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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-0071 ... IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA SHELLY S. SHEPLEY. Plaintit1: No Ole - "'1/ (!fCJiLY~ v. NORTHLAND GROUP, INc.. Defendant. CIVIL TERM JURY TRIAL DEMANDED NOTICE TO PLEAD TO THE DEFENDANT NAMED HEREIN: 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 is 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 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 32 S. Bedford Street, Carlisle, P A 1-800-990-9108,717-249-3166 NOTICIA Le han denlandadc a listed erI 1a co~te. Sj us~ed qui~e deferlcerse de estas demandas f:~xpJetas en 12.S :::;aqin2.s :-3icl'J~e:'>:.:_es, J.:::;\.ed T:_iene vlenLe (2C) dias de p:azo 31 partIr de :a ~ectla de 1a exc~it.a 0 e~ persona Dor abog~do y a~chivar en Ja corte en tcrnl2 exorica sus de~ensas 0 sus 08 ectiones aids demande, 1a co~te tomara mediuas y puedG en:raL una orden :ontra ~stea s r: previa aviso 0 ~otificacion y po~ cua\q~ier queja 0 allvio que es [lediac en 1a peticioTl de demanda. Us~ed pllcde perder di_nero 0 s~s propicda6es 0 atras der,;:;chc)s irLpor:'-'-_(-1:~+:'es p2.r3 usted. LLEVE E:SJ:'.'\ DEt,1AtlJ;\ tT1, U:\ AP,O::';.I\DO =Hl<EDIl\.,!.~jvE;\TE,. S::: NO TT-':':~'~E I\BOGJ\DGO SI ~'-lO T:!:ENE EL DINERO SUF'IClt::NTE DE PP.,GAR ~f'\.l, SE:R'I=CIO~';, \7f'\.YI-~ EN L-'EkSCNP. 0 .wL.PJJjE PO? TSLE:FONO P-_ ~"A OFICINA CU:J\ [)I~<..EC::'~I();i SE PUEI>E:CONSEGU:::t< r,S1 :J'T21'K,'IP, LE(~):\L. IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA SHELL Y S. SHEPLEY. Plaintitl: No ~ -1/ C;(_;lC--r~ v. NORTHLAND GROUP, INC., Defendant. CIVIL TERM JURY TRIAL DE'VIANDED COMPLAINT COUNT I I. Jurisdiction for this Action is asserted under the Pennsylvania Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act, 73 P.S. ~2270 et seq. 2. Defendant. Northland Group, Inc.. is a business entity engaged in the business of collecting consumer debts in this Commonwealth with a mailing addrcss P. O. Box 390846. Edina. MN 55439. 3. Violating provisions ofthc Fair Dcbt Collcction Practices Act also violate the Pennsylvania FCEU. 73 P.S. ~2270.4(a). 4. That defendant engaged in untiIir methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices. as defined by FCEU and the regulations, including but not limited to. violations of37 Pa.Code ~~303.3(3). 303.3(14). 303.3(18). 303.6 and 73 P.S. ~20I,2(4). 5. Defendant's acts as described herein were done with malicious. intentional. willful. reckless. negligent and wanton disregard f<]r Plaintiffs rights with the purpose of coercing Plaintiff to pay the alleged debt. 6. As a result of the above violations. Plaintiff is entitled to statutory. actual. treble and punitive damages and attorney's fees and costs. WHEREFORE, plaintifT requcsts that this I lonorablc Court issue judgmcnt on his behalf and against defendants for a statutory penalty, treble damages, punitive damagcs, attorncy fecs and costs pursuant to 73 P.S. 02270.5. COlJNT II 7. Jurisdiction for this action is asserted pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.c. 01692, et seq. ('"FDCPA"), particularly IS U.S.c. ijI692k(d) and 28U.s.C. 91337. 8. Venue lics in this District pursuant to 28 U.S.e. 1391(11). 9. PlaintitT is an individual and consumer pursuant to 15 u.s.e. 91692a(6). 10. Defcndant is a debt collcctor as defined by 15 lJ.S.C:. I I 692a(3). \ I. Defendant sent letters to Plaintit1: dated November 21.2005, which arc "communications" relating to a "debt" as defined by IS U.S.c. 1 I 692a(2) and 1692a(5). 12. At all pertinent times hereto. the dcfendant was hired to collect a debt relating to a consumer transaction. (Hereinalicr the "alleged debt.") 13. Defendant communicatcd with plaintitT on or after one year before the date of this action, in connection with collection efTorts, by letters, telephone contact or othcr documents, with regard to plaintiffs allegcd dcbt. 14. On or about November 21. 2005, defendant dralled and mailed, to the Plaintift: via U.S. mail, a collection or "dunning" letter, which attempt to coercc Plaintiff into paying the alleged debt. 15. Defendant's leller stated, "Capital One the creditor of your account has assigne thc above referenced account to Northland Group fc)r collection." 16. Thc FDCP A states that a violation of statc law is a violation of the FDCP A. 15 U.S.C. ~ I 692n. Pennsylvania law states, in pertinent part. 18 Pa.C.S. ~7311 : "Unlawful collection agency practices. (a) Assignment of claims. It is lawful for a collection agency. for the purpose of collecting or enforcing the payment thereof to take an assignment of any such claim from a creditor, if all of the following apply: I. The assignment between the creditors and collection agency is in writing; 2. The original agreement betwcen the creditor and debtor docs not prohibit assignments. 