. 53. Denied. plaintiff was advised of the status of the $500.00 on June 3, 1996. (See Exhibit "H" to Plaintiff's Complaint) and did not object. 54. Denied. All claims were valid under the FDCPA. plaintiff acknowledged their violations and settled the claims. 55. Denied. These allegations are conclusions of law to which no response is required. said allegations are irrelevant to Plaintiff's violations of the FDCPA. 56. Denied. These allegations are conclusions of law to which no response is required. Said allegation is irrelevant to plaintiff's violations of the FDCPA. 57. Denied. These allegations are conclusions of law to which no response is required. Said allegation is irrelevant to Plaintiff's violations of the FDCPA. 58. Denied. These allegations are conclusions of law to which no response is required. Said allegation is irrelevant to Plaintiff's violations of the FDCPA. 6 r ," 59. Denied. Defendants did not acknowledge that Plaintiff's activity within the State of Arizona was accidental. Plaintiff admits it transacts business in Arizona without a license in paragraph 33 of its Complaint. It is denied that Plaintiff has a viable defense to the alleged FDCPA violations and claims. 60. Denied. Defendants cannot estimate how costly or time consuming it would be for Plaintiff to defend a law suit in Arizona. Strict proof is demanded. 61. Denied. All payments by Plaintiff were voluntary, after arms length bargaining, and occurred as a result of Plaintiff's violation of the FDCPA. 62. Denied. No misrepresentations were made to Plaintiff. Defendants have no knowledge as to upon what Plaintiff relied. Defendants assumed that the payments were made because Plaintiff knew that they repeatedly violated the FDCPA. Further, Plaintiff had the responsibility to independently assess the claims of Defendants prior to settling same. 63. Denied. See response to paragraph 62 above. 64. Denied. It is denied that Defendants made misrepresentations. It is specifically denied that Plaintiff sustained damages. It is specifically denied that if Plaintiff sustained damages they are in the amount of $5,000.00. The total amount paid by Plaintiff to Defendants was $3,200.00. Strict proof is demanded. WHEREFORE, Defendants respectfully requests that this 7 Honorable Court enter judgment in favor or Defendants and against the Plaintiff. COUNT II - UNJUST ENRICHMENT 65. Denied. Paragraphs 1 through 64 are incorporated as set forth above are incorporated herein by reference. 66. Denied. plaintiff was informed of the disposition of the $500.00 and did not object to same. 67. Denied. It is denied that Defendants' clients engaged in tortious activity, Defendants did nothing improper. Further, according to Plaintiff's Complaint, the total amount paid the Defendants by Plaintiff was only $3,200.00. WHEREFORE, Defendants respectfully requests that this Honorable Court enter judgment in favor or Defendants and against the Plaintiff. COUNT III - BREACH OF CONTRACT 68. Denied. Paragraphs 1 through 67 as set forth above are incorporated herein by reference. 69. Admitted. 70. Admitted. 71. Admitted in part, denied in part. Defendants did not return the $500.00 due to other pending cases against the Plaintiff. As set forth in Exhibit "F" of Plaintiff's Complaint, Defendants proposed to apply said money towards the "Pollard" settlement. Plaintiff did not object to same. WHEREFORE, Defendants respectfully requests that this 8 Honorable Court enter judgment in favor or Defendants and against the Plaintiff. COUNT IV - FRAUD WITH RESPECT TO SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS 72. Denied. The allegations of paragraphs 1 through 71 as set forth above are incorporated herein by reference. 73. Admitted. 74. Denied. 75. Denied. violated the FDCPA. 76. Denied. 77. Denied. See response to paragraph 71 above. Defendants only sued Plaintiff when Plaintiff Defendants never threatened Plaintiff. See response to paragraph 71 above. It is specifically denied that Defendant made any misrepresentations. 