HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-0140CAFFREY AUTO SUPPLY, INC.,
d/b/a COUNTRY AUTO SALES,
Plaintiff
KENNETH HARTZELL and
STEVEN KUZO,
Defendants
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
:
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:NO.
NOTICE
YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend against the claims set
forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this Complaint
and Notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in
writing with the Court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are
warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered
against you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint or for
any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiffs. You may lose money or property or other
rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO
NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE
OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
COURT ADMINISTRATOR
4th FLOOR
CUMBERLAND COUNTY COURTHOUSE
CARLISLE, PA 17013
NOTICIA
LE HAN DEMANDADO A USTED EN LA CORTE. Si usted quiere defenderse de
estas demandas expuestas en las paginas siguientes, usted tiene viente (20) dias de plazo al partir
de la fecha de la demanda y la notification. Usted debe presentar una apariencia escrita o en
persona o por abogado y archivar en la corte en forma escrita sus defensas o sus objeciones a las
demandas en contra de su persona. Sea avisado que si usted no se defiende, la torte tomara
medidas y puede entrar una orden contra usted sin previo aviso o notificacion y por cualquier
queja o alivio que es pedido en la petition de demanda. Usted puede perder dinero o sus
propiedades o otros derechos importantes para usted.
LLEVE ESTA DEMANDA A UN ABODAGO INMEDIATAMENTE. SI NO TIENE
ABOGADO O SI NO TIENE EL DINERO SUFICIENTE DE PAGAR TAL SERVICIO,
VAYA EN PERSONA O LLAME POR TELEFONO A LA OFICINA CUYA DIRECCION SE
ENCUENTRA ESCRITA ABA JO PARA AVERIGUAR DONDE SE PUEDE CONSEGUIR
ASISTENCIA LEGAL.
COURT ADMINISTRATOR
4th FLOOR
CUMBERLAND COUNTY COURTHOUSE
CARLISLE, PA 17013
CAFFREY AUTO SUPPLY, INC.,
d/b/a COUNTRY AUTO SALES,
Plaintiff
Vo
KENNETH HARTZELL and
STEVEN KUZO,
Defendants
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
:
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: NO.
:
COMPLAINT
Plaintiff, Caffrey Auto Supply, Inc. d/b/a Country Auto Sales, by and through it counsel,
Buchanan Ingersoll Professional Corporation, files this Complaint against Kenneth Hartzell and
Steven Kuzo as follows:
I. PARTIES
1. Caffrey Auto Supply, Inc., d/b/a Country Auto Sales ("Country Auto Sales"), is a
Pennsylvania corporation with a principal address of 110 Sporting Hill Road, Mechanicsburg,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
2. Kenneth Hartzell ("Hartzell") is an adult individual residing at 3853 Laraby
Drive, Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
3. Steven Kuzo ("Kuzo") is an adult individual residing at 6347 Stanford Court,
Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
II. BACKGROUND
Plaintiff incorporates by reference Paragraphs 1 through 3 as if more fully set
forth herein.
o
Pennsylvania.
6.
Country Auto Sales is a used car dealer licensed by the Commonwealth of
Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo were dealer salespersons employed by Country
Auto Sales to manage Country Auto Sales and to purchase and sell used motor vehicles for
Country Auto Sales.
7. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo were responsible for maintaining the books and
records of Country Auto Sales and providing the shareholders of Country Auto Sales with a
complete accounting on a monthly basis.
8. As part of their employment compensation package, Country Auto Sales paid
Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo 80% of the net profit margin as a commission on each used motor
vehicle sold.
9. As part of the requirements of the Board of Vehicles Act, a used automobile
salesperson may only work for one automobile dealer at a time and, accordingly, may only buy
or sell motor vehicles for one automobile dealer at a time. 63 P.S. § 818.5(c)(1).
10. Accordingly, the only vehicles that Hartzell and Kuzo were authorized to sell
under Pennsylvania law were those vehicles sold by and through Country Auto Sales for Country
Auto Sales.
COUNT I - BREACH OF CONTRACT
11. Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference paragraphs 1 through 10 of this
Complaint as if more fully set forth herein.
12. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo failed to account to Country Auto Sales for all the
used motor vehicles bought and/or sold while employed by Country Auto Sales thereby
depriving Country Auto Sales of its 20% interest in the net profit margin for those unaccounted
vehicles.
13. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo failed to provide an accounting to Country Auto
Sales on a monthly basis.
14. The failure of Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo to account to Country Auto Sales for
the sale of any motor vehicle constitutes a material breach of their employment agreement.
15. The material breach of the employment agreement by Defendants Hartzell and
Kuzo has damaged Country Auto Sales in an amount to be proven at trial, but in excess of the
mandatory arbitration limits.
WHEREFORE, Country Auto Sales demands judgment in its favor and against Kenneth
Hartzell and Steven Kuzo in an amount to be determined at trial, but in excess of the mandatory
arbitration limits of the Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas and such other relief as this
Court may deem just and appropriate.
COUNT II ~ FRAUD
16. Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference paragraphs 1 through 15 of this
Complaint as if more fully set forth herein.
17. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo deliberately and intentionally sold motor vehicles
while employed by Country Auto Sales without accounting for those vehicles to Country Auto
Sales.
18. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo deliberately and intentionally sold motor vehicles
while employed by Country Auto Sales without paying Country Auto Sales its 20 % of the profit
margin.
19. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo deliberately and intentionally represented that
certain motor vehicles were inventory of Country Auto Sales when those vehicles had been sold
and the profits kept solely by Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo.
20. For the periods when Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo did provide the required
accounting, Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo deliberately and intentionally provided false and or
misleading inventory and accounts to Country Auto Sales.
21. Country Auto Sales relied upon the false and misleading representations, accounts
and inventory provided by Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo to its detriment.
22. Country Auto Sales has been damaged as a result of Defendants Hartzell and
Kuzo making false and misleading representations, accounts and inventory.
23. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo acted wantonly and recklessly in making false and
misleading representations, accounts and inventory.
WHEREFORE, Country Auto Sales demands judgment in its favor and against Kenneth
Hartzell and Steven Kuzo in an amount to be determined at trial, but in excess of the mandatory
arbitration limits of the Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas and such other relief as this
Court may deem just and appropriate including punitive damages, attorneys fees and costs.
COUNT III - CONVERSION
24. Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference paragraphs 1 through 23 of this
Complaint as if more fully set forth herein.
25. Plaintiff Country Auto Sales had a current possessory interest in all of its
inventory (used motor vehicles) and books and records at the time Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo
took them for their own use.
26. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo deliberately and intentionally converted used
motor vehicles and books and records of Country Auto Sales for their own use and without
justification or compensation.
27. Country Auto Sales has been damaged as a result of Defendants Hartzell and
Kuzo converting used motor vehicles and books and records of Country Auto Sales for their own
use and without justification or compensation.
28. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo acted wantonly and recklessly in converting used
motor vehicles and books and records of Country Auto Sales for their own use and without
justification or compensation.
WHEREFORE, Country Auto Sales demands judgment in its favor and against Kenneth
Hartzell and Steven Kuzo in an amount to be determined at trial, but in excess of the mandatory
arbitration limits of the Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas and such other relief as this
Court may deem just and appropriate including punitive damages, attorneys fees and costs.