3. The collection agcncy complies with the act of December 17. 1968... (b.t )Unfair or deceptive methods. It is unlawful I{)r a collector to collect any amount including any interest. fee. charge or cxpense incidental to the principal obligation, unless such amount is expressly provided in the agreement creating the debt or is permitted by law." 17. Plaintitl'believes and therefore avers that defendant does not have a valid assignment and is therefore, unlawfully attempting to collect the alleged debt. 18. The letter further stated, "Because of interest that may vary 1rom day to day, the amount due on the day you pay may be greater. Hence, if you pay the amount shown above, an adjustment may be necessary." 19. Defendant added interest to the alleged debt in violation of Pennsylvania law. 20. Defendant's letter turther statcd, "Settlement Offer: ..... 21. Plaintitl' believes and therefore avers that making a settlement offer is a prelude to litigation and as such, Plaintiff believed that litigation was imminent. 22. Defendant rarely. if ever. files suit against consumer debtors as such, any inference of litigation is a violation of the FDCPA. 23. The FDCPA states, a debt collector may not use unfair or unconscionable means to eollect or attempt to collect any debt. 15 U.S.c. ~ 1692f Defendant violated this seetion of the FDCPA. 24. The FDCP A states. a debt collector may not use false, deeeptive or misleading representation or means in connection with the collection of any debt. 15 IJ .S.C. ~ I 692e. Defendant violated this seetion of the FDCPA. 25. The FDCP A states. a debt collector may not engage in any conduct the natural eonsequence of which is to harass. oppress or abuse any person in conneetion with the eolleetion of a debt. 15 U.S.C. ~ 1692d. Defendant violated this section of the FDCPA. 26. The FDCPA states, a debt collector may not communicate, in connection with the collection of any debt. with any person other than the consumer. IS U.s.c. ~ I 692c(b). Defendant violated this section of the FDCP A. 27. The FDCPA states. it is unlawful to design. compile and furnish any form knowing that such form would be used to creatc the false believe in a eonsumer that a person other than the ereditor of such eonsumer it participating in the collection of or in an attempt to collect a debt such consumcr allegedly owcs such ereditor. when in fact such person is not so participating. 15 U.S.c. ~ I 692j. Defendant violated this scetion of thc FDCPA. 28. The FDCP A provides eertain rights to the eonsumer regarding her right to disputc the alleged debt 15 U.S.c. ~ I 692g. Defendant violated this section of the rDCP A. 29. The FDCPA states, a debt collector may not communicate with a consumer at the consumer's place of employment if the deht collector knows or has reason to know that the consumcr"s employer prohibits the consumer from receiving such communications. 15 U.S.C. SI692c(a)(3). Defendant violatcd this section ofthc FDCPA. 30. The FDCP A states, it is unlawful to add interest. charges, fees or other costs unless authorized by law or contract: Plaintiff does not have a contract with Detendant. 15 U .S.c. S 1692f and S I 692e(2)(A) and (B). Defendant violated this section ofthe FDC:P A. 31. Defendant's collection communications were intentionally confusing, misleading and othcrwise deceptive to the Plaintiffs, in violation of 15 U .S.c. S I 692e(5 ) and (10). SI692t(8) and S1692j, see also. Inre Bclilc, 208 B.R. 658 (ED. Pa 1977). ') ,,_. Defendant's communications created a false sense of urgency on the past of Plaintiff in violation of the FDCPA. Tolentino v. Friedman, 833 F. Supp. 697 (N.D. III. 1993); Sluvs v. Hand, 831 F. Supp. 321 (S.D.N.Y. 1993); and Rosa v. Gavnor, 784 F. Supp I (D. Conn. 1989). 33. Any threat of litigation is false if the dcfendant rarely, sues consumer debtors or if the defendant did not intend to sue the Plaintiff Bentlv v. Great Lakes Collection Bureau, 6 FJd 62 (2d Cir. 1998). See also, 15 U.S.c. sI692e(5). IS U.S.c. S I 692e( 10). 34. At all time pertinent hereto. the defendant was acting by and through its agents. servants and/or employees, who were acting within the scopc and course of their employment, and undcr the direct supcrvision and control oCthe defendants hercin. 35. At all times pertinent hcreto, the conduct of defendant as well as their agcnts, servants. and/or employees, was malicious, intcntional. willful. reckless, ncgligent and in wanton disregard for federal and state law and the rights of thc Plaintiff herein. 36. PlaintitT believes and thcrefore avcrs that the Defendant's agcnts made tilise threats of litigation. 