78. Denied. It is specifically denied that there were any misrepresentations. The settlement of the Sherry/Riley claim and an earlier claim were arms length transactions. Plaintiff had the responsibility to independently assess the claims of Defendants prior to settling same. 79. Denied. There were no acts by Defendants which caused damage to Plaintiff. Any alleged damages are denied as hypothetical and speculative and strict proof of any calculation thereof is demanded at trial. WHEREFORE, Defendants respectfully requests that this Honorable Court enter judgment in favor or Defendants and against the Plaintiff. 9 COUNT V - DEFAMATION TO BUSINESS REPUTATION 80. Paragraphs 1 through 79 as set forth above are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth at length. 81. Denied. It is denied that Defendants made any defamatory statements regarding Plaintiff and its business practices. Strict proof is demanded. 82. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the matter asserted. Plaintiff fails to allege where, when and to whom said statements were allegedly made. Strict proof is demanded. 83. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the matter asserted. Specifically, Plaintiff fails to state where, when and to whom the alleged statements were made. Strict proof is demanded. 84. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the matter asserted. Specifically, Plaintiff fails to state where, when and to whom the alleged statements were made. It is specifically denied that Defendants defamed Plaintiff in any way. Strict proof is demanded. 85. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the matter asserted. Specifically, Plaintiff fails to state where, when and to whom the alleged statements 10 were made. Further, the alleged monetary injuries are hypothetical and speculative and strict proof of any calculation thereof is demanded at trial. WHEREFORE, Defendants respectfully requests that this Honorable Court enter judgment in favor of Defendants and against the Plaintiff. COUNT VI - INTENTIONAL INTERFERENCE WITH CONTRACTUAL RELATIONS 86. Denied. Paragraphs 1 through 85 as set forth above are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth at length. 87. Denied. The allegations are conclusions of law to which no response is required. Defendants have no knowledge of Plaintiff's contractual relationship with its client. Plaintiff fails to identify the client to which it refers. Strict proof is demanded. 88. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the matter asserted. Specifically, the allegations of this paragraph are vague. The allegations of this paragraph are conclusions of law to which no response is required. Strict proof is demanded, 89. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the matter asserted. Specifically, the allegations of this paragraph are vague. The allegations of this 11 paragraph are conclusions of law to which no response is required. Any alleged damages are denied as hypothetical and speculative and strict proof of any calculation thereof is demanded at trial. WHEREFORE, Defendants respectfully requests that this Honorable Court enter judgment in favor of Defendants and against the Plaintiff. COUNT VI ISICI- UNFAIR BUSINESS PRACTICES 90. Denied. Paragraphs 1 through 89 as set forth above are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth at length. 91. Denied. The alleg~tions are conclusions of law to which no response is required. The allegations are vague in that they do not specifically set forth in what way, if any, the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act (hereinafter "UTPCPA") was violated. Strict proof is demanded. 92. Denied. The allegations are conclusions of law to which no response is required. Upon reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the matter asserted. Specifically, Plaintiff fails to state which acts of Defendants were allegedly unconscionable and which acts of Defendants allegedly violated the UTPCPA. Allegations regarding enjoining Defendants' actions are denied. They are improperly pled in a civil action. WHEREFORE, Defendants respectfully requests that this 12 VERIFICATION I, Michael Shaw, hereby verify that the statements made in the foregoing document are true and correct, and further, I understand that false statements therein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A. ~ 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. '1n1I~roP~ Michael Shaw I Date: /.).-//-9'6 >- c. ~ r:r; ~ t,'-; c'\J .., . ,~ " ; UJ. . ( ,. .? '. -., I'" "-. '.. (l~. In '! C:1; " n:1 ( .It Ii L :1:1. ; .:., ,'- c- . J (..1 u' U , r:;. C I , ~ .' - .