BUCHANAN INGERSOLL
PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
l(;~t~ev3 ~. Browndo~, l~squire
I.D. #81915
One South Market Square
213 Market Street - 3rd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717)237-4800
I, Kenrteth Caffrey, have mad thc foregoing docum~at ~nd v¢[ify that the facts a~t forth
a~o t~u¢ and co.ct to thc b~st of mY ~owtcdgc, i~fo~atioa ~d belief. To th~ exist ~at ~e
foregoing doc~cnt ~or i~ l~Se is that of co~sel, I have reacd upon co~t tn m~ng
this Verification.
I tmclcrstand that any fals~ statements made hot-in ,are subject to thc penalties of 18 Pa.
C.$.A- § 4904, relating to unaworn falsification to authorities.
CAFREY AUTO SUPPLY INC.
d/b/a COUNTRY AUTO SALES,
Plaintiff
KENNETH HARTZELL and
STEVEN KUZO,
Defendants
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:
: NO. 02-140
..
..
: CIVIL ACTION - AT LAW
.
PRAECIPE FOR ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please enter the undersigned's appearance on behalf of the Defendant, Kenneth
Hartzel[, with regard to the above-captioned matter.
Respectfully submitted,
NEALON & GOVER, P.C.
Date:
By:
Attorney I.D No. 85948
2411 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 232-9900
Co-Counsel for Defendant Kenneth Hartzell
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this 11th day of February, 2002, I hereby certify that I have served
the foregoing PRAEClPE FOR ENTRY OF APPEARANCE on the following by
depositing a true and correct copy of same in the United States mail, postage prepaid,
addressed to:
Matthew C. Browndorf, Esquire
Buchanan Ingersoll Professional Corporation
One South Market Square
213 Market St., 3rd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Steven Kuzo
6347 Stanford Ct.
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Eileen S Smith, Secre ary
CAFREY AUTO SUPPLY INC.
d/b/a COUNTRY AUTO SALES,
Plaintiff
KENNETH HARTZELL and
STEVEN KUZO,
Defendants
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:
: NO. 02-140
.
: CIVIL ACTION - AT LAW
..
:
PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS OF
DEFENDANT KENNETH HARTZELLTO PLAINTIFFS' COMPLAINT
TO THE HONORABLE JUDGES OF SAID COURT:
AND NOW, this 11th day of February, 2002, comes Defendant Kenneth Hartzell
and files this Motion for Preliminary Objections made pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1028, and
avers the following:
1. This matter was commenced by the filing of a Complaint on January 10,
2002. A true and correct copy of the Complaint is attached as Exhibit "A."
2. The original Complaint was served on Defendant Kenneth Hartzell on or
about January 22, 2002.
I. FAILURE TO STATE SPECIFICALLY IF THE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE PARTIES WAS WRITTEN OR ORAl.
3. Defendant Hartzell incorporates by reference paragraphs 1 through 2 as if
more fully set forth herein.
4. Plaintiff alleges that defendant Hartzell in some way breached a contract
with Country Auto Sales.
5. Pa.R.C.P. 1019(h) provides: "By any claim or defense based upon an
agreement, the pleading shall state specifically if the agreement is oral or written."
6. Plaintiffs' Complaint fails to state whether this contract was written or oral,
and, if the agreement was written, failed to attach a copy of the writing or agreement
pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1019(i).
WHEREFORE, for the above-mentioned reasons, Defendant Hartzell requests
that this Honorable Court dismiss the Complaint against him.
II, FAILURE OF THE COMPLAINT TO CONFORM TO LAW OR
RULE OF COURT PURSUANT TO PA.R.C.P. 1019(F).
7. Defendant Hartzell incorporates by reference paragraphs 1 through 6 as if
more fuJly set forth herein.
8. Pa.R.C.P. 1019(f) provides that "averments of time, place and items of
special damage shall be specifically stated."
9. Nowhere in the Complaint does Plaintiff provide a time and date that
Defendant Hartzell allegedly committed these acts as described in plaintiff's complaint.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Hartzell respectfully requests this Honorable Court to
dismiss the complaint with prejudice.
III. FAILURE TO PLEAD FRUAD WITH SPECIFICITY
PURSUANT TO PA.R.C.P. 1019(b).
10. Defendant Hartzell incorporates by reference paragraphs 1 through 9 as if
fully set forth.
11. Pa.R.C.P 1019(b) provides "Averments of fraud or mistake shall be
averred with particularity."
12. Count II of the complaint alleges that both defendants, in some way,
deliberately and intentionally sold motor vehicles while employed by Country Auto Sales
without accounting for those vehicles to Country Auto Sales.
13. Paragraphs 17 and 18 of the complaint allege that Defendant Hartzell and
the other defendant sold vehicles while employed by Country Auto Sales without
accounting for these vehicles and not paying Country Auto Sales a 20% profit.
14. Nowhere in the complaint does plaintiff state the number of vehicles, the
type of vehicles or to whom these vehicles were sold to, nor does plaintiff state any
evidence to which substantiates these accusations.
15. Plaintiff also contends in paragraph 19 that some vehicles were inventory
of Country Auto Sales when these vehicles were sold and the profits were kept by both
defendants.
16. Nowhere in the complaint does plaintiff provide any information in regards
to these vehicles in any way, such as make, model or serial number.
WHEREFORE, Defendant requests that this Honorable Court require the plaintiff
to plead the allegation of fraud with specificity.
By:
Respectfully submitted,
NEALON & GOVER, P.C.
Brim N. Zulli~e
Attorney I.D No. 85948
2411 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 232-9900
Co-Counsel for Defendant Kenneth Hartzell
Exhibit A
~/'/ CAFFREY AUTO SUPPLY, INC.,
d/b/a COUNTRY AUTO SALES,
Plaintiff
KENNETH HARTZELL and
STEVEN KUZO,
Defendants
: 1N THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
:
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 02- lq0
NOTICE
YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend against the claims set
forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this Complaint
and Notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in
writing with the Court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are
warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered
against you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint or for
any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiffs. You may lose money or property or other
rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR. LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO
NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE
OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
. COURT ADMINISTRATOR
4th FLOOR
CUMBERLAND COUNTY COURTHOUSE
CARLISLE, PA 17013
.NOTICIA
LE HAN DEMANDADO A USTED EN LA CORTE. Si usted quiere defenderse de
estas demandas expuestas en las paginas siguientes, usted tiene viente (20) dias de plazo al partir
de la fecha de la demanda y la notification. Usted debe presentar una aparieneia escrita o en
persona o por abogado y archivar en la corte en forma eserita sus defensas o sus objeciones a las
demandas en contra de su persona. Sea avisado que si usted no se defiende, la cone tomara
medidas y puede entrar una orden contra usted sin previo aviso o notiflcacion y por cualquier
queja o alivio que es pedido en la petition de demanda. Usted puede perder dinero o sus
propiedades o otros derechos importantes para usted.