37. Defendant's threat of litigation was talse because defendant does not routinely tile suit against consumer debtors, in violation of 15 U.S.C. ~ 1692e(5) and (l0). 38. Defendant's letters were intentionally confusing and deceptive, in violation of IS U.S.c. ~ 1692e(5) and (l 0). ~ I 692f(8) and ~ I 692j. 39. Plaintiff was confused, deceivcd and believed that litigation was imminent if settlement was not made. 40. The above mentioned acts with supporting cascs demonstrates that the conduct of defendants rises to the Ievelneeded for punitive damages. 41. Defendant in its collection efforts. violated the FDCP ^, inter alia. Sections 1692. b. c, d, c, ( g. h, and/or n. 42. Detendant, in its collection etforts, used talse or deceptive acts and intended to oppress and harass plaintiff. 43. That as a result of the wrongful tactics of del end ants as aforementioned. plaintitfhas been subjected to anxiety, harassment intimidation and annoyanee for which compensation is sought. WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respeetfiJlly requests that his Honorable Court enter judgment on his behalf and against defendants and issue an Order: (A) Award Plaintiff statutory damages in the amount of One Thousand Dollars ($1 JJOO.OO) for each violation of the FDCP A or each separate and discretc incident in which defendants have violated the FDCP A. (B) Award Plaintiff general damages and punitive damages for anxicty. harassment, and intimidation directed at him in an amount not less than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), as well as the repetitive nature of defendants form letters. (C) A ward Plaintiff costs of this litigation, including a reasonable attorney's fee at a rate of$350.00/hour for hours reasonably expended by his attorney in vindicating his rights under the FDCP A, permitted by 15 U.S.c. ~1692k(a)(3). (D) Award declaratory and injunctive relief; and such other reliefas this Honorable Court deems necessary and proper or law or equity may provide. COUNT 1II - CLASS ACTION 44. Plaintifr hereby incorporates the foregoing as if fully set forth herein. 45. Federal Rule of Civil Procedure. 23. permits a class action if certain criteria are met. 46. The FDCPA permits class action, 15 U.S.c. ~ 1692k(a)(2)(B). 47. Defendant failed to comply with Pennsylvania law, 18 Pa.C.S. ~731l et seq. 48. In this case, defendants' letter contained false, deceptive and misleading statements. 49. This action seeks a declaration that the form of defendants' collection lettcr violated the FDCPA 50. This action seeks a declaration that defendants' collcction practices violated the FDCP A. 51. The Class consists of all persons who received a collcction letter identical or similar to the letters attached as Exhibit. 52. Plaintiffs claims are typical ofthc claims of the Class. 53. It is unknown how many letters were sent by each dctendant as such, PlaintifT bclieves and therefore avers that the number exceeds 100 persons. 54. Common rclief is therefore sought on behalf of all mcmbers of the Class. 55. This Class Action is superior to othcr available methods for the fair and efficient . . adjudication of this controversy. 56. The prosecution of separate action by individual membcrs of the class would create a risk ofinconsistcnt or varying adjudications with respect to the individual memhers ofthc Class, and a risk that any adjudications with respect to thc intercsts of the other memhcrs of the Class would, as a practical matter, either be dispositive of the interests of other members of the Class not party to the adjudication or substantially impair or impede their ability to protect their interests. Dc fend ants actcd in a manner applicable to thc Class as a whole that warrants dcclaratory relief. 57. The Plaintiff will fairly and adequatc protcct and reprcsent the interests of the Class. The management of the Class action proposed is not cxtraordinarily difficult and the factual and legal issues raised will not require extended contact with the membcrs of the Class because defendant's conduct was perpetrated on all members of the Class and will be established by common proof. Plaintitrs counsel. attorneys Saracco and Rosen. participated as attorneys in class actions brought pursuant to the FDep A. 58. Given thc nature of defendants' practices, it is likely that other consumers in Pennsylvania have been harmed by these practices. 59. The law firm of Krcvsky & Rosen, located at 110 I North Front Street Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, have agreed to enter its appearance as co,counsel to ensurc that Plaintiffs counsel will have adequate resources to represent the class. 