~-. ,J i ,..... .~:'l i /. , .. L: ! C"l . '. " , l.;;' U understood that a judgment would be cntcrcd against them, Judgc Rambo's Ordcr was dated an entire month before thc defaultjudgemcnt was cntered, Defendants werc clcarly on notice that the state action was pending against thcm; had rcccivcd both a Noticc to Plead on the Complaint indicating thcrc was a 20-day responsc rcquired and rcceivcd a lO-day notice indicating thatjudgcment would be entcred. 9, Denied, Dcfendants had continuous knowledge of thc pending state action; defended against their action in the Middle District of Pennsylvania two times; made numerous telephone calls to both Attorney Smith and Attorncy Bozarth regarding the case, indicating their knowledge of the pending state action; were in contact with several attorneys in Arizona regarding the execution of the judgment; and, waited over a year and a half to exercise any rights with respect to the judgment, despite their knowledge of same. 10, Denied, II. Denied, The amount of the claim was valued by both the allegations in the Complaint and Judge Rambo's order valuing the case. By way of further response, Defendants had ample time and notice to exercise their rights if they disagreed with the judgment. 12, This is a conclusion of law to which no response is required; to the extent a response is required, it is hereby denied and strict proof of same is required at time of trial. 13. This is a conclusion of law to which no response is required; to the extent a response is rcquired. it is hereby dcnied and strict proof of samc is rcquired at timc of trial. 14. This is a conclusion of law to which no response is rcquired; to thc extent a rcsponse is required. it is hercby denied and strict proof of same is required at timc of trial. 15. This is a conclusion of law to which no response is required; to the extent a response is ... rcquircd. it is hcrcby dcnicd and strict proof of samc is rcquircd at timc uf trial. 16. Denied. The Judgmcnt was cntcrcd ovcr unc and onc halfycars ago, during which thc entire time, Defcndants had knowlcdgc of and noticc of the statc procecding, Defcndants chose to ignorc samc. despitc Plaintiff's attempts to enforcc said judgment for the past year in Arizona, PLAINTIFF'S NEW MATTER 17, On October 29, 1999. Dcfendants wcrc scrvcd with a writ of gencral execution regarding the judgment in question by the sheriff in Muricopy County, Arizona, (Copy will be provided.) 18, On December 7.1998, Defendants werc servcd with a subpoena duces tecum for thc Superior Court of Arizona. Maricopa County, requiring infonnation on Defendants' assets, (Copy will be provided,) 19. Prior to October 29, 1999, the law linn of Fennemore and Craig of Phoenix, Arizona was in contact with Defendants regarding the judgment. (Affidavits will be provided.) 20, Prior to and after August 7. 1998. thc date of the judgment, Defcndants had numerous contacts with both attorncys for Plaintiff rcgarding the state action. 21. Plaintiff asscrts that Defendants had sufficient notice of the state action. 22, Plaintiff asserts that Defendants had sufficicnt notice of the judgment. 23. Plaintiff asserts that Defendants failed to reply in a timely manner to the judgment, waiting over one and one half years. 24, Plaintiff objects to the opening and/or striking of the judgment. 25. Plaintiff was properly served with this Ilonorable Court's rule to show cause on January 4. 1998. and respondcd in a timely manncr. <:;, , , '- : . , . - I,' (' ; -. , L , - , " '1 ..L m ., , t', .;. . U CAPITAL RECOVERY ASSOCIATES,lNC, Plaintiff. IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA v, No 97-871 CIVIL TERM BYBEE & SHA W, FLOYD BYBEE. AND MICHAEL SHAW Defendants, NOTICE OF DEPOSITION WITH REOUEST FOR PRODUCTION TO: DEFENDANT AND TO THE COUNSEL OF RECORD: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on January ~1999, at ~O~,::nd continuing until complete, before an individual authorized to administer oaths, plaintiff will take the deposition upon oral exwnination of DEFENDANT MICHAEL SHA W. The deposition will taken pursuant to Pa,r.C.P, 4007.1. VIA telephone conference. for all purposes therewith, Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 4007.1(d)(I) and 4009.1 el seq., defendant is further requests to produce, at the deposition, the documents and things described more particularly in the attached schedule, 8') Dated: January l\1999 J; j JJti;A, By: Deanna Lynn Smith Attorney for Plaintiff 76 Greenmont Drive Enola, P A 17025 717-732-3750 Fax 717-728-9498 law, specifically but not including, all lawsuits threatencd or filed by you pursuant to the Fair Debt Colleetion Pmctices Act, 15 U,S,C, 91692 et seq, (FDCPA), and disputed facts alleged with particularity in the pleadings. 