FROM,
LLEVE ESTA DEMANDA A UN ABODAGO 1NMEDIATAMENTE. SI NO TIENE
ABOGADO O SI NO TIENE EL DINERO SUFICIENTE DE PAGAR TAL SERVICIO,
VAYA EN PERSONA O LLAME POR TELEFONO A LA OFICINA CUYA DIRECCION SE
ENCUENTRA ESCRITA ABAJO PARA AVERIGUAR DONDE SE PUEDE CONSEGUIR
ASISTENCIA LEGAL. . .
COURT ADMINISTRATOR
4th FLOOR
CUMBERLAND COUNTY COURTHOUSE
CARLISLE, PA 17013
2
CAFFREY AUTO SUPPLY, INC.,
d/b/a COUNTRY AUTO SALES,
Plaintiff
KENNETH HARTZELL and
STEVEN KUZO,
Defendants
: iN THE COURT OF COMIMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: NO.
:
COMPLAINT
Plaintiff, Caffrey Auto Supply, Inc. d/b/a Country Auto Sales, by and through it counsel,
Buchanan Ingersoll Professional Corporation, files this Complaint against Kenneth Hartzell and
Steven Kuzo as follows:
I. PARTIES
1. Caffrey Auto Supply, Inc., d/b/a Country Auto Sales ("Country Auto Sales"), is a
Pennsylvania corporation with a principal address of 110 Sporting Hill Road, Mechanicsburg'
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
2. Kenneth Hartzell ("Hartzell") is an adult individual residing at 3853 Laraby
Drive, Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
3. Steven Kuzo ("Kuzo") is an adult individual residing at 6347 Stanford Court,
Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
forth herein.
II. BACKGROUND
Plaintiffincorporates by reference Paragraphs 1 through 3 as if more fully set
Pennsylvania.
6.
Country Auto Sales is a used car dealer licensed by the Commonwealth of
Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo were dealer salespersons employed by Country
Auto Sales to manage Country Auto Sales and to purchase and sell used motor vehicles for
Country Auto Sales.
7. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo were responsible for maintaining the books and
records of Country Auto Sales and providing the shareholders of Country Auto Sales with a
complete accounting on a monthly basis.
8. As part of their employment compensation package, Country Auto Sales paid
Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo 80% of the net profit margin as a commission on each used motor
vehicle sold.
9. 'As part of the requirements of the Board of Vehicles Act, a used automobile
salesperson may only work for one automobile dealer at a time and, accordingly, may only buy
or sell motor vehicles for one automobile dealer at a time. 63 P.S. § 818.5(c)(1).
10. Accordingly, the only vehicles !hat Hartzell and Kuzo were authorized to sell
under Pennsylvania law were those vehicles sold by and through Country Auto Sales for Country
Auto Sales.
COUNT I - BREACH OF CONTRACT
11. Plaintiffincorporates herein by reference paragraphs 1 through 10 of this'
Complaint as if more fully set forth herein.
12. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo failed to account to Country Auto Sales for all the
used motor vehicles bought and/or sold while employed by Country Auto Sales thereby
depriving Country Auto Sales of its 20% interest in the net profit margin for those unaccounted
vehicles.
2
13. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo failed to provide an accounting to Country Auto
Sales on a monthly basis.
14. The failure ofDefendants. Hartzeil and Kuzo to account to Country Auto Sales for
the sale of any motor vehicle constitutes a material breach of their employment agreement.
15. The material breach of the employment agreement by Defendants Hartzell and
· Kuzo has damaged Country Auto Sales in an amount to be proven at trial, but in excess of the
mandatory arbitration limits.
WHEREFORE, Country Auto Sales demands judgment in its favor and against Kenneth
Hartzell and Steven Kuzo in an amount to be determined at trial, but in excess of the mandatory
arbitration limits of the Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas and such other relief as this
'Court may deem just and appropriate.
COUNT II - FRAUD
16. Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference paragraphs 1 through 15 of this
Complaint as if more fully set forth herein.
17. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo deliberately and intentionally sold motor vehicles
while employed by Country Auto Sales without accounting for those vehicles to Country Auto
Sales.
18. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo deliberately and intentionally sold motor vehicles
while employed by Count~ Auto Sales without paying Country Auto Sales its 20 % of the profit
margin.
19. Defendants Har/zell and Kuzo deliberately and intentionally represented that
certain motor vehicles were inventory of Country Auto Sales when those vehicles had been sold
and the profits kept solely by Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo.
20. For the periods when Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo did provide the required
accounting, Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo deliberately and intentionally provided false and or
misleading inventory and accounts to C(~unt~y Auto Sales.
21. Country Auto Sales relied upon the false and misleading representations, accounts
and inventory provided by Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo to its detriment.
22. C°untry Auto Sales has been damaged as a result of Defendants Hartzell and
Kuzo making false and misleading representations, accounts and inventory.
23. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo acted wantonly and recklessly in making false and
misleading representations, accounts and inventory.
WHEREFORE, Country Auto Sales demands judgment in its favor and against Kenneth
Hartzell and Steven Kuzo in an amount to be determined at trial, but in excess of the mandato.ry
arbitration limits of the Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas and such other relief as this
Court may deem just and appropriate including punitive damages, attorneys fees and costs.
COUNT III - CONVERSION
24. Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference paragraphs 1 through 23 of this
Complaint as if more fully set forth herein.
25. Plaintiff Country Auto Sales had a current possessory interest in all of its
inventory (used motor vehicles) and books and records at the time Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo
took them for their own use.
26. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo deliberately and intentionally converted used
motor vehicles and books and records of Country Auto Sales for their own use and without
justification or compensation.
4
27. Country Auto Sales has been damaged as a result of Defendants Hartzell and
Kuzo converting used motor vehicles and books and records of Country Auto Sales for their own
use and without justification or compen.sa, tion
28. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo acted wantonly and recklessly in converting used
motor vehicles and books and records of Country Auto Sales for their own use and without
justification or compensation.
WHEREFORE, Country Auto Sales demands judgment in its favor and against Kenneth
Hartzell and Steven Kuzo in an amount to be determined at trial, but in excess of the mandatory
arbitration limits of the Cumberland coUnty Court of'Common Pleas and such other relief as this
Court may deem just and appropriate including punitive damages, attorneys fees and costs.
DATE:
BUCHANAN INGERSOLL
PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
atthew C. Browndorf, Esquire
I.D. #81915
One South Market Square
213 Market Street - 3rd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717)237-4800
'VERIFICATION
I, Kenneth Caff~ey, have re~ thc for~.goin$ document ~nd verify that the f'act$ set forth
arc t~u¢ and correct to thc best of my knowledge, information ~nd belief. 'fo the extent that the
foregoing document ancot it~ language is that of counsel, I have relied upon counsel in m~king
this Verification.
I undc~tand that any f'abe statements made herein are subject to the p~n~ltics cf 18 Pa.
C.S.A. § ~.904. relating to un~Wom falsification to author{tics.
eth C ey ':
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this 11th day of February, 2002, I hereby certify that I have served
the foregoing Preliminary Objections of Defendant Kenneth Hartzell to Plaintiffs'
Complaint on the following by depositing a true and correct copy of same in the United
States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to:
Matthew C. Browndorf, Esquire
Buchanan Ingersoll Professional Corporation
One South Market Square
213 Market St., 3rd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Steven Kuzo
6347 Stanford Ct.
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Eileen S. Smith, Secretary
PRAECIPE FOR LISTING CASE FOR ARGUMENT
(Must be typewritten and submitted in duplicate)
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY:
Please ]ist the with_in matter for the next Arg~nent Court.