60. This action could be handled as a no-notice class, and is superior to the altcrnativc, hundreds of Pennsylvania residents tiling separate FDCP A actions. 61. Plaintitl respectfully requests that this Honorable Court consider the frequcncy and persistcnce of defendants' non-compliance, the nature of dctendants' non,compliance, and the obvious intentional nature of thc defendants by tailing to verity whether the collection amount is valid. as required by Pennsylvania law, failure to securc the proper authorizations as required by Pennsylvania law and in general. attcmpting to deceivc Pennsylvania consumers. 62. Plaintifl' respectfully rcquests that this Honorable Court certify the class and award such amount for each named Plaintifl $ 1.000.00, plus such amount as this Honorable Court may allow for all other class members. without regard to a minimum of $500,000.00 or one percent of the net wroth of the debt collector, and attorncy fees of$350.00 per hour, and costs as reasonably determined by this Honorable Court. WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Honorable Court a. Certi fy the class, b. Appoint Plaintifl'to represcnt the members of the class, c. Appoint Deanna Lynn Saracco and the law tirm of Krcvsky & Rosen as counsel for the class, d. Declare that defendants' practices of adding unlawful collcction fees violated Pennsylvania law and the FDCP A. c. Enter judgement in favor of Plaintiff and the Class and against Defendants. tor statutory damages. costs and reasonable attorney fees in the amount of$350.00 pcr hour, f. Grant such further relief as this Honorable Court deems just and proper, r \ "- By: /s/Deannll L "' fJ..~o Deanna t...."L ~cco AttorneY\fur Plaintitl' 76 Greenmont Drive [nola, Pennsylvania 17025 Telephone 717-732,3750 Fax 717-728-9498 Email: SaraccoLaw((~aol.com Dated: 1/4/06 J::) (.:) ~ :If. l 1ft <n --- l!1 ~ ~ () C> ~ ~ ~ ~ :e ,1- --.:..... r, ~~ G ' ~: '3 ~ ..:-'" :;-:'~:: ....-n , ~fi,f_~ ...- (:_-) :? C') C::J ~ . FINEMAN KREKSTEIN & HARRIS, P.C. BY RICHARD J. PERR, ESQUIRE Attorney 1.D. No. 72883 United Plaza, Suite 1800 30 South 17th Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 PHONE 215-893-9300 FAX 215-893,8739 e-mail: rperr@finemanlawfirm.com Attorneys for Defendant Northland Group, Inc. v. COURT OF COMMON PLEAS COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND CNIL NO. 06-71 SHELLY S. SHEPLEY NORTHLAND GROUP, INC. JURY TRIAL DEMANDED PRAECIPE OF NOTICE OF REMOVAL You are directed to take notice that the above action has been removed to the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania at I :cv,06-0224, pursuant to the attached Notice of Removal filed with the Clerk of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania on January 30,2006. A copy of the Notice of Removal is attached hereto as Exhibit 1. FINEMAN KREKSTEIN & HARRIS, P.C. By g0h~J\~ P S(c}v\ RICHARD J. PERR, ESQBIRE Attorneys for Defendant Tate & Kirlin Associates Dated: F ebruarv 2, 2006 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, RICHARD J. PERR, ESQUIRE, hereby certify that on this date I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing Praecipe of Notice of Removal electronically or by first class mail, postage prepaid, on the following: Deanna Lynn Saracco, Esquire 76 Greenmont Drive Enola, P A 17025 saraccolaw@aol.com Attorneys for Plaintiff ~) . (' Q n <tICt^CJ C' ~ YO.j\ RICHARD J. P , ESQUIRE Dated: F ebruarv 2, 2006 EXHIBIT "I" JS44 (Rev. 07/89) CIVIL COVER SHEET The JS.44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replace nor supplement the filing and service of pleadings or other papers as required by law, except as provided by local rules of court. This form, approved by the J,.al Conference of the United States in September 1974, is required fOf the use of the Clerk of Court for the purpose of initiating the civil docket sheet. (SEE INSTRUCTf ON iJiE CR, r THIS FiG I (a) PLAINTIFFS · VI DEFE _ n n n 4 . SHELLY S. SHEPLEY NOR L D GR~~~ (b) COUNTY OF RESIDENCE OF FIRST LISTED PLAINTIFF Cumberland (EXCEPT IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES) (e) ATTORNEYS (FIRM NAME. ADDRESS, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER) Deanna Lynn Saracco, Esquire 76 Greenmont Drive Enola, PA 17025 PHONE 717-732-3750 FAX 717-728-9498 M r c w II. BASIS OF JURISDICTION (PLACE AN X IN ONE BOX ONCYI o 1 U.S. GOVERNMENT Phllnllff 181 3 FEDERAL QUESTION (U.S, Government Not a Party) o 2 U.S. GOVERNMENT Defend~nt o 4 DIVERSITY (Indicate CitizenshIp of POlrtles In Item III) COUNTY OF RESIDENCE OF FIRST LISTED DEFENDANT (IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES ONL VI NOTE: IN LAND CONDEMNATION CASES, USE THE LOCATION OF THE TRACT OF LAND INVOLVED ATTORNEYS (IF KNOWN) Richard