HomeMy WebLinkAbout97-05992
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HAROLD I, IRWIN, III, .IGUIIII
ATTOIINIY ID NO, 1..31
:II PIIT HI aM ITIIIIT
CARLIILI PA 17111
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ATTORNIY '011 PLAIIlTI"
STELLA I. WOLFI, by har : IN TH. COURT OF COMMON PL.AS QF
attomay.ln.fact, IAItA C. KUGL." : CUM....LAND COUNTY P.NNSYLVANIA
Plalntlft
VI. : CIVIL ACTION. LAW
VERDIAN T. WOLFI and LAVI!"NI : NO. 17 . 5112 IlQUITY TI..M
WOLF., hll wlfa
Dafandanta
PRAECIPE TO SETTLE AND DISCONTINUE
To the Prothonotary:
Please mark the above action settled and discontinued,
January 6, 1997
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HAROLD S. IRWIN III
Attorney for Plain
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Thilt PNC Bank. l!Jilnch -n, "'orth lIills Bilnking Cl'nter, Il:'iOO McKnight
Road, Pitt~hurgh, Pennsylvania 1:'i~.17 is Pl'llhihited from permitting the withdraw or
di~trihution of any such prm'el.'ds fl'llm said al'l'ounl identified ahove and:
3. Thilt the following al'l'ounls ~hallnot be snbject to Ihis injunclion and shall
be freely convertible by tht' defendants ilt their sole and exclusive discretion:
A PNC Cl'r1ificate of Ikptlsit. Acconnt No, ,H3000:'i5209 and
B. PNC Cerllficiltl' of Dl'fIllSit, Acwunl No, ,H90001l781!3,
.., That this injunclion shall he made permanent until further Order of Court
determining the ownership of 1111' funds llL-signated in Paragraph I of this Order.
By the Court
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Dennis.l, Miller, l's'l"ire
"Ullrlley III Nil, 2XhO~
~700 ('"'p"rille Drive
Suile 440
Pillshurgh, Pennsylvania I ~2.\ 7
412..11><),057'\
STELLA E. WOLFE, hy Ill'r
attorney.in-fact, SARA C.
KUGLER
IN THE COt) RT Of COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff,
VS.
CIVIL ACTION - EQUITY
VERDEAN 1'. WOLFE and
LA VERNE WOLFE, his wife
Dcfcndants,
No, 97-5992 EQU ITY TERM
STI!~I'IXI'ION ,\NIl AGREEMENT
Thc partics to this aCliou, and tlll'ir alloJ'llcys, hcrl'llY agrcc and stipulate, and
conscnt that thc Court of ComnlOn PIl'a~ of Cumlll'r1and County cntcr thc following Order
in this action. without tIll' Ill'l'l'ssity of holding till' hearing schcdulcd for Wl'dnesday,
No\'cmhcr 12, 1997.
I. Thc defendants all' l'njoitll'd from withdrawing, spcnding, converting or
utilizing any [Jrocel'ds 110111 thl' liquidation of Plaintiffs ccrtitkatl's of deposits or
passhook savings account on deposit at I'NC Bank or elscwhere, induding but not
limitcd to till' following or any rollo\'l'r thereof il dilfl'l'l'nt SUl'Cl'SSor account
numbl'rs ale assigned:
A. PNC Certificall' of Ill-posit, Al'l'ount No, .1150005521i-l:
B, PNC Certilicatl' of Ill-posit. Account No, .1U0007-lliH2: and
.
C. PNC ('enilll'all' of J)"p,,,jt. Al'<'Ounl l\o, 21001021293
,
Thai PNC Bank IIranrh -17, North Hills Bankin!! ('''nter, K:'i()O f\kKnight
Ruad, Pitl~hurgh, Penns\l\ania 1:'i2.H is plOhihit"d fWIlI Pl'rlllitting the withdraw or
distribution of any such IHorr,'ds frolll said al'l'ounts identifird above.
3, The following aeronnts shallnol he SUhjl'l'tlO thl' rum'nt injlllll'tion and shall
he freely convl'rtibll' hy the (il'fendants at tlwir sole and rxdusive discretion,
A. PNC Certifil'atl' of Dl'posit, Arcount No, 3 I.l()OO:'i:'i209
B. PNC ('l,rtilirall' of D"IlllSit. Al'l'Ount l\o, .Hl)()()OK7IlK3
-I, That this injunction shall be iliadI' perlllanent until further Order of Court
determining the ownership of the fnnds designated in Paragraph I of this Order,
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November ,,---, 1997
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Stella E. Wolfe, hy her attorney-in-
fm't, Sara C. Kugll'r, Plaintiff
Vl'rdean T. Wolfe, Defenda
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STELLA E. WOLFE, by her
attorney-in-tact, SARA C.
KUGLER,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff
V.
.
,
VERDEAN T. WOLFE and
LAVERNE WOLFE, his wite,
Defendants
NO. 97-5992 EQUITY TERM
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 7th day of November, 1997, the
Court previously set a hearing on the preliminary injunction tor
today, Friday, November 7, 1997. This was a continued hearing
because service of the order and complaint were not able to be
served on the Defendants. The notice for today's hearing was
not able to be served and the preliminary injunction is
therefore dissolved because a hearing was not able to held
within five days, A new hearing will be held accordingly by a
subsequent order,
By the Court,
Harold S. Irwin, III, Esquire - ~1<-'t I"'II"'~'( I/II~ (9'/'
For the Plaintitf ...J. \Y,
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V.
I IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
I CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
I
I
I
I
I NO. 97-5992 EQUITY TERM
I
I CIVIL ACTION - EQUITY
STELLA E. WOLFE, by her
attorney-in-fact, SARA C.
KUGLER
VERDEAN T. WOLFE and
LAVERNE WOLFE, his wife
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 3rd day of NOVEMBER, 1997, an ex parte
preliminary injunction was issued by me on October 29, 1997,
setting a hearing for November 3, 1997, at 2100 p.m. in Courtroom
. 1. Service was not made on the defendant of the Order.
Therefore, pursuant to Rule of Civil Procedure 1531(d), the
injunction is dissolved.
By the Court,
.1!.C{!f.41c
Isld
Irwin, III, Esquir~
C6'P1 ~ /I/~:1-
CCI Harold S.
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STILLA I. WOLFI, by h.r
ettom.y.ln-fect, SAIIA C. KUGLIR
Plelntlff
IIN THI COURT O' COMMON PLIAS OP
I CUMBIRLAND COUNTY PINNSYLVANIA
VS.
I CIVIL ACTION - EQUITY
VERDEAN T. WOLFE end LAVERNE
WOLFI, his wlf.
D.f.ndent.
.
.
: NO. 97 - ~ L CIVIL TIRM
AND NOW, this
ORDER OF COURT
-; rltay of November, 1997, in consideration of the
Plaintiffs verified complaint in equity and petition for a preliminary injunction, and on
motion of Plaintiffs allorney, Harold S, Irwin, III, Esquire, it appearing to this Court that
immediate and irreparable harm will be sustained by the Plaintiff before a hearing can
be held, it is hereby ordered and decreed as follows:
That Defendants Verdean Wolfe and Laverne Wolfe and all persons acting in
concert with them, be and are hereby enjoined and prohibited from withdrawing,
spending or utilizing any of the proceeds from the liquidation of Plaintiffs certificates of
deposits or passbook savings account on deposit at PNC Bank or elsewhere;
That PNC Bank, Branch 47, North Hills Banking Center, 8500 McKnight Road,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15237 is prohibited from permitting the withdrawal or
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distribution of any such proceeds from any accounts now held by Defendants with its
institution; and
That pursuant to Pa, R.C,P, No, 1531(d), a hearing pertaining to the continuance
of this preliminary injunction shall be held on Wednesday, November 12, 1997 at 11 :00
a,m, in Courtroom No, 1, Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle, Pennsylvania,
Further, a rule is hereby entered upon the Defendants to show cause, at the
above date and time, why this preliminary injunction should not be maintained.
This order is conditioned upon Plaintiffs filing with the Prothonotary $1,00 as per
Pa. Rule of Civil Procedure 1531 (b)(2).
Service upon the Defendants of this petition and Order shall be by personal
service, On the motion of Harold S, Irwin, III, Esquire, to permit alternate service,
Sergeant Michael L. Hope, of the Camp Hill Police Department, Camp Hill,
Pennsylvania, is hereby authorized to make personal service of the Defendants.
Service upon PNC Bank shall be by certified mail, return receipt requested, directed to
the Pittsburgh branch referenced above,
By the Court,
Co f"'iS
t:>E' /2~ ~ Lly
JI/7/97
G-,U'(.0
r
V.
I IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:
:
:
:
I NO. 97-5992 EQUITY TERM
I
I CIVIL ACTION - EQUITY
STELLA E. WOLFE, by her
attorney-in-fact, SARA C.
KUGLER
VERDEAN T. WOLFE and
LAVERNE WOLFE, his wife
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 3rd day of NOVEMBER, 1997, in consideration of
the Plaintiff's verified complaint in equity and petition for a
preliminary injunction, and on motion of Plaintiff's attorney,
Harold S. Irwin, III, Esquire, it appearing to this Court that
immediate and irreparable harm will be sustained by the Plaintiff
before a hearing can be held, it is hereby ordered and decreed as
follows:
That Defendants Verdean Wolfe and Laverne Wolfe and all
persons acting in concert with them, be and are hereby enjoined
and prohibited from withdrawing, spending or utilizing any of the
proceeds from the liquidation of Plaintiff's certificates of
deposits or passbook savings account on deposit at PNC Bank or
elsewhere;
That pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. l53l(d), a hearing pertaining
to the continuance of this preliminary injunction shall be held
on Friday, November 7, 1997, at 9:00 a.m. in Courtroom' 1,
Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Further, a rule is hereby entered upon the Defendants to
show cause, at the above date and time, why this preliminary
injunction should not be maintained.
.
.'
This order is conditioned upon Plaintiff's filing with the
Prothonotary $1.00 as per Pa. Rule of Civil Procedure l53l(b)(2).
Service of this petition and Order shall be by personal
service.
By the Court,
.
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HAIlOLO .. IIlWIN, III, !lQUIIlII
ATTOllNIIY ID NO. nUl
n IIA.T HIOH .TIlIIET
CAIlLlILI! 'A nl13
(717) 20U ....
ATTOllNIIY .Oll 'LAINTIf.
STELLA E, WOLFE, by her
attorney-In.fact, SARA C, KUGLER
Plaintiff
I IN THE COURT 0' COMMON PLEAS 0'
I CUMBERLAND COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA
VI.
: CIVIL ACTION. EQUITY.t-
. ~f/ U.(I
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: NO. 87 . Sf ? - ,~RM
VERDEAN T. WOLFE and LAVERNE
WOLFE, his wife
Defendants
ORDER
AND NOW, this
J- rif-
f day of October, 1997, in consideration of the Plaintiffs
verified complaint in equity and petition for a preliminary injunction, and on motion of
Plaintiffs attorney, Harold S, Irwin, III, Esquire, it appearing to this Court that immediate
and irreparable harm will be sustained by the Plaintiff before a hearing can be held, it is
hereby ordered and decreed as follows:
That Defendants Verdesn Wolfe and Laverne Wolfe and all persons acting in
concert with them, be and are hereby enjoined and prohibited from withdrawing,
spending or utilizing any of the proceeds from the liquidation of Plaintiffs certificates of
deposits or passbook savings account on deposit at PNC Bank or elSE/where;
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HAIIOLD a. IRWIN, III, EaQUllIE
ATTOIINEY 10 NO, 21l2a
II EAaT HIGH aTRUT
CAIILlaLE I'A 17.13
(717) a.u ....
ATTOIINEY FOil I'LAINTI"
STELLA E. WOLFE, by her
attorney-In-fact, SARA C. KUGLER
Plaintiff
IIN THI COURT OF COMMON PLEAS 0'
I CUM.ERLAND COUNTY PINNSYLVANIA
vs.
I CIVIL ACTION. IQUITY
f .<>-<...ot:.
: NO. 97 - )11 z..- G.W. ~RM
VERDEAN T. WOLFE and LAVERNE
WOLFE, hla wife
Defendants
PETITION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION WITHOUT
PRIOR WRITTEN NOTICE AND HEARING
Plaintiff Stella E. Wolfe, by her attorney-in-fact, Sara C. Kugler and her attorney,
Harold S, Irwin, III, Esquire, petitions this Court to enter a preliminary injunction
pursuant to Pa. RC.P, No, 1531, representing as follows:
1, Plaintiff has filed a verified complaint in equity, attached as Exhibit "A"
and incorporated herein by reference thereto, alleging inter alia, that pursuant to a
deputy power over Plaintiffs safety deposit box, Defendant Verdean Wolfe entered the
box on August 30, 1997 without Plaintiffs knowledge or permission, and removed
Plaintiffs certificates of deposit, life insurance policies and deeds to Plaintiffs real
property,
2. Plaintiffs complaint further avers that Defendant Verdean Wolfe then
liquidated said CD's and closed Plaintiffs Passbook savings account and secretly
deposited the proceeds in accounts which Defendant Verdean Wolfe and Defendant
Laverne Wolfe opened with PNC Bank, and also avers that such funds total
$140,621,.42, of which $1,928,81 consisted of penalties paid by Defendant Verdean
Wolfe for early liquidation of the certificates,
3, Plaintiff's complaint reqlJests, inter alia, that this Court enjoin Defendants
Verdean Wolfe and Laverne Wolfe from spending or utilizing any of the funds that the
Defendants have on deposit with the Bank,
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4, Defendants should not be permitted to spend or utilize any of the funds
which they presently have on deposit at PNC Bank until such time as a hearing is held
and this Court finally determines the respective rights of each party named herein, for
the following reasons:
A. Plaintiff is threatened with immediate and irreparable harm
because Defendants, who have unconditional access and control of the funds on
deposit in Defendants' accounts at PNC Bank, will continue to dissipate and
convert Plaintiff's proceeds if Defendants are permitted to utilize and spend any
of the funds on deposit with PNC Bank,
B. Immediate and irreparable harm will be sustained by the Plain:iff
before a hearing can be held, as the Defendants, upon service of the complaint
in equity against them are likely to remove Plaintiff's property from its present
location at PNC Bank, cor.verting said property to cash, and dissipate Plaintiff's
property.
C, Plaintiff has reported this matter to the Cumberland County District
Attorney and Camp Hill Police Department. Sergeant Michael L. Hope, of the
Camp Hill Police Department, in the process of his investigation of this matter
for possible criminal prosecution, is about to travel to Pittsburgh to obtain a
statement from Defendants. It is Sergeant Hope's opinion that Defendants may
withdraw these funds and that upon doing so, it may be difficult to recover them,
causing irreparable harm to the Plaintiff, By letter dated October 23,1997, a
copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "B", Sergeant Hope has requested
Plaintiff request this Court to "place a hold on [Defendant's] account with PNC
Bank", since this cannot be handled by the criminal system without criminal
charges being filed and the District Attorney is continuing this investigation prior
to filing such charges,
D, Immediate and irreparable harm will be sustained by the Plaintiff as
the result of Defendants' actions as Plaintiffs ability to continue to remain at
Manor Care Nursing Home is seriously jeopardized since her Medicare benefits
are insufficient to cover the expenses of her stay at Manor Care and Defendant's
have appropriated to their own use and control the substantial majority of
Plaintiff's personal funds and life savings without her knowledge, permission or
consent.
E, Nevertheless, as a result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff is
currently ineligible to apply for Medicaid benefits due to the inappropriate and
fraudulent transfer of her assets from herself to Defendants.
F, Notice upon the Defendants has not been attempted as Plaintiffs
attorney believes that such notice will result in Defendants immediate withdrawal
of Plaintiffs property from Defendants' accounts at PNC Bank and immediate
dissipation of Plaintiffs property,
5, Plaintiff recognizes that under Pa, RC,P, No. 1531 a bond is required to
be posted before an injunction will be issued against the Defendants, the amount of
which is at the discretion of this Court,
6, Plaintiff requests that this Court to taka into consideration the
circumstances of this case, the fact that Plaintiff's finances remain in the control of the
Defendants and the serious and irreparable harm that may come to Plaintiff if
Defendants are not enjoined as requested herein,
7, On the other hand, Plaintiff believes and therefor avers that though she
knows the allegations of her complaint and this petition to be totally with merit, if upon
final hearing the Court finds them to be without merit, no harm will have come to
Defendants by virtue of the granting of this preliminary injunction as Plaintiff seeks only
to "freeze" those assets held by Defendants that Defendants appropriated from her
without her knowledge or permission and maintain the status quo pending a final
hearing,
8, Accordingly, Plaintiff requests that this Court require Plaintiff to post only
a minimum bond amount, not to exceed $5,000,00,
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests, pursuant to Pa, RC,P. No. 1531(a), that a
preliminary injunction be granted by this Court fort~with, prior to notice and a hearing,
in order \0 preserve the status quo until such time as this Court finally determines the
rights of each party by:
A, Enjoining Defendants form spending or utilizing any proceeds from
the liquidation of Plaintiffs certificates of deposit or Passbook savings account
on deposit with PNC Bank or elsewhere;
B, Directing that PNC Bank "freeze" such assets as are identified in
the complaint attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and not permit any withdrawals or
conversion of said assets by Defendants; and
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C. Scheduling and holding a timely hearing, pursuant to Pa, R. C. p,
1531(d), pertaining to the continuance of such preliminary objection;
D. Issuing a Rule upon Defendants to show cause why this
preliminary injunction should not be maintained;
E. Directing Plaintiff to post a bond with the Prothonotary in an
amount not to exceed $5,000,00; and
F, Such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate,
October Z 7 .1997
HAROLD S. IRWI I II
Attorney for the Plain
.
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EXHIBIT ".A.."
ITILLA I. WOLFI, b, he,
."om.,-In-f.ct, lARA C. KUGLIII
PI.lntl"
: IN THI COUIIT O' CO..ON .LlAS O'
: CU..IIILAND COUNTY .INNIYLVANIA
VI.
: CUM.IIILAND COUNTY .INNIYLVANIA
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
VIIIDIAN T. WOLF. .nd LAVIIIlNI
WOLFI, hi. wife
Defend.nt.
: NO. 17 .
CIVIL TIIIM
: JUIIY TIIIAL DIMANDID
COMPLAINT
Now comes the Plaintiff, Stella E, Wolfe, by her attorney-in-fact, Sara C. Kugler,
and her attorney, Harold S, hwin, III, Esquire, and files this complaint against the
Defendants, Verdean T. Wolfe and Laverne Wolfe, his wife, representing as follows:
1, The Plaintiff, Stella E, Wolfe, is an adult individual residing at Manor Care
Nursing Home, 1700 Market Street, Camp Hill, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
17055,
2. The Defendants, Verdean Wolfe and Laverne Wolfe, his wife, are adult
individuals residing at 131 Third Avenue, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania,
15229,
3. The Defendant Verdean Wolfe, is the nephew of the Plaintiff.
4, Sara Kugler is a unrelated third party acting on behalf of Plaintiff,
pursuant to a power of attorney executed on March 17, 1997, A copy of the power of
12, At the time, Plaintiff believed she was executing a document that would
only allow Defendant Verdean Wolfe to add his name to her deeds and that this was
necessary in order to allow for the properties to be liquidated on her death.
13. At the time of the execution of the above document, Plaintiff did not intend
to make a gift of any of her property to Defendant Verdean Wolfe,
14, In fact, Defendant Verdean Wolfe's name was never added to the deeds,
15, Plaintiff now believes and therefore avers that the document which
Defendant Verdean Wolfe actually presented to her for signature and which she signed
was a general power of attorney, naming Defendant Verdean Wolfe as power of
attorney for her.
16. On July 21, 1995, Plaintiff signed herself out of the Manor Care Nursing
Home and returned to her residence at in West Fairview Township,
17. While at home, Plaintiff was again visited by the Defendants,
18, During this visit, Defendant Verdean Wolfe took Plaintiff to PNC Bank in
Enola, Pennsylvania,
19, While at the Bank, Defendant Verdean Wolfe suggested that Plaintiff
appoint him deputy to her safety deposit box with the understanding that he would have
access to the box only in the event of Plaintiff's incapacitation or death,
20. Relying on Defendant Verdean Wolfe's representations Plaintiff's gave
her permission for him to be appointed deputy to her safety deposit box,
3
21, Defendant Verdean Wolfe was then given a second key to Plaintiffs
safety deposit box,
22, Defendant Verdean Wolfe still possesses this second key,
23, By delivering this key to her safety deposit box to Defendant Verdean
Wolfe, Plaintiff did not intend to make a gift of the contents to him,
24. At the time of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's deputation, Plaintiffs safety
deposit box contained the substantial majority of Plaintiffs life savings, comprised of
twelve (12) certificates of deposit (CD's), two (2) from PNC Bank and ten (10) from
Harris Savings Bank, totaling $164, 397,59,
25, At the time of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's deputation, Plaintiffs safety
deposit box also contained two (2) life insurance policies, one insuring the life of
Plaintiff and naming Defendant Verdean Wolfe as beneficiary and a second belonging
to Verdean Wolfe naming Plaintiff as beneficiary,
26, Plaintiffs Safety deposit box also contained two deeds to Plaintiffs real
property,
27, Each of the twelve (12) CD'S was a JoinVOr account, meaning that either
of the signatories could cash the CD's without the other being present.
28, Nine (9) of these CD's were in the names of Plaintiff and Defendant
Verdean Wolfe,
29, The remaining three (3) CD's were held in the names of Plaintiff and
Defendant Verdean Wolfe's brother, Kenneth B, Wolfe,
4
30, The CD's were held in joint names at the insistence of the Defendant
Verdean Wolfe,
31, Specifically, Defendant Verdean Wolfe told Plaintiff, falsely and with the
intent to deceive Plaintiff, that if Defendant Verdean Wolfe and his brother, Kenneth
Wolfe, did not have their names on the CD's, the money would "go to the state" when
Plaintiff died,
32, Relying on Defendant Verdean Wolfe's false and deceitful
misrepresentations, Plaintiff had Defendant Verdean Wolfe's name added to nine of
Plaintiffs CD's,
33. Relying on Defendant Verdean Wolfe's false and deceitful
misrepresentations, Plaintiff had Kenneth Wolfe's name added to three of Plaintiffs
CD's.
34, Defendant Verdean Wolfe never had the Plaintiffs permission to cash the
CD's for his own use or for any use other than the care, maintenance and support of
the Plaintiff.
35, Plaintiff never intended to make an intervivos gift of the CD's, or any
share thereof, to Defendant Verdean Wolfe, Defendant's spouse, Laverne Wolfe, or
Defendant's brother, Kenneth B. Wolfe.
36. On August 30, 1996, using his authority as deputy and in breach of his
fiduciary duty to Plaintiff, Defendant Verdean Wolfe entered Plaintiffs safety deposit
box and removed its entire contents, including Plaintiffs CD's, life insuranca policies
and deeds.
5
37, This removal was done without Plaintiffs knowledge or permission,
38 On August 30, 1996, Defendant Verdean Wolfe cashed nine (9) of
Plaintiffs CD's, paying $1,928,81 in penalties and acquiring proceeds totaling $125,
052.02, Copies of the receipts initialed by Defendant Verdean Wolfe, indicating these
CD's were in fact cashed are, attached as Plaintiffs exhibit "B" and incorporated herein
by reference thereto,
39, The cashing of the Plaintiffs CD's was also undertaken without Plaintiffs
knowledge or permission.