CAPTION OF CASE
(entire caption n~st be stated in ~,ll)
CAFFREY AUTO SUPPLY, INC., d/b/a
COUNTRY AUTO SALES,
KENNETH HARTZELL AND STEVEN KUZO,
(Plaintiff)
( Deferment )
No. 02-140 Civil X]~ 2002
State matter to be argued (i.e., plm~ntiff's motion for new trial, defendant's
de~urrer to complm4nt, etc.):
Defendant Kenneth Hartzell's Preliminary Objections to Plaintiff's Complaint
2. Identify counsel who will argue case:
(a) for plaintiff:
(b) for defem~nt:
;m4~ss:
Matthew C. Browndorf, Esquire
Buchanan Ingersoll
213 Market Street, Third Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Brian N. Zulli, Esquire
2411 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
I will notify all parties in writingwithin tmudays that tb/s case)ms
been il-ted for ~t.
4. Arg~nent Court Date: March 27, 2002
Dated: February 27, 2002
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Matthew C. Browndorf, Esquire, certify that I have this date, served a copy of the
foregoing document upon the following by United States mail, first class, postage pre-paid as
follows:
Brian N. Zulli, Esquire
2411 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
John R. Fenstermacher, Esquire
The Jonas Rupp House
5115 East Trindle Road
Mechauicsburg, PA 17050
DATE: February 27, 2002
CAFFREY AUTO SUPPLY INC.
d/b/a COUNTRY AUTO SALES,
Plaintiff
KENNETH HARTZELL and
STEVEN KUZO,
Defendants
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:
: DOCKET NO. 02-140
: CIVIL ACTION - AT LAW
DEFENDANT STEVEN KUZO'S PRELIMINARY
OBJECTIONS TO PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT
AND NOW COMES THE DEFENDANT, Steven Kuzo, by and through his
attorney, the Office of Fenstermacher and Associates, P.C. and makes the following
Preliminary Objections to Plaintiff's Complaint.
I. Demurrer r(Pa.R.C.P. 1028 (a)(2)] on Count 1
1. Pa.R.C.P. 10199(h) requires that a contract claim is based upon an
agreement and the pleading shall state specifically if the Agreement was written or oral.
2. Count I Plaintiff's Complaint alleges breach of contract by
Defendants.
3. Plaintiff's Complaint neither references whether the Contract was
oral or in writing and further, if it is in writing, fails to attach a copy of that writing as is
required under Pa.R.C.P 1019(i).
WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that the Honorable Court
dismiss Count I of the Plaintiff's Complaint.
II. Preliminaw Objection in the Nature of Insufficient Specificity of Pleadino
rPA.R.C.P. 1028(a}(3}! Counts I, II and III
4. Paragraphs 1 through 3 are incorporated fully herein by reference.
5. Pa.R.C.P. 1028 (a)(3) requires that averments of time, place and
special damages must be specific. Further, it requires that averments of fraud or
mistake must be particular.
6. In Counts I, II and III of the Plaintiffs Complaint, there are no such
averments of time, place and/or specificity of damages.
7. As to the fraud Count, the alleged allegations of fraud are so non
specific that it is impossible for Defendant to properly respond to the pleading as
currently constituted. Pa.R.C.P. 1019(f).
THEREFORE, Defendant requests this Honorable Court to dismiss the
Counts I, II and Ill or alternatively require Plaintiff.to amend such counts with sufficient
specificity to satisfy the requirements of Pa.R.C.P. 1028 (a)(3).
III. Preliminary Objection in the Nature of Motion to Strike
Request for Punitive Damages (Counts II and III)
8. Paragraphs 1 through 7 are incorporated fully herein by reference.
9. Plaintiffs assert a claim in Counts II and III for punitive damages.
10. Under Counts II and III, Defendants have failed to state specifically
claims which would give rise to the imposition of punitive damages.
THEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests this Honorable Court to strike
the request for punitive damages from Counts II and III.
IV. Preliminary Objection in Nature if a Motion to Strike
Request for Attorney's Fees
11. Paragraphs 1 through 10 are incorporated fully herein by reference.
12. Defendants assert in Counts II and III claims for attorney's fees.
13. Defendants have failed to set forth any basis for recovery of legal
fees which is recognized in the Courts of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests this Honorable Court strike
the request for attorney's fees contained in Counts II and II of the Complaint.
Respectfully submitted,
FENSTERMACHER AND ASSOCIATES, P.C.
DATED: March 5, 2002
Jdhn R. Fenstermacher, Esquire
x,,~preme Court I.D. #29940
Mark K. Emery, Esquire
Supreme Court I.D. #72787
5115 East Trindle Road
Mechancisburg, PA 17050
(717) 691-5400
Attorney for Defendant
VERIFICATION
I, Steven Kuzo, hereby certify and verify that the facts set forth in the foregoing
Preliminary Objections of Defendant Steven Kuzo to Plaintiff's Complaint are true and
correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that any false
statements herein are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C. S. §4904 relating to unsworn
falsification to authorities.
DATE:
Steven Kuzo ~J~'
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, on this 5th day of March, 2002, I, John R. Fenstermacher,
Esquire, hereby certi~ that I have served the foregoing Defendant Steven Kuzo's
Preliminary Objections to Plaintiff's Complaint by mailing a true and correct copy by
United States first class mail, addressed as follows:
Brian N. Zulli, Esquire
Nealon & Gover, P.C.
2411 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
and
Matthew C. Browndorf, Esquire
Buchanan Ingersoll Professional Corporation
One South Market Square
213 Market Street-3~d Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
John R. Fenstermacher
PRAECIPE FOR LISTING CASE FOR ARGUMENT
(Must be typewritten and sukmitted in duplicate)
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY:
Please listthewithinmatterforthe next Arc3u~nentCourt.
CAPTION OF CASE
(entire caption must be stated in ~l]])
CAPFREY AUTO SUPPLY, INC., d/b/a
COUNTRY AUTO~!SALES,
KENNETH HARTZELL AND STEVEN KUZO,
( pi aintiff )
( Defendant )
No. 02-140 Civil Y!~ 2002
1. State matter tobe argued (i.e., plaintiff's motion for newt rial, defendant's
d~muzzer to ccraplmi~t, etc.):
Defendant Steven Kuzo's Preliminary Objections to Plaintiff's Complaint
2. Identify counsel who w~]] argue case:
(a) for pi ~ ntiff:
~aa~ess:
(b) for defendant:
~r~ess:
Matthew C. Browndorf, Esquire
Buchanan Ingersoll
213 Market Street, Third Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
John R. Fenstermacher, Esquire
5115 East Trindle Road
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
3. I will notify all parties in writingwithin two days that this case has
been listed for ~t.