J. Perr, Esquire Fineman Krekstein & Harris, P.C. 30 S. 17'" St., Suite 1800, PhiladelphiB. PA 19103 PHONE 215-693-8724 FAX 215-893-8739 EMAIL: rperr@finemanlawfirm.com III. CITIZENSHIP OF PRINCIPAL PARTIES (PLACE AN X 'NONE BOX (For Diversity Cases Only) FOR PLAINTIFF AND ONE BOX FOR DEFENDANT) PTF DEF PTF DEF CIt\I.'ilI\ of ThIs S\ate- 01 01 Incorporated or Principal Place 04 04 of Business In ThIs State Citlloen of Anolher State 02 02 Incorporated and Principal Place 05 05 of Buslness In Another State CltIzen or SubJect ofa 03 03 Foreign Nation 06 06 Foreign Country IV. CAUSE OF ACTION (CITE THE U.S. CIVIL STATUTE UNDER WHICH YOU ARE FILING AND WRITE A BRIEF STATEMENT OF CAUSE. DO NOT CITE JURISDICTIONAL STATUTES UNLESS DIVERSITY,) Fair Debt CoUection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. SS 1692, et seq. V. NATURE OF SUIT (PLACE AN X IN ONE BOX ONLY) CONTRACT TORTS FORrErrUREfPENALTY BANKRUPTCY OTHER STATUTES 0110lnsurancl! PERSONAL INJURY PERSONAL INJURY 0610 Agriculture 0422 Appeal Q400 Stale 0120 Maritle D:!;10 AITp1ane Q362 Personallnjul)'- 062001herFoo<l&DrulI 26 USC 158 Reapportionment D130 M1l1erAet 0525 OrUII RelatlJd Seilurcol D42~ Wilhdrawal 0410 Anmll.J$l 0140 NegoUablelnstrumerrt 031SAlrplsneProduCl MedMalpradice Property 21 USC881 28USC157 0430SanksandSankJnll 0150 RecoveryCIICNerpsymenl Uablllly 0355Pel"$OtlBllnjury- o 8~0 UqUorLaw5 D 4~C CommercellCC RalesJelc ~EnforCl!ilmenlof 0320 A&sauII.Ubel& ProduclLlability 0840 RR. & Tru<;k PROPERTY RIGHTS o 400 OeportS~on Judgment Slander 0368 AsbeslosPersooal 0650AlnineRegs 0820 Copyrights 0470 Rackeleerlnftu8Ilcedsnd 0330 Federal Employecs' InJuryProducl 0151 MedicsreAct Uabillly LlaDilily 0660 DaJuoational [J830Patenl CorruptOrganizalions 0152 Recovery of Delaulled 0340 Marine SalelylHeallh D8401rsdamar\; 0610S..ectWeSefVicl!il SI\ld6l"l\LO'allS 0345 MarinBProduct PERSONAL PROPERTY 06900lher SOCIAL SECURITY 0651) Seouribes/Commodiliiesl (Exol. VeI&i"an~) Liability 03700lharFrsud Exohilnlle 0153 Recovery 01 OverpBymenl 0350 MotorVehlde 0371 TrulhinLendlng 0861 HIA(l395ffJ 0675 CUG\ooIerCllalleflge olVelllf'8(!.sSeneflls 035~ MotorVelide D3800lherPBfSClnel LABOR 0862Blacj{Lung(923) 12 USC 3410 C'60SI~ders'Suitll ProduclUablUty Property Damsge 0863 DlWClDIWW(405(g)) 0891 AgrioullUrslActs 0190 OtherConlracl 0380 OlherPe~nsl 0385 Property Damage 0710 FeirLabor$1anderds 0864 SSIDllUeXVI 0892 EconomicSlabll~tion 0195 ConlraolProduol Usbllity Injury ProduclUabi!Ky "" Oee5RSI,405{9)) 0800 Env\rotlmenlalMsttef$ 0720 LaborlMgmt 0894 EnergyAJloesfiooAct Relsllons FEDERAL TAX surrs 0895 Freedom 01 InfonnstonAcl REAL PROPERTY CNU.. RIGHTS PRISONER PE,.rnON$ 07'30 LaborlMgmt C870 Tsxes(U.S.Plainliff 0900 AppealofFeeDl!ilterminalion 0210 Land Corldamnation 0441 Voting 0510 MollonsloVscale ReportIng & or Datl!ilndant) UOderEQual Acvess 10 DisdosureAol [J811 IRS-Third Party Justice 0220 ForedOSllrB 04A2 Employment Sentence 0740 RllilweyLal10r 211USC7009 09SOCooQltllliooalityoi 0230 Ren1lea$e~Ejeclmenl 0443 HoUlilng! Habaas.Cor!)Ul;: A" StsleSta.lules 0240 Torts 10 L.e.nd Acoommodallona 0530 GBIleral 0191) OtherLatlor IiII 890 Other$lalulory 0245 TortProduolUabillty 0444 Welfare 0535 DlIathPenaJty lIllgation Actions 0290 All Other Real Property 04400lharCivllRIghls 0540 Matldamus&Olher o 791 Ern~. ReUI\C. 05Sii other SeeurityAct VI. ORIGIN o "i Original Proceeding ~ 2 Removed from State Court (PLACE AND X IN ONE BOX ONLY) o 3 Remanded from 0 4 Reinstated or Appellate Court Reopened Transferred from another district" {specify) o 7 Appeal to District Judge from Magistrate Judgment Check YES only if demanded in complaint: JURY DEMAND: IiSlYES 0 NO VII. REQUESTED IN COMPLAINT: 0 VIII. RELATED CASES(S) IF ANY NONE CHECK IF THIS IS A CLASS ACTION UNDER F.R.C.P. 23 (See instructions): DATE January 26, 2006 ...---::;; UNITED STATES DISTRICT CO 05 o 6 Multidistrict Litigation DEMAND $ DOCKET NUMBER [j5llb(j@ JAN 3 0 2006 , , l:CV 06-0224 T COURT . SYLVANIA IN THE UNITED STATES D FORTH MI~E SHELLY<. SIlEPLEY , r ~ ~. Plaintiff 1 JAN 3 0 2006 CIVIL ACTION v. NO. PER HARRISBURG, A. NORTHLAND GROUP, IN ., Defendant OEPUTY CLERK JURY TRIAL DEMANDED NOTICE OF REMOVAL Defendant NORTHLAND GROUP, INC. (hereinafter referred to as "Northland"), by its undersigned counsel, hereby petition this Court as follows, pursuant to 28 US.C. S 1441(b): 1. Northland is a defendant in an action pending in the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas for Cumberland County, Civil No. 06-71 ("the State Court Action"). Northland received a copy of the Complaint on or about January 13,2006. A true and correct copy of the Complaint in the State Court Action is attached hereto as Exhibit "A". 