40. Using these proceeds, Defendant Verdean Wolfe opened accounts in his
and his wife's name at PNC Bank in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
41, On August 30, 1996, Defendant Verdean Wolfe closed out Plaintiffs
Harris Savings Bank Passbook Savings Account, obtaining proceeds totaling $3,
640.65,
42, The closing of Plaintiffs saving account was also undertaken without
Plaintiffs knowledge or permission,
43. These proceeds were also deposited by Defendant Verdean Wolfe in the
PNC accounts opened in Pittsburgh.
44. On March 4, 1997, Plaintiff executed a new power of attorney naming
Sara C, Kugler as power of attorney, thereby revoking all prior powers of attorney.
45, It was not until Sara C, Kugler became power of attorney for Plaintiff that
Defendant Verdean Wolfe's activities were discovered,
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46 Specifically, is was not until Sara C, Kugler attempted to liquidate
Plaintiff's estate for the benefit of Plaintiff, that she discovered that nine (9) of Plaintiffs
CD's had been cashed by Defendant Verdean Wolfe,
47, It was also around this time that Sara C. Kugler discovered that one of
Plaintiff's CD's had apparently been cashed by Defendant Verdean Wolfe in April of
1996, with Defendant acquiring proceeds totaling $10,000,00.
48, On March 11, 1997, a copy of the new power of attorney, accompanied by
a letter from Plaintiff's attorney, was sent to Defendant Verdean Wolfe demanding the
return of the contents of Plaintiff's safety deposit box, including the proceeds of
Plaintiff's CD's, her life insurance policy and her deeds, A copy of the letter is attached
as Plaintiff's Exhibit 'C' and incorporated herein by reference thereto,
49. Plaintiff received no response from Defendant Verdean Wolfe.
50, On March 17,1997, Plaintiff executed a second power of attorney naming
Sara C, Kugler as power of attorney. A copy of current power of attorney is attached as
Plaintiff's Exhibit 'A' and incorporated herein by reference thereto,
51, A second letter was sent to Defendant Verdean Wolfe on March 25, 1997,
again demanding that he return Plaintiff's property, and again no response was
forthcoming, A copy of this letter is attached as Plaintiffs Exhibit '0' and incorporated
herein by reference thereto.
52, To date, neither Defendant has returned Plaintiff's property nor have they
offered an explanation why it was taken from Plaintiff's lawful possession,
7
53, Plaintiff is currentiy a resident at Manor Care Nursing Home in Camp Hill,
Pennsylvania,
54, Plaintiffs currently monthly expenses for her room and care at Manor
Care Nursing Home exceed $4,000 a month,
55, As a result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiffs ability to continue to remain
at Manor Care Nursing Home is seriously jeopardized, as her Medicare benefits are
insufficient to cover the expenses of her stay at Manor Care and Defendant's have
appropriated to their own use and control the substantial majority of Plaintiffs personal
funds and life savings without her knowledge, permission or consent.
56. Nevertheless, as a result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff is currently
ineligible to apply for Medicaid benefits due to the inappropriate and fraudulent transfer
of her assets from herself to Defendants,
57. Through her power of attorney, Plaintiff was able to liquidate her life
insurance policy, despite Defendant Verdean Wolfe invasion of her safety deposit box
and retention of the policy against Plaintiffs wishes,
58 Despite this liquidation, Plaintiff remains in a precarious financial situation
as a result of the activities of both Defendants,
59, Plaintiff, through her attorneys, has repeatedly asked Defendant Verdean
Wolfe to return her property and the proceeds obtained therefrom, but Defendant has
without justification repeatedly refused to do so, thereby causing Plaintiff immediate
and irreparable harm, which harm will continue unless Defendant's actions are enjoined
and for which there is no adequate remedy at law,
8
COUNT' : FRAUQ
AGAINST VERDEAN WOill
60, Paragraphs 1 through 59 of Plaintiff's complaint are incorporated herein
by reference thereto.
61, As a result of the familial relationship between Plaintiff and Defendant
Verdean Wolfe, Plaintiff placed her utmost trust in Defendant Verdean Wolfe to care for
her financial well being in the event that she was unable to act in her own best Interest.
62. By false information and deceptive manipulation of this trust, Defendant
Verdean Wolfe was able to induce Plaintiff to: A) place her entire life savings in joint
CD's wilh Defendant Verdean Wolfe and his brother, Kenneth B. Wolfe, B) execute a
power of attorney naming Defendant Verdean Wolfe as power of attorney and C) grant
Defendant Verdean Wolfe deputy power over her safety deposit box, giving him
unfettered access to over $168,000.00 of Plaintiff's property.
63, Specifically, Defendant Verdean Wolfe knowingly, deceitfully and
fraudulently misrepresented to Plaintiff that his control over Plaintiff's finances and real
property was solely for Plaintiff's benefit should she become incapacitated and was
necessary for liquidation upon Plaintiff's death.
64, Defendant Verdean Wolfe intended Plaintiff to rely on his deceitful and
fraudulent misrepresentations, and she did in fact rely thereon,
65. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's fraudulent
and deceitful actions, Plaintiff has suffered and will continue to suffer immediate and
irreparable harm, which harm will continue and cannot be adequately remedied at law.
9
66, As a result of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's giving of false and deceitful
information to Plaintiff and his deceptive manipulation of Plaintiff, Plaintiff suffered
damages In excess of $168,000,00,
67, By exploiting the familial relationship and trust that existed between
Plaintiff and Defendant Verdean Wolfe in order to gain access to Plaintiffs life savings,
Defendant Verdean Wolfe acted willfully, intentionally, deliberately and fraudulently,
with such evil motive and wanton disregard for Plaintiffs well being that an award of
punitive damages is justified,
68, Defendant Verdean Wolfe's actions were also in bad faith, justifying an
award of allorney's fees pursuant to 42 Pa. C,S,A. ~ 2503 (9),
WHEREFORE Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant Verdean Wolfe in
excess of $168,000,00 In compensatory damages, plus punitive damages, interest,
costs and allorney's fees, and that the Court enter injunctive relief, preliminary until
final hearing and permanently thereafter providing as follows:
(a) Enjoining Defendants from withdrawing, spending or in any way using the
proceeds of Plaintiffs CD's or passbook savings account;
(b) Ordering an accounting for all funds or other assets of Plaintiff obtained
by Defendants;
(c) Ordering Defendants to make Plaintiff whole for all sums misappropriated
by Defendants;
10
(d) Ordering that Defendants return to Plaintiff all of Plaintiff's property in
their possession and control, including, but not limited to her life insurance policy and
her two deeds; and
(e) Such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate,
COUNT II: CONVER12!Q~
AGAINST VERDEAN WOLFE
69, Paragraphs 1 through 68 of Plaintiff's complaint are incorporated herein
by reference thereto,
70. At all times prior to Defendant Verdean Wolfe's removal of Plaintiff's
CD's, life insurance policy and deeds from her PNC safety deposit box, Plaintiff was the
lawful possessor of this property.
71, On August 30, 1997, Defendant Verdean Wolfe wrongfully, intentionally
and without lawful justification removed Plaintiff's property from her safety deposit box
and exercised unreasonable dominion and control over this property to the exclusion of
the Plaintiff and breached his fiduciary duty to Plaintiff by: A) cashing Plaintiff's twelve
CD's and depositing the proceeds into bank accounts in his and his wife's name, B)
retaining possession of Plaintiff's insurance policy and deeds to her real property and
C) refusing to return Plaintiff's property despite Plaintiff's and Plaintiff's attorneys'
insistence that said property be returned.
72, On August 30, 1997, Defendant Verdean Wolfe wrongfully, intentionally
and without lawful justification closed out Plaintiff's Harris Savings Bank Passbook
Savings Account and deposited the funds into bank accounts in his and Laverne
Wolfe's name,
11
73, Without said funds, Plaintiff will be unable to maintain her necessary
residency and care at Manor Care Nursing Facility, or in the alternative, will be forced
to sell her real property in order to maintain her necessary residence and care at Manor
Care,
74, The Defendant Verdean Wolfe, on demand of the Plaintiff and Plaintiff's
attorney refused to deliver Plaintiff's property to Plaintiff and continues to refuse to do
so.
75, As a direct and proximate result of Defendant's actions, Plaintiff has
suffered and continues to suffer immediate and irreparable harm, which harm will
continue and cannot be adequately remedied at law,
76, As a result of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's unlawful conversion of
Plaintiff's property to his own and his wife's separate use and control, Plaintiff has
suffered damages in excess of $168,000,00,
77, By exploiting the familial relationship and trust that existed between
Plaintiff and Defendant Verdean Wolfe in order to convert Plaintiff's entire life savings,
Defendant Verdean Wolfe acted intentionally, deliberately, deceitfully and fraudulently,
with gross indifference to Plaintiffs rights and with such an evil motive that an award of
punItive damages is justified.
78, Defendants Verdean Wolfe's actions were in bad faith justifying an award
of attorney's fees pursuant to 42 Pa, C.SA !j2503 (9),
WHEREFDRE Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant Verdean Wolfe in
excess of $168,000.00 in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages, interest,
12
costs and attorney's fees, and that the Court enter injunctive relief, preliminary until
final hearing and permanently thereafter providing as follows:
(a) Enjoining Defendants from withdrawing, spending or in any way using the
proceeds of Plaintiff's CD's or passbook savings account;
(b) Ordering an accounting for all funds or other assets of Plaintiff obtained
by Defendants;
(c) Ordering Defendants to make Plaintiff whole for all sums misappropriated
by Defendants;
(d) Ordering that Defendants return to Plaintiff all of Plaintiffs property in
their possession and control, including, but not limited to her life insurance policy and
her two deeds; and
(e) Such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate,
COUNT III: BREACH OF FIDUCIARY DUTY
AGAINST VERDEAN WOLFE
79, Paragraphs 1 through 78 of Plaintiffs complaint are incorporated herein
by reference thereto,
80. By virtue of his relationship to Plaintiff, Defendant Verdean Wolfe owed a
fiduciary duty to Plaintiff,
13
81, Plaintiff believes and therefor avers that Defendant Verdean Wolfe
misappropriated and used for his own purposes funds belonging to Plaintiff and which
were to be used solely in connection with the care and maintenance of Plaintiff,
82. Without the aforesaid funds, Plaintiff will be unable to maintain her
necessary care and residency at Manor Care Nursing Facility, or in the alternative, will
be forced to sell her real property in order tom maintain her necessary residency and
care at Manor Care,
83. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff has
suffered and continues to suffer immediate and irreparable harm, which harm Is likely to
continue and cannot be adequately remedied at law,
WHEREFORE Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant Verdean Wolfe in
excess of $168,000,00 in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages, interest,
costs and attorney's fees, and that the Court enter injunctive relief, preliminary until
final hearing and permanently thereafter providing as follows:
(a) Enjoining Defendants from withdrawing, spending or in any way using the
proceeds of Plaintiffs CD's or passbook savings account;
(b) Ordering an accounting for all funds or other assets of Plaintiff obtained
by Defendants;
(c) Ordering Defendants to make Plaintiff whole for all sums misappropriated
by Defendants;
14
(d) Ordering that Defendants return to Plaintiff all of Plaintiffs property In
their possession and control, Including, but not limited to her life Ineurance polley and
her two deads; and
(e) Such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate,
COUNT IV: TRESPASS TO CHATTEL~
AGAINST VERDEAN WOLFE and LAVERNE WOLf~
64, Paragraphs 1 through 83 of Plaintiffs complaint are Incorporated herein
by reference thereto.
85, Plaintiffs assets have been placed in joint accounts In the names of both
Defendants,
86. By having their name on the accounts, Defendants continue to exercise
dominion and control over Plaintiffs property,
87, This dominion and control Is to the exclusion of any control Plaintiff would
have been able to lawfully exercise had the property remained in Plaintiffs rightful
possession,
88, Defendants have continued access to Plaintiffs property,
89. Defendants have failed to use this access to return Plaintiffs property to
Plaintiff; in fact, Defendants have actually used this access to fraudulently convert all
of Plaintiff's life's savings to their own sole and separate use and control.
15
90. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff has
suffered and continues to suffer immediate and irreparable harm, which harm will
continue and cannot be adequately remedied at law.
91. As a result of Defendants interference with Plaintiff's property, Plaintiff
suffered damages in excess of $168,000.00.
92. Defendants intentional, deceitful and fraudulent interference with
Plaintiff's property rights was undertaken with gross indifference to Plaintiffs well being
and with such an evil motive that an award of punitive damages is justified.
93. Defendants intentional interference with Plaintiff's property rights was
undertaken with bad faith justifying an award of attorney's fees pursuant to 42 Pa.
C.S.A. 92503 (9).
WHEREFORE Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant Verdean Wolfe in
excess of $168,000.00 in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages, interest,
costs and attorney's fees, and that the Court enter injunctive relief, preliminary until
final hearing and permanently thereafter providing as follows:
(a) Enjoining Defendants from withdrawing, spending or in any way using the
proceeds of Plaintiff's CD's or passbook savings account;
(b) Ordering an accounting for all funds or other assets of Plaintiff obtained
by Defendants;
(c) Ordering Defendants to make Plaintiff whole for all sums misappropriated
by Defendants;
16
(d) Ordering that Defendants return to Plaintiff all of Plaintiff's property in
their possession and control, including, but not limited to her life Insurance policy and
her two deeds; and
(e) Such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate.
October 27 .1997
17
VI!RIFICATION
The averments of the foregoing complaint are true and correct to the best of my
knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false statements made herein are
subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A. Section 4094, relating to unsworn falsificeUon
to authorities.
October '1-7 . 1997
J~ j].~~
SARA C. KUGLER, ttomey.ln.fact for
Plaintiff Stella E. Wolfe
17
"
,.
:e"''''''1RfIlElIT ....A."
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, STELLA E. WOLFE have
constituted and appointed and by these presents do make, constitute and appoint SARA C.
KUGLER my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name and on my behalf generally, to do
and perform all matters and things, transact all business, make, execute, acknowledge, endorse
and deliver all contracts, orders, checks, deeds of conveyance, certificates of stock, bonds, leases,
mortgages, car titles. releases of lien or satisfaction of bonds and mortgages and other writings,
assurances and instruments which may be requisite or proper to effectuate any matter or thing
appertaining or belonging to me, including making medical decisions affecting me; within the
power hereby granted to my attorney is the right of access to and deposit and withdrawal from,
any safety deposit box to which I have said rights and also the right of withdrawal from any
savings account, and all with the same. powers, and to all intents and purposes with the same
validity as I could, if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming whatsoever my said
attorney shall and may do, by virtue hereof. It is also my intention and direction that this power
of attorney shall not be adversely affected by any physical or mental disability. It shall not be
necessary that my attorney named herein obtain judicial determination of such disability, but it
shall be sufficient that my attorney shall determine, in concurrence with the advice of my physician
that 1 am physically and/or mentally incapable of handling my affairs. This power of attorney shall
rescind and revoke any other powers of attorney previously made by me.
. 7'"
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, 1 have hereunto set my hand and seal this I day of
March, 1997.
WITNESSED BY:
" '6
srE1LA(f~LFE
/lP.~ -~)
ENNSYL V ANlA
:SS:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
On this, the / -; f1day of March, 1997 before me, the undersigned officer, personally
appeared STELLA E. WOLFE. known to me or satisfactorily proven to be the person whose
name is subscribed to the within instrument and ac wledged that she executed same for the
purposes therein contained.
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PAM,UGAL
tA W OFFICES 01'
HAROLD S. IRWIN, m
ATTORNEY-A r.tA W
HITNER HOUSE, surrES 201 end 202
35 eAST HIGH STREET
CARUSL!. PENNSYLVANIA 17013
_w, cenpMn.comllrNln/
.nYI: ilwln"wfhpJx,n.t
717.243-e01O
-
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HA~OLD I, I~WlN, III
JOV I. ZlRANCI
Marcb II. 1997
V1RDEAN WOLFE
tJ I J"" A Vi:
PITTSBVRGH PA 15119
RE: STELLA WOLFE
Po"er 0' Altoney
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
EndOlCd plcuellod a copy 01 tho IIllW power 01 anomcy tMCUted by Stella Wolfe. TbilIIllW poMI' 01
aRomey moka tho previoul power 01 attorDCy Iivm to you by M.n. Wolte.
Sinc:e you II/'llIlO IonF autborized 10 act OD bcbalfolMs. Wolfe, ~ forward to me1mnv<!I.._'Y all
c:ertl.fk:atCl 01 dcpoIll. deeda, iDIuraDcI poIlda. willi or copiCl oC wi1II, the afcty dcpoIlt box keys aod any OCher
pnlpCrt)' or docwDcDlI you mav ~ bfIonJl'l'1O lit RIaIIn, to Stella Wolfe, IIUQCII that you ICIId lhiI maIcrial
to me by rclillcred, lJIIlII'lld malIl.D onIcr to pIOleCt apiDJt loa in tho maillf'ltCDl. It you Icl me !mow lbc COItI
invo1vcd fnr IhiI, I wlU .. that you arc rcimbuned.
It you have any question about this, please feel free 10 O:ODlaC\ me. However, I expect that you will IIollOr
litis request in a timely manner,
Thank you for your cooperation in IhiI matter.
.
bll
STEllA WOLfI
c/o SARA KUGLER
453 ITA TI ~D
WElT FAIIIVIEW'A 11021
LAW O'RC'S iN
HAROLD S. lRWDI, m
ATTORNEY.A T.LAW
HAIIOLD I. 111_. III
JOY S. ZlIIANC'
'AAALI~
HITN/!R HOUSE, SUITES 201 and 202
38 EAST HIGH STREET
CARUSIJ!. PENNSYLVANIA 17013
717.2~
-
717.243-1200
,~
www,C"'P"In.conWwlnl
..md: Irwlnklwo.plx.n.t
March 25, 1997
VERDEAN WOLFE
IJI JRD AVE
PITTSBURGH PA 15229
RE: Stella Wolfe
Power of Attorney
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
I wrote to you on March II, 1997 regarding the revocation ofthc powerofattomey
previowly gruted to you. I aIIo requated the immediate return of a11 property in your
possession and control wbich belonp to Mrs. Wolfe. I have a siped return receipt card
indicatins that you received my letter on Marth 17. 1997. I have left two phone mesaases with
you since that ti!M, attemplins to speak with you about this. but you have not returned these
calls,
This letter is to advise you that if I have not heard from you in writing and have not
received from you all such property by April 7, 1997, I will then recommend to Mrs, Wolfe that
we contact the District Attorney in Pittsburgh to take appropriate action to secure the return of
Mrs. Wolfe's property, ~. Wolfe is quite upset about this. so I sincerely hope this step will not
be necessary,
J
STKU.A WOLR
C/O SAJIA KtlGLU
.sJ STATa aD
war rADlvmw'A 17121
Camp :Hil[ fJloro'ugfr.
Po[ice'Department
2199 WALNUT STREET,
CAMP HILL, PENNSYLVANIA 17011
TELEPHONE, (717) 737-1570
FAX, (717) 730-3963
October 23, 1997
Harold S, Irwin. 111, Esquire
Hitner House, Suites 201 and 202
35 East High Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Re: Stella WolfefTravis V, Wolfe
Sir:
As you are aware I have been investigating the alleged unauthorized conversion of monies
from your client, Stella Wolfe, by her nephew, Travis V. Wolfe. I have had several meetings and
conversations with the district attorney's office and to this point both of our offices do not believe
that we..~ prove criminal intent at this point without a statement from Mr. Wolfe. ' ;~
.~ ~
'j~'
I am prepared to travel to the Pittsburgh area where Mr. Wolfe re3ides to con4uct an
interview in an attempt to obtain a statement from him and/or make an attempt for him to return the
funds to your client. During the course of my investigation I have 1eamed that Mr, Wolfe dOes have
a substantial amount of money deposited in the PNC bank, It is my opinion that Mr. Wolfe may
withdraw these funds and we may not be able to recover them easily, It is my request to you at this
point that an attempt be made via the courts to place a hold on Mr, Wolfe's accounts with PNC
bank, The district attorney's office advises me that this cannot be handled by the criminal system
without criminal charges being filed.
I am concerned that should Mr, Wolfe have a criminal intent to obtain Stella's money that
after an interview and facing possible criminal charges the funds will disappear and she will be out
a substantial amount of her life savings.
Should you require any further assistance please feel free to contact my office.
I hope to here from you very soon so that I may proceed with the investigation.
Respectfully,
Michael L. Hope I Sergeant
{jregory J. .9tl1/.nWns
CHIEF OF POUCE
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ITILLA I. WOL'I, by he,
attomey-In-fact, lAllA C. KUGLIR
Plaintiff
I IN TH. COURT 0' COMMON PL.'" 0'
I CUMBlI!RLAND COUNTY PINNIYLVANIA
VI.
I CUMBIRLAND COUNTY PlNNIYLVANIA
I CIVIL ACTION - LAW
I ('llJ.J,,\
I NO. 17 - sqq:1 cwu. TERM
YIRDIAN T. WOLFI and LAYIRNI
WOLFI, hi. wife
Defendants
I JURY TRIAL DIMANDID
COMPLAINT
Now comes the Plaintiff, Stella E. Wolfe, by her attorney-in-fact, Sara C. Kugler,
and her attorney, Harold S. Irwin, III, Esquire, and files this complaint against the
Defendants, Verdean T, Wolfe and Laverne Wolfe, his wife, representing as follows:
1, The Plaintiff, Stella E, Wolfe, is an adult individual residing at Manor Care
Nursing Home, 1700 Market Street, Camp Hill, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
17055,
2. The Defendants, Verdean Wolfe and Laverne Wolfe, his wife, are adult
individuals residing at 131 Third Avenue, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania,
15229.
3. The Defendant Verdean Wolfe, is the nephew of the Plaintiff,
4, Sara Kugler is a unrelated 1hird party acting on behalf of Plaintiff,
pursuant to a power of attorney executed on March 17, 1997. A copy of the power of
12. At the time, Plaintiff believed she was executing a document that would
only allow Defendant Verdean Wolfe to add his name to her deeds and that this was
necessary in order to allow for the properties to be liquidated on her death,
13, At the time of the execution of the above document, Plaintiff did not intend
to make a gift of any of her property to Defendant Verdean Wolfe.
14. In fact, Defendant Verdean Wolfe's name was never added to the deeds,
15, Plaintiff now believes and 1herefore avers that the document which
Defendant Verdean Wolfe actually presented to her for signature and which she signed
was a general power of attorney, naming Defendant Verdean Wolfe as power of
attorney for her,
16. On July 21, 1995, Plaintiff signed herself out of the Manor Care Nursing
Home and returned to her residence at in West Fairview Township.
17. While at home, Plaintiff was again visited by the Defendants,
18, During this visit, Defendant Verdean Wolfe took Plaintiff to PNC Bank in
Enola, Pennsylvania.
19. While at the Bank, Defendant Verdean Wolfe suggested that Plaintiff
appoint him deputy to her safety deposit box with the understanding that he would have
access to the box only in the event of Plaintiff's incapacitation or death.
20. Relying on Defendant Verdean Wolfe's representations Plaintiff's gave
her permission for him to be appointed deputy to her safety deposit box.
3
21, Defendant Verdean Wolfe was then given a second key to Plaintiffs
safety deposit box.
22. Defendant Verdean Wolfe still possesses 1his second key,
23. By delivering this key to her safety deposit box to Defendant Verdesn
Wolfe, Plaintiff did not intend 10 make a gift of the contents to him.
24. At the time of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's deputation, Plaintiffs safety
deposit box contained the substantial majority of Plaintiff's life savings, comprised of
twelve (12) certificates of deposit (CD's), two (2) from PNC Bank and ten (10) from
Harris Savings Bank, totaling $164, 397.59.