4. ~t Court Date: March 27, 2002
March 7, 2002
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Matthew C. Browndorf, Esquire, certify that I have this date, served a copy of the
foregoing document upon the following by United States mail, first class, postage pre-paid as
follows:
John Fenstermacher, Esquire
5115 East Trindle Road
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Brian Zulli, Esquire
Nealon & Gover, P.C.
2411 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
DATE: March 7, 2002
CAFREY AUTO SUPPLY INC.
d/b/a COUNTY AUTO SALES,
Plaintiff
V.
KENNETH HARTZELL and
STEVEN KUZO,
Respondent
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 02-140
CIVIL ACTION - AT LAW
PRAEC1PE OF APPEARANCE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please enter my appearance as co-counsel on behalf of Respondent, Kenneth
Har~zell. Kindly serve copies of all papers filed in this matter on me at the address
appearing below.
· ip L. Zulli, Esquire
Attorney Id No. 47499
1501 North Front Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17102
(717)238-9004
CAFREY AUTO SUPPLY INC.
d/b/a COUNTY AUTO SALES,
Plaintiff
KENNETH HARTZELL and
STEVEN KUZO,
R~spondcnt
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 02-140
CIVIL ACTION - AT LAW
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I am this day serving a copy of the PRAECIPE OF APPEARANCE
upon the persons, and in the manner, indicated below, which satisfies the requiremems of
the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, by depositing a copy of the same in the United
States Mail, postage prepaid, addressed to:
John R. Fenstermacher, Esquire
5115 E. Trindle Road
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050-3624
(Counsel for Steven Kuzo)
Matthew C. Browndorf, Esquire
Buchanan Ingersoll Professional Corp.
One South Market Square
213 Market St., 34 Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(Counsel for Plaintiff)
DATE: March 1 I, 2002
Brian N. Zulli, Esquire
Nealon & Grover, P.C.
2411 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(Co-Counsel for Defendant Keunth Hartzell)
Philip L. Zulli, Esquire
Altorney Id No. 47499
1501 North Front Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17102
(717)238-9004
CAFFREY AUTO SUPPLY, 1NC.,
clPo/a COUNTRY AUTO SALES,
Plaintiff
KENNETH HARTZELL and
STEVEN KUZO,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 02-140 CIVIL TERM
NOTICE
YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend against the claims set
forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this Complaint
and Notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in
writing with the Court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are
warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered
against you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint or for
any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiffs. You may lose money or property or other
rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO
NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE
OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
COURT ADMINISTRATOR
4th FLOOR
CUMBERLAND COUNTY COURTHOUSE
CARLISLE, PA 17013
NOTICIA
LE HAN DEMANDADO A USTED EN LA CORTE. Si usted quiere defenderse de
estas demandas expuestas en las paginas siguientes, usted tiene viente (20) dias de plazo al partir
de la fecha de la demanda y la notificacion. Usted debe presentar una apariencia escrita o en
persona o por abogado y archivar en la corte en forma escrita sus defensas o sus objeciones a las
demandas en contra de su persona. Sea avisado que si usted no se defiende, la corte tomara
medidas y puede entrar una orden contra usted sin previo aviso o notificacion y por cualquier
queja o alivio que es pedido en la peticion de demanda. Usted puede perder dinero o sus
propiedades o otros derechos importantes para usted.
LLEVE ESTA DEMANDA A UN ABODAGO INMEDIATAMENTE. SI NO TIENE
ABOGADO O SI NO TIENE EL DINERO SUFICIENTE DE PAGAR TAL SERVICIO,
VAYA EN PERSONA O LLAME POR TELEFONO A LA OFICINA CUYA DIRECCION SE
ENCUENTRA ESCRITA ABA JO PARA AVERIGUAR DONDE SE PUEDE CONSEGUIR
ASISTENCIA LEGAL.
COURT ADMINISTRATOR
4th FLOOR
CUMBERLAND COUNTY COURTHOUSE
CARLISLE, PA 17013
2
CAFFREY AUTO SUPPLY, 1NC.,
dgo/a COUNTRY AUTO SALES,
Plaintiff
KENNETH HARTZELL and
STEVEN KUZO,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 02-140 CIVIL TERM
AMENDED COMPLAINT
Plaintiff, Caffrey Auto Supply, Inc. d/b/a Country Auto Sales, by and through it counsel,
Buchanan Ingersoll Professional Corporation, files this Complaint against Kenneth Hartzell and
Steven Kuzo as follows:
I. PARTIES
1. Caffrey Auto Supply, Inc., d/b/a Country Auto Sales ("Country Auto Sales"), is a
Pennsylvania corporation with a principal address of 110 Sporting Hill Road, Mechanicsburg,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
2. Kenneth Hartzell ("Hartzell") is an adult individual residing at 3853 Laraby
Drive, Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
3. Steven Kuzo ("Kuzo") is an adult individual residing at 6347 Stanford Court,
Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
II. BACKGROUND
Plaintiff incorporates by reference Paragraphs 1 through 3 as if more fully set
forth herein.
Pennsylvania.
6.
Country Auto Sales is a used car dealer licensed by the Commonwealth of
Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo were dealer salespersons employed by Country
Auto Sales to manage Country Auto Sales and to purchase and sell used motor vehicles for
Country Auto Sales. The employment relationship between Country Auto Sales and Defendants
was oral.
7. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo were responsible for maintaining the books and
records of Country Auto Sales and providing the shareholders of Country Auto Sales with a
complete accounting on a monthly basis.
8. As part of their employment compensation package, Country Auto Sales paid
Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo 80% of the net profit margin as a commission on each used motor
vehicle sold.
9. As part of the requirements of the Board of Vehicles Act, a used automobile
salesperson may only work for one automobile dealer at a time and, accordingly, may only buy
or sell motor vehicles for one automobile dealer at a time. 63 P.S. § 818.5(c)(1).
10. Accordingly, the only vehicles that Hartzell and Kuzo were authorized to sell
under Pennsylvania law were those vehicles sold by and through Country Auto Sales for Country
Auto Sales.
COUNT I - BREACH OF CONTRACT
11. Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference paragraphs 1 through 10 of this
Complaint as if more fully set forth herein.
12. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo failed to account to Country Auto Sales for all the
used motor vehicles bought and/or sold while employed by Country Auto Sales thereby
2
depriving Country Auto Sales of its 20% interest in the net profit margin for those unaccounted
vehicles.
13. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo failed to provide an accounting to Country Auto
Sales on a monthly basis.
14. The failure of Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo to account to Country Auto Sales for
the sale of any motor vehicle constitutes a material breach of their employment agreement.
15. The material breach of the employment agreement by Defendants Hartzell and
Kuzo has damaged Country Auto Sales in an amount to be proven at trial, but in excess of the
mandatory arbitration limits.
WHEREFORE, Country Auto Sales demands judgment in its favor and against Kenneth
Hartzell and Steven Kuzo in an amount to be determined at trial, but in excess of the mandatory
arbitration limits of the Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas and such other relief as this
Court may deem just and appropriate.
COUNT II - FRAUD
16. Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference paragraphs 1 through 15 of this
Complaint as if more fully set forth herein.
17. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo deliberately and intentionally sold motor vehicles
while employed by Country Auto Sales without accounting for those vehicles to Country Auto
Sales.
18. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo deliberately and intentionally sold motor vehicles
while employed by Country Auto Sales without paying Country Auto Sales its 20 % of the profit
margin.
3
19. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo deliberately and intentionally represented that
certain motor vehicles were inventory of Country Auto Sales when those vehicles had been sold
and the profits kept solely by Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo.
20. For the periods when Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo did provide the required
accounting, Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo deliberately and intentionally provided false and or
misleading inventory and accounts to Country Auto Sales.
21. Country Auto Sales relied upon the false and misleading representations, accounts
and inventory provided by Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo to its detriment.
22. Country Auto Sales has been damaged as a result of Defendants Hartzell and
Kuzo making false and misleading representations, accounts and inventory.
23. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo acted wantonly and recklessly in making false and
misleading representations, accounts and inventory.
WHEREFORE, Country Auto Sales demands judgment in its favor and against Kenneth
Hartzell and Steven Kuzo in an amount to be determined at trial, but in excess of the mandatory
arbitration limits of the Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas and such other relief as this
Court may deem just and appropriate.
COUNT III - CONVERSION
24. Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference paragraphs 1 through 23 of this
Complaint as if more fully set forth herein.
25. Plaintiff Country Auto Sales had a current possessory interest in all of its
inventory (used motor vehicles) and books and records at the time Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo
took them for their own use.
4
26. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo deliberately and intentionally converted used
motor vehicles and books and records of Country Auto Sales for their own use and without
justification or compensation.
27. Country Auto Sales has been damaged as a result of Defendants Hartzell and
Kuzo converting used motor vehicles and books and records of Country Auto Sales for their own
use and without justification or compensation.
28. Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo acted wantonly and recklessly in converting used
motor vehicles and books and records of Country Auto Sales for their own use and without
justification or compensation.
WHEREFORE, Country Auto Sales demands judgment in its favor and against Kenneth
Hartzell and Steven Kuzo in an amount to be determined at trial, but in excess of the mandatory
arbitration limits of the Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas and such other relief as this
Court may deem just and appropriate.
DATE: April 1, 2002
BUCHANAN INGERSOLL
PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
,~el~ffff~ C~. B rox~ndor f, Esquire
I.D. #81915
One South Market Square
213 Market Street - 3rd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717)237-4800
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Matthew C. Browndorf, Esquire, certify that I have this date, served a copy of the
foregoing document upon the following by United States mail, first class, postage pre-paid as
follows:
John Fenstermacher, Esquire
5115 East Trindle Road
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Brian Zulli, Esquire
Nealon & Gover, P.C.
2411 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phillip Zulli, Esquire
1501 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
f"~tth~w-C. Br;wndorf
DATE: April 1, 2002
CAFFREY AUTO SUPPLY INC.
d/b/a COUNTRY AUTO SALES,
Plaintiff
Vo
KENNETH HARTZELL and
STEVEN KUZO,
Defendants
· IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
· CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
· DOCKET NO. 02-140
· CIVIL ACTION - AT LAW
NOTICE
YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend against the
claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after
this Complaint and Notice are served by entedng a wdtten appearance personally or by
attorney and filing in wdting with the Court your defenses or objections to the claims set
forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without
you and a judgment may be entered against you by the Court without further notice for any
money claimed in the Complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff.
You may lose money or property or other rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE· IF
YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE
THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL
HELP.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
2 LIBERTY AVENUE
CARLISLE, PA 17013
(717) 249-3166
CAFFREY AUTO SUPPLY INC.
d/b/a COUNTRY AUTO SALES,
Plaintiff
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: DOCKET NO. 02-140
KENNETH HARTZELL and
STEVEN KUZO,
Defendants
: CIVIL ACTION - AT LAW
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO:
Bdan N. Zulli, Esquire
Nealon & Gover, P.C.
2411 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
and
Matthew C. Browndorf, Esquire
Buchanan Ingersoll Professional Corporation
One South Market Square
213 Market Street- 3rd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED TO FILE A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE
ENCLOSED NEW MATTER WITHIN TWENTY (20) DAYS FROM SERVICE HEREOF
OR A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU.
Respectfully submitted,
FENSTERMACHER AND ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
(717) 691-5400
Attorney for Defendant
DATED:
CAFFREY AUTO SUPPLY INC.
d/b/a COUNTRY AUTO SALES,
Plaintiff
KENNETH HARTZELL and
STEVEN KUZO,
Defendants
· IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
· CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
· DOCKET NO. 02-140
· CIVIL ACTION - AT LAW
DEFENDANT STEVEN KUZO"S ANSWER, NEW MATTER,
AND COUNTERCLAIM TO PLAINTIFF'S AMENDED COMPLAINT
AND NOW COMES THE DEFENDANT Steven Kuzo by and through his
attorney, the Office of Fenstermacher and Associates, P.C. and hereby answers
Plaintiff's Amended Complaint and avers as follows:
I. PARTIES
1. Admitted.
2. Admitted.
3. Admitted.
II, BACKGROUND
4. Defendant incorporates by reference Paragraphs 1 through 3 as though fully
set forth herein.
5. Admitted.
6. Admitted.
7. Admitted.
8. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted Defendants received
80% of the net profit margin from Country Auto Sales. The averment is denied in that it
suggests Defendants received only 80% of the net profit margin without also being
responsible for 80% of the costs of operating Country Auto Sales.
9. Denied. The averment is a legal conclusion to which no response is
required.
10. Denied. The averment is a legal conclusion to which no response is
required.
COUNT I - BREACH OF CONTRACT
11. Defendant incorporates by reference Paragraphs 1 through 10 as
though fully set forth herein.
12. Denied. Defendant accounted to Plaintiff all vehicles Defendant bought and
sold and strict proof thereof is demanded at trial.
13. Denied, Defendant provided accounting to Country Auto Sales on a
monthly basis.
Denied. The averment is a legal conclusion to which no response is
14.
required.
15.
Denied. No breach of any employment agreement occurred because
there was no employment agreement. As to damage to Country Auto Sales, that
information is not with the knowledge of Defendant and stdct proof thereof is demanded
at trial.
WHEREFORE, Defendant demands that judgment be entered in his favor
and against Plaintiff together with costs and any other relief the Court deems appropriate.
COUNT II - FRAUD
16. Defendant hereby incorporates by reference Answers to Paragraphs 1
through 15 as though fully set forth herein.
17. Denied. Defendants accounted to Plaintiff regarding all cars purchased by
Country Auto Sales.
18. Denied. Defendant paid Plaintiff for all automobiles purchased by Country
Auto Sales.
19. Denied. Defendants did not include any vehicles in Country Auto Sales that
were not Country Auto Sales inventory.
20. Denied. The inventories and accountings were accurate.
21. The information is not within the knowledge of Defendant and Defendant
demands strict proof thereof at trial.
22.The information is not within the knowledge of Defendant and strict proof
thereof is demanded at trial.
23. Denied. Defendant did not act wantonly or recklessly or make false
and misleading representations, accounts, or inventory.
WHEREFORE, Defendant demands that judgment be entered in his favor
and against Plaintiff together with costs and any other relief the Court deems appropriate.