2. Plaintiff in the State Court Action is Shelly S. Shepley. See Exhibit "A". 3. Plaintiffs State Court Action alleges violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. SS 1692, et seq. 4. The State Court Action involves a question offederallaw. Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. S 1441 (b), "Any civil action of which the district court shall have original jurisdiction founded on a claim or right arising under. . . the laws of the United States shall be removable." 5. Since this case arises out of an alleged violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. SS 1692, et seq., this Court may properly remove the State Court Action based on 28 U.S.C. 9 1441(b). 6. This Notice has been filed with the Court within thirty (30) days after purported service of the Complaint on defendant Northland. WHEREFORE, defendant Northland Group, Inc., prays that the State Court Action be removed from the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas for Cumberland County, Civil No. 06- 71, to this Court for proper and just determination. By J. PE , SQUIRE (PA No. 72883) 30 So 1ih Street, Suite 1800 Philadelphia, PA 19103-4005 (v) 215-893-9300 (f) 215-893-8739 e-mail: roerr@finemanlawfirm.com Attorneys for Defendant Tate & Kirlin Associates Dated: Januarv 26.2006 2 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, RICHARD J. PERR, ESQUIRE, hereby certify that on this date I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing Notice of Removal electronically or by first class mail, postage prepaid, on the following: Deanna Lynn Saracco, Esquire 76 Greenmont Drive EnoJa, PA 17025 saraccolaw@aol.com Attorneys for Plaintiff Dated: January 26,2006 3 \ . EXllIBI'T " ~' ----------. Jan-24-2006 04:39pm From-Surdyk, Dowd & Turner Co. L.P.A 937 222 1970 T-338 P. 002 H52 , .. ',. ,', ", .....':lh~~1l;V:~:;::;~~H~ \,'i~''':'>'', . tJj.<,olf'4lt'1.'Gh,1tl'$1 " '.",::/., ',:: '.;: .'~";~l'~~~'~'" ,i:.>. .0>:-101" ",::":t'.A~O ". ..' ;r,~iHE,(:o:oRi'<>~(;O~J)~:~~"~i:"!i}.t))'"t:i~~?i;~.~.~,~'" 5 ~ 1)"':;1' , cU~IlL""ri'Gotiillft,'~lY~I'(!'~": ;,,,,,~;f:"ui<rq~l.""" I . " .. ..~~~II ~ ~!::""'~,~~,'1r, ~~ '. I.~~ I ~ I ,': 'I 4.'.. 1r 'i"" H r, " SI:rStt.Y S,.SmiPl-EY' . .,.'lii;:: &.; :::,,;Y?t:;::':l~~.;:;;t~'~J?'ii::,:;.')i , .~.',' '~l~~~ff:, . ";'G~~;~[:";jrr{;~;i~(::f~~\";~,,~;~:';f' ". ,..f.! ,I", . ,. . .:,'.. 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".:"..:~ i" ":::.-., '_ '...: :-,':; ':.~::,; ::..~:.,.)~'\i.:~.> ::_ .:,:.~. : :....; ~. ~.~. .:> .::-.': ':1.' 'LLEVE'.E.S'l'A. DE>ll\ND!'c'A .tlN.~IilAI\OIMI1~~~.tE.:,.:',,1..N.O.1l'~.e1ilE;:~.~,,'. .... .ND ~:rENE:.11:I.'!,ll~""", .$D,FWIENTE'DE,,:.~1\\1All' .'rAL.:;~.c;;:qlli~.~)1~,l'<;' 1.!'I;'Ull'Sqt$'jl'.~...'::':':' :.:i 'POP. "'m.'E';.o~~' ~i. .LA. or~c:UJA,CO.'iA'~':~IW:;CCl~; s,r: ~~.9~~~~]R~ ~~?:.~~ .~:~<~.'I:; tr~.~~' . . '., .':;'~~e~'~t.t'llEooflD:'k!i~.f; ."~.:t~\iiJ!it~li,,,of('''''dsa' ....".. ..,...,' ", ':;~~' ,., '~~",,~/:':!L';":;~'~::~{:~:;:; y,.' I'" :. :.:~', :".' ~,':'i.~:,\..;;;i:,. : , ~~)r <.:':': ;; ...n~ .... - ,.'.. ......:";:~,.,..r:.. .~,. .... l' ;'~.: I'.' . . .:.~~.: ",.:~.. ~.. .:.....:,. , ~.:'\i'.:." .:: '....-1 ..lo.. .,' ...;',',-:' , Jan-~4-2006 04:39pm From-S,rdYk, Oowd' r,rn.r Co. l.P.A 937 222 1970 r-m P 003/011 F-052 IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PEN'NSYLV ANlA SHELLY S. SHEPLEY, Plaintift: No v. NORTHLAND GROUP, INC., Det.mdant. CIVIL TERM JURY TRIAL DEMANDED COMPLAlNT COUNT I I. Jurisdiction for this Aetion is asserted under the Pennsylvania Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act, 73 P.S. ~2270 et seq. 2. Defendant, Northland Group, Inc.. is a business entity engaged in the business of collecting Consumer debts in this Commonwealth with a mailing address P. O. Box 390846, Edina, MN 55439. 3. Violating provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act also violate the Pennsylvania FeEU, 73 P.S.ll2270.4(a). 4. That defendant engaged in unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices, as defined by FeEU and the regulations, including but not limited to, violations 007 Pa.Code llli303.3(3), 3033(14), 303.3(18), 303.6 and 73 P.S.ll201-2(4). 5. Defendant's acts as described herein were done with malicious, intentional, willful, reckless, negligent and wanton disregard for Plaintiff's rights with the plI11IOse of coercing Plaintiff to pay the alleged debt. 6. As a result of the above violations, Plaintiff is entitled to statutory, actual, treble and punitive damages and anorney's fees and costs. J'n-~4-10oi 04:40pm From-Surdyk, Dowd & Turn.r Co. L.P.A. m m mo T-lle P.004/011 F-Oil WHEREFORE, plaintiffrequeslS that this Honorable Court Issue judgment on his behalf and against defendants for a statutory penalty, [leble damages, punitive damages, attorney fees and costs pursuant to 73 P.S. 92270.5. COUNT n 7. Jurisdiction for this action is asserred pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C 91692, et seq. ("FDCPA''), particularly 15 V.S.C. ~1692k(d) and 28 V.S.C. 91337. 