2, Provide the name. last known addrcss and tclcphone number of all such persons in Pennsylvania to whom you threatcned or filed lawsuits under the FDCPA, as alleged in the Complaint, including but not limited to records of telephone calls, letters, facsimiles, and pleadings. 3, Provide all documents related to your fee agreements, engagement letters, representation policies, records of retainers, and/or contracts between you and your clients when pursuing an FDCP A threatened or filed lawsuits, 4, Provide all documents related to your agreements. letters, facsimiles, telephone records, pleadings, representation policics and/or contracts between you and the individuals you represented against Plaintiff, 5, Provide all documents pertaining to your compliance or noncompliance with the rules of professional conduct for attorneys practicing in the State of Arizona, the fedeml court where you practice, Please include all orders, memoranda, opinions and/or documents regarding any sanctions imposed, fines, penalties for your noncompliance. 6, Copies of any insurance agreement under which any person carrying on an insurance business may be liablc to satisfy all or part of a judgment that may be entered in this action or to indemnify or reimbursc you for payments made to satisfY the judgment. 7, Copies of all telephone invoices, bills, records for the period stated. 8. Copies of any litigation, administrative action. judgments, court opinions, complaints and consent orders relating to you and your practice oflaw. including but not limited to violations of the Rules of Profession Conduct fllr attorneys in the state of Arizona, Rule II Sanctions in the federal court in which you practice. lawsuits for malpractice, errors or omissions or lawsuits similar to the suit brought by Plaintiff, 9, Copies of all training, education, seminar materials obtained by you for the practice of law/continuing legal education or similar materials, for the period requested. 10, Copies of all documents provided to and by persons consulted by you with respect to your practice of law pursuant to the FDCP A. Please include all attorneys contacted outside the state of Arizona who have provided documentation, infonnation, pleadings on the FDCPA. II. Copies of all documents provided to and by persons consulted by you with respect to your practice threatening/filing lawsuits against Plaintiff, Please include all attorneys contacted outside the state of Arizona who have provided documentation, infonnation, pleadings regarding Plaintiff. 12, Copies of all documents transmitted l.Q you. by you. or on behalf of you, or any other person or entity concerning PlaintifT's alleged collection practices. 13. Copies of all documents reflecting billing. invoicing and/or contingent fee arrangements between you and the clients you represented against Plaintiff, 14. Copies of all documents reflecting your communications with regulatory authorities coneerning Plaintiff, 15, Copies of all documents reflecting your communications with clients and other individuals regarding. either directly or indirectly. the Plaintiff or individuals employed or associates with Plaintiff, 16, Copies of all reports. memoranda. letters, facsimiles. notes. regarding PlaintifT's case/ matter, 17, Copies of all records of any consultation with individuals inside and outside the state of Arizona regarding Plaintiff's case/matter. 18, Copies of all letters, facsimiles, pleadings, correspondence. and similar items sent by you to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 19, Copies of all federal, state and other income related tax returns (including W-2's, schedule and wnendments) filed: (i) by or on behalf of you anywhere and at any time since 1995; and/or (ii) by Of on behalf or any business enterprise in which you currently hold or at any time held any ownership or other interest at any time since 1995. 