COUNT III - CONVERSION
24. Defendant incorporates by reference the answers to Paragraphs I through
23 as though fully set forth herein.
25. The averment is a legal conclusion to which no response is required. To the
extent a response is required, it is denied.
26. Denied. Defendant did not deliberately or intentionally convert motor
vehicles or books or records of Country Auto Sales without justification or
compensation.
27. The answer is not within the knowledge of Defendant and strict proof thereof
is demanded at trial.
28. Denied. Defendant did not act wantonly or recklessly or convert used
motor vehicles or books or records 'of Country Auto Sales for their own use or without
justification or compensation.
WHEREFORE, Defendant demands that judgment be entered in his favor
and against Plaintiff together with costs and any other relief the Court deems appropriate.
NEW MATTER
29. Defendant incorporates by reference the answers to Paragraphs 1 through
28 as though fully set forth herein.
30. The action for the amount claimed hereunder is barred by the statute of
frauds.
31. The action for the amount claimed hereunder is barred by the statute of
limitations.
32. The oral agreement between Plaintiff and Defendants provided for
Defendants to be responsible for 80% of the debts of Country Auto Sales and receive
80% of the net profits.
33. The oral agreement between Plaintiff and Defendants provided for Plaintiff to
be responsible for 20% of the debts of Country Auto Sales and receive 20% of the net
profits.
34. Country Auto Sales incurred a loss of $15,800 by virtue of a bad check
written by a New York auto dealer who cannot be found.
35. Defendants paid for 100% of this loss out of their own pockets.
36. Plaintiff, by virtue of having a 20% interest and responsibility in
Country Auto Sales, was responsible for 20%, or $3,160.00, of this loss.
37. The loss from liquidation of the inventory of Country Auto Sales totaled
$30,000.
38. Defendants paid for 100% of this loss out of their own pockets.
39. Plaintiff, by virtue of having a 20% interest and responsibility in
Country Auto Sales, was responsible for 20%, or $6,000.00, of this loss.
WHEREFORE, Defendant demands that judgment be entered in his favor
and against Plaintiff together with costs and any other relief the Court deems appropriate.
COUNTERCLAIM I - BREACH OF CONTRACT
Kuzo vs. Caffrey Auto Supply Inc. d/b/a Country Auto Sales
AND NOW COMES the Counterclaim Plaintiff and makes the following
counterclaim:
40. Defendant (Counterclaim Plaintiff) incorporates by reference the answers to
Paragraphs I through 39 as though fully set forth herein.
41. Plaintiff (Counterclaim Defendant) did not pay Defendants (Counterclaim
Plaintiff) $3,160.00 towards the cost of the bad check wdtten by the New York dealer.
42. Plaintiff (Counterclaim Defendant) did not pay Defendants (Counterclaim
Plaintiffs) $6,000.000 towards the cost of liquidation of Country Auto Sales' assets.
43. In sum, Plaintiff (Counterclaim Defendant) failed to pay Defendants
(Counterclaim Plaintiffs) $9,160.00 owed due to operating losses.
44. As Defendants (Counterclaim Plaintiffs) Kenneth Hartzell and Steven Kuzo
were individually responsible for half of their joint 80%, Plaintiff (Counterclaim
Defendant) owes Defendant (Counterclaim Plaintiff) Steven Kuzo $4,580.00 individually
as compensation for the losses Kuzo has sustained.
45. Because Plaintiff (Counterclaim Defendant) was responsible under the oral
contract for assuming 20% of the operating losses, and failed to reimburse Defendants
(Counterclaim Plaintiffs) for said costs, Plaintiff (Counterclaim Defendant) has breached
a material provision of the agreement.
WHEREFORE, Defendant (Counterclaim Plaintiff) demands that judgment be
entered in his favor and against Plaintiff (Counterclaim Defendant) on the Defendant's
(Counterclaim Plaintiff's) counterclaim in the amount of $4,580.00, together with costs
and any other relief the Court deems appropriate.
COUNTERCLAIM II - UNJUST ENRICHMENT
46. Defendant (Counterclaim Plaintiff) incorporates by reference Paragraphs 1
through 45 as though fully set forth herein.
47. Plaintiff's (Counterclaim Defendant's) failure to properly give Defendants
(Counterclaim Plaintiffs) restitution under the contract for operating losses incurred has
unjustly enriched Plaintiff (Counterclaim Defendant) at the expense of Defendants
(Counterclaim Plaintiffs).
48. Plaintiff's (Counterclaim Defendant's) actions constitute an unjust retention of
a benefit to the loss of Defendants (Counterclaim Plaintiffs), and the Plaintiff's
(Counterclaim Defendant's) retention of money is against the fundamental principles of
justice and good conscience and are patently unfair.
49. As a direct and proximate result of Plaintiff's (Counterclaim Defendant's)
unjust enrichment of Defendant's (Counterclaim Plaintiff's) tangible property, Defendant
(Counterclaim Plaintiff) has suffered and continues to suffer serious financial injury that
has resulted in substantial damages.
WHEREFORE, Defendant (Counterclaim Plaintiff) demands that judgment be
entered in his favor and against Plaintiff (Counterclaim Defendant) on the Defendant's
(Counterclaim Plaintiff's) counterclaim in the amount of $4,580.00, together with costs
and any other relief the Court deems appropriate.
Respectfully submitted,
FENSTERMA HER AND ASSOCIATES, P.C
; ~John R. Fenstermacher, Esquire
'Supreme Court I.D. #29940
.. 5115 East Trindle Road
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
(717) 691-5400
Attorney for Defendant
DATED: July 3, 2002
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, on this 3rd day of July, 2002, I, John R. Fenstermacher,
Esquire, hereby certify that I have served the foregoing Defendant Steven Kuzo's Answer,
New Matter and Counterclaim to Plaintiffs Amended Complaint by mailing a true and
correct copy by United States first class mail, addressed as follows:
Brian N. Zulli, Esquire
Nealon & Gover, P.C.
2411 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
and
Matthew C. Browndorf, Esquire
Buchanan Ingersoll Professional Corporation
One South Market Square
213 Market Street - 3ra Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
.Fenstermacher
CAFFREY AUTO SUPPLY, INC.,
d/b/a COUNTRY AUTO SALES,
Plaintiff
Vo
KENNETH HARTZELL and
STEVEN KUZO,
Defendants
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
:
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: NO. 02-140 CIVIL TERM
:
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
To: Prothonotary:
Kindly enter the appearance of Stephen Moniak, Esquire as counsel for Plaintiff Caffrey
Auto Supply, Inc., d/b/a Country Auto Sales in the above-captioned action.
BUCHANAN INGERSOLL
PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
I.D. #80035
One South Market Square
213 Market Street
3~ Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717)237-4800
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Stephen Moniak, Esquire, certify that I have this date, served a copy of the foregoing
document upon the following by United States mail, first class, postage pre-paid as follows:
John Fenstermacher, Esquire
5115 East Trindle Road
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Brian Zulli, Esquire
Nealon & Gover, P.C.