8. Venue lies in this District pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1391(b). 9. Plaintiff is an individual and consumer pursuant to 15 V.S.C. 91692a(6). 10. Delendantisadebtcollectorasdef'mcdby 15U.S.C.1l692a(3). II. Defendant sent letters to Plaintiff, dated Nov=ber 21, 2005, which are "communications" relating to a "debt~ as defined by 15 U.S.C. 116920(2) and 1692a(5). 12. At all pertinent times hL'reto, the defendant was hiled to collect a dcbt relating to a consumer transa<;tion. (Hereinafter the "alleged debt.") 13. Defendant commnnicated with plaintiff ou or after one year before the date of this action, in connection with collectiOn efforts, by lelteJ'$, telephone contact or oth... documents, with regard to plaintiff's alleged debt. 14. On or about November 21, 2005, defendant drafted and mailed, (0 the Plaintiff, via U.S. mail, a collection or "dunning" letter, which attempt to coetCe Plaintiff into paying the alleged debt. 15. Defcndant's letter stated, "Capilal One the creditor of your account has assigne the above referenced acCOWlt to Nonhhmd Group for collection." 16. 'The FDCPA states that a violation ofsWle law is a violation oftheFDCPA. 15 V.S.C. Jan-~4-2006 04:40pm From-SurdYk, Dowd & Turner Co. L.P.A. 937 222 19rO T-iiS P.OOi/OII F-052 ~1692n. Pennsylvania law states, ill pertinent part, 18 Fa.C.S. {i73II: "Unlawful collection ageocy practices. (a) Assigmneot of claims. It is lawful for a collection agency, for the purpose of collecting or enforcing the payment t!:lcreof, to take an assigmnent of any such claim from a creditor, if all of the following apply: I. The assignment between the creditors and collection agency is in writing; 2. The original agreement between the creditor and debtor does not prohibit assignments. >. The collection agency complies with the llCt of December 17, 1968... (b.l)Unfa!r or deceptive methods. It is unlawful for a collector lO collect any amount, including any inleres!., fee. charge or expense incidental to the principal obligation. unless such amoWlt is expressly provided in the ~ent creating tI debt or is permitted by law." 17. Plaintiff believes and therefore avers that defendMt does not have a valid assignment and is then::fore, unlawfully attempting to collect the alleged debt. 18. The letter further stated, ~BeClUlse of interest that may vary from day to day, the amount due on the day you pay may be grea~. Hence, if you pay the amount shown above, an adjustment may be necessll1)'." 19. Defendant added interest to the alleged debt, in violation ofPellllsylvania law. 20. Defendant's letter further stated, ~Settlement Offer: ..." 21. Plaintiff believes and therefore aVel'S that making a settlement olfer is a prelude to litigation and as such, Plaintiff believed that litigation was imminent. J.n-l4-l00S 04,40pm From-Surdyk, Dowd & Turner Co. L.P.A. m 212 1970 T-119 P.GOI/Oll F-052 22. Defendant rnrely, if ever, files suil against consumer debtors as such, any inference of litigation is a violation of the FlJCP A. 23. The FDCP A states, a debt colleclor may not use unfair or unconscionable mell/lS to collect or attempt to collect any debt. IS U.S.C. ~1692f. Defendant violated litis section oft/le FDCPA. 24. The FlJCP A states, a debt collector may not use false, deceptive or mi$leading representation or means in connection witll the collection of llllY debt. IS U.s.C. ~16ne. Defendant violated this section of the FDCP A. Z5. The FDCPA statC$, a debt collector may not engage in any conduct the namnd consequence of which is to hlmlss, oppress 0' abuse any person in connection wlth the collection of a delit. 15 U .S.C. S 1692d. Defendant violated this section of the FDCP A- 26. The FOCP A states, a debt collector may not cOll\rnuniCllte. in connection wi1h the collection of any debt, with any p<l<sonotherthan the consumer. 15 U.s.C. sI692c(b). Defendant violated thi$ section ofthe FOCI' A. 27. The FDCPA states, it is Unlawful to design, compile and furnish any f<lOll knowing that such. form would be used to create the false believe in a con$l.\Illet that " per5Qtl other thar the creditor of slICh consumer it participating in the collection of (II' in an attempt to collect a debt such cons= !\Uegedly owes such creditor, when in fact such person is not SO participating. 