25. At the time of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's deputation, Plaintiff's safety
deposit box also contained two (2) life insurance policies, one insuring the life of
Plaintiff and naming Defendant Verdean Wolfe as beneficiary and a second belonging
to Verdean Wolfe naming Plaintiff as beneficiary,
26, Plaintiff's Safety deposit box also contained two deeds to Plaintiff's real
property,
27, Each of the twelve (12) CD'S was a JoinUOr account, meaning that either
of the signatories could cash the CD's without the other being present.
28. Nine (9) of these CD's were in the names of Plaintiff and Defendant
Verdean Wolfe,
29, The remaining three (3) CD's were held in the names of Plaintiff and
Defendant Verdean Wolfe's brother, Kenneth B. Wolfe,
4
30, The CD's were held in joint names at the Insistence of the Defendant
Verdean Wolfe,
31. Specifically, Defendant Verdean Wolfe told Plaintiff, falsely and with the
intent to deceive Plaintiff, that if Defendant Verdean Wolfe and his bro1her, Kenneth
Wolfe, did not have 1heir names on the CD's, 1he money would "go to the state" when
Plaintiff died.
32. Relying on Defendant Verdean Wolfe's false and deceitful
misrepresentations, Plaintiff had DefendElnt Verdean Wolfe's name added to nine of
Plaintiff's CD's,
33. Relying on Defendant Verdean Wolfe's false and deceitful
misrepresentations, Plaintiff had Kenneth Wolfe's name added to three of Plaintiffs
CD's,
34, Defendant Verdean Wolfe never had the Plaintiff's permission to cash the
CD's for his own use or for any use other than the care, maintenance and support of
the Plainliff,
35. Plaintiff never intended to make an Intervivos gift of the CD's, or any
share thereof, to Defendant Verdean Wolfe, Defendant's spouse, Laverne Wolfe, or
Defendant's bro1her, Kenneth B, Wolfe,
36. On August 30, 1996, using his au1hority as deputy and in breach of his
fiduciary duty to Plaintiff, Defendant Verdean Wolfe entered Plaintiff's safety deposit
box and removed its entire contents, including Plaintiffs CD's, life insurance policies
and deeds.
5
37. This removal was done without Plaintiff's knowledge or permission,
38 On August 30, 1996, Defendant Verdean Wolfe cashed nine (9) of
Plaintiff's CD's, paying $1, 928.81 in penalties and acquiring proceeds totaling $125,
052.02, Copies of the raceipts initialed by Defendant Verdean Wolfe, indicating these
CD's were in fact cashed are, attached as Plaintiff's exhibit "B" and incorporated herein
by reference thereto.
39, The cashing of the Plaintiff's CD's was also undertaken without Plaintiff's
knowledge or permission.
40, Using these proceeds, Defendant Verdean Wolfe opened accounts in his
and his wife's name at PNC Bank in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
41, On August 30, 1996, Defendant Verdean Wolfe closed out Plaintiff's
Harris Savings Bank Passbook Savings Account, obtaining proceeds totaling $3,
640,65.
42. The closing of Plaintiff's saving account was also undertaken without
Plaintiff's knowledge or permission.
43. These proceeds were also deposited by Defendant Verdean Wolfe in the
PNC accounts opened in Pittsburgh.
44. On March 4, 1997, Plaintiff executed a new power of attorney naming
Sara C. Kugler as power of attorney, thereby revoking all prior powers of attorney,
45, It was not until Sara C. Kugler became power of attorney for Plaintiff that
Defendant Verdean Wolfe's activities were discovered.
6
53. Plaintiff is currently a resident at Manor Care Nursing Home in Camp Hill,
Pennsylvania.
54. Plaintiff's currently monthly expenses for her room and care at Manor
Care Nursing Home exceed $4,000 a month,
55. As a result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff's ability to continue to remain
at Manor Care Nursing Home is seriously jeopardized, as her Medicare benefits are
insufficient to cO'/er the expenses of her stay at Manor Care and Defendant's have
appropriated to their own use and control the substantial majority of Plaintiff's personal
funds and life savings without her knowledge, permission or consent.
56. Nevertheless, as a result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff is currently
ineligible to apply for Medicaid benefits due to the inappropriate and fraudulent transfer
of her assets from herself to Defendants,
57, Through her power of attorney, Plaintiff was able to liquidate her life
insurance policy, despite Defendant Verdean Wolfe invasion of her safety deposit box
and retention of 1he policy against Plaintiff's wishes,
58 Despite this liquidation, Plaintiff remains in a precarious financial situation
CiS a result of the activities of both Defendants.
59. Plaintiff, through her attorneys, has repeatedly asked Defendant Verdean
Wolfe to return her property and 1he proceeds obtained therefrom, but Defendant has
without justification repeatedly refused to do so, thereby causing Plaintiff immediate
and irreparable harm, which harm will continue unless Defendant's actions are enjoined
and for which there is no adequate remedy at law,
8
COUNTI: FRAUD
AGAIN~T VERDEAN WOLFE
60, Paragraphs 1 through 59 of Plaintiff's complaint are incorporated herein
by reference thereto.
61, As a result of the familial relationship between Plaintiff and Defendant
Verdean Wolfe, Plaintiff placed her utmost trust in Defendant Verdean Wolfe to care for
her financial well being in the event that she was unable to act in her own best interest.
62, By false information and deceptive manipulation of this trust, Defendant
Verdean Wolfe was able to induce Plaintiff to: A) place her entire life savings in joint
CD's with Defendant Verdean Wolfe and his brother, Kenneth B. Wolfe, B) execute a
power of attorney naming Defendant Verdean Wolfe as power of attorney and C) grant
Defendant Verdean Wolfe deputy power over her safety deposit box, giving him
unfettered access to over $168,000,00 of Plaintiffs property.
63, Specifically, Defendant Verdean Wolfe knowingly, deceitfully and
fraudulently misrepresented to Plaintiff 1hat his control over Plaintiff's finances und real
property was solely for Plaintiff's benefit should she become incapacitated and was
necessary for liquidation upon Plaintiffs death,
64,
fraudulent
Defendant Verdean Wolfe intended Plaintiff to rely on his deceitful and
misrepresentations, and she did in fact rely thereon,
65, As a direct and proximate result of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's fraudulent
and deceitful actions, Plaintiff has suffered and will continue to suffer immediate and
irreparable harm, which harm will continue and cannot be adequately remedied at law,
9
66. As a result of Defendan1 Verde an Wolfe's giving of false and deceitful
information to Plaintiff and his deceptive manipulation of Plaintiff, Plaintiff suffered
damages In excess of $168,000.00,
67. By exploiting the familial relationship and trust that existed between
Plaintiff and Defendant Verdean Wolfe in order to gain access to Plaintiff's life savings,
Defendant Verdean Wolfe acted willfully, intentionally, deliberately and fraudulently,
with such evil motive and wanton disregard for Plaintiff's well being that an award of
punitive damages is justified.
68. Defendant Verdean Wolfe's actions were also in bad faith, justifying an
award of allorney's fees pursuant to 42 Pa. C.S.A. 92503 (9).
WHEREFORE Plaintiff demands Judgment against Defendant Verdean Wolfe in
excess of $168,000,00 in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages, interest,
costs and allorney's fees, and that the Court enter injunctive relief, preliminary until
final hearing and permanently thereafter providing as follows:
(a) Enjoining Defendants from withdrawing, spending or in any way using the
proceeds of Plaintiff's CD's or passbook savings account;
(b) Ordering an accounting for all funds or other assets of Plaintiff obtained
by Defendants;
(c) Ordering Defendants to make Plaintiff whole for all sums misappropriated
by Defendants;
10
(d) Ordering that Defendants re1urn 10 Plaintiff all of Plaintiff's property in
their possession and con1rol, including, but not limited 10 her life insurance policy and
her two deeds; and
(e) Such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate,
COUNT II: CONVERSION
AGAINST VERDEAN WOLFE
69. Paragraphs 1 through 68 of Plaintiff's complaint are incorporated herein
by reference thereto.
70, At all times prior 10 Defendant Verdean Wolfe's removal of Plaintiffs
CD's, life insurance policy and deeds from her PNC safety deposit box, Plaintiff was the
lawful possessor of this property,
71. On August 30, 1997, Defendant Verdean Wolfe wrongfully, intentionally
and wl1hout lawful justification removed Plaintiff's property from her safety deposit box
and exercised unreasonable dominion and control over this property to the exclusion of
1he Plaintiff and breached his fiduciary duty to Plaintiff by: A) cashing Plaintiffs twelve
CD's and depositing the proceeds into bank accounts in his and his wife's name, B)
retaining possession of Plaintiffs insurance policy and deeds to her real property and
C) refusing to return Plaintiff's property despite Plaintiff's and Plaintiff's allorneys'
insistence that said property be returned.
72. On August 30, 1997, Defendant Verdean Wolfe wrongfully, intentionally
and without lawful justification closed out Plaintiff's Harris Savings Bank Passbook
Savings Account and deposited 1he funds into bank accounts in his and Laverne
Wolfe's name.
11
73. Without said funds, Plaintiff will be unable to maintain her necessary
residency and care at Manor Care Nursing Facility, or in the alternative, will be forced
to sell her real property in order to maintain her necessary residence and care at Manor
Care.
74. The Defendant Verdean Wolfe, on demand of 1he Plaintiff and Plaintiff's
attorney refused to deliver Plaintiff's property to Plaintiff and continues to refuse to do
so.
75. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant's actions, Plaintiff has
suffered and continues to suffer immediate and irreparable harm, which harm will
continue and cannot be adequately remedied at law,
76. As a result of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's unlawful conversion of
Plaintiff's property to hi!) own and his wife's separate use and control, Plaintiff has
suffered damages in excess of $168,000.00.
77, By exploiting the familial relationship and trust that existed between
Plaintiff and Defendant Verdean Wolfe in order to convert Plaintiff's entire life savings,
Defendant Verdean Wolfe acted intentionally, deliberately, deceitfully and fraudulently,
with gross indifference to Plaintiffs righ1s and wi1h such an evil motive that an award of
punitive damages is justified.
78. Defendants Verdean Wolfe's actions were in bad faith justifying an award
of attorney's fees pursuant to 42 Pa, C,S.A. 92503 (9).
WHEREFORE Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant Verdean Wolfe in
excess of $168,000.00 in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages, interest,
12
costs and attorney's fees, and that 1he Court enter injunctive relief, preliminary until
final hearing and permanently 1hereafter providing as follows:
(a) Enjoining Defendants from withdrawing, spending or in any way using the
proceeds of Plaintiffs CD's or passbook savings account;
(b) Ordering an accounting for all funds or olher assets of Plaintiff obtained
by Defendants;
(c) Ordering Defendants 10 make Plaintiff whole for all sums misappropriated
by Defandants;
(d) Ordering that Defendants return to Plaintiff all of Plaintiffs property in
their possession and control, including, but not limited to her life insurance policy and
her two deeds; and
(e) Such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate,
COUNT III: BREACH OF FIDUCIARY DUTY
AGAINST VERDEAN WOLFE
79, Paragraphs 1 through 78 of Plaintiffs complaint are incorporated herein
by reference thereto,
80, By virtue of his relationship to Plaintiff, Defendant Verdean Wolfe owed a
fiduciary duty to Plaintiff.
13
81. Plaintiff believes and therefor avers that Defendant Verdean Wolfe
misappropriated and used for his own purposes funds belonging to Plaintiff and which
were to be used solely in connection with the care and maintenance of Plaintiff.
82. Without the aforesaid funds, Plaintiff will be unable to maintain her
necessary care and residency at Manor Care Nursing Facili1y, or in the alternative, will
be forced 10 sell her real property in order 10m maintain her necessary residency and
care at Manor Care.
83. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff has
suffered and continues to suffer immediate and irreparable harm, which harm is likely to
continue and cannot be adequately remedied at law.
WHEREFORE Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant Verdean Wolfe in
excess of $168,000.00 in compensa10ry damages, plus punitive damages, interest,
costs and allorney's fees, and 1hat the Court enter injunctive relief, preliminary until
final hearing and permanently tllereafter providing as follows:
(a) Enjoining Defendants from withdrawing, spending or in any way using the
proceeds of Plaintiff's CD's or passbook savings account;
(b) Ordering an accounting for all funds or other assets of Plaintiff obtained
by Defendants;
(c) Ordering Defendants to make Plaintiff whole for all sums misappropriated
by Defendants;
14
(d) Ordering that Defendants return to Plaintiff all of Plaintiff's property in
their possession and control, including, but not limited to her life insurance policy and
her two deeds; and
(e) Such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate.
COUNT IV: TRESPASS TO CHAIIEbli
AGAINST VERDEAN WOLFE and LAVERNE WOLFE
84. Paragraphs 1 through 83 of Plaintiff's complaint are incorporated herein
by reference thereto.
85. Plaintiff's assets have been placed in joint accounts in the names of both
Defendants,
86. By having their name on the accounts, Defendan1s continue to exercise
dominion and control over Plaintiff's property.
87. This dominion and control is to the exclusion of any control Plaintiff would
have been able to lawfully exercise had the property remained in Plaintiff's rightful
possession,
88, Defendants have continued access to Plaintiff's property.
89, Defendants have failed to use this access 10 return Plaintiff's property to
Plaintiff; in fact, Defendants have actually used this access to fraudulently convert all
of Plaintiff's life's savings to their own sole and separate use and control.
15
90, As a direct and proximate result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff has
suffered and continues to suffer immediate and irreparable harm, which harm will
continue and cannot be adequately remedied at law.
91. As a result of Defendants interference with Plaintiff's property, Plaintiff
suffered damages in excess of $168,000,00.
92, Defendants intentional, deceitful and fraudulent interference with
Plaintiffs property rights was undertaken with gross indifference to Plaintiffs well being
and with such an evil motive that an award of punitive damages is justified,
93. Defendants intentional interference with Plaintiffs property rights was
undertaken with bad faith justifying an award of attorney's fees pursuant to 42 Pa,
C,S.A, ~2503 (9),
WHEREFORE Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant Verdean Wolfe in
excess cf $168,000.00 in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages, interest,
costs and attorney's fees, and that the Court enter injunctive relief, preliminary until
final hearing and permanently thereafter providing as follows:
(a) Enjoining Defendants from withdrawing, spending or in any way using the
proceeds of Plaintiffs CD's or passbook savings account;
(b) Ordering an accounting for all funds or other assets of Plaintiff obtained
by Defendants;
(c) Ordering Defendants to make Plaintiff whole for all sums misappropriated
by Defendants;
16
(d) Ordering that Defendants return to Plaintiff all of Plaintiff's property in
their possession and control, including, but no1limited to her life insurance policy and
her two deeds; and
(e) Such other relief as the Court may deem appropria1e,
October Z 7 ,1997
17
VI!RIFICATION
The averments of the foregoing complaint are true and correct to the best of my
knowledge, information and belief, I understand that false statements made herein are
subject to the penalties of 1 e Pa,C.S.A. Section 4094, relating to unsworn falsification
to authorities,
October '2-7.1997
~~ fl.it~
SARA C. KUGLER, ttomey.ln.fact for
Plaintiff Stella E. Wolfe
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HAROLD S. IRWIN, m
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HITNER HOU8E. 8UITES 201 .nd 202
315 EA8T HIGH STREET
CARU8LE. PENNSYLVANIA 17013
www.c...penn.comltlwln/
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717.243-t01O
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........
March 25, 1997
VERDEAN WOLFE
131 JRD AVE
PITTSBURGH PA 15229
RE: Stella Wolfe
Power of Attorney
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
I wrottl to you on March II, 1997 regarding the revocation of the power of attorney
previously granted to you. I a!Io requested the immediate return of all property in your
possession and control which belongs to Mrs, Wolfe, I have a signed return receipt card
indicating that you received my letter on March 17, 1997. I have left two phone messages with
you since that time, attempting to speak with you about this, but you have not returned these
calls,
This letter is to advise you that if I have not heard from you in writing and have not
received from you all such property by April 7, 1997, I will then recommend to Mrs. Wolfe that
we contact the District Attorney in Pittsburgh to take appropriate action to secure the return of
Mrs, Wolfe's property. ~s, Wolfe i. quite upset about this, so 1 sincerely hope this step will not
be necessary,
STnLA WOLfE
C/O S.AJlA KVGUIl
4SUrAnRD
wur PAIIlVIBW rA 17l11S
"
IknnisJ. Milkr, h'luir~
AII..rn~y III N... !HI~I~
~7(HI ('llfl'.."'l~ Drive
Suil~ 4411
I'illshurgh, I'<nnsylv"n;;, 1.~!,17
41!..lhq,II~71
STELLA E, WOLFE. by her
attorney-in-fact, SARA (',
KUGLER
I:'>J TilE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF n'MBERLA:'>JD COUNTY,
l'ENNSYl.VANIA
Plaintiff,
VS,
CIVIL ACTION - EQUITY
VERDEAN T. WOLfE and
LA VERNE WOLfE. his wik
Defendants.
Nu. 97-5992 EQUIT't TERM
ORDER OF COl'RT
AND NOW, this &.'^ day of r-;o"'mbl'r. (997 upon Stipulation and Consent of
the partit,s hereto it is hereby ORDER that:
I. The injunction I "ll'l'l'd hI this Court on :-';u\l'lIlhl'r 17, 1997 IS hereby
dissulved,
,
Ownership of till' ,,,.counls which l\'l'rl' Ihe SUbjl'l't of this Court's order dated
November 17, 1997 shall Ill' as foll<lI\s:
A. TIll' plairllilf shall han' cOlllpll'll' ownership and control over PNC
Certifit-ate of D"p"sit. Account No, ,~150005526-l. in the principal amount of
S 1:!5.000.00. plu; ,lilY al'l'umnlated interest whit-h has not been paid out to
date: and
.
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en rr,.
t., ,. '. 'i')
1;11..1' "_
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B, III<' ddl'lId,'"b ,h"IIII.III' "'"111''''1'' OIIlIl'I,hip dlld <'0111101 <,1l'J' 1'\('
CI,rtilil'atl' 01 I>l'posil. i\<,<,OU 11 I No. ,1 U(J(J07,Ir.S~ alld I'N(, ('enilil'atl' 01
Deposit. i\<'l'llulll No. ~IOOIO~I~'),l, I'al'h in the principal H1110unt 01
S 10,000.00 lor an ;.ggregale lahll' 01 $~(J,(JOO.OO.
.1. PNC flank Brandl ~7, North lIills Banking ('I'nter, R500 1'vkKnight Road,
Pittsburgh, Pennsyllani.. I 'i~J7 shall hI' OIdl'rl.d 101akL' all sleps IWI'l'ssary III transfer
or l'onfinn oWlwrship ollhl' l'ertilil'ales lisled in paragraph 111'0 (~) hereof. and Ihe
partil's hl'reto agl'l'l' III ,.\"(,u,,. any dOl'UIIII'nts nl'l'eSsHl'Y to dlel'llhis transler.
~. All other issll<'s 1I11I<,h an' Ih",uhj,'<,1 ollhl' l'UIH'nl kgal iIl'lion, arc resolwd
by the agreelllent 01 tlH' pdrlies and ea<,h shall excrull' a gl'neral release 01 the other
whidl shall be himltng "1",ntheir I'l'SIll'I'till' heirs, eXel'lltors, powI'rs 01 attorneys or
assigns.
5. The parties agn'l'lI1ent resolles thl' nl'l'essity 01 the ronsensual injunrtion
entered in this mattl'r 011 :\01l'lI1he117. 1')1)7 and slll'h injun<,lion should be dissolved
by Order 01 Courl to dfto.,tuate till' Il'rms 01 the agreement hetween the parties.
, IlJl)7
- _j/~" r
~l't:,-,t' k.~ .. "...)l<L C...jlul' ' 4
Sll'Ila E. Wolft.. by ieI' attorney-i -
la<,t. Sara C. l\ugll'J'. I'laintill
r-
%
, ,
~
Vcrdean T, Wolle. Ddenda
,1 I
00d ..)1 ,/
l.aVI'rl1l' Wolfe. I>dV dant
. . . - ":. ............... '--- ~---"" % . - .
......... '.
.. T.~ I. .
SHERIFF'S RETURN - OUT OF COUNTY
CASE NO: 1997-05932 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLYANIA,
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
WOLFE STELLA E ET AL
YS.
WOLFE VERDEAN T ET AL
R. Thomas Kline . Sheriff, who
to law. says, that he made a diligent search
named defendant, to wit; WOLFE YERDEAN T
being duly sworn according
and inquiry for the within
,
but was unable to locate
Him
in his
COUNTY
bailiwick. He therefore
County, Pennsylvania.
deputized the sheriff of ALLEGHENY
to serve the within COMPLAINT - EQUITY
On December
1st. 1997
. this office was in
the attached return from
ALLEGHENY COUNTY
t;ounty,
receipt of
Pennsylvania.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing
Out of County
Surcharge
ALLEGHENY COUNTY
NOTARY PUBLIC
18.00
9.00
2.00
47.00
6.~0
se~. 0
So answers;
,/ -
,/
t" --"",. /-
-f' //';r' '. .f:; -/ /~,..
Hi Thomas Kl1ne, Sher1tt
HAROLD IRWIN III
12/01/1997
Sworn and subscribed to before me
this I...... day of ~..,~ f...
19 q, A. D.
(:tr- ~'rJ~~~t~*J7
SHERIFF'S RETURN - OUT OF COUNTY
CASE NOI 1997-05992 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLYANIAI
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
WOLFE STELLA E ET AL
YS.
WOLFE VERDEAN T ET AL
R. Thomaa Kline . Sheriff, who being duly sworn according
to law, aaya. that he made a diligent aearch and inquiry for the within
named defendant. to witl WOLFE LAVERNE
but waa unable to locate
deputized the sheriff of
to serve the within COMPLAINT
Her
in his bailiwick. He therefore
ALLEGHENY
- EQUITY
COUNTY
County, Pennsylvania.
On December lat. 1997
the attached return from
. this office was in receipt of
ALLEGHENY COUNTY County, Pennsylvania.
Sheriff's CostSI
Docketing
Out of County
Surcharge
So anaWlifS:
6.00
.00
2.00
(' ,::-:,;.,;. - ,. ,rY ~ /',;;.._/
R; Thomas K11ne, Sher1%%
58.00 HAROLD IRWIN III
12/01/1997
Sworn and subacribed to before me
this )A.f day of "C",.. r~_
19 Q",\ A. D.
<-lr" Q ~i~ ^- V'1 '
I'ro onotlar
1.1 lllt" ,-UUIL Vl "-\.."llllllt;l\ 1 .\,....l.) 1,'& ~ UIIIU\,.\ a............ "_ '. ~....... .. .......~: a 'wl\\..J,
Stella E.Wolfe. by her atturney- i.n-fact Sara C. Kugler
\5.
Verdean T. Wolfe
~o. 97-'\992 EQui ty Term 19_
Oct. 29,
A 11 egheny
1 ~~2-.1 SHERlfF Of' Cl'MBERLA:'Ill COL"'ty, PA do bmby depurize lbe Sberiff of
Coua~'lo ueeUle Ihls Wrll, lhis depur~doa beia~ m~de ~llbe request ~ad risk oflbe PI~inliff.
r~..~t:~
SberiffofCumbed~Qd Couar:, P~.
Affiduyit of Seryice
, o'clock L~t. u:"'ed Ibl!
UPOQ
.t
b~' bJndiD~ to
:Htt5:ed tJP::: orthe Ori~iDJl
. tru. aad
and m;ldt k::l,Jwn to
N .s~':'";J;"= &,JW i~
St) Jnn\'ers.
r-:> .