20. All documents which evidence. regard. refer or relate to any o....nership or other interest in any account of any nature whatsoever (including, but not limited to, any checking account, savings account, money market account, investment account, certificate of deposit, retail repurchase agreement or other account) held or maintained by, on behalf of, for the benefit of or in trust for you with any person or business enterprise (including, without limitation, any bank, savings and loan, credit union, depository, brokerage finn or investment entity) at any time since 1995. 21. All documents which evidence. regard, refer or relate to the purchase. option to purchase, sale or ownership of any gold. silver or other bullion, and precious stones or semi. precious stones by, on behalf of, for the benefit of, or in trust for you at any time since 1995, 22, All documents which evidence. regard. refer. or relate to any ownership or other interest in any certificate. share of stock, bond or other security whatsoever held or maintained by, on behalf of, for the benefit of. Of in trust for you at any time since 1995, 23. All documents which evidence, regurd, refer. or relute to uny ownership or other interest in any contmct, promissory note, dmlt. negotiable instrument, mortgage. deed of trust, bill of exchange. pledge ugreement. account receivable. or commercial paper held by and/or payable to, on behalf of, for the benefit of. or in trust for you at anytime since 1995, whether or not the same is now due and/or payable, 24, All documents which evidence. regard. refer or relate to any ownership or other interest in any personal property of value in excess of $250 held b or maintained by, on behalf of. for the benefit of. or in trust for you at any time since 1995, 25. All documer.ts (including. but not limited to, deeds, contracts of sale, leases, trust agreements and property assessment notices) which evidence. regard, refer or relate to any ownership or other interest in any real property held or maintained by, on behalf of, for the benefit of, or in trust for you at any time since 1995. 26, All documents which evidence. rcgurd. refer or relate to any ownership or other interest in any personal property of a value in excess of $250 Sold, transferred, gifted, put into trust, encumbered. or otherwise conveyed by. on behalf of, or for the benefit of you at any time sincel995, 27. All documents which evidence. regard, refer or relate to any ownership or other interest in any real property sold, transferred, gifted, put into trust, encumbered, or otherwise conveyed by, on behalf of, or for the benefit of you at any time since 1995. 28, All document (including, but not ,limited to, any corporate charter, certificate of incorporation (including all amendment). bylaws. stock transfer book. minute book, partnership agreement. articles of organization (including all amendments), opemting agreements. records of capital contribution, transfer books and member books) which evidence. rcgard. rcfer or rclatc to any bu~incss entcrprisc in which you (in your own name, or by any person on behalf of. for the bcnefit of. or in trust for you) currently have any ownership or other interest or had any owncrship or other interest at any time since 1995, 29, All documents which evidence, regard, refer or relate to any business enterprise in which you currently hold any position (including. without limitation. any position as an officer, director or employee) or in which you held any position at any time since 1995, 30, All documents which evidence. regard. rcfcr or relate to ny money or other thing of value paid. given or transferred to you by any person or business enterprise for any reason whatsoever at any time since 1995. 31. All documents which evidence, regard, refer or relate to any money or other thing of value owed, owing, or payable to you now or at any time in the future by any person or business enterprise for any reason whatsoever at any time since 1995. 