15 U.S. C. S1692j. Oefendallt violated this section of the FOCP A. 28. The FDCP A provides certain rights to the consumer regarding her right 10 dispute the aUeged debt, 15 V.S.C. 9 I 692g. Defendant violated this section of the roCI' A. 29. The FOCI' A states, a debt colleCtor may not communicate with a consumer at the cOllSUI1l<Ir'. place of employment lEthe debt Collector knows 0' has t<lIIllOn \0 kn.ow that Jan-t4-2006 p4:41pm Prom-Sur.yk, OOW' & Turn.r Co. L.P.A 937 m 19TO T-331 P.OIO/OII F-052 adjudication of this controve~y. 56. The prosecution of sepanll:e action by individual members of the class would create a risk. of inconsistent or varying adjudications with respecr to the individual members of the Class, ll1ld a risk that any adjudications with respcct to the inlerests of th~ other members of the Class would, as II practical matter, either be dispositive ofth.. interests of other members of the Class not party to the adjudication or substantially impair or impede their ability to protect their interests. Defendants acted in a manner applicable tl) the Class as a whole that warrants declaratory relief 57. The Plaintiff will faidy and adequate protect and represent the inlerests of the Class. The management of the Class action proposed is not extraordinarily difficult and the factual and legal issu~s mised will not require extended contact with the members of the Class because defendant's conducr was perpCll'ated on all members of the Cla.>s and will be established by cOmmon proof. Plaintiff's coun..qcl, attorneys Saracco and RQsen, participated as attorneys in class llCtiotlS brought pursuant to the FDCP A. 58. Given the Ilatun: of defendants' practices, it is likely that other consumers in Pennsylvania have been banned by these praclices. 59. The law flnn of Krevsky & Rosen, located at 1101 North Front Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, bave agreed tJ:l enter its appearance as co-counsel to ensure that Plaintiff's counsel will have adequate resources to represent the class. 60. This action could be handled as a no-notice class, and. is superior to the alternative, hundreds ofl'etUlSylvaniaresidents filing separate fDCPA actions. 61. Plaintiff respectfully requests that this 'Hononlble Court consider the frequency and persistence of defendants' non-compliance, the nature of defendants' non-compliance, ... , . Jon-2.4-2006 ,04:41pm From-Surayk, Dowa & Turnor Co. L.P.A. 93T 222 19TO 1-338 P.011/011 H!2 and theol'>Vi.o~ iiltentioiuil !IatUre'of~e det'eridanis))v'~io,;~!b~i 'wli;th~,the!" .' .. " ':::;", ;:',' ,'.',:-.' ;,.,,:,,':: '>:: .-: .,'''.: > -;,'.',."\:'.,'.:'.:'<' :'.':,? '-:".":.'.";, . :''', '. , coHectionamount.is.~alid,as ~tliiedbY)~!'llIJ.SYl~l\h!Z;faillllli1q.sel:~:~:pl'<lper .. , ,...-.,.- .' ,..,:"..".., .',:.\:.....,:.: ''''.'--,'' ,..!, '....;..'1.....1' -' , authoriza[!OllSl\S=l,uited bYPenpsyl~a w.w ~(j;mge~~~ari~PI~t~decei\l~' . . . -.:.., , .. ~ . . , .'. . .. . -,' ' " .. ". ' -: ',." \ ' ,:;. '.:. . PennSylvanil\.'coIlS~~rS.. " '.' ',.' 62. Pla1\ltitfrcspectfully~q~.that1his Honm.m~Co~~':~c~~.an6~.~j1.. arnoWlt for each nam~ rlafntit'f;$I,OOM6,~I~ ~~ ~;'Il~:as cii~aQ~Ornbleco~it . . ....::... -"'.,' .-;.: '. ..' a. Dated; 1/4/06 ',.' , ,',' ...,. . - '.,,' ,. '".. . ,: ,',. '. maY'llllow ti:l.l:,aUethercLll$snieffib,ers, with9,rt'regard:fOiI~lIino($seo;qoo'QO'~~" ; one percent of the net.wrothofthe debt coJlector;and~';niey fees 0'(.$3:50:00 per !loUr. . . ,~ . and costs as reaSoooblydetermiued by this Hon~tlIble Court.' . '.. ...,..' ''''.' '.. . . . ,',' .": ..... "",,': \ .". . '. . WHEREFOlU!l; P~afutilf re$'~rfully requestS .lIiat lluSU:<ii!.oi:a!>11' (;:;,iult . '..' I'. .:.. .. , ., ".- '.' "'J"".- 7.. ' \ '..' -. .., CertifY the class, . . . "': ... . Appoh\t Piaintiffwrepresent iliemeli1l~etl"orlhe class,;." ..... 'J . ...... . " " .., .. I'." .:~ " ,"\' ~ ::'" ,: ", ;.,',. ,... .' . Appoint Deanna Lynn Saracco and IJtelaw:firm of.-l<:revi;ky & :gosen.aii<:"unsel , '. ~ ' . ' .. . . - ., , ' . fo~ the class, . . . b. c. d. . "-' , ',' :...." ',-. Declare that defendantS' practices of adding'unl~l\d collectiOO fees violatoo. . . ',.' ., . . , .,.,.... Pennsylvanialawan<,l the'FDCPA:. . . . .:.. ,_' . ...J ..: .'. ..'. ..... . ..... Ente~jU~eml'!1tJn, ta~r ofPiaintiltililll~e:q~:an~ ~ainSt~~di1nts;f.ui: . statutory damages. cosls and reasonable ait<:irii~Yf~i.n 'tht.~Qm.toi$3s0.00 '. '. ~ : per hoUl:, . '. . ...,'.. . '. . Orant 'lucb turtherreti~f-asu,:.is HonoIllble,Court~~jlJ$i:~d,pEYi,P,er. '. .' e. t: By: . AU6ni iYfOT .P.lliIDtiff. . ,.:..16~~iI:>o/e ':~. .... " .'. Ji'nola; PenrisylVll!1la t:102S: . .'rt$pbone~717~7n-'3150: .',,' ,,;. .'.PaX"7'17~73-9498:-":.':,'. :.:.. ;~liijilts~iaw~l.oom ... . .,.. ;. -. . n , ., (J > --n r" -'1 ::;J ro" i~\1~ ;;";_J ,':.1 -, , ~., O. L --, " .,--' . :-Tl (,-" , I'.) dU ---c '- -<