W\4-EI'i:"Li.(\ ~\I.."'\
"\::)
Nolorial Saol
Shalla A. O'BrIen. Nolary P"bloc
.... PIt1Iburgh, Alle9heny Counly
-, Commissfon e'p',es Ju,.a fQ 2tn
Membe,. Pennsylvania A';~'irlt11';" ill n" jI,"
~counr:,p.,
COSTS
S .\lJr:1 J~.J s~:;~..::ib~.j before
19_
5ER\'ICE~ <
;\IILL\GE
Af'FID\\IT --
ce, :";'~l k;J ~vI
~
~.~
~
---
~
tA)0 U~
\ ( ~IL()t20 I^- Lilllfe-
DEFT. _
ADD, DEFT,
ADD. DEFT,
~~~~~~:E~T1 l~WrL
MUNIC~PA ITY WARp/CITY WARD 1
DATE: t{.(1 19_
PHONE:
ALLEGAENY COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
ROOM 111 . COURTHOUSE
PITTSBURGH, PA 15219
Phono: 3SO,47OO
JOHN M. McNAMARA
Chl., D.puty
lUG ENE L,CQON
Sheriff
PLAINTIFF
CASE ~I \1_1~ ___ .._
EXPIRES
rJ SUMMONs/PRAECIPE
[J COMPLAINT ONLY
o NOTICE AND COMPLAINT
o REVIVALJSCI FA
to- rJ INTERROGATORIES
o EXECUTION. LEVY
U OARNISHEp., ' _ I7A
)fJ OTHER-L- It-
ATT'Y: -e~Jvriwtf)~
loq~
1"'
@O' -l"f
INDICATE TYPE OF SERVICE: 0 PERSONAL 0 PERSON IN CHARGE 0 DEPUTIZE 0 CERT. MAIL 0 POSTED U OTHER [J LEVY [) SEIZED & STORE
19_ I, SHERIFF OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PA do hor.by d.pullll the Sh.nn 01
County 10 execute Ihle Writ and mak, r.turn thereo' IccOfdlng 10 law,
NOTI: ONLY UPLICA8l1 ON WAIT ()If DICUTIOH: N.I. WAIVER 0' WATCH.....N. Any depU1y '"111" Itvying upon OIlnlChlng any property und., wlthln wnl may
IMvI ..m. 'IIlI'lItw)ul . wllchman, In ClAlody 01 whgm-"/I' I, found In poIl.llon, art., noUr-,.ng p.llon of l..-y 0' enlCnmlnl. with oullability on lhl part of Iuc:h dlpU*y
hi'." lor any lot., d..tIuc:t!on or r'rTIOYII of any tuth property balo" ,hln". Ill, thlreof,
Now,
SOlzo, lovy, advortloo and lall all tha parlonal proporty 01 tho dofondan' on tho proml... locatod at:
MAKE
MODEL
MOTOR NUMBER
SERIAL NUMBER
LICENSE NUMBER
I h.reby CERTIFY and RETURN thai on 1M l 2..
1~
SHERIFF'S OFFICE USE ONLY
~~ oJ~u~~~
O'CIol;@P,M. Add'.. A~tt'Add,... Below, County or AlIlQh.ny. P'M.y~.nil
11
II
I MY. ulVld in th. mannlf Ottcrlbld below:
D D".ndant(.) pttlOnally UlVtd.
o Adu. family m,mbe' wilh whom .-d Otf'ndlnl(') ,..ld'fa). N.m, I A,llIlOl1ltip
o Adu. In chltg. of o.f,nd.nr. ,..ld,ne' who ,.rUlId 10 giv. nam, 0' r,l.tlol\lhlp.
o MInIg.r/C'tt. or pllC' 01 lodging In wtich Del.nd.nt(.) r.id.(.).
o Ag'l\l or p.~n in ch.rg. or Del.nd.ntla) Gnu or UlUaJ pllC' 01 bu.lnn..
D Olt~r f) /
o P"'Plrty POOl'" /
D.F,nd.nl not round blC.UI.: 0 Moved M UnkttfNln 0 No AnN.r a Vac:lnl
o C.rtlllld Mail 0 Aec'lpt 0 Env.lope A.h.,lIned
o A.gul.r Mejl wny.
o Olhe,
o Neith.r ReceiPI Of .tW.lop. returned: wnl 'JP,.,t
You are hereby noUlled that on
Sale has been set tor
19_ levy was made In the case 01
, 19 , at _ o'clock,
ATTEMPTS
~~ '2. 4 \'1'}1
I
/
Yellow. Sheriff
, COON, Shwlff
\
Ol,1t1;J1 SOill
ShAlla O'A'llln r-Jola1Y Public
Plfl5butfJtl ^!I"Qhf;!;lV l.Olmlv
My Comm,s,\'(\f' \. .(1"".; h'''/I ''1 :'11'10
Mllnlber. P~rHl~,;,I\ ,~;: .. ,.::il:. ---':rl':' ,III!"
~ (ry.j,.u.;...
~~YOEPAATt1EtlT
Whlll Copy . She,11I
Pink Copy. Atlom.y
aUGENE L.oboN
Sheri"
ALLEGFlENY COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
ROOM 111 ' COURTHOUSE
PITTSBURGH, PA 15219
Phon.: 350,4100
JOHN M, McNAMARA
Chle' Deputy
. I
.
,
lo }
IC
. {'f., I,
I .I
(Uf.)
.
!,,:-(
(--
I I /1 / -
- j, \' /
CASE .__'-____ --------- --- --
EXPIRES
o SUMMONS/PRAECIPE
o COMPLAINT ONL V
o NOTICE ANa COMPLAINT
o REVIVAUSCI FA
o INTERROGATORIES
o EXECUTION. LEVY
o GARNISHEp I
o OTHER : i I f_ ,
~. /
I{'/((
PLAINTIFF
DEFT___ ;
ADD, DEFT,_
ADD, DEFT._
GARNISHEE
ADDRESS
. ,VS.
" " 1..
',~
: I
'..- --
l",...._
MUNICIPALITY WARp/CITY WARO
DATE:_~'II "'J
PHONE:
,.f I
i(fl-t
, I
t
,'! I'
,'.
( t'i I'e
19_
ATT'V:
,
INDICATE TYPE OF SERVICE: lJ PERSONAL [] PERSON IN CHARGE [] DEPUTIZE 0 CERT, MAIL 0 POSTED 0 OTHER [J LEVY [) SEIZED' STORE
Now.
19~ I, SHERIFF OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PA do hereby deputize Ihe Shorllt of
County to execute this Writ and make return thereo' according to law.
NOTI: ONLY APP\.ICAaLI ON WAIT OP' lXeCUTlo..: N... WAlVI" 0' WATCHMAN. Any deputy tn,riff levying upon 01 ,nIChing any prop,try unde' Within writ may
love .ame without. wllchlT'lln, in CUllody of whom.", I, found In poIl.Ilon, aft.,. notifylng pll'lOn 01 'IVY or eUechmetll.. WIth out lability on the plrt 01 luch deputy
her"" lor ,ny 10... d..ttuclion or f,n\C7IIe' of any a!.oCh property belore ,hltHr, ,ale thereof,
Seiz.. levy, advertlee and .ell ell Ihe personal prop.rty ollhe defendanl on the premiees localed al:
"
:r
MAKE
MODEL
MOTOR NUMBER
SERIAL NUMBER
I:tCENSE NUMBER
I h"eby C~RTIFY and RETURN that on I!JI ~ t"2-
l_-=>
SHERIFF'S OFFICE USE ONLY
i'.J <::oJ 'r'
a.yor
O'CIotI(~~)P..... Add'.. AboY"Add,... B.Ic;M, County of AlllIQheny, Plnn.y~ani.
\, ,
,J .. (.t-.."<.
el
I hlvl ..Ned in th, mlMIt OIlCribed bebW:
"
o O.tlndlllt(l. pet'SOnrJty ..rved.
a Adull family member with whom Hid Olflndlnt(.) ,_d.(,.. Name. RelahOf1lhip
o Adu' in chlrge 0' Oet.ndanl', r.iderl:l wha 'e'uted to give name 0' telllion,hip.
o ManagetlC1etll or pl~e 01 lodging in which Delonetanl(l) ,..idl(a).
o Aglnt or Pl11O" in charge 01 Oefendlnlll) O'iCI 0' UlUal placl 01 bUliMl'
o Olhe, ~
o Property POlled
Olrlrldanl no! found bIClUlI: 0 Moved
o CI1tl"ed ....il 0 Recllpt
o Regullt U~I Why.
,
['j UnknoWn 0 No Anew.'
o Envebpe RIllJl'ned
a Vecant
DQther
o Neither Rtelipl Of 'IWI~ 'Iturned; writ upi,td
You are hereby noUlIed that on
Sale has been set lor
Add, cost due $
ATTEMPTS I' -' " \
. r '
~t' J ,"'.J.,
19_, levy was made In the case of
, 19_ al _ o'clock.
---1
/1"( ~ I}r:~..
"
EUGENE L. COON, Sheriff
-~---
....--.
''''~'~{-{-''' \/. ~
.-,.'\..
By
- 'JERRv't. HANLOlt-.
I,' LFGH[N~ CO
Sl.' p; L c,; otPARTHENT
Di~lrlcl
While Copy. Sheriff
'(Bilow. Sheriff
Pink Copv . Altomoy
STELLA ~LFE' by b"~'~ THE COOHT OF COKHON PLEAS OP
attorney-in-fact, SARA C. 'CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
KUGLER :
V.
VERDEAN T. WOLFE and
LAVERNE WOLFE, his wife
NO. 97-5992 EQUITY TERM
CIVIL ACTION - EQUITY
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this Jrd day of NOVEMBER, 1997, in consideration of
the Plaintiff's verified complaint in equity and petition for a
preliminary injunction, and on motion of Plaintiff's attorney,
Harold S. Irwin, III, Esquire, it appearing to this Court that
immediate and irreparable harm will be sustained by the Plaintiff
before a hearing can be held, it is hereby ordered and decreed as
follows:
That Defendants Verdean Wolfe and Laverne Wolfe and all
persons acting in concert with them, be and are hereby enjoined
and prohibited from withdrawing, spending or utilizing any of the
proceeds from the liquidation of Plaintiff's certificates of
deposits or passbook savings account on deposit at PNC Bank or
elsewhere;
That pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. l5Jl(d), a hearing pertaining
to the continuance of this preliminary injunction shall be held
on Friday, November 7, 1997, at 9:00 a.m. in Courtroom. I,
Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Further, a rule is hereby flntered upon the Defendants to
show cause, at the above date and time, why this preliminary
injunction should not be maintained.
This order is conditioned up~n Plaintiff's filing with the
Prothonotary $1.00 as per Pa. Rule of Civil Procedure 15Jl(b)(2).
Service of this petition and Order shall be by personal
service.
By the Court,
w:; ...., "~;":,,,:,,,:;..:...( i:-:'! \':;:-f..
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OUt 0 5tu ~ I>: ~ ~ t::~
E-<Z <('" C<l ,q....
ll:<( t;jttl~ :> (SO{ IUQj
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01>: HI E-<~<( I>: Cl:: :qa!
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HAIIOLD I, IIIWIN, m, I.QUIIlI
ATTOIINIT ID NO. JIll.
U O'T HIIIH .TIIIIT
eAIILI.LI 'A 17111
t111) IoU ....
ATTOIINIT '011 PLAINTIf'
ITILLA I. WOLFI, by h.r
Ittom.y.tn.feet, lARA C. KUGLIR
Plllntlff
I IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLlAI OF
I CUMBIIUAND COUNTY PINNIYLVANIA
VS.
I CIVIL ACTION - EQUITY
: (~v <"1
: NO. 17 - S"7? l., CIVIL TERM
VERDEAN T. WOLFE and LAVIRNE
WOLFE, hi. wlf.
D.f.ndlnt.
ORDER
AND NOW, this 29'" day of October, 1997, in consideration of the Plaintiff's
verified complaint in equity and petition for a preliminary injunction, and on motion of
Plaintiff's attorney, Harold S, Irwin, III, Esquire, it appearing to this Court that immediate
and irreparable harm will be sustained by the Plaintiff before a hearing can be held, it Is
hereby ordered and decreed as follows:
That Defendants Verdean Wolfe and Laverne Wolfe and all persons acting In
concert with them, be and are hereby enjoined and prohibited from withdrawing,
spending or utilizing any of the proceeds from the liquidation of Plaintiff's certificates of
deposits or passbook savings account on deposit at PNC Bank or elsewhere;
.
TM~t PNe BClII" ;! plonibitgq frnm oermitting ttle \.. it"dra~61 VI d;"t. ibuliurJ uf dlly
~!from a,'y itCOwnts noUl helg ~y g8f8rlg':l..,t~ with its in~titllti"\f'''; lL..J
That pursuant to Pa. R.C,P, No, 1531(d), a hearing pertaining to the continuance
of this preliminary injunction shall be held on Not/
?
-'
, 1997 at
z: (m .o,m,
,
in Courtroom No, I, Cumberland Coun1y Courthouse, Carlisle, Pennsylvania,
FURTHER, a rule is hereby entered upon the Defendants to show cause, at the
above date and time, why this preliminary injunction should not be maintained,
..,./. Cf'?)
This order is conditioned upon Plaintiffs filing with the Prothonotary a'" flpprQued
Q s 1Avt- ~~ ;::~<..... OJ ('~..,"I /h,)(~~<]~.c- IS.1I (t)(Z).
, bO'ld III [JIg .!II I ,6t1Rt af $
Service of this petition and Order shall be by personal service,
By the Court,
t:I tb1ff)d c, S7~_
Po J.
TRUE COpy FROM RECORD
In T estmlOny whereof, I herB ullUlIII my hind
and tho seal of said Coull ~t Carlisle.
rhis :+:J.jJ.) day ot~_\:., 19
, ,\) ~
Protllonotlry
.
<<
HAAOLD I. IAWIN, III, IIQUIA.
ATTOIlN.., ID NO. 2112.
U "IT HIQH ITAIIT
CAALIILa 'A Hln
(711) 24J ....
ATTOANa., '011 'LAIN'll"
STILLA I. WOLFE, by her
attorney.ln.fact, SAltA C. KUGLER
PI.lntlff
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA
VI.
: CIVIL ACTION. EQUITY
: {(,.u. , n.,
: NO. 97 - 5"/? t::' c:ML TER~
VEIIDEAN T. WOLFE .nd LAVIRNB
WOLFE, hll wife
Defend.nts
PI!TITION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION WITHOUT
PRIOR WRITTEN NOTICE AND HEARING
Plaintiff Stella E. Wolfe, by her attorney-in-fact, Sara C. Kugler and her attorney,
Harold S. Irwin, III, Esquire, petitions this Court to enter a preliminary injunction
pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. No. 1531, representing as follows:
1, Plaintiff has filed a verified complaint in equity, attached as Exhibit "A"
and incorporated herein by reference thereto, alleging inter alia, that pursuant to a
deputy power over Plaintiff's safety deposit box, Defendant Verdean Wolfe entered the
box on August 30, 1997 without Plaintiffs knowledge or permission, and removed
Plaintiff's certificates of deposit, life insurance policies and deeds to Plaintiff's real
property,
2. Plaintiff's complaint further avers that Defendant Verdean Wolfe then
liquidated said CD's and closed Plaintiffs Passbook savings account and secretly
deposited the proceeds in accounts which Defendant Verdean Wolfe and Defendant
.
Laverne Wolfe opened with PNC Bank, and also avers that such funds total
$140,621,,42, of which $1,928,81 consisted of penalties paid by Defendant Verdean
Wolfe for early liquidation of the certificates,
3, Plaintiff's complaint requests, inter alia, that this Court enjoin Defendants
Verdean Wolfe and Laverne Wolfe from spending or utilizing any of the funds that the
Defendants have on deposit with the Bank,
4. Defendants should not be permitted to spend or utilize any of the funds
which they presently have on deposit at PNC Bank until such time as a hearing is held
and this Court finally determines the respective rights of each party named herein, for
the fOllowing reasons:
A. Plaintiff is threatened with immediate and irreparable harm
because Defandants, who have unconditional access and control of the funds on
deposit in Defendants' accounts at PNC Bank, will continue to dissipate and
convert Plaintiffs proceeds if Defendants are permitted to utilize and spend any
of the funds on deposit with PNC Bank,
B. Immediate and irreparable harm will be sustained by the Plaintiff
before a hearing can be held, as the Defendants, upon service of the complaint
in equity against them are likely to remove Plaintiff's property from its present
location at PNC Bank, converting said property to cash, and dissipate Plaintiffs
property.
C, Plaintiff has reported this matter to the Cumberland County District
Attorney and Camp Hill Police Department. Sergeant Michael L. Hope, of the
Camp Hill Police Department, in the process of his investigation of this matter
for possible criminal prosecution, is about to travel to Pittsburgh to obtain a
,
statement from Defendant'il, It is Sergeant Hope's opinion that Defendants may
withdraw these funds and that upon dOing so, it may be difficult 10 recover them,
causing irreparable harm to 1he Plaintiff By letter dated October 23, 1997, a
copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 'B', Sergeant Hope has requested
Plaintiff request this Court to 'place a hold on (Defendant's] account with PNC
Bank', since 1his cannot be handled by the criminal system without criminal
charges being filed and the District Attorney is continuing this investigation prior
to filing such charges.
D. Immediate and irreparable harm will be sus1ained by the Plaintiff as
the result of Defendants' actions as Plaintiffs ability to continue to remain at
Manor Care Nursing Home is seriously jeopardized since her Medicare benefils
are insufficient to cover 1he expenses of her slay at Manor Care and Defendant's
have appropriated to their own use and control the substantial majority of
Plaintiff's personal funds and life savings without her l<nowledge, permission or
consent.
E. Nevertheless, as a result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff is
currently ineligible to apply for Medicaid benefits due to the inappropriate and
fraudulent transfer of her asse1s from herself to Defendants,
F, Notice upon the Defendants has not been attempted liS Plaintiffs
attorney believes that such notice will result in Defendants immediate withdrawal
of Plaintiffs property from Defendants' accounts at PNC Bank and immediate
dissipation of Plaintiffs property.
5. Plaintiff recognizes that under Pa, R.C.P, No. 1531 a bond is required to
be posted before an injunction will be issued against the Defendants, the amount of
which is at the discretion of this Court,
I
6, Plaintiff requests that this Court to take into consideration the
circumstances of this case, the fact thai Plaintiff's finances remain in 1he control of the
Defendants and the serious and irreparable harm that may come to Plaintiff if
Defendan1s are not enjoined as requested herein.
7. On the other hand, Plaintiff believes and therefor avers 1hat though she
knows the allegations of her complaint and this petition to be totally with merit, if upon
final hearing the Court finds them to ue without merit, no harm will have r.ome to
Defendants by virtue of the granting of this preliminary injunction as Plaintiff seeks only
to "freeze' those assets held by Defendants that Defendants appropriated from her
without her knowledge or permission and maintain the sta1us quo pending a final
hearing,
8, Accordingly, Plaintiff requests that this Court require Plaintiff to post only
a minimum bond amount, not to exceed $5,000.00,
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests, pursuant to Pa, R.C.P, No, 1531(a), that a
preliminary injunction be granted by this Court forthwith, prior to notice and a hearing,
in order to preserve the status quo until such time as this Court finally determines the
rights of each party by:
A, Enjoining Defendants form spending or utilizing any proceeds from
the liquidation of Plaintiffs certificates of deposit or Passbook savings account
on deposit with PNC Bank or elsewhere;
B. Directing that PNC Bank "freeze" such assets as are identified in
the complaint attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and not permit any withdrawals or
conversion of said assets by Defendants; and
4
C, Scheduling and holding a timely hearing, pursuant to Pa, R. C, p,
1531(d), pertaining to the continu!3nce of such preliminary objection;
D, Issuing a Rule upon Defendants to show cause why this
preliminary injunction should not be maintained;
E, Directing Plaintiff to post a bond with the Prothonotary in an
amount not to exceed $5,000,00; and
F, Such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate,
October Z 7 .1997
HAROLD S. IRWI , II
Attorney for the Plain
.
VI!RIFICATION
The averments of the foregoing petition are true and correct to the best of my
knowledge, information and belief, I understand that false statements made herein are
subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C,SA Section 4094, relating to unsworn falsification
to authorities.
October 1:11997
l~UV [!, ~Ilj
SARA C. KUGLER, Attorney-In-fact for
Plaintiff Stella E. Wolfe
.
IT.LLA .. WOU., Ity ...,
.ttomolr-In-f..t, lARA C. KUGL."
,..Intlff
I IN TN. COU"T O' COMMON 'L.AS O'
I CUM....LAHD COUNTY ..NNIYLVAHIA
I
I CUM.S"LAND COUNTY ..NNIYLVAHIA
I CIVIL ACTION - LAW
I
I NO. 17 .
VI.
VSRDSAN T. WOLFS ...d LAVSRNS
WOLFS, III. wi'.
Do'.nd.nt.
CIVIL TERM
I
I JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
COMPLAIN..!
Now comes the Plaintiff, Stella E, Wolfe, by her attorney-in-fact, Sara C. Kugler,
and her attorney, Harold S, Irwin, III, Esquire, and files this complaint against the
Defendants, Verdean T. Wolfe and Laverne Wolfe, his wife, representing as follows:
1. The Plaintiff, Stella E. Wolfe, is an adult individual residing at Manor Care
Nursing Home, 1700 Market Street, Camp Hill, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
17055,
2. The Defendants, Verdean Wolfe and Laverne Wolfe, his wife, are adult
individuals residing at 131 Third Avenue, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania,
15229,
3, The Defendant Verdean Wolfe, is the nephew of the Plaintiff.
4. Sara Kugler is a unrelated third party acting on behalf of Plaintiff,
pursuant to a power of attorney executed on March 17, 1997, A copy of the power of
12. At the time, Plaintiff believed she was executing a document that would
only allow Defendant Verdean Wolfe to add his name to her deeds and that this was
necessary in order to allow for 1he properties to be liquidated on her death.
13. At the time of the e'(ecution of the above document, Plaintiff did not intend
to make a gift of any of her property to Defendant Verdean Wolfe.
14. In fact, Defendant Verdean Wolfe's name was never added to the deeds,
15. Plaintiff now believes and therefore avers that the document which
Defendant Verdean Wolfe actually presented to her for signature and which she signed
was a general power of attorney, naming Defendant Verdean Wolfe as power of
attorney for her,
16, On July 21, 1995, Plaintiff signed herself out of the Manor Care Nursing
Home and returned to her residence at in West Fairview Township,
17, While at home, Plaintiff was again visited by 1he Defendants.
18, During this visit, Defendant Verdean Wolfe took Plaintiff to PNC Bank In
Enola, Pennsylvania,
19. While at the Bank, Defendant Verdean Wolfe suggested that Plaintiff
appoint him deputy to her safety deposit box with the understanding that he would have
access to the box only in the event of Plaintiff's incapacitation or death,
20. Relying on Defendant Verdean Wolfe's representations Plaintiff's gave
her permission for him to be appointed deputy to her safety deposit box.
3
21, Defendant Verdean Wolfe was then given a second key to Plaintiffs
safety deposit box.
22, Defendant Verdean Wolfe still possesses this second key,
23, By delivering 1his key to her safety deposit box to Defendant Verdean
Wolfe, Plaintiff did not intend to make a gift of the contents to him,
24, At the time of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's deputation, Plaintiff's safety
deposit box contained the substantial majority of Plaintiff's life savings, comprised of
twelve (12) certificates of deposit (CD's), two (2) from PNC Bank and ten (10) from
Harris Savings Bank, totaling $164, 397.59,
25. At the time of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's deputation, Plaintiffs safety
deposit box also contained two (2) life insurance policies, one insuring the life of
Plaintiff and naming Defendant Verdean Wolfe as beneficiary and a second belonging
to Verdean Wolfe naming Plaintiff as beneficiary,
26. Plaintiff's Safety deposit box also contained two deeds to Plaintiff's real
property.