2411 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phillip Zulli, Esquire
1501 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
" Stephen Moniak, Esquire
DATE:
CAFFREY AUTO SUPPLY, INC.,
dPo/a COUNTRY AUTO SALES,
Plaintiff
Vo
KENNETH HARTZELL and
STEVEN KUZO,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 02-140 CIVIL TERM
:
:
WITHDRAWAL OF APPEARANCE
TO: Prothonotary:
Kindly withdraw my appearance on behalf of Plaintiff Caffrey Auto Supply, Inc., d/b/a
Country Auto Sales in the above-captioned matter.
BUCHANAN INGERSOLL
PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
~tt~w~.~l~rowndorf, Esquire
I.D. #81915
One South Market Square
213 Market Street
3rd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717)237-4800
DATE: /* 10 t
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Stephen Moniak, Esquire, certify that I have this date, served a copy of the foregoing
document upon the following by United States mail, first class, postage pre-paid as follows:
John Fenstermacher, Esquire
5115 East Trindle Road
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Brian Zulli, Esquire
Nealon & Gover, P.C.
2411 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phillip Zulli, Esquire
1501 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
/ St~pl~en ~ign[ak,~ squire
DATE:
CAFFREY AUTO SUPPLY, INC.,
d/b/a COUNTRY AUTO SALES,
Plaintiff
Vo
KENNETH HARTZELL and
STEVEN KUZO,
Defendants
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: NO. 02-140 CIVIL TERM
:
PLAINTIFF CAFFREY AUTO SUPPLY, INC.'S REPLY TO
COUNTERCLAIM OF DEFENDANT STEVEN KUZO
Plaintiff, Caffrey Auto Supply, Inc. d/b/a Country Auto Sales ("Caffrey"), by its
attorneys, Buchanan Ingersoll Professional Corporation, responds to the Counterclaim of
Defendant Steven Kuzo as follows:
COUNTERCLAIM I - BREACH OF CONTRACT
Kuzo vs. Caffrey Auto Supply~ Inc. d/b/a Country, Auto Sales
40. Caffrey incorporates its Amended Complaint as if fully set forth herein.
41. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that Caffrey did not pay
Defendant Kuzo $3,160 "towards the cost of the bad check written by the New York dealer." It
is denied that Caffrey had any obligation whatsoever to pay Defendants as alleged by Defendant
Kuzo. To the contrary, "the bad check written by the New York dealer" was the sole obligation
of the Defendants.
42. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted only that Caffrey did not pay
Defendants "$6,000 towards the cost of liquidation of Country Auto Sales' assets." It is denied
that Caffrey owed any obligation to Defendants to do so. To the contrary, the obligation to pay
"the cost of liquidation of Country Auto Sales' assets" was the sole obligation of the Defendants.
43. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted only that Caffrey did not pay
the Defendants $9,160 "due to operating losses." It is denied that Caffrey owed any obligation to
Defendants to do so. To the contrary, any operating losses sustained by Caffrey were the
obligation of the Defendants, not Caffrey.
44. Denied. It is denied that Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo only "were individually
responsible for half of their joint 80%." To the contrary, Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo were
solely and fully responsible for 100% of the obligations of Plaintiff. It is further denied that
Caffrey owes any monies whatsoever to Defendants Hartzell and Kuzo including, without
limitation, the $4,580 alleged by Defendant Kuzo in this paragraph.
45. The averments contained in paragraph 45 are conclusions of law to which no
response is required. To the extent a response is required, the avemients in this paragraph are
denied. It is specifically denied that Caffrey and Defendants entered into an oral agreement
whereby Caffrey was obligated to assume 20% of the operating losses of Plaintiff. By way of
further answer, Caffrey could not have breached an agreement that never existed.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Caffrey Auto Supply, Inc. d/b/a Country Auto Sales respectfully
requests that Defendant Steven Kuzo's counterclaim be dismissed in its entirety and judgment be
entered in favor of Plaintiff and against Defendant Kuzo, together with costs of suit and other
relief this Court deems appropriate.
COUNTERCLAIM II - UNJUST ENRICHMENT
46. Caffrey incorporates its Amended Complaint and its responses to paragraphs 40
through 45 herein as if fully set forth.
47. Denied. It is denied that Defendant is entitled to any "restitution" under the
contract for operating losses and further denied that a contract as alleged by Defendants was ever
agreed to by the parties. It is further denied that Caffrey has been unjustly enriched in any
Denied. It is denied that Caffrey's "actions constitute an unjust retention of a
benefit to the loss of Defendants" and that "Plaintiff's retention of money is against the
fundamental principals of justice and good conscience and are patently unfair." To the contrary,
there can be no unjust retention where no obligation to pay ever arose.
49. The averments contained in paragraph 49 constitute conclusions of law to which
no response is required. To the extent a response is required, the averments in this paragraph are
denied. It is specifically denied that Defendant Kuzo has suffered and continues to suffer serious
financial injury that resulted in substantial damages.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Caffrey Auto Supply, Inc. d/b/a Country Auto Sales respectfully
requests that Defendant Steven Kuzo's counterclaim be dismissed in its entirety and judgment be
entered in favor of Plaintiff and against Defendant Kuzo, together with costs of suit and other
relief this Court deems appropriate.
DATE: July 22, 2002
BUCHANAN INGERSOLL
PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
One South Market Square
213 Market Street - 3rd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717)237-4800
I, Kenneth Caffrey, have mad the foregoing document and verify that the facts set forth
arc tr~ and correct to thc best of my knowledge, information and belief. To the extent that the
foregoing document and/or its iansual~e is that of counscl, I have relied upon counsel in making
this Verification.
I u~der$~and that any false sta~emc~ls made herein are subjec! ~o the penalties of 15 Pa.
C.S.A. § ~VO,~, relatinE io unswom falsificalion ~o authorili~.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Stephen Moniak, Esquire, certify that I have this date, served a copy of Plaintiff
Cafffey Auto Supply, Inc.'s Reply to Counterclaim of Defendant Steven Kuzo upon the
following by United States mail, first class, postage pre-paid as follows:
John R. Fenstetmacher, Esquire
5115 East Trindle Road
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Brian Zulli, Esquire
Nealon & Gover, P.C.
2411 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
DATE: July 22, 2002
CAFFREY AUTO SUPPLY, INC.,
d/b/a COUNTRY AUTO SALES,
Plaintiff ·
KENNETH HARTZELL and ·
STEVEN KUZO, .
Defendants ·
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 02-140 CIVIL TERM
PRAECIPE TO MARK SETTLED DISCONTINUED AND ENDED
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly mark this matter settled, discontinued and ended.
BUCHANAN INGERSOLL
PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
: n~
~035
One South Market Square
213 Market Street - 3rd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717)237-4800
DATE: February 13, 2003
CERTIFICATE OF SERVlCE
I, Stephen Moniak, Esquire, certify that I have this date, served a copy of the Praecipe to
Mark Settled, Discontinued and Ended upon the following by 'United States mail, first class,
postage pre-paid as follows:
James G. Nealon, HI, Esquin~
Nealon & Gover, P.C.
2411 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
John R. Fenstermacher, Esquire
Fenstermacher and Associates:
5115 East Trindle Road
Mechanicsburg, pA 17050
DATE: February 13, 2003
j~tepnen M'omak, Esquire