32, All documents which evidence, regard. refer or relate to any fire, burglary, homeowners. automobile, or other insurance policy in force upon any real or personal property which is or was held or maintained by. on bchalf of, for the benefit of, or in trust for you at any time since 1995 (including copies of such inventories thereon), 33, All accident, health or life insurance policies upon your person or in which you are or were nllmed as a beneficiary. in force at any time since 1995, 34, The keys to all safety deposit boxes wherever situated, issued to and/or held by, on behalf of, for the benefit of. or in trust for you at any time since 1995. 35. All certificates of title and/or bills of sale to automobiles. motor vehicles, aircraft, and/or water-crafts owned or leased (in wholc or part) by. on behalf of, for the benefit of. or in " 36. 37. trust for you or any time since 1995, All soeial security cards held by, on bchalf of. for the bcncfit of, or in trust for you. All documents (including. but not Iimitcd to. chcckhook. check registcrs and Icdgers) Which show any receipt and/ or disbursement of money or any other thing of value by or to you, and/or on behalf of you, for your benefit. or in trust for you at any time since 1995, 38. All documents which evide4nce, regard, refer or relate to any litigation, pending or threatened, against you ( and/or any business enterprise in which you hold any ownership or other interest). 39. All documents including. but not limited to judgments or record and/or settlement agreements) resolving litigation in which you (and/or business enterprisc in which you hold or held any ownership or other interest) were a named party at any time since 1995. 40, All documents (including. but not limited to net worth and/or financial statements) which evidence, regard, refer or relate to the assets, liabilities and net worth prepared by, on behalf of, or for the benefit of you and/or given to any person or business enterprise (including, but not limited to any bank, savings and loan, credit union, financial institution, or finance company) at any time since 1995. 41. All documents which evidence, regard. rcfer. or relate to you acting as executor. personal representative. administrator, trustee, receiver guardian or in a nay other capacity under any will, trust agreement or Court appointment at any time since 1995, 42, A complete list or inventory of all real property and personal property in which you have held or maintained any ownership or other interest at any time since 1995 and/or in which any person has held or maintained any ownership or other interest on behalf of, for the benefit of, or in trust for you at any timc sincc 1995. which has bcen sold, convencd. giSficd. put into trust, or otherwisc transfcrrcd to any person or busincss entcrprise. including the date of the transfer and the name and address of the person or business enterprise to whom it was transferred, 43. To the extent not otherwise listcd abovc, all documents which cvidencc, regard. refcr or relatc to any contract or agrccmcnt bctwccn: (I) you in your namc, or by any person on behalf of. for thc benefit of. or in trust for you; and/or (ii) any person or business enterprise, either written or verbal, at any timc since 1995, 44. To the extent not otherwise listed abovc. a list of cashier's checks, money orders, traveler's ehecks, certificates of deposit, utility deposits and other deposits of any nature whatsoever, advance payments to any person or business enterprise, and airline tickets held by, on behalf of, for the benefit of, or in trust for you. Respectfully submitted, Dated: r d;) , rCf )IJ :I ~ttJt Deanna Lynn Smith Attorney 1011 77414 Attorney for Plaintiff 76 Greenmont Drive Enola. Pennsylvania 17025 (717) 732-3750 >- Ul ~ q; co: j:.,. j::': r'''! Cr: u' t.,.... " ~., . ,. , L.~ . r:)i. 6" Ij' " (", c:1 . i. ". .' r-o .J 0 U' c.l I , .,' " . ~Il J~. \) .. \,.J 1.1...1,,' Ii" ~.~ fF' .r. '1 \h~ ('--" "" U" IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA - CAPITAL RECOVERY ASSOCIATES, INC. Plaintiff NO. 97-871 CIVIL TERM BYBEE & SHAW, an Arizona Partnership, and FLOYD BYBEE, and MICHAEL SHAW, COMPLAINT IN LAW Defendants JURY TRIAL DEMANDED ORDER AND NOW, this 13~ day of j2).e.....~ , 1998, upon consideration of the foregoing petition, it is hereby ordered that (1) a Rule is issued upon the Respondent to show cause why the Petitioner is not entitled to the relief requested; (2) the Respondent shall file an Answer to the Petition within ~ days of this date; (3) the petition shall be decided under Pa. R.C.P. No. 206.7; (4) depositions shall be completed within ~S days of this date; Jq~9 , l:-9-% j,a. (5) argument shall be held on -1Y) D.Ad.. .3 o:t.