27, Each of the twelve (12) CD'S was a JoinUOr account, meaning that either
of the signatories could cash the CD's without the other being present.
28. Nine (9) of these CD's were in 1he names of Plaintiff and Defendant
Verdean Wolfe,
29, The remaining three (3) CD's were held in the names of Plaintiff and
Defendant Verdean Wolfe's brother, Kenneth B, Wolfe,
4
30, The CD's were held in joint names at the insistence of the Defendant
Verdean Wolfe,
31. Specifically, Defendant Verdean Wolfe told Plainliff, falsely and with the
intent to deceive Plaintiff, that if Defendant Verdean Wolfe and his brother, Kenneth
Wolfe, did not have their names on the CD's, the money would "go to the slate" when
Plaintiff died,
32. Relying on Defendant Verdean Wolfe's false and deceitful
misrepretentations, Plaintiff had Defendant Verdean Wolfe's name added to nine of
Plaintiff's CD's,
33. Relying on Defendant Verdean Wolfe's false and deceitful
misrepresentations, Plaintiff had Kenneth Wolfe's name added to three of Plaintiffs
CD's,
34, Defendant Verdean Wolfe never had 1he Plaintiff's permission to cash the
CD's for his own use or for any use olher 1han 1he care, maintenance and support of
the Plaintiff,
35. Plaintiff never intended to make an intervivos gift of the CD's, or any
share thereof, to Defendant Verdean Wolfe, Defendant's spouse, Laverne Wolfe, or
Defendant's brother, Kenneth 8, Wolfe,
36, On August 30, 1996, using his authority as deputy and in breach of his
fiduciary duty to Plaintiff, Defendant Verdean Wolfe entered Plaintiff's safely deposit
box and removed its entire contents, including Plaintiff's CD's, life insurance policies
and deeds.
5
46 Specifically, is was not until Sara C. Kugler attempted to liquidate
Plaintiff's estate for the benefit of Plaintiff, that she discovered that nine (9) of Plaintiff's
CD's had been cashed by Defendant Verdean Wolfe,
47. It was also around this time that Sara C. Kugler discovered that one of
Plaintiff's CD's had apparently been cashed by Defendant Verdean Wolfe in April of
1996, with Defendant acquiring proceeds totaling $10,000.00.
48, On March 11, 1997, a copy of the new power of attorney, accompanied by
a letter from Plaintiff's attorney, was sent to Defendant Verdean Wolfe demanding the
return of the contents of Plaintiffs safety deposit box, including the proceeds of
Plaintiff's CD's, her life insurance policy and her deeds, A copy of the letter is attached
as Plaintiff's Exhibit "C" and incorporated herein by reference thereto.
49, Plaintiff received no response from Defendant Verdean Wolfe,
50. On March 17, 1997, Plaintiff executed a second power of attorney naming
Sara C, Kugler as power of attorney, A copy of current power of attorney is attached as
Plaintiff's Exhibit "A" and Incorporated herein by reference thereto.
51, A second letter was sent to Defendant Verdean Wolfe on March 25,1997,
again demanding that he return Plaintiff's property, and again no response was
forthcoming, A copy of this letter is attached as Plaintiff's Exhibit "D" and incorporated
herein by reference thereto.
52, To date, neither Defendant has returned Plaintiff's property nor have they
offered an explanation why it was taken from Plaintiff's lawful possession.
7
53, Plaintiff Is currently a resident at Manor Care Nursing Home in Camp Hill,
Pennsylvania,
54, Plaintiff's currently monthly expenses for her room and care at Manor
Care Nursing Home exceed $4,000 a month.
55. As a result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff's ability to continue to remain
at Manor Care Nursing Home is seriously jeopardized, as her Medicare benefits are
insufficient to cover the expenses of her stay at Manor Care and Defendant's have
appropriated to their own use and control the substantial majority of Plaintiff's personal
funds and life savings without her knowledge, permission or consent.
('6, Nevertheless, as a result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff is currently
ineligible to apply for Medicaid benefits due to the inappropriate and fraudulent transfer
of her assets from herself to Defendants,
57, Through her power of attorney, Plaintiff was able to liquidate her life
insurarice policy, despite Defendant Verdean Wolfe invasion of her safety deposit box
and retention of the policy against Plaintiff's wishes,
58 Despite this liquidation, Plaintiff remains in a precarious financial situation
as a result of the activities of both Defendants,
59, Plaintiff, through her attorneys, has repeatedly asked Defendant Verdean
Wolfe to return her property and the proceeds obtained therefrom, but Defendant has
without justification repeatedly refused to do so, thereby caUSing Plaintiff immediate
and irreparable harm, which harm will continue unless Defendant's actions are enjoined
and for which there is no adequate remedy at law,
8
COUNT I : EBAUD
AGAINST VeRD~N WOLFE
60. Paragraphs 1 through 59 of Plaintiff's complaint are incorporated herein
by reference thereto.
61, As a result of the familial relationship between Plaintiff and Defendant
Verdean Wolfe, Plaintiff placed her utmost trust in Defendant Verdean Wolfe to care for
her financial well being in the event that she was unable to act in her own best interest.
62. By false information and deceptive manipulation of this trust, Defendant
Verdean Wolfe was able to induce Plaintiff to: A) place her entire life savings in joint
CD's with Defendant Verdean Wolfe and his brother, Kenneth B. Wolfe, B) execute a
power of attorney naming Defendant Verdean Wolfe as power of attorney and C) grant
Defendant Verdean Wolfe deputy power over her safety deposit box, giving him
unfettered access to over $168,000,00 of Plaintiff's property,
63. Specifically, Defendant Verdean Wolfe knowingly, deceitfully and
fraudulently misrepresented to Plaintiff that his control over Plaintiff's finances and real
property was solely for Plaintiff's benefit should she become incapacitated and was
necessary for liquidation upon Plaintiff's death,
64. Defendant Verdean Wolfe intended Plaintiff to rely on his deceitful and
fraudulent misrepresentations, and she did in fact rely thereon,
65. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's fraudulent
and deceitful actions, Plaintiff has suffered and will continue to suffer immediate and
irreparable harm, which harm will continue and cannot be adequately remedied at law.
9
66, As a result of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's giving of false and deceitful
information to Plaintiff and his deceptive manipulation of Plaintiff, Plaintiff suffered
damages in excess of $168,000,00.
67, By exploiting the familial relationship and trust that existed between
Plaintiff and Defendant Verdean Wolfe in order to gain access to Plaintiff's life savings,
Defendant Verdean Wolfe acted willfully, intentionally, deliberately and fraudulently,
with such evil motive and wanton disregard for Plaintiff's well being that an award of
punitive damages is justified.
68. Defendant Verdean Wolfe's actions were also in bad faith, justifying an
award of attorney's fees pursuant to 42 Pa, C.S.A. ~ 2503 (9),
WHEREFORE Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant Verdean Wolfe in
excess of $168,000.00 in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages, interest,
costs and attomey's fees, and that the Court enter injunctive relief, preliminary until
final hearing and permanently thereafter providing as follows:
(a) Enjoining Defendants from withdrawing, spending or in any way using the
proceeds of Plaintiff's CD's or passbook savings account;
(b) Ordering an accounting for all funds or other assets of Plaintiff obtained
by Defendants;
(c) Ordering Defendants to make Plaintiff whole for all sums misappropriated
by Defendants;
10
(d) Ordering that Defendants return to Plaintiff all of Plaintiff's property in
their possession and control, including, but not limited to her life insurance policy and
her two deeds; and
(e) Such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate.
COUNT II: CONVERSION
AGAINST VEROEAN WOLFE
69. Paragraphs 1 through 68 of Plaintiff's complaint are incorporated herein
by reference thereto,
70. At all times prior to Defendant Verdean Wolfe's removal of Plaintiffs
CD's, life insurance policy and deeds from her PNC safety deposit box, Plaintiff was the
lawful possessor of this property,
71. On August 30, 1997, Defendant Verdean Wolfe wrongfully, intentionally
and without lawful justification removed Plaintiff's property from her safety deposit box
and exercised unreasonable dominion and control over this property to the exclusion of
the Plaintiff and breached his fiduciary duty to Plaintiff by: A) cashing Plaintiff's twelve
CD's and depositing the proceeds into bank accounts in his and his wife's name, B)
retaining possession of Plaintiff's insurance policy and deeds to her real property and
C) refusing to return Plaintiff's property despite Plaintiff's and Plaintiffs attorneys'
insistence that said property be returned.
72, On August 30, 1997, Defendant Verdean Wolfe wrongfully, intentionally
and without lawful justification closed out Plaintiff's Harris Savings Bank Passbook
Savings Account and deposited the funds into bank accounts in his and Laverne
Wolfe's name.
11
73. Wi1hout said funds, Plaintiff will be unable to maintain her necessary
residency and care at Manor Care Nursing Facility, or in the alternative, will be forced
to sell her real property in order to maintain her necessary residence and care at Manor
Care,
74. The Defendant Verdean Wolfe, on demand of the Plaintiff and Plaintiffs
attorney refused to deliver Plaintiffs property to Plaintiff and continues to refuse to do
so.
75. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant's actions, Plaintiff has
suffered and continues to suffer immediate and irreparable harm, which harm will
continue and cannot be adequately remedied at law.
76, As a result of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's unlawful conversion of
Plaintiff's property to his own and his wife's separate use and control, Plaintiff has
suffered damages in excess of $168,000,00,
77. By exploiting the familial relationship and trust that existed between
Plaintiff and Defendant Verdean Wolfe in order to convert Plaintiffs entire life savings,
Defendant Verdean Wolfe acted intentionally, deliberately, deceitfully and fraudulently,
with gross indifference to Plaintiff's rights and with such an evil motive that an award of
punitive damages is justified,
78, Defendants Verdean Wolfe's actions were in bad faith justifying an award
of attorney's fees pursuant to 42 Pa, C.SA 92503 (9),
WHEREFORE Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant Verdean Wolfe in
excess of $168,000.00 in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages, interest,
12
costs and attorney's fees, and that the Court enter injunctive relief, preliminary until
final hearing and permanently thereafter providing as follows:
(a) Enjoining Defendants from withdrawing, spending or in any way using the
proceeds of Plaintiffs CD's or passbook savings account;
(b) Ordering an accounting for all funds or other assets of Plaintiff obtained
by Defendants;
(c) Ordering Defendants to make Plaintiff whole for all sums misappropriated
by Defendants;
(d) Ordering that Defendants return to Plaintiff all of Plaintiffs property In
their possession and control, including, but not limited to her life insurance policy and
her two deeds; and
(e) Such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate,
COUNt III: BREACH OF FIDUCIARY D!JT'(
AGAINST VERDEAN WOLFE
79, Paragraph$ 1 through 78 of Plaintiff's complaint are incorporated herein
by reference thereto,
60. By virtue of his relationship to Plaintiff, Defendant Verdean Wolfe owed a
fiduciary duty to Plaintiff.
13
81. Plaintiff believes and therefor avers that Defendant Verdean Wolfe
misappropriated and used for his own purposes funds belonging to Plaintiff and which
were to be used solely in connection with 1he care and maintenance of Plaintiff.
82, Without 1he aforesaid funds, Plaintiff will be unable to maintain her
necessary care and residency at Manor Care Nursing Facility, or in the alternative, will
be forced to sell her real property in order tom maintain her necessary residency and
care at Manor Care,
83, As a direct and proximate result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff has
suffered and continues to suffer immediate and irreparable harm, which harm is likely to
continue and cannot be adequately remedied at law,
WHEREFORE Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant Verdean Wolfe in
excess of $168,000.00 in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages, interest,
costs and attorney's fees, and that the Court enter injunctive relief, preliminary until
final hearing and permanently thereafter providing as follows:
(a) Enjoining Defendants from withdrawing, spending or in any way using the
proceeds of Plaintiff's CD's or passbook savings account;
(b) Ordering an accounting for all funds or other assets of Plaintiff obtained
by Defendants;
(c) Ordering Defendan1s to make Plaintiff whole for all sums misappropriated
by Defendants;
14
(d) Ordering that Defendants return to Plaintiff all of Plaintiff's property In
their possession and con1rol, including, but not limited to her life insurance policy and
her two deeds; and
(e) Such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate,
COUNT IV: TRESPASS TO CHATTE.L~
AGAINST VERDEAN WOLFE and LAV~RNE WOLFE;
84, Paragraphs 1 through 83 of Plaintiff's complaint are Incorporated herein
by reference thereto.
85, Plaintiff's assets have been placed In joint accounts In the names of both
Defendants,
86, By having their name on the accounts, Defendants continue to exercise
dominion and control over Plaintiff's property,
87, This dominion and control is to the exclusion of any control Plaintiff would
have been able to lawfully exercise had the property remained in Plaintiff's rightful
possession,
88, Defendants have continued access to Plaintiff's property,
89, Defendants have failed to use this access to return Plaintiff's property to
Plaintiff; in fact, Defendants have actually used this access to fraudulently convert all
of Plaintiffs life's savings to their own sole and separate use and control.
IS
90, As a direct and proximate result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff has
suffered and continues to suffer immediate and irreparable harm, which harm will
continue and cannot be adequately remedied at law,
91, As a result of Defendants interference with Plaintiffs property, Plaintiff
suffered damages in excess of $168,000.00.
92, Defendants inten1ional, deceitful and fraudulent interference with
Plaintiff's property rights was undertaken with gross indifference to Plaintiff's well being
and with such an evil motive that an award of punitive damages is justified.
93, Defendants intentional interference with Plaintiff's property rights was
undertaken with bad faith justifying an award of attorney's fees pursuant to 42 Pa.
C,S.A. 92503 (9),
WHEREFORE Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant Verdean Wolfe in
excess of $168,000.00 in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages, interest,
costs and attorney's fees, and 1hat the Court enter injunctive relief, preliminary until
final hearing and permanently thereafter providing as follows:
(a) Enjoining Defendants from withdrawing, spending or In any way using the
proceeds of Plaintiff's CD's or passbook savings account;
(b) Ordering an accounting for all funds or other assets of Plaintiff obtained
by Defendants;
(c) Ordering Defendants to make Plaintiff whole for all sums misappropriated
by Defendants;
16
VI!RaPICA TION
The averments of the foregoing complaint are true and correct to the best of my
knowledge, Information and belief, I understand that false statements made herein are
subject to the penalties of 18 Pa,C.S.A. Section 4094, relating to unsworn falsification
to authorities,
October '1-7.1997
J~ ~,~~
SARA C. KUGLER, ttomey-In-fact for
Plaintiff Stella E. Wolfe
'\
17
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HAROLD I. IRWIN, III
JOY I, Z!RANCI
'AMl.IGAI.
tAW OFRCIS OF
HAROLD S. IRWIN, m
ATTORNEY-A r.LA W
HITNER HOUSE. SUITES 201 and 202
35 EAST HIOH STREE~
CARU8LE. PENNSYLVANIA 17013
www,CMp."n.l:omltrNlnl
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March II, t997
VERDEAS WOLFE
IJt J'll> AVE
PITTSBURGH PA 15229
RE: STELLA WOUE
Poorer of Anoney
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Enclosed plCUll IIIld I copy of the IICW power of IltOracy eJIOCllted by Stella Wolfe. ThilIICW power of
anonlC7 revokes the previOUl power of lnoracy pwn to )'Ou by Mn. Wolfe.
Since )'OU InlIlO IoI1F autborized to act on bchaIf of MI. Wolfe, plCUll forward to me Immediately aU
ccr1ilIcatcs of dcpoIit, deedI, lIIIUI:IIIClIl policlef. willi or copiea ofwi11J, tho IIIdy dcpoIlI box kcyIlIId Illy otber
propcrt)' or documcDU )'OU IIIIY b8ve w'ooopn. to or relaliDl to Stella WoUb. llUJllllll thal )'OU ICIId thIIlDIICria1
10 me by reslllCl'ed, iIIIured mall 1D order to proCl:Ct IpiIIIt loa 1D the malllJllClD. 1f)'OU let me Imow the c:o.lI
ilMllvcd for thII, I wiD lee thal )'OU Inl reImbancd.
If)'Ou have any question about this, please reel free to conw:t me. However, I CllpClCt WI )'Ou will bonor
WS reqUCS1 in a timely manner.
Thank you for )'011I' coopcnlion in thiI maner,
.
bll
ITElLA WOLFI
c/o lARA KUGW
483 ITATI RD
WIlT PAIRVIIW PA 17021
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HAROLD S. IRWIN, m
A TTORNeY.A T."'" W
HAROLD S, IRWIN. III
JOY S, ZEI1ANCI
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March 25, 1997
VERDEA:'/ WOLFE
1J1 JRD AYE
PITTSBURGH PA 15229
RE: Stella Wolfe
Power of Anora.y
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
1 wrote to you on March 11, 1997 rega.rdina the revocation of1he power of attorney
previously armted to you. I aIJo requated the immediate return of all property in your
possession and control wbicb belonp to Mrs. Wolfe. I have. siped retum receipt card
indialUna that you received my letter CD March 17, 1997. I have left two phone m~n.aes with
you since that timu, anempUns to speak with you about thiJ, but you have not returned these
calls.
This letter is to advise you that if I have not heard from you in writing and have not
received from you all such property by April 7, 1997, I will then recommend to Mrs. Wolfe that
we contact the District Attorney in PitUburgh to take appropriate action to secure the retum of
Mrs. Wolfe's property, ~, Wolfe i. quite upset about this. so I sincerely hope this step will not
be necessary,
I1'U.I..A WOUl
C/O.... ItVGL&Il
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WUT .AlllvtIlW 'A I'IIU
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STELLA E. WOLFE, by her
.ttomey-In-f.c:t, lARA C. KUGLER
Plaintiff
I IN THE COURT OF COMMON PUM OF
I CUM.ERLAND COU"TY PENNSYLVANIA
VS.
I CUM.ERLAND COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA
I CIVIL ACTION - LAW
I ('<;.(. 'n,
I NO. 17 - m;J. CPaL TERM
VERDEAN T. WOLFE .nd LAVERNE
WOLFE, hi. wife
Defend.nt.
I JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
COMPLAINT
Now comes the Plaintiff, Stella E. Wolfe, by her attorney-in-fact, Sara C. Kugler,
and her attorney, Harold S. Irwin, III, Esquire, and files this complaint against the
Defendants, Verdean T. Wolfe and Laverne Wolfe, his wife, representing as follows:
1. The Plaintiff, Stella E. Wolfe, is an adult individual residing at Manor Care
Nursing Home, 1700 Market Street, Camp Hill, Cumberland CQunty, Pennsylvania
17055.
2. The Defendants, Verdean Wolfe and Laverne Wolfe, his wife, are adult
individuals residing at 131 Third Avenue, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania,
15229.
3. The Defendant Verdean Wolfe, is the nephew of the Plaintiff.
4. Sara Kugler is a unrelated third party acting on behalf of Plaintiff,
pursuant to a power of attorney executed on March 17, 1997. A copy of the power of
TRUE COPY FROM RECORD
In TC5t1rnuny Wherool, IlIers unto S81"", hancl
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attorney is attached hereto as Plaintiff's Exhibit 'A' and incorporated herein by
reference thereto.
5. In March or April of 1995, the Defendants visited the Plaintiff at Manor
Care Nursing Home.
6. During that visit, Defendant Verdean Wolfe presented a document to
Plaintiff for her signature.
7. When asked by Plaintiff about the nature of this document, Defendant
Verdean Wolfe, falsely and with the intent to deceive Plaintiff, told Plaintiff that this
document was "necessary in order for him to have his name added to Plaintiff's two (2)
deeds."
B. Defenda"t Verdean Wolfe further told Plaintiff, falsely and with the intent
to deceive Plaintiff, that it was necessary to have his name on Plaintiff's deeds in case
"something happened to her [Plaintiff] and the properties needed to be sold."
9. Plaintiff was further told by Defendant Verdean Wolfe, falsely and with the
intent to deceive Plaintiff, that without his signature, "Plaintiff's propelrty would go to the
state' when Plaintiff died.
10. At the lime of the signing, Plaintiff was unrepresented by counsel.
11. Relying on Defendant Verdean Wolfe's representations, Plaintiff executed
the document he had presented to her.
2
12. At the time, Plaintiff believed she was executing a document that would
only allow Defendant Verdesn Wolfe to add his name to her deeds and that this was
necessary in order to allow for the properties to be liquidated on her death.
13. At the time of the execution of the above document, Plaintiff did not intend
to make a gift of any of her property to Defendant Verdean Wolfe.
14. In fact, Defendant Verdean Wolfe's name was never added to the deeds.
15. Plaintiff now believes and therefore avers that the document which
Defendant Verdean Wolfe actually presented to her for signature and which she signed
was a general power of attorney, naming Defendant Verdean Wolfe as power of
attorney for her.
16. On July 21, 1995, Plaintiff signed herself out of the Manor Care Nursing
Home and returned to her residence at in West Fairview Township.
17. While at home, Plaintiff was again visited by the Defendants.
18. During this visit, Defendant Verdean Wolfe took Plaintiff to PNC Bank in
Enola, Pennsylvania.
19. While at the Bank, Defendant Verdean Wolfe suggested that Plaintiff
appoint him deputy to her safety deposit box with the understanding that he would have
access to the box only in the event of Plaintiff's incapacitation or death.
20. Relying on Defendant Verdean Wolfe's representations Plaintiff's gave
her permission for him to be appointed deputy to her safety deposit box.
3
21. Defendant Verdean Wolfe was then given a second key to Plaintiff's
safety deposit box.
22. Defendant Verdean Wolfe still possesses this second key.
23. By delivering this key I;) her safety deposit box to Defendant Verdean
Wolfe, Plaintiff did not intend to make a gift of the contents to him.
24. At the time of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's deputation, Plaintiff's safety
deposit box contained the substantial majority of Plaintiff's life savings, comprised of
twelve (12) certificates of deposit (CD's), two (2) from PNC Bank and ten (10) from
Harris Savings Bank, totaling $164,397.59.
25. At the time of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's deputation, Plaintiff's safety
deposit box also contained two (2) life insurance policies, one insuring the life of
Plaintiff and naming Defendant Verdean Wolfe as beneficiary and a second belonging
to Verdean Wolfe naming Plaintiff as beneficiary.
26. Plaintiff's Safety deposit box also contained two deeds to Plaintiff's real
property.
27. Each of the twelve (12) CD'S \Vas a JointJOr account, meaning that either
of the signatories could cash the CD's without the other being present.
28. Nine (9) of these CD's were in the names of Plaintiff and Defendant
Verdean Wolfe.
29. The remaining three (3) CD's were held in the names of Plaintiff and
Defendant Verdean Wolfe's brother, Kenneth B. Wolfe.
4
.
.
30. The CD's were held in joint names at the insistence of the Defendant
Verdean Wolfe.
31. Specifically, Defendant Verdean Wolfe told Plaintiff, falsely and with the
intent to deceive Plaintiff, that if Defendant Verdean Wolfe and his brother, Kenneth
Wolfe, did not have their names on the CD's, the money would "go to the state' when
Plaintiff died.
32. Relying on Defendant Verdean Wolfe's false and deceitful
misrepresentations, Plaintiff had Defendant Verdean Wolfe's name added to nine of
Plaintiff's CD's.
33. Relying on Defendant Verdean Wolfe's false and deceitful
misrepresentations, Plaintiff had Kenneth Wolfe's name added to three of Plaintiff's
CD's.
34. Defendant Verdean Wolfe never had the Plaintiff's permission to cash the
CD's for his own use or for any use other than the care, maintenance and support of
the Plaintiff.
35. Plaintiff never intended to make an intervivos gift of the CD's, or any
share thereof, to Defendant Verdean Wolfe, Defendant's spouse, Laverne Wolfe, or
Defendant's brother, Kenneth B. Wolfe.
36. On August 30, 1996, using his authority as deputy and in breach of his
fiduciary duty to Plaintiff, Defendant Verdean Wolfe entered Plaintiff's safely deposit
box and removed its entire contents, including Plaintiff's CD's, life insuranca policles
and deeds.
5
37. This removal was done without Plaintiff's knowledge or permission.
3B On August 30,1996, Defendant Verdean Wolfe cashed nine (9) of
Plaintiff's CD's, paying $1, 928.B1 in penalties and acquiring proceeds totaling $125,
052.02. Copies of the receipts initialed by Defendant Verdean Wolfe, indicating these
CD's were in fact cashed are, attached as Plainliff's exhibit "B" and incorporated herein
by reference thereto.
39. The cashing of the Plaintiffs CD's was also undertaken without Plaintiff's
knowledge or permission.
40. Using these proceeds, Defendant Verdean Wolfe opened accounts in his
and his wife's name at PNC Bank in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
41. On August 30, 1996, Defendant Verdean Wolfe closed out Plaintiff's
Harris Savings Bank Passbook Savings Account, obtaining proceeds totaling $3,
640.65.
42. The closing of Plaintiff's saving account was also undertaken without
Plaintiffs knowledge or permission.
43. These proceeds were also deposited by Defendant Verdean Wolfe in the
PNC accounts opened in Pittsburgh.
44. On March 4,1997, Plaintiff executed a new power of attorney naming
Sara C. Kugler as power of attorney, thereby revoking all prior powers of attomey.
45. It was not until Sara C. Kugler became power of attorney for Plaintiff that
Defendant Verdean Wolfe's activities were discovered.
6
46 Specifically, is was not until Sara C. Kugler attempted to liquidate
Plaintiff'! estate for the benefit of Plaintiff, that she discovered that nine (9) of Plaintiff's
CD's had been cashed by Defendant Verdean Wolfe.
47. It was also around this time that Sara C. Kugler discovered that one of
Plaintiff's CD's had apparently been cashed by Defendant Verdean Wolfe in April of
1996, with Defendant acquiring proceeds totaling $10,000.00.
48. On March 11, 1997, a copy of the new power of attorney, accompanied by
a letter from Plaintiff's attorney, was sent to Defendant Verdean Wolfe demanding the
return of the contents of Plaintiff's safety deposit box, including the proceeds of
Plaintiff's CD's, her life insurance policy and her deeds. A copy of the letter is attached
as Plaintiff's Exhibit "C' and incorporated herein by reference thereto.
49. Plaintiff received no response from Defendant Verdean Wolfe.
50. On March 17, 1997, Plaintiff executed a second power of attorney naming
Sara C. Kugler as power of attorney. A copy of current power of attorney is attached as
Plaintiff's Exhibit "N and incorporated herein by reference thereto.
51. A second letter was sent to Defendant Verdean Wolfe on March 25, 1997,
again demanding that he return Plaintiff's property, and again no response was
forthcoming. A copy of this letter is attached as Plaintiff's Exhibit "D" and incorporated
herein by reference thereto.
52. To date, neither Defendant has returned Plaintiff's property nor have they
offered an explanation why it was taken from Plaintiff's lawful possession.
7
53. Plaintiff is currently a resident at Manor Care Nursing Home in Camp Hill,
Pennsylvania.
54. Plaintiff's currently monthly expenses for her room and care at Manor
Care Nursing Home exceed $4,000 a month.
55. As a result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff's ability to continue to remain
at Manor Care Nursing Home is seriously jeopardized, as her Medicare benefits are
insufficient to cover the expenses of her stay at Manor Care and Defendant's have
appropriated to their own use and control the substantial majority of Plaintiff's personal
funds and life savings without her knowledge, permission or consent.
56. Nevertheless, as a result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff is currently
ineligible to apply for Medicaid benefits due to the inappropriate and fraudulent transfer
of her assets from herself to Defendants.
57. Through her power of attorney, Plaintiff was able to liquidate her life
insurance policy, despite Defendant Verdean Wolfe invasion of her safety deposit box
and retention of the policy against Plaintiff's wishes.
58 Despite this liquidation, Plaintiff remains in a precarious financial situation
as a result of the activities of both Defendants.
59. Plaintiff, through her attorneys, has repeatedly asked Defendant Verdean
Wolfe to return her property and the proceeds obtained therefrom, but Defendant has
without justification repeatedly refused to do so, thereby causing Plaintiff immediate
and irreparable harm, which harm will continue unless Defendant's actions are enjoined
and for which there is no adequate remedy at law.
8
I
l
COUNT I : FRAUD
AGAINST VEROEAN WO~FE
60. Paragraphs 1 through 59 of Plaintiff's complaint are incorporated herein
by reference thereto.
61. As a result of the familial relationship between Plaintiff and Defendant
Verdean Wolfe, Plaintiff placed her utmost trust in Defendant Verdean Wolfe to care for
her financial well being in the event that she was unable to act in her own best interest.
62. By false information and deceptive manipulation of this trust, Defendant
Verdean Wolfe was able to induce Plaintiff to: A) place her entire life savings in joint
CD's with Defendant Verdean Wolfe and his brother, Kenneth B. Wolfe, B) execute a
power of attorney naming Defendant Verdean Wolfe as power of attorney and C) grant
Defendant Verdean Wolfe deputy power over her safety deposit box, giving him
unfettered access to over $168,000.00 of Plaintiffs property.
63. Specifically, Defendant Verdean Wolfe knowingly, deceitfully and
fraudulently misrepresented to Plaintiff that his control over Plaintiff's finances and real
property was solely for Plaintiffs benefit should she become incapacitated and was
necessary for liquidation upon Plaintiffs death.
64. Defendant Verdean Wolfe intended Plaintiff to rely on his deceitful and
fraudulent misrepresentations, and she did in fact rely thereon.
65. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's fraudulent
and deceitful actions, Plaintiff has suffered and will continue to suffer immediate and
irreparable harm, which harm will continue and cannot be adequately remedied at law.
9
66. As a result of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's giving of false and deceitful
information to Plaintiff and his deceptive manipulation of Plaintiff, Plaintiff suffered
damages in excess of $168,000.00.
67. By exploiting the familial relationship and trust that existed between
Plaintiff and Defendant Verdean Wolfe in order to gain access to Plaintiff's life savings,
Defendant Verdean Wolfe acted willfully, intentionally, deliberately and fraudulently,
with such evil motive and wanton disregard for Plainliff's well being that an award of
punitive damages is justified.
68. Defendant Verdean Wolfe's actions were also in bad faith, justifying an
award of attorney's fees pursuant to 42 Pa. C.S.A. ~ 2503 (9).
WHEREFORE Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant Verdean Wolfe in
excess of $168,000.00 in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages, interest,
costs and attorney's fees, and that the Court enter injunctive relief, preliminary until
final hearing and permanently thereafter providing as follows:
(a) Enjoining Defendants from withdrawing, spending or in any way using the
proceeds of Plaintiff's CD's or passbook savings account;
(b) Ordering an accounting for all funds or other assets of Plaintiff obtained
by Defendants;
(c) Ordering Defendants to make Plaintiff whole for all sums misappropriated
by Defendants;
to
(d) Ordering that Defendants return to Plaintiff all of Plaintiff's property in
their possession and control, including, but not limited to her life Insurance policy and
her two deeds; and
(e) Such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate.
COUNT II: CONVERSION
AOAINST V!i;RDEAN WOLFE
69. Paragraphs 1 through 68 of Plaintiff's complaint are incorporated herein
by reference thereto.
70. At all times prior to Defendant Verdean Wolfe's removal of Plaintiff's
CD's, life insurance policy and deeds from her PNC safety deposit box, Plaintiff was the
lawful possessor of this property.
71. On August 30,1997, Defendant Verdean Wolfe wrongfully, intentionally
and without lawful justification removed Plaintiff's property from her safety deposit box
and exercised unreasonable dominion and control over this property to the exclusion of
the Plaintiff and breached his fiduciary duty to Plaintiff by: A) cashing Plaintiff's twelve
CD's and depositing the proceeds into bank accounts in his and his wife's name, B)
retaining possession of Plaintiff's insurance policy and deeds to her real property and
C) refusing to return Plaintiff's property despite Plaintiff's and Plaintiff's attorneys'
insistence that said property be returned.
72. On August 30, 1997, Defendant Verdean Wolfe wrongfully, Intentionally
and without lawful justification closed out Plaintiff's Harris Savings Bank Passbook
Savings Acco~nt and deposited the funds into bank accounts in his and Laverne
Wolfe's name.
11
73. Without said funds, Plaintiff will be unable to maintain her necessary
residency and care at Manor Care Nursing Facility, or in the alternative, will be forced
to sell her real property in order to maintain her necessary residenca and care at Manor
Care.
74. The Defendant Verde an Wolfe, on demand of the Plaintiff and Plaintiff's
attorney refused to deliver Plaintiff's property to Plaintiff and continues to refuse to do
so.
75. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant's actions, Plaintiff has
suffered and continues to suffer immediate and irreparable harm, which harm will
continue and cannot be adequately remedied at law.
76. As a result of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's unlawful conversion of
Plaintiff's property to his own and his wife's separate use and control, Plaintiff has
suffered damages in excess of $168,000.00.
77. By exploiting the familial relationship and trust that existed between
Plaintiff and Defendant Verdean Wolfe in order to convert Plaintiff's entire life savings,
Defendant Verdean Wolfe acted intentionally, deliberately, deceitfully and fraudulently,
with gross indifference to Plaintiff's rights and with such an evil motive that an award of
punitive damages is justified.
78. Defendants Verdean Wolfe's actions were in bad faith justifying an award
of attorney's fees pursuant to 42 Pa. C.S.A. 92503 (9).
WHEREFORE Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant Verdean Wolfe in
excess of $168,000.00 in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages, interest,
12
costs and attorney's fees, and that the Court enter injunctive relief, preliminary until
final hearing and permanently thereafter providing as follows:
(a) Enjoining Defendants from withdrawing, spending or in any way using the
proceeds of Plaintiff's CD's or passbook savings account;
(b) Ordering an accounting for all funds or other assets of Plaintiff obtained
by Defendants;
(c) Ordering Defendants to make Plaintiff whole for all sums misappropriated
by Defendants;
(d) Ordering that Defendants return to Plaintiff all of Plaintiff's property in
their possession and control, including, but not limited to her life insurance policy and
her two deeds; and
(e) Such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate.
COUNT III: BREACH OF FIDUCIARY DUTY
AGAINST VERDEAN WOLFE
79. Paragraphs 1 through 78 of Plaintiff's complaint are incorporated herein
by reference thereto.
BO. By virtue of his relationship to Plaintiff, Defendant Verdean Wolfe owed a
fiduciary duty to Plaintiff.
13
81. Plaintiff believes and therefor avers that Defendant Verdean Wolfe
misappropriated and used for his own purposes funds belonging to Plaintiff and which
were to be used solely in connection with the care and maintenance of Plaintiff.
82. Without the aforesaid funds, Plaintiff will be unable to maintain her
necessary care and residency at Manor Care Nursing Facility, or in the alternative, will
be forced to sell her real property in order tom maintain her necessary residency and
care at Manor Care.
83. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff has
suffered and continues to suffer immediate and irreparable harm, which harm is likely to
continue ana cannot be adequately remedied at law.
WHEREFORE Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant Verdean Wolfe in
excess of $168,000.00 in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages, interest,
costs and attorney's fees, and that the Court enter injunctive relief, preliminary until
final hearing and permanently thereafter providing as follows:
(a) Enjoining Defendants from withdrawing, spending or in any way using the
proceeds of Plaintiff's CD's or passbook savings account;
(b) Ordering an accounting for all funds or other assets of Plaintiff obtained
by Defendants;
(c) Ordering Defendants to make Plaintiff whole for all sums misappropriated
by Defendants;
14
(d) Ordering that Defendants return to Plaintiff all of Plaintiff's property In
their possession and control, including, but not limited to her life insurance policy and
her two deeds; and
(e) Such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate.
COUNT IV: TRESPASS TO CHATTEL~
AGAIN~T VERDEAN WOLFE and LAVERNE WOLFE
84. Paragraphs 1 through 83 of Plaintiff's complaint are incorporated herein
by reference thereto.
85. Plaintiff's assets have been placed in joint accounts in the names of both
Defendants.
86. By having their name on the accounts, Defendants continue to exercise
dominion and control over Plaintiff's property.
87. This dominion and control is to the exclusion of any control Plaintiff would
have been able to lawfully exercise had the property remained in Plaintiff's rightful
possession.
88. Defendants have continued access to Plaintiff's property.
89. Defendants have failed to use this access to return Plaintiff's property to
Plaintiff; In fact, Defendants have actually used this access to fraudulently convert all
of Plaintiff's life's savings to their own sole and separate use and control.
15
90. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff has
suffered and continues to suffer immediate and irreparable harm, which harm will
continue and cannot be adequately remedied at law.
91. As a result of Defendants interference with Plaintiff's property, Plaintiff
suffered damages in excess of $168,000.00.
92. Defendants intentional, deceitful and fraudulent interference with
Plaintiff's property rights was undertaken with gross indifference to Plaintiff's well being
and with such an evil motive thaI an award of punitive damages is justified.
93. Defendants intentional interference with Plaintiff's property rights was
undertaken with bad faith justifying an award of attorney's fees pursuant to 42 Pa.
C.SA ~2503 (9).
WHEREFORE Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant Verdean Wolfe in
excess of $168,000.00 in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages, interest,
costs and attorney's fees, and that the Court enter injunctive relief, preliminary until
final hearing and permanently thereafter providing as follows:
(a) Enjoining Defendants from withdrawing, spending or in any way using the
proceeds of Plaintiff's CD's or passbook savings account;
(b) Ordering an accounting for all funds or other assets of Plaintiff obtained
by Defendants;
(c) Ordering Defendants to make Plaintiff whole for all sums misappropriated
by Defendants;
16
(d) Ordering that Defendants return to Plaintiff all of Plaintiff's property in
their possession and control, including, but not limited to her life insurance policy and
her two deeds; and
(e) Such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate.
October 27 . 1997
17
VERIFICATION
The averments of the foregoing complaint are true and correct to the best of my
knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false statements made herein are
subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A. Section 4094, relating to unsworn falsification
to authorities.
October '2--7.1997
Ju~ f].~<<J1;
SARA C. KUGLER, ~ttomey.ln.'act for
Plaintiff Stella E. Wolfe
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HAROLD S, IRWIN, m
A TTORNEY,A T,tA W
HAROLD I, IRWIN, III
JOY I. ZERANC!
,AIlA"'c1A&.
HITHER HOUSE. SUITES 20111ld 202
315 EAST HIGH STREET
CARUSLE. PENNSYLVANIA 17013
_w,cenpMfn, comlftwln/
"lffIIiI: IIwlnlilwo.pbt.n.t
717.243-1010
-
717-<143-1200
'OC-"
March II. 1997
VERDEAN WOLFE
III JAD AVE
PITTSBURGH 1''\ 15129
HE: STELLA WOLF!
Power of Attoney
Dcar Mr. Wolfe:
Enclosed please I1nd a copy of the IICW power of attorney execullld by Stella Wolfe. Thil IICW power of
attorney revokes the previous power of attomcy p\'Cl\ 10 you by Mn, Wolfe.
Since you are 110 lonpr authorized 10 ac1 on beba1fofMJ. Wolfe. please forwanllO me Im......tl.teIy aU
certiJicalcs of deposit, deedI, iIlIWIDCll poUda, wlIIs or copies of wiIJs, \be safety depoIit box keys and any other
property or documcnll yvu may bml bc10npq 10 or re1atin. 10 Stella Wolfe, (511'" that yvu ICDd thiJ material
10 IlIC by registered, iDIW'IllI mall In onIer 10 proUCl apinst 1_ In the mail system. If yvu let IlIC know \be COIlS
involved for this, I wiU see thaI yvu are n:imbuned.
If you have any question aboulthis, please feel flee 10 contact me. However. I expect thaI you will honor
litis reqUCSl in a timely IIWIIlCr.
Thank you for your cooperation in this maner.
.
bal
STELLA WOlf!
c/o lARA KUGLER
483 ITATE RD
WEST FAIRVIEW PA 17021
,
V.
I IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
I CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:
I
I
I
I NO. 97-5992 EQUITY TERM
I
: CIVIL ACTION - EQUITY
STELLA E. WOLFE, by her
attorney-in-fact, SARA C.
KUGLER
VERDEAN T. WOLFE and
LAVERNE WOLFE, his wife
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 3rd day of NOVEMBER, 1997, in consideration of
the Plaintiff's verified complaint in equity and petition for a
preliminary injunction, and on motion of Plaintiff's attorney,
Harold S. Irwin, III, Esquire, it appearing to this Court that
immediate and irreparable harm will be sustained by the Plaintiff
before a hearing can be held, it is hereby ordered and decreed as
follows:
That Defendants Verdean Wolfe and Laverne Wolfe and all
persons acting in concert with them, be and are hereby enjoined
and prohibited from withdrawing, spending or utilizing any of the
proceeds from the liquidation of Plaintiff's certificates of
deposits or passbook savings account on deposit at PNC Bank or
elsewhere;
That pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. l53l(d), a hearing pertaining
to the continuance of this preliminary injunction shall be held
on Friday, November 7, 1997, at 9:00 a.m. in Courtroom' 1,
Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Further, a rule is hereby entered upon the Defendants to
show cause, at the above date and time, why this preliminary
injunction should not be maintained.
.
This order is conditioned upon Plaintiff's filing with the
Prothonotary $1.00 as per Pa. Rule of Civil Procedure 1S3l(b)(2).
Service of this petition and Order shall be by personal
service.
By the Court,
W~ r,' . !C,~;:'t r:.";-::"'( Tl:-: ','n"~-f.
"'.: ,\ ,:', ...;, .. '.>:r
I . . ; : ;, ) I ~ I
~p7ED~: ~;.
. ^lIor,,,y. for 'ti.,.;, f
.
,.
HAIIOLD .. IIIWIN, III, ISQUIIII
ATTOIINIY ID NO. un.
31 IA.T HIGH .TIIIIT
C:AIILI.LI 'A 17.1:1
(7nlZoU ....
ATTOIINIY '011 'LAINT..'
-] tftJb
ITELLA E. WOLFE, by her
.ttomey.ln.f.c:t, SARA C. KUGLER
PI.lntlff
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS 0'
I CUMBERLAND COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA
VS.
I CIVIL ACTION. EQUITY
VERDEAN T. WOLFE .nd LAVERNE
WOLFE, hi. wife
Defend.nta
.
.
: NO. 17. :{'79 Z crsa. TERM
r<,(, "-I-;
ORDER
AND NOW, this 2<( 7" day of October, 1997, in consideration of the Plaintiff's
verified complaint in equity and petition for a preliminary injunction, and on motion of
Plaintiff's attorney, Harold S. Irwin, III, Esquire, it appearing to this Court that immediate
and irreparable harm will be sustained by the Plaintiff before a hearing can be held, it is
hereby ordered and decreed as follows:
That Defendants Verdean Wolfe and Laverne Wolfe and all persons acting in
concert with them, be and are hereby enjoined and prohibited from withdrawing,
spending or utilizing any of the proceeds from the liquidation of Plaintiff's certificates of
deposits or passbook savings account on deposit at PNC Bank or elsewhere;
.
T"st PNC Bafll\ ;.\ p".,1,lblted (tUIII tJUIIII;U;lIg lha ~itndr8\'~'81 er siatrinlltinn n' Any ~
'81::1ei'1 t" w~BBEl8 IrQm any accQIoIRls fie'..; "wid oy uerenaams with It::! Instltutlun, i:md -
That pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. No. 1531(d), a hearing pertaining to the continuance
of this preliminary injunction shall be held on M:'f",/
.,
-"
, 1997 at
1:tJ2J p.m.
,
in Courtroom No. I ,Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
FURTHER, a rule is hereby entered upon the Defendants to show cause, at the
above date and lime, why this preliminary injunction should not be maintained.
f
/, (.rrJ
This order is conditioned upon Plaintiff's filing with the Prothonotary -- -rr ,.wAd
/J-f !:..C,L PA /c'<<f'C l) (,<..1,'1 A.c,o.-,C'.",,- IS}I (')(2) .
bll'l tAlIlIIflel::lflt vf i
Service of this petition and Order shall be by personal service.
By the Court,
IV /J, ...~,I cl {" ~ La.!.,
~J. (
TRUE copy FROM REOOR~ncl
In 1 c:;:ln'o<iIl'/ wt.cnlo1, I here unto" fffo/
"cll t11ll :,...& cl ~~:\!j ~w~~ a\ ~~~
1"'< -YlJJl f"I)!' ~l -~,-,.
'. ,..!::Xc.... ,0 .'fl,H,l[l/h'
\ I ~l ~.., If_..
..---~-<. f'r~:l1l1not"ry
..
..
HAIIOLD S. IIIWIN, III, IIQUllla
A"OIlNII1' ID NO. 21121
II "ST HIGH STIIUT
C:AIILlSU PA inn
(717) 2Q ....
ATTOIINay '011 PLAINT If'
ITELLA E. WOLFI!, by her
.ttomey-In-f.c:t, lARA C. KUGLER
PI.lntlff
~ IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS 0'
I CUMBERLAND COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA
VI.
I CIVIL ACTION. EQUITY
VERDEAN T. WOLfE .nd LAVERNE
WOLFE, his wife
D.fend.nts
.
. ~~ -j
I NO. 17 . ~ I I "-- CA'tL TERM
('(it<. , '7
PETITION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION WITHOUT
PRIOR WRITTEN NOTICE AND HEARING
Plaintiff Stella E. Wolfe, by her attorney-in-fact, Sara C. Kugler and her attorney,
Harold S. Irwin, III, Esquire, petitions this Court to enter a preliminary injunction
pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. No. 1531, representing as follows:
1. Plaintiff has filed a verified complaint in equity, attached as Exhibit 'A'
and incorporated herein by reference thereto, alleging inter alia, that pursuant to a
deputy power over Plaintiffs safety deposit box, Defendant Verdean Wolfe entered the
box on August 30, 1997 without Plaintiff's knowledge or permission, and removed
Plaintiff's certificates of deposit, life insurance policies and deeds to Plaintiff's real
property.
2, Plaintiff's complaint further avers that Defendant Verdean Wolfe then
liquidated said CD's and closed Plaintiff's Passbook savings account and secretly
deposited the proceeds in accounts which Defendant Verdean Wolfe and Defendant
.
Laverne Wolfe opened with PNC Bank, and also avers that such funds total
$140,621,.42, of which $1, 928.81 consisted of penalties paid by Defendant Verdean
Wolfe for early liquidation of the certificates.
3. Plaintiff's complaint requests, inter alia, that this Court enjoin Defendants
Verdean Wolfe and Laverne Wolfe from spending or utilizing any of the funds that the
Defendants have on deposit with the Bank.