~/1'a.'d..,,-~ ~ Ck~ ~ aJ-;t4. ev~.A.......",", gf ~qe' Cumberland County Courthouse; and (6) notice of the entry of this Order shall be provided to all parties'by the Petitioner. (7) all proceedings shall stay in the meanwhile. TRUE COpy FROM RECORD In Test:mony whereof, IIHe unlo set my hand and the seal of said Court at Carlisle, Pa. This ...I.J.!!::.. day 01...,1;> ~ . 10 7' 8' ...............~. /: ,';o~.:.~ ......... j)" ....~p~~~~otary......._.. BY THE COURT: 1:.1 ~..;.., a..~ J. >- cr' ~( f- il'(.' tJ. f!:< ~>c Cl " UII iI!' ( " C) Qo: q.' 1),,' .........~ Q " r( I , I ~ "', f:: IF. - Co:. ;", , ( " l"_. C " C.:, u CAPITAL RECOVERY ASSOCIATES, INC. Plaintiff IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 97-871 CIVIL TERM BYBEE & SHAW, an Arizona Partnership, and FLOYD BYBEE, and MICHAEL SHAW, COMPLAINT IN LAW ("' <0 (,fl ...::> -., :;j ,..-, ::; '":!J ",.- I .:\~ L'l ')(1;, '"C1 ,J.ti j~ ~,? em rl ~'1 :b I.' -< Defendants JURY TRIAL DEMANDED STIPULATION TO EXTEND TIME FOR DEPOSITIONS. FILING OF BRIEFS AND ARGUMENT Capital Recovery Associates, Inc. by and through their Attorney Deanna Lynn Smith and ByBee& Shaw, an Arizona Partnership, and Floyd ByBee and Michael Shaw, Defendants, by and through their Attorney Gary J. Imblum, hereby stipulate and agree that each party shall be granted an extension until May 6, 1999 to take depositions, file briefs and list for argument Defendants' Motion for Relief from Judgment. This Stipulation shall be considered an extension of the time limits indicated in this Court's Order of December 18, 1998. A copy of said Order is attached hereto. Date: ~/1 /cr1 , , Gary J, I 1 or Defendants Date: ;)<I/q1 ~~~ Deanna Lynn ~th- Counsel for Plaintiff '.' . .." :. :~. 'l7VUT1H'T' A Robort L, Knupp Robert 0, Kodak Gary J, Imblum LAW OFFICES OF KNUPP, KODAK & IMBLUM, P.C, CAMERON MANSION 407 NORTH FRONT STREET POST OFFICE BOX 1184B HARRISBURG, PA 17108-1B4B Tolophane: 7171238-7151 Facsimile: 717123B-7158 omail: kondkpc@aol.com February 8, 1999 l U.. '- \,H.n ~ Robort Ewing Knupp (1909-1976) Robert H. Mouror (1923-199B) MICHAEL C SHAW ESQUIRE FLOYD BYBEE, ESQUIRE 3910 S RURAL ROAD STE B 1 TEMPE AZ 85282 RE: Capital Recovery v, Bybee & Shaw, et a1. Civil Action No, 97.871 Dear Mike & Floyd: I enclose herewith a copy of the bilI for January. Please be advised that I will require at least $1,000.00 on this bilI in February. I will need to receive $500.00 by February 15, 1999 and another $500,00 by the end of February, 1999, Ifl do not receive same, I will not be able to represent you further in this matter, Very truly yours, GJI/at Enclosure EXHIBIT B , . CAPITAL RECOVERY ASSOCIATES, INC. Plaintiff IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 97-871 CIVIL TERM BYBEE & SHAW, an Arizona Partnership, and FLOYD BYBEE, and MICHAEL SHAW, I I COMPLAINT IN LAW Defendants JURY TRIAL DEMANDED CERTIFICATE OF CONCURRENCE/NONCONCURRENCE I, Gary J. Imblum, spoke with Deanna Lynn Smith, Attorney at Law, attorney for the Plaintiff on March 2, 1999. Attorney Smith indicates that she neither consents nor objects to the within Motion but wanted her concern that to avoid delay the case proceed to Argument Court in May to be known. Respectfully submitted, KNUPP, KODAK /' Gary J. Imb um Attorney I . No. 42606 407 North ront Street Harrisbur , PA 17108 (717) 238-7151 Date: t')- <6 f7 ~ Attorney for Defendants , ' CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, GARY J. IMBLUM, ESQUIRE, hereby certify that I have this date served a true and correct copy of the Petition to Withdraw Appearance in the above-captioned matter upon the below listed individual(s) by causing same to be deposited in the United States mail, first class postage prepaid at Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, addressed as follows: BYBEE & SHAW FLOYD BYBEE ESQ MICHAEL SHAW ESQ 3910 S RURAL ROAD STE B 1 TEMPE AZ 85282 DEANNA LYNN SMITH ATTORNEY AT LAW 76 GREENMONT DRIVE ENOLA PA 17025 Gary J. Imbl m 407 North Font Post offic Box Harrisburg, PA (717) 238-7151 Attorney I.D. No. 42606 Attorney for Defendants Street 11848 17108-1848 Dated: 5- ~.~, " . _1' (": ,-, , , c . , I' , l:_ [ , . 'J' ..-, .. I L; ~ ,.. r-" .j I -< 'j~ ,.. :.0.: -. I' en ::;. U c., 0 . .