4. Defendants should not be permitted to spend or utilize any of the funds
which they presently have on deposit at PNC Bank until such time as a hearing is held
and this Court finally determines the respective rights of each party named herein, for
the following reasons:
A. Plaintiff is threatened with immediate and irreparable harm
because Defendants, who have unconditional access and control of the funds on
deposit in Defendants' accounts at PNC Bank, will continue to dissipate and
convert Plaintiff's proceeds if Defendants are permitted to utilize and spend any
of the funds on deposit with PNC Bank,
B. Immediate and irreparable harm will be sustained by the Plaintiff
before a hearing can be held, as the Defendants, upon service of the complaint
in equity against them are likely to remove Plaintiff's property from its present
location at PNC Bank, converting said property to cash, and dissipate Plaintiff's
property.
C. Plaintiff has reported this matter to the Cumberland County District
Attorney and Camp Hill Police Department. Sergeant Michael L. Hope, of the
Cam;:> Hill Police Department, in the process of his investigation of this matter
for possible criminal prosecution, is about to travel to Pittsburgh to obtain a
.
statement from Defendants. It is Sergeant Hope's opinion that Defendants may
withdraw these funds and that upon doing so, it may be difficult to recover them,
causing irreparable harm to the Plaintiff. By letter dated October 23, 1997, a
copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "B", Sergeant Hope has requested
Plaintiff request this Court to "place a hold on [Defendant's] account with PNC
Bank", since this cannot be handled by the criminal system without criminal
charges being filed and the District Attorney is continuing this investigation prior
to filing such charges,
D, Immediate and irreparable harm will be sustained by the Plaintiff as
the result of Defendants' actions as Plaintiff's ability to continue to remain at
Manor Care Nursing Home is seriously jeopardized since her Medicare benefits
are insufficient to cover the expenses of her stay at Manor Care and Defendant's
have appropriated to their own use and control the substantial majority of
Plaintiff's personal funds and life savings without her knowledge, permission or
consent.
E. Nevertheless, as a result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff is
currently ineligible to apply for Medicaid benefits due to the inappropriate and
fraudulent transfer of her assets from herself to Defendants,
F. Notice upon the Defendants has not been attempted as Plaintiff's
attorney bt"Jlieves that such notice will result in Defendants immediate withdrawal
of Plaintiff's property from Defendants' accounts at PNC Bank and immediate
dissipation of Plaintiff's property,
5. Plaintiff recognizes that under Pa, R.C,P, No, 1531 a bond is required to
be posted before an injunction will be issued against the Defendants, the amount of
which is at the discretion of this Court.
,
6. Plaintiff requests that this Court to take into consideration the
circumotancas of this case, the fact that Plaintiff's finances remain in the control of the
Defendants and the serious and irreparable harm that may come to Plaintiff if
Defendants are not enjoined as requested herein.
7. On the other hand, Plaintiff believes and therefor avers that though she
knows the allegations of her complaint and this petition to be totally with merit, if upon
final hearing the Court finds them to be without merit, no harm will have come to
Defendants by virtue of the granting of this preliminary injunction as Plaintiff seeks only
to "freeze' those assets held by Defendants that Defendants appropriated from her
without her knowledge or permission and maintain the status quo pending a final
hearing.
8. Accordingly, Plaintiff requests that this Court require Plaintiff to post only
a minimum bond amount, not to exceed $5,000.00.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests, pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. No. 1531(a), that a
preliminary injunction be granted by this Court forthwith, prior to notice and a hearing,
in order to preserve the status quo until such time as this Court finally determines the
rights of each party by:
A. Enjoining Defendants form spending or utilizing any proceeds from
the liquidation of Plaintiffs certificates of deposit or Passbook savings account
on deposit with PNC Bank or elsewhere;
B. Directing that PNC Bank "freeze' such assets as are identified in
the complaint attached hereto as Exhibit "A' and not permit any withdrawals or
conversion of said assets by Defendants; and
.
VI!RIFICATION
The averments of the foregoing petition are true and correct to the best of my
knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false statements made herein are
subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C,SA Section 4094, relating to unsworn falsification
to authorities,
October 1:11997
vhuv .c. f~lj
SARA C. KUGLER, Attorney-in-fact for
Plaintiff Stella E. Wolfe
,
B~""'IB:rr ".A.-
STELLA E. WOLFE, by her
.ttomey-In-f.c:t, lARA C. KUGLER
PI.lntlff
I IN THE COURT OP COMMON PLEAS OP
I CUMBERLAND COUNTY PENNIYLVANIA
I
I CUMBERLAND COUNTY PENNIYLVANIA
I CIVIL ACTION. LAW
vs.
VERDEAN T. WOLFI.nd LAVERNE
WOLFE, his wife
Defend.nts
I NO. 17 -
CIVIL TERM
I JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
COMPLAINT
Now comes the Plaintiff, Stella E, Wolfe, by her attorney-In-fact, Sara C. Kugler,
and her attorney, Harold S. Irwin, III, Esquire, and files this complaint against the
Defendants, Verdean T. Wolfe and Laverne Wolfe, his wife, representing as follows:
1, The Plaintiff, Stella E, Wolfe, is an adult individual residing at Manor Care
Nursing Home, 1700 Market Street, Camp Hill, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
17055,
2, The Defendants, Verdean Wolfe and Laverne Wolfe, his wife, are adult
individuals residing at 131 Third Avenue, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania,
15229.
3, The Defendant Verdean Wolfe, is the nephew of the Plaintiff.
4. Sara Kugler is a unrelated third party acting on behalf of Plaintiff,
pursuant to a power of attorney executed on March 17, 1997. A copy of the power of
'.
attorney is attached hereto as Plaintiff's Exhibit 'A' and incorporated herein by
referenca thereto.
5. In March or April of 1995, the Defendants visited the Plaintiff at Manor
Care Nursing Home.
6. During that visit, Defendant Verdean Wolfe presented a document to
Plaintiff for her signature.
7, When asked by Plaintiff about the nature of this document, Defendant
Verdean Wolfe, falsely and with the intent to deceive Plaintiff, told Plaintiff that this
document was 'necessary in order for him to have his name added to Plaintiff's two (2)
deeds."
e. Defendant Verdean Wolfe further told Plaintiff, falsely and with the intent
to decaive Plaintiff, that it was necessary to have his name on Plaintiff's deeds in case
"something happened to her [Plaintiff] and the properties needed to be sold."
9. Plaintiff was further told by Defendant Verdean Wolfe, falsely and with the
intent to deceive Plaintiff, that without his signature, "Plaintiff's property would go to the
state' when Plaintiff died.
10. At the time of the signing, Plaintiff was unrepresented by counsel.
11. Relying on Defendant Verdean Wolfe's representations, Plaintiff executed
the document he had presented to her.
2
12, At the time, Plaintiff believed she was executing a document that would
only allow Defendant Verdean Wolfe to add his name to her deeds and that this was
necessary in order to allow for the properties to be liquidated on her death,
13. At the time of the execution of the above document, Plaintiff did not intend
to make a gift of any of her property to Defendant Verdean Wolfe.
14. In fact, Defendant Verdean Wolfe's name was never added to the deeds.
1 S. Plaintiff now believes and therefore avers that the document which
DefElndant Verdean Wolfe actually presented to her for signature and which she signed
was a general power of attorney, naming Defendant Verdean Wolfe as power of
attorney for her.
16, On July 21, 1995, Plaintiff signed herself out of the Manor Care Nursing
Home and returned to her residence at in West Fairvlew Township,
17. While at home, Plaintiff was again viSited by the Defendants.
18. During this visit, Defendant Verdean Wolfe took Plaintiff to PNC Bank in
Enola, Pennsylvania.
19. While at the Bank, Defendant Verdean Wolfe suggested that Plaintiff
appoint him deputy to her safety deposit box with the understanding that he would have
aCC8SS to the box only in the event of Plaintiff's incapacitation or death,
20. Relying on Defendant Verdean Wolfe's representations Plaintiff's gave
her permission for him to be appointed deputy to her safety deposit box.
3
21, Defendant Verdean Wolfe was then given a second key to Plaintiff's
safety deposit box,
22. Defendant Verdean Wolfe still possesses this second key,
23. By delivering this key to her safety deposit box to Defendant Verdean
Wolfe, Plaintiff did not intend to make a gift of the contents to him.
24. At the time of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's deputation, Plaintiff's safety
deposit box contained the substantial majority of Plaintiff's life savings, comprised of
twelve (12) certificates of deposit (CD's), two (2) from PNC Bank and ten (10) from
Harris Savings Bank, totaling $164, 397.59.
25. At the time of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's deputation, Plaintiff's safety
deposit box also contained two (2) life insurance policies, one insuring the life of
Plaintiff and naming Defendant VElrdean Wolfe as beneficiary and a second belongi,..g
to Verdean Wolfe naming Plaintiff as beneficiary.
26. Plaintiff's Safety deposit box also contained two deeds to Plaintiffs real
property.
27. Each of the twelve (12) CD'S was a JoinVOr account, meaning that either
of the signatories could cash the CD's without the other being present.
28. Nine (9) of these CD's were in the names of Plaintiff and Defendant
Verdean Wolfe,
29. The remaining three (3) CD's were held in the names of Plaintiff and
Defendant Verdean Wolfe's brother, Kenneth B. Wolfe.
4
30, The CD's were held in joint names at the insistence of the Defendant
Verdean Wolfe.
31, Specifically, Defendant Verdean Wolfe told Plaintiff, falsely and with the
intent to deceive Plaintiff, that if Defendant Verdean Wolfe and his brother, Kenneth
Wolfe, did not have their names on the CD's, the money would "go to the state' when
Plaintiff died,
32, Relying on Defendant Verdean Wolfe's false and deceitful
misrepresentations, Plaintiff had Defendant Verdean Wolfe's name added to nine of
Plaintiff's CD's.
33. Relying on Defendant Verdean Wolfe's false and deceitful
misrepresentations, Plaintiff had Kenneth Wolfe's name added to three of Plaintiff's
CD's.
34. Defendant Verdean Wolfe never had the Plaintiff's permission to cash the
CD's for his own use or for any use other than the care, maintenance and support of
the Plaintiff,
35, Plaintiff never intended to make an intervivos gift of the CD's, or any
share thereof, to Defendant Verdean Wolfe, Defendant's spouse, Laverne Wolfe, or
Defendant's brother, Kenneth B. Wolfe.
36, On August 30, 1996, using his authority as deputy and in breach of his
fiduciary duty to Plaintiff. Defendant Verdean Wolfe entered Plaintiffs safety deposit
box and removed its entire contents, including Plaintiff's CD's, life insurance policies
and deeds,
s
37. This removal was done without Plaintiff's knowledge or permission,
38 On August 30, 1996, Defendant Verdean Wolfe cashed nine (9) of
Plaintiff's CD's, paying $1, 928.81 in penalties and acquiring proceeds totaling $125,
052.02. Copies of the receipts initialed by Defendant Verdean Wolfe, indicating these
CD's were in fact cashed are, attached as Plaintiff's exhibit "S' and incorporated herein
by reference thereto.
39. The cashing of the Plaintiff's CD's was also undertaken without Plaintiff's
knowledge or permission,
40. Using these proceeds, Defendant Verdean Wolfe opened accounts in his
and his wife's name at PNC Sank in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
41. On August 30, 1996, Oefendant Verdean Wolfe closed out Plaintiffs
Harris Savings Bank Passbook Savings Account, obtaining proceeds totaling $3,
640.65.
42. The closing of Plaintiff's saving account was also undertaken without
Plaintiff's knowledge or permission.
43. These proceeds were also deposited by Defendant Verdean Wolfe In the
PNC accounts opened in Pittsburgh.
44. On March 4, 1997, Plaintiff executed a new power of attomey naming
Sara C. Kugler as power of attorney, thereby revoking all prior powers of attorney.
45. It was not until Sara C. Kugler became power of attorney for Plaintiff that
Defendant Verdean Wolfe's activities were discovered.
6
46 Specifically, is was not until Sara C. Kugler attempted to liquidate
Plaintiff's estate for the benefit of Plaintiff, that she discovered that nine (9) of Plaintiff's
CD's had been cashed by Defendant Verdean Wolfe.
47. It was also around this lime that Sara C. Kugler discovered that one of
Plaintiff's CD's had apparently been cashed by Defendant Verdean Wolfe in April of
1996, with Defendant acquiring proceeds totaling $10,000.00.
48. On March 11, 1997, a copy of the new power of attorney, accompanied by
a letter from Plaintiff's attorney, was sent to Defendant Verdean Wolfe demanding the
return of the contents of Plaintiff's safety deposit box, including the proceeds of
Plaintiff's CD's, her life insurance policy and her deeds. A copy of the letter Is attached
as Plaintiff's Exhibit 'C' and incorporated herein lJy reference thereto,
49. Plaintiff received no response from Defendant Verdean Wolfe,
50. On March 17, 1997, Plaintiff executed a second power of attorney naming
Sara C, Kugler as power of attorney. A copy of current power of attorney is attached as
Plaintiff's Exhibit 'A' and incorporated herein by reference thereto.
51. A second letter was sent to Defendant Verdean Wolfe on March 25, 1997,
again demanding that he return Plaintiffs property, and again no response was
forthcoming. A copy of this letter is attached as Plaintiff's Exhibit "D' and incorporated
herein by reference thereto.
52, To date, neither Defendant has returned Plaintiff's property nor have they
offered an explanation why it was taken from Plaintiff's lawful possession,
7
53, Plaintiff is currently a resident at Manor Care Nursing Home in Camp Hill,
Pennsylvania,
54. Plaintiff's currently monthly expenses for her room and care at Manor
Care Nursing Home exceed $4,000 a month,
55. As a result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff's ability to continue to remain
at Manor Care Nursing Home is seriously jeopardized, as her Medicare benefits are
insufficient to cover the expenses of her stay at Manor Care and Defendant's have
appropriated to their own use and control the substantial majority of Plaintiff's personal
funds and life savings without her knowledge, permission or consent.
56. Nevertheless, as a result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff is currently
ineligible to apply for Medicaid benefits due to the inappropriate and fraudulent transfer
of her assets from herself to Defendants,
57, Through her power of attorney, Plaintiff was able to liquidate her life
insurance policy, despite Defendant Verdean Wolfe invasion of her safety deposit box
and retention of the policy against Plaintiff's wishes,
58 Despite this liquidation, Plaintiff remains in a precarious financial situation
as a result of the activities of both Defendants.
59, Plaintiff, through her attorneys, has repeatedly asked Defendant Verdean
Wolfe to return her property and the proceeds obtained therefrom, but Defendant has
without justification repeatedly refused to do so, thereby causing Plaintiff immediate
and irreparable harm, which harm will continue unless Defendant's actions are enjoined
and for which there is no adequate remedy at law.
8
COUNl I: FMUD
A2&~~T VER!2t;AN WOl"ff;
60, Paragraphs 1 through 59 of Plaintiff's complaint are incorporated herein
by reference thereto.
61. As a result of the familial relationship between Plaintiff and Defendant
Verdean Wolfe, Plaintiff placed her utmost trust in Defendant Verdean Wolfe to care for
her financial well being in the event that she was unable to act in her own best interest.
62, By false information and deceptive manipulation of this trust, Defendant
Verdean Wolfe was able to induce Plaintiff to: A) place her entire life savings in joint
CD's with Defendant Verdean Wolfe and his brother, Kenneth B, Wolfe, B) execute a
power of attorney naming Defendant Verdean Wolfe as power of attorney and C) grant
Defendant Verdean Wolfe deputy power over her safety deposit box, giving him
unfettered access to over $168,000.00 of Plaintiff's property.
63. Specifically, Defendant Verdean Wolfe knowingly, deceitfully and
fraudulently misrepresented to Plaintiff that his control over Plaintiff's finances and real
property was solely for Plaintiff's benefit should she become incapacitated and was
necessary for liquidation upon Plaintiff's death.
64. Defendant Verdean Wolfe intended Plaintiff to rely on his deceitful and
fraudulent misrepresentations, and she did in fact rely theraon.
65, As a direct and proximate result of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's fraudulent
and deceitful actions, Plaintiff has suffered and will continue to suffer immediate and
irreparable harm, which harm will continue and cannot be adequately remedied at law,
9
66. As a result of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's giving of false and decaitful
information to Plaintiff and his deceptive manipulation of Plaintiff, Plaintiff suffered
damages in excess of $168,000.00.
67. By exploiting the familial relationship and trust that existed between
Plaintiff and Defendant Verdean Wolfe in order to gain access to Plaintiff's life savings,
Defendant Verdean Wolfe acted willfully, intentionally, deliberately and fraudulently,
with such evil motive and wanton disregard for Plaintiff's well being that an award of
punitive damages is justified.
68. Defendant Verdean Wolfe's actions were also in bad faith, justifying an
award of attorney's fees pursuant to 42 Pa. C.SA ~ 2503 (9),
WHEREFORE Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant Verdean Wolfe in
excess of $168,000.00 in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages, interest.
costs and attorney's fees, and that the Court enter injunctive relief, preliminary until
final hearing and permanently thereafter providing as follows:
(a) Enjoining Defendants from withdrawing, spending or in any way using the
proceeds of Plaintiff's CD's or passbook savings account;
(b) Ordering an accounting for all funds or other assets of Plaintiff obtained
by Defendants;
(c) Ordering Defendants to make Plaintiff whole for all sums misappropriated
by Defendants;
10
(d) Ordering that Defendants return to Plaintiff all of Plaintiff's property in
their possession and control, including, but not limited to her life insurance policy and
her two deeds; and
(e) Such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate.
COUNT.!I: CONVERSION
AGAINST VERDEAN WOLFE
69, Paragraphs 1 through 68 of Plaintiff's complaint are incorporated herein
by referenca thereto,
70, At all times prior to Defendant Verdean Wolfe's removal of Plaintiff's
CD's, life insurance policy and deeds from her PNC safety deposit box, Plaintiff was the
lawful possessor of this property,
71. On August 30, 1997, Defendant Verdean Wolfe wrongfully, intentionally
and without lawful justification removed Plaintiffs property from her safety deposit box
and exercised unreasonable dominion and control over this property to the exclusion of
the Plaintiff and breached his fiduciary duty to Plaintiff by: A) cashing Plaintiff's twelve
CD's and depositing the proceeds into bank accounts in his and his wife's name, B)
retaining possession of Plaintiffs insurance policy and deeds to her real property and
C) refusing to return Plaintiffs property despite Plaintiff's and Plaintiff's attorneys'
insistence that said property be returned,
72, On August 30,1997, Defendant Verdean Wolfe wrongfully, intentionally
and without lawful justification closed out Plaintiff's Harris Savings Bank Passbook
Savings Account and deposited the funds into bank accounts in his and Laverne
Wolfe's name.
I
l
11
73. Without said funds, Plaintiff will be unable to maintain her necessary
residency and care at Manor Care Nursing Facility, or in the alternative, will be forced
to sell her real property in order to maintain her necessary residence and care at Manor
Care.
74. The Defendant Verde an Wolfe, on demand of the Plaintiff and Plaintiff's
attorney refused to deliver Plaintiff's property to Plainliff and continues to refuse to do
so.
75. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant's actions, Plaintiff has
suffered and conlinues to suffer immediate and irreparable harm, which harm will
continue and cannot be adequately remedied at law.
76. As a result of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's unlawful conversion of
Plaintiff's property to his own and his wife's separate use and control, Plaintiff has
suffered damages in excess of $168,000.00.
77. By exploiting the familial relationship and trust that existed between
Plaintiff and Defendant Verdean Wolfe in order to convert Plaintiff's entire life savings,
Defendant Verdean Wolfe acted intentionally, deliberately, deceitfully and fraudulently,
with gross indifference to Plaintiff's rights and with such an evil motive that an award of
punitive damages is justified,
78. Defendants Verdean Wolfe's actions were in bad faith justifying an award
of attorney's fees pursuant to 42 Pa, C.S.A ~2503 (9).
WHEREFORE Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant Verdean Wolfe in
excess of $168,000,00 in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages, interest,
t2
costs and attorney's fees, and that the Court enter injunctive relief, preliminary until
final hearing and permanently thereafter providing as follows:
(a) Enjoining Defendants f~om withdrawing, spending or in any way using the
proceeds of Plaintiff's CD's or passbook savings account;
(b) Ordering an accounting for all funds or other assets of Plaintiff obtained
by Defendants;
(c) Ordering Defendants to make Plaintiff whole for all sums misappropriated
by Defendants;
(d) Ordering that Defendants return to Plaintiff all of Plaintiffs property in
their possession and control, including, but not limited to her life insurance policy and
her two deeds; and
(e) Such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate,
COUNT III: BREACH OF FIDUCIARY DUTY
AGAINST VERDEAN WOLf-g
79, Paragraphs 1 through 78 of Plaintiff's complaint are incorporated herein
by reference thereto.
80. By virtue of his relationship to Plaintiff, Defendant Verdean Wolfe owed a
fiduciary duty to Plaintiff.
13
(d) Ordering that Defendants return to Plaintiff all of Plaintiff's property in
their possession and control, including, but not limited to her life insurance policy and
her two deeds; and
(e) Such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate.
COUNT IV: TRESPASS TO CHATTELS
AGAINST VERDEAN WOLFE and LAVERNE WOLFf;
84. Paragraphs 1 through 83 of Plaintiff's complaint are incorporated herein
by reference thereto.
85. Plaintiff's assets have been placed in joint accounts in the names of both
Defendants,
86. By having their name on the accounts, DefendEtnts continue to exercise
dominion and control over Plaintiff's property.
87, This dominion and control is to the exclusion of any control Plaintiff would
have been able to lawfully exercise had the property remained in Plaintiff's rightful
possession.
88. Defendants have continued access to Plaintiff's property.
89, Defendants have failed to use this accass to return Plaintiff's property to
Plaintiff; In fact, Defendants have actually used this access to fraudulently convert all
of Plaintiffs life's savings to their own sole and separate use and control.
IS
90, As a direct and proximate result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff has
suffered and continues to suffer immediate and irreparable harm, which harm will
continue and cannot be adequately remedied at law.
91. As a result of Defendants interference with Plaintiff's property, Plaintiff
suffered damages in excess of $168,000,00.
92. Defendants intentional, deceitful and fraudulent interference with
Plaintiff's property rights was undertaken with gross indifference to Plaintiff's well being
and with such an evil motive that an award of punitive damages is justified,
93. Defendants intentional interference with Plaintiff's property rights was
undertaken with bad faith justifying an award of attorney's fees pursuant to 42 Pa.
C.SA S2503 (9).
WHEREFORE Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant Verdean Wolfe in
excess of $168,000.00 in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages, interest,
costs and attorney's fees, and that the Court enter injunctive relief, preliminary until
final hearing and permanently thereafter providing as follows:
(a) Enjoining Defendants from withdrawing, spending or in any way using the
proceeds of Plaintiff's CD's or passbook savings account;
(b) Ordering an accounting for all funds or other assets of Plaintiff obtained
by Defendants;
(c) Ordering Defendants to make Plaintiff whole for all sums misappropriated
by Defendants;
16
VI!RIFICATION
The averments of the foregoing complaint are true and correct to the best of my
knowledge, information and belief, I understand that false statements made herein are
subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A. Section 4094, relating to unsworn falsification
to authorities.
October '2---, .1997
Ju~ {!.~~
SARA C. KUGLER, ttomey-In-tact tor
Plaintiff Stella E. Wolte
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LAW OFFICES 0'
HAROLD S. IRWIN, m
A TTORNEY.AT.LAW
HAROLD S, 111_. III
JOY S, ZEIIANCI
'AAALlOAL.
HITNER HOUSE. SUITES 201 end 202
311 EAST HIGH STREET
CARU8LE. PENNSYLVANIA 17013
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March 2S, 1997
VERDEAN WOLFE
IJI JRD AVE
PITTSBURGH PA lSl19
RE: Stella Wolre
Power or Attorney
Dear Mr. Wolre:
I wrote to you on Man:h II, 1997 regardins the revocatioD of the power of attorney
previously scanted to you. I a1Jo requested the immediate return of all property in your
possession and comrol wbich belonp to Mrs. Wolfe. I have a siped return receipt card
indicating that you received my letter on Marth 17, 1991. I have left two phone m...~sea with
you since that time, attempting to speak with you about this, but you have not returned these
calls.
This letter is to advise you that if I have not heard from you in writing and have not
received from you all such property by April 7, 1997. I will then recommend to Mrs, Wolfe that
we contact the District Attorney in Pinsbursh to talce appropriate action to secure the return of
Mes, Wolfe's property. ~, Wolfe is quite upset about this, so I sincerely hope this step will Dot
be necessary,
STKl.LA WOLR
C/O LUA K1IGUIl
45J sun aD
WESt' ,.u:avmw PA 17GS
STELLA II. WOLFE, by her
.ttomey-In-fac:t, lAllA C. KUGLER
PI.lntlff
I IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
I CUMBERLAND COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA
.
.
VS.
I CUMBERLAND COUNT., PENNSYLVANIA
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
: &lu',~
I NO. 17 - me) GWK. TERM
VIRDEAN T. WOLFE .nd LAVERNE
WOLFE, hi. wife
Defend.nts
: JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
, i
'.
.-!
COMPLAINT
Now comes the Plaintiff, Stella E. Wolfe, by her attorney-in-fact, Sara C, Kugler,
and her attorney, Harold S, Irwin, III, Esquire, and files this complaint against the
Defendants, Verdean T, Wolfe and Laverne Wolfe, his wife, representing as follows:
1. The Plaintiff, Stella E. Wolfe, is an adult individual residing at Manor Care
Nursing Home, 1700 Market Street, Camp Hill, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
17055.
2. The Defendants, Verdean Wolfe and Laverne Wolfe, his wife, are adult
individuals residing at 131 Third Avenue, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania,
15229.
3. The Defendant Verdean Wolfe, is the nephew of the Plaintiff.
4. Sara Kugler is a unrelated third party acting on behalf of Plaintiff,
pursuant to a power of attorney executed on March 17, 1997, A copy of the power of
HlUE COpy FROM RECORD
'n ]'"'i\iilony wner6ol, I here unto lit"'" hand
'r,.1 t~a seJl of Sdld Court at Carlisle, PI.
.':; cB.~IJ day of L2C.i., , lW
\. ,:",0.. l~( l~n(\'l'l..}k..
ProltlOllOtary
.
attorney is attached hereto as Plaintiff's Exhibit 'A' and incorporated herein by
reference thereto.
5. In March or April of 1995, the Defendants visited the Plaintiff at Manor
Care Nursing Home.
6. During that visit, Defendant Verdean Wolfe presented a document to
Plaintiff for her sig'1ature.
7. When asked by Plaintiff about the nature of this document, Defendant
Verdean Wolfe, falsely and with the intent to deceive Plaintiff, told Plaintiff that this
document was "necessary in order for him to have his name added to Plaintiff's two (2)
deeds."
8, Defendant Verdean Wolfe further told Plaintiff, falsely and with the intent
to decaive Plaintiff, that it was necessary to have his name on Plaintiff's deeds in case
"something happened to her [Plaintiff] and the properties needed to be sold."
9. Plaintiff was further told by Defendant Verdean Wolfe, falsely and with the
intent to deceive Plaintiff, that without his signature, "Plaintiff's property would go to the
state' when Plaintiff died.
10. At the time of the signing, Plaintiff was unrepresented by counsel.
11. Relying on Defendant Verdean Wolfe's representations, Plaintiff executed
the document he had presented to her.
2
21. Defendant Verdean Wolfe was then given a second key to Plaintiff s
safety deposit box.
22, Defendant Verdean Wolfe still possesses this second key.
23. By delivering this key to her safety deposit box to Defendant Verdean
Wolfe, Plaintiff did not intend to make a gift of the contents to him,
24. At the time of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's deputation, Plaintiff's safety
deposit box contained the substantial majority of Plaintiff's life savings, comprised of
twelve (12) certificates of deposit (CD's), two (2) from PNC Bank and ten (10) from
Harris Savings Bank, totaling $164, 397.59.
25, At the time of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's deputation, Plaintiff's safety
deposit box also contained two (2) life insurance policies, one insuring the life of
Plaintiff and naming Defendant Verdean Wolfe as beneficiary and a second belonging
to Verdean Wolfe naming Plaintiff as beneficiary.
26. Plaintiff's Safety deposit box also contained two deeds to Plaintiff's real
property.
27, Each of the twelve (12) CD'S was a JointJOr account, meaning that either
of the signatories could cash the CD's without the other being present.
28, Nine (9) of these CD's were in the names of Plaintiff and Defendant
Verdean Wolfe.
29, The remaining three (3) CD's were held in the names of Plaintiff and
Defendant Verdean Wolfe's brother, Kenneth B. Wolfe.
4
30, The CD's were held in joint names at the insistence of the Defendant
Verdean Wolfe.
31. Specifically, Defendant Verdean Wolfe told Plaintiff, falsely and with the
intent to deceive Plaintiff, that if Defendant Verdean Wolfe and his brother, Kenneth
Wolfe, did not have their names on the CD's, the money would "go to the state' when
Plaintiff died.
32. Relying on Defendant Verdean Wolfe's false and decaitful
misrepresentations, Plaintiff had Defendant Verdean Wolfe's name added to nine of
Plaintiffs CD's.
33. Relying on Defendan~ Verdean Wolfe's false and deceitful
misrepresentations, Plaintiff had Kenneth Wolfe's name added to three of Plaintiff's
CD's.
34. Defendant Verdean Wolfe never had the Plaintiff's permission to cash the
CD's for his own use or for any use other than the care, maintenanca and support of
the Plaintiff.
35. Plaintiff never intended to make an intervivos gift of the CD's, or any
share thereof, to Defendant Verdean Wolfe, Defendant's spouse, Laverne Wolfe, or
Defendant's brother, Kenneth B. Wolfe.
36. On August 30, 1996, using his authority as deputy and in breach of his
fiduciary duty to Plaintiff, Defendant Verdean Wolfe entered Plaintiffs safety deposit
box and removed its entire contents, including Plaintiff's CD's, life insurance policies
and deeds.
5
37. This removal was done without Plainliff's knowledge or permission.
38 On August 30, 1996, Defendant Verdean Wolfe cashed nine (9) of
Plaintiff's CD's, paying $1,928.81 in penalties and acquiring proceeds totaling $125,
052.02. Copies of the receipts initialed by Defendant Verdean Wolfe, indicating these
CD's were in fact cashed are, attached as Plaintiff's exhibit "B" arid incorporated herein
by reference thereto.
39. The cashing of the Plaintiff's CD's was also undertaken without Plaintiff's
knowledge or permission.
40. Using these proceeds, Defendant Verdean Wolfe opened accounts in his
and his wife's name at PNC Bank in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
41. On August 30, 1996, Defendant Verdean Wolfe closed out Plaintiff's
Harris Savings Bank Passbook Savings Account, obtaining proceeds ~otaling $3,
640.65.
42. The closing of Plaintiff's saving account was also undertaken without
Plaintiff's knowledge or permission.
43. These proceeds were also deposited by Defendant Verdean Wolfe in the
PNC accounts opened in Pittsburgh,
44. On March 4, 1997, Plaintiff executed a new power of attorney naming
Sara C. Kugler as power of attorney, thereby revoking all prior powers of attorney,
45. It was not until Sara C. Kugler became power of attorney for Plaintiff that
Defendant Verdean Wolfe's activities were discovered.
6
46 Specifically, is was not until Sara C Kugler attempted to liquidate
Plaintiff's estate for the benefit of Plaintiff, that she discovered that nine (9) of Plaintiff's
CD's had been cashed by Defendant Verdean Wolfe
47. It was also around this time that Sara C Kugler discovered that one of
Plaintiff's CD's had apparently been cashed by Defendant Verdean Wolfe In April of
1996, with Defendant acquiring proceeds totaling $10,000,00
48. On March 11, 1997, a copy of the new power of attorney, accompanied by
a letter from Plaintiff's allorney, was sent to Defendant Verdean Wolfe demanding the
return of the contents of Plaintiff's safety depOSit box, Including the proceeds of
Plaintiff's CD's, her life insurance policy and her deeds. A copy of the letter Is attached
as Plaintiff's Exhibit "C' and incorporated herein by reference thereto,
49. Plaintiff received no response fro'll Defendant Verdean Wolfe,
50. On March 17, 1997, Plaintiff executed a second power of attorney naming
Sara C. Kugler as power of attorney. A copy of current power of attorney Is attached as
Plaintiff's Exhibit 'A' and incorpo~ated herein by reference thereto.
51. A second letter was sent to Defendant Verdean Wolfe on March 25, 1991,
again demanding that he return Plai"tlff's property, and again no response was
forthcoming. A copy of this leller is attached as Plaintiff's Exhibit "D' and Incorporated
herein by reference thereto.
52. To date, neither Defendant has returned Plaintiff's property nor have they
offered an explanation why it was taken from Plaintiff's lawful possession,
7
53. Plaintiff is currently a resident at Manor Care Nursing Home in Camp Hill,
Pennsylvania.
54, Plaintiff's currently monthly expenses for her room and care at Manor
Care Nursing Home exceed $4,000 a month,
55. As a result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff's ability to continue to remain
at Manor Care Nursing Home is seriously jeopardized, as her Medicare benefits are
insufficient to cover the expenses of her stay at Manor Care and Defendant's have
appropriated to their own use and control the substantial majority of Plainliff's personal
funds and life savings without her knowledge, permission or consent.
56. Nevertheless, as a result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff is currently
ineligible to apply for Medicaid benefits due to the inappropriate and fraudulent transfer
of her assets from herself to Defendants.
57. Through her power of attorney, Plaintiff was able to liquidate her life
insurance policy, despite Defendant Verdean Wolfe invasion of her safety deposit box
and retention of the policy against Plaintiff's wishes.
58 Despite this liquidation, Plaintiff remains in a precarious financial situation
as a result of the activities of both Defendants.
59. Plaintiff, through her attorneys, has repeatedly asked Defendant Verdean
Wolfe to return her property and the proceeds obtained therefrom, but Defendant has
without justification repeatedly refused to do so, thereby causing Plaintiff immediate
and irreparable harm, which harm will continue unless Defendant's actions are enjoined
and for which there is no adequate remedy at law.
8
~
60. Paragraphs 1 through 59 of Plalnllff's complaint are incorporated herein
by reference thereto
61. As a result of the familial relallonshlp between Plaintiff and Defendant
Verdean Wolfe, Plaintiff placed her utmost trust in Defendant Verdean Wolfe to care for
her financial welt being In the tlvenllhat ahe was unable to act in her own bast interest.
152. By false information and deceptive manipulation of this trust, Defendant
Verdean Wolfe was able to Induce Plalnllff to A) place her entire life savings in joint
CD's with Defendant Verde an Wolfe and his brother, Kenneth B. Wolfe, B) execute a
power of attorney naming Defendant Verdean Wolfe as power of attorney and C) grant
Defendant Verdean Wolfe deputy power over her safety deposit box, giving him
unfettered access to over $168,00000 of Plaintiff's property.
63. SpeCifically, Defendant Verdean Wolfe knowingly, deceitfully and
fraudulently misrepresented to Plaintiff that his control over Plaintiff's financas and real
property was solely for Plalnliffs benefit should she become incapacitated and was
necessary for liquldallon upon Plaintiff's death.
64 Defendant Verdean Wolfe intended Plaintiff to rely on his deceitful and
fraudulent mlsreprasentations, and she did in fact rely thereon.
65. As e direct and proximate result of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's fraudulent
and deceitful actions, Plaintiff has suffered and will continue to suffer immediate and
irreparable harm, which harm will continue and cannot be adequately remedied at law,
9
66. As a result of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's giving of falsE! and deceitful
information to Plaintiff and his deceptive manipulation of Plaintiff, Plaintiff suffered
damages in excess of $168,000.00,
67. By exploiting the familial relationship and trust that existed between
Plaintiff and Defendant Verdean Wolfe in order to gain access to Plaintiff's life savings,
Defendant Verdean Wolfe acted willfully, intentionally, deliberately and fraudulently,
with such evil motive and wanton disregard for Plaintiff's well being that an award of
punitive damages is justified.
68, Defendant Verdean Wolfe's actions were also in bad faith, justifying an
award of attorney's fees pursuant to 42 Pa. C.SA 92503 (9).
WHEREFORE Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant Verdean Wolfe in
excess of $168,000.00 in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages, interest,
costs and attorney's fees, and that the Court enter injunctive relief, preliminary until
final hearing and permanently thereafter providing as follows:
(a) Enjoining Defendants from withdrawing, spending or in any way using the
proceeds of Plaintiff's CD's or passbook savings account;
(b) Ordering an accounting for all funds or other assets of Plaintiff obtained
by Defendants;
(c) Ordering Defendants to make Plaintiff whole for all sums misappropriated
by Defendants;
to
(d) Ordering that Defend.mts return to Plaintiff all of Plaintiff's property in
their possession and control, including, but not limited to her life insurance policy and
her two deeds; and
(e) Such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate.
COUNT II: CONVERSION
AGAIN~T VERDEAN WOLF~
69. Paragraphs 1 through 68 of Plaintiff's complaint are incorporated herein
by referenca thereto.
70. At all times prior to Defendant Verdean Wolfe's removal of Plaintiff's
CD's, life insurance policy and deeds from her PNC safety deposit box, Plaintiff was the
lawful possessor of this property.
71. On August 30, 1997, Defendant Verdean Wolfe wrongfully, intentionally
and without lawful justification removed Plaintiff's property from her safety deposit box
and exercised unreasonable dominion and control over this property to the exclusion of
the Plaintiff and breached his fiduciary duty to Plaintiff by: A) cashing Plaintiff's twelve
CD's and depositing the proceeds into bank accounts in his and his wife's name, B)
retaining possession of Plaintiff's insurance policy and deeds to her real property and
C) refusing to return Plaintiff's property despite Plaintiffs and Plaintiff's attorneys'
insistence that said property be returned.
72. On August 30, 1997, Defendant Verdean Wolfe wrongfully, intentionally
and without lawful justification closed out Plaintiff's Harris Savings Bank Passbook
Savings Account and deposited the funds into bank accounts in his and Laverne
Wolfe's name.
II
73. Without said funds, Plaintiff will be unable to maintain her necassary
residency and care at Manor Care Nursing Facility, or in the alternative, will be forcad
to sell her real property in order to maintain her necessary residence and care at Manor
Care.
74. The Defendant Verdean Wolfe, on demand of the Plaintiff and Plaintiff's
attorney refused to deliver Plaintiff's property to Plaintiff and continues to refuse to do
so.
75. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant's actions, Plaintiff has
suffered and continues to suffer immediate and irreparable harm, which harm will
continue and cannot be adequately remedied at law.
76. As a result of Defendant Verdean Wolfe's unlawful conversion of
Plaintiff's property to his own and his wife's separate use and control, Plaintiff has
suffered damages in excess of $168,000.00.
77, By exploiting the familial relationship and trust that existed between
Plaintiff and Defendant Verdean Wolfe in order to convert Plaintiff's entire life savings,
Defendant Verdean Wolfe acted intentionally, deliberately, deceitfully and fraudulently,
with gross indifference to Plaintiff's rights and with such an evil motive that an award of
punitive damages is justified.
78, Defendants Verdean Wolfe's actions were in bad faith justifying an award
of attorney's fees pursuant to 42 Pa. C.S.A. ~2503 (9).
WHEREFORE Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant Verdean Wolfe in
excess of $168,000.00 in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages, interest,
12
costs and attorney's fees, and that the Court enter injunctive relief, preliminary until
final hearing and permanently thereafter providing as follows:
(a) Enjoining Defendants from withdrawing, spending or in any way using the
proceeds of Plaintiffs CD's or passbook savings account;
(b) Ordering an accounting for all funds or other assets of Plaintiff obtained
by Defendants;
(c) Ordering Defendants to make Plaintiff whole for all sums misappropriated
by Defendants;
(d) Ordering that Defendants return to Plaintiff all of Plaintiff's property in
their possession and control, including, but not limited to her life Insurance poiicy end
her two deeds; and
(e) Such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate.
COUNT III; BREACIi QF FIDUCIARY DUTY
AGAINST VERDEAN WOLFE
79, Paragraphs 1 through 78 of Plaintiffs complaint are incorporated herein
by reference thereto.
80. By virtue of his relationship to Plaintiff, Defendant Verdean Wolfe owed a
fiduciary duty to Plaintiff.
t3
81. Plaintiff believes and therefor avers that Defendant Verdean Wolfe
misappropriated and used for his own purposes funds belonging to Plaintiff and which
were to be used solely in connection with the care and maintenance of Plaintiff,
82. Without the aforesaid funds, Plaintiff will be unable to maintain her
necessary care and residency at Manor Care Nursing Facility, or in the alternative, will
be forced to sell her real property in order tom maintain her necessary residency and
care at Manor Care.
83. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff has
suffered and continues to suffer immediate and irreparable harm, which harm is likely to
continue and cannot be adequately remedied at law.
WHEREFORE Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant Verdean Wolfe in
excess of $168,000.00 in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages, interest,
costs and attorney's fees, and that the Court enter injunctive relief, preliminary until
final hearing and permanently thereafter providing as follows:
(a) Enjoining Defendants from withdrawing, spending or in any way using the
proceeds of Plaintiff's CD's or passbook savings account;
(b) Ordering an accounting for all funds or other assets of Plaintiff obtained
by Defendants;
(c) Ordering Defendants to make Plaintiff whole for all sums misappropriated
by Defendants;
t4
(d) Ordering that Defendants return to Plaintiff all of Plaintiff's property in
their possession and control, including, but not limited to her life insurance policy and
her two deeds; and
(e) Such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate.
COUNT IV: TRESPASS TO CHATTELS
AGAINST VERDEAN WOLFE and LAVERNE WOLFE
84, Paragraphs 1 through 83 of Plaintiff's complaint are incorporated herein
by reference thereto.
85. Plaintiff's assets have been placed in joint accollnts in the names of both
Defendants,
86. By having their name on the accounts, Defendants continue to exercise
dominion and control over Plaintiff's property.
87. This dominion and control is to the exclusion of any control Plaintiff would
have been able to lawfully exercise had the property remained in Plaintiff's rightful
possession.
88. Defendants have continued access to Plaintiff's property.
89. Defendants have failed to use this access to return Plaintiff's property to
Plaintiff; in fact, Defendants have actually used this access to fraudulently convert all
of Plaintiff's life's savings to their own sole and separate use and control.
15
90. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants' actions, Plaintiff has
suffered and continues to suffer immediate and irreparable harm, which harm will
continue and cannot be adequately remedied at law,
91. As a result of Defendants interference with Plaintiff's property, Plaintiff
suffered damages in excess of $168,000.00.
92. Defendants intentional, deceitful and fraudulent interference with
Plaintiffs property rights was undertaken with gross indifference to Plaintiff's well being
and with such an evil motive that an award of punitive damages is justified,
93. Defendants intentional interference with Plaintiff's property rights was
undertaken with bad faith justifying an award of attorney's fees pursuant to 42 Pa,
C.S.A. ~2503 (9).
WHEREFORE Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant Verdean Wolfe in
excess of $168,000.00 in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages, interest,
costs and attorney's fees, and that the Court enter injunctive relief, preliminary until
final hearing and permanently thereafter providing as follows:
(a) Enjoining Defendants from withdrawing, spending or in any way using the
proceeds of Plaintiffs CD's or passbook savings account;
(b) Ordering an accounting for all funds or other assets of Plaintiff obtained
by Defendants;
(c) Ordering Defendants to make Plaintiff whole for all sums misappropriated
by Defendants;
16
(d) Ordering that Defendants return to Plaintiff all of Plaintiff's property in
their possession and control, Including, but not limited to her life insuranca policy and
her two deeds; and
(e) Such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate.
October Z 7 . 1997
!5
17
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LA W OFFlCI8 OF
HAROLD S.IRWOI, m
A TTORNIY,A r.LA W
HAROLD I, IRWIN. III
JOY I, IIRANCI
......-
HITNER HOUSE. SUITES 201 and 202
38 EAST HIOH STREET
CARUSLI!. PENNSYLVANIA 17013
_w.t:Mpenn, r:om/lrwln/
.fNiI: Itwinlilwfl-pbt,n.'
717.Z43-tOtO
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,....-.
MUfh 11.1997
VIRDEAN WOLfE
IJI JIlP AVE
PITTSBURGH PA 15119
HE: STELLA WOLFE
Po..er 01 Anol'1ley
Dear Mr. Wolle:
Enclosed please lIIId a cop)' of the IICW power oC 1UO/llC)' _led by Stella Wolle, ThiI _ power oC
allorney revokes the prevlOUl power of allo/llC)' liven 10 you by MR. WolCe.
Since )'OII1lll1lO Ionpr autborized 10 ICl 00 beball of MJ. WoICe, plCllll forward to me Imnvo.dl11ely all
ccrtillcates 01 dcpo8il, cIecdI, iDIuraDaI poIIcla, wiIJJ or copies of..w., the IICct)' depoIil box keys and any other
propeny or dol:wDcDlI )'01111II)' hne beJoosiDlto or relatln. 10 SlC11a WoJCe. I sugtlllhat )'OII1tDd 1hiI malCriaJ
10 llIC by relislcrcd. iIIsured mall In order to prolCCt against 10SI1n the mail I)'I\cDL IC)'OIIIet me !mow the COltS
involved for IhiJ, I wtU _ that)'Ollllll mmbursed.
If you have any question aboulthiS. please feel free 10 coDlact me. However. I expect WI you wtll honor
this request in a timely manner.
Thank you for your cooperation in this malter.
.
bal
STRl.A WOLfl
C/O lARA KUOUll
413 STATI RD
WElT 'AIRVIIW 'A 110Z1
tA W OFFlCIS OF
HAROLD S. IRWIN, m
A TTORNEY.A r.tA w
HAROLO S. IRWIN. III
JOY S. ZERANCE
'''AAUOAL
HITNER HOUSE. SUITES 201 .nd 202
35 EAST HIOH STREET
CARUSU!. PENNSYLVANIA 17013
717.243.eo1O
-
717.243.1200
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March 15, 1997
VERDEAN WOLFE
131 JRD AVE
PITTSBURGH PA 15229
RE: Stella Wolfe
Power of Attorney
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
I wrote to you on March II, 1997 regarding the revocation of the power ofattorney
previously granted to you. I also requested the immediate return ofall property In your
possession and control which belongs to Mrs. Wolfe. I have a signed return receipt card
indicating that you received my letter on March 17, 1997. I have left two phone messages with
you since that time, attempting to speak with you about this, but you have not returned those
calls.
This letter is to advise you that if I have not heard from you in writing and have not
received from you all such property by April 7, 1997, I will then recommend to Mrs. Wolfe that
we contact the District Attorney in Pittsburgh to take appropriate action to secure the return of
Mrs. Wolfe's property. ~. Wolfe is quite upset about this, so I sincerely hope this step will not
be necessary.
SRLLA WOLD
C/O SARA KUGLU
4Sl STAn RD
WIST 'ADlVUW.A ITlI2S
"
O~';I',' ",' . L ",1',;,;;
r" I .'
OCT 23 3 3a rl1'97
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