HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-1201
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a
CURTIS FORD MERCURY CIVIL ACTION - LAW
215 S. Carlisle Street
R.D. #2 Box 3
New Bloomfield, PA 17068,
No. (?P a f 0?
Plaintiff,
V.
Donald E. Slike
100 E. Lauer Lane
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Donald E. Slike, trading as, DES
Associates, a Pennsylvania
Limited Partnership
1302 Slate Hill Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Timothy J. Slike
1901 Louisa Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Christopher L. Slike
110 Wildflower Drive
Carlisle, PA 17013
Evergreen AutoPark, Inc.
4100 Carlisle Rd
Dover, PA 17315
Defendants.
PRAECIPE FOR WRITS OF SUMMONS
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
238101
Please issue writs of summons against Donald E. Slike, Donald E. Slike trading as DES
Associates, Timothy J. Slike, Christopher L. Slike, and Evergreen AutoPark, Inc., defendants in
the above captioned matter.
submitted,
e
Victor P. Stabile,`Esgdir&
DILWORTH PAXSON LLP
112 Market Street, 8`h Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 236-4812
DATED: February 28, 2006
23810_1
r'?
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a
CURTIS FORD MERCURY CIVIL ACTION - LAW
215 S. Carlisle Street
R.D. #2 Box 3
New Bloomfield, PA 17068, /
No. O(P- 0-Gr
Plaintiff,
V.
Donald E. Slike
100 E. Lauer Lane
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Donald E. Slike, trading as, DES
Associates, a Pennsylvania
Limited Partnership
1302 Slate Hill Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Timothy J. Slike
1901 Louisa Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Christopher L. Slike
110 Wildflower Drive
Carlisle, PA 17013
Evergreen AutoPark,Inc.
4100 Carlisle Rd
Dover, PA 17315
Defendants.
WRIT OF SUMMONS
To: Donald E. Slike, Donald E. Slike, trading as DES Associates,
Timothy J. Slike, Christopher L. Slike, and Evergreen AutoPark, Inc.
23810_1
You are hereby notified that L. Curtis Barber, Inc. t1d/b/a Curtis Ford Mercury has
commenced an action against you.
Date: Febni*,608
Name of Prothonotary
By:
(Deputy)
Seal of the Court
238101
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a
CURTIS FORD MERCURY
215 S. Carlisle Street
R.D. #2 Box 3
New Bloomfield, PA 17068,
Plaintiff,
V.
Donald E. Slike
100 E. Lauer Lane
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Donald E. Slike, trading as, DES
Associates, a Pennsylvania
Limited Partnership
1302 Slate Hill Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Timothy J. Slike
1901 Louisa Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Christopher L. Slike
110 Wildflower Drive
Carlisle, PA 17013
Evergreen AutoPark, Inc.
4100 Carlisle Rd
Dover, PA 17315
Defendants.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
No. 06-1201 CIVIL
PRAECIPE TO REINSTATE WRIT OF SUMMONS
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
239921
Please reissue a writ of summons against the defendant Timothy J. Slike, defendant in the
above captioned matter, and forward the same to the Sheriff for service. An original writ is
attached for the reissuance.
Respectfully submitted,
Victor P. Stabile, Esquire
DILWORTH PAXSON LLP
112 Market Street, 8th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 236-4812
DATED: May 9, 2006
23992_1
c- C)
F
_ cj
Om
C
D
SHERIFF'S RETURN - NOT FOUND
CASE NO: 2006-01201 P
COMMONTWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
L CURTIS BARBER INC TDBA CURTI
VS
SLIKE DONALD E ET AL
R. Thomas Kline Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff, who being
duly sworn according to law, says, that he made a diligent search and
inquiry for the within named DEFENDANT
SLIKE TIMOTHY J but was
unable to locate Him in his bailiwick
WRIT OF SUMMONS
He therefore returns the
NOT FOUND , as to
the within named DEFENDANT SLIKE TIMOTHY J
1901 LOUISA DRIVE
MECHANICSBURG, PA 17055
DEFENDANT HAS NOT LIVED AT 1901 LOUISA DRIVE
FOR OVER A
Sheriff's Costs: So answers
Docketing 6.00 ! !
Service 8.80
Not Found 5.00 R. Thomas Kline
Surcharge 10.00 Sheriff of Cumberland County
.00
29.80 DILWORTH PAXSON
03/27/2006
Sworn and subscribed to before me
this (-1 "1'- day of
I" A. D.
Prothonotary
SHERIFF'S RETURN - OUT OF COUNTY
CASE NO: 2006-01201 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
L CURTIS BARBER INC TDBA CURTI
VS
SLIKE DONALD E ET AL
R. Thomas Kline , Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff who being
duly sworn according to law, says, that he made a diligent search and
and inquiry for the within named DEFENDANT
to wit:
EVERGREEN AUTOPARK INC
but was unable to locate Them
in his bailiwick
He therefore
deputized the sheriff of YORK
County, Pennsylvania, to
serve the within WRIT OF SUMMONS
On March 27th , 2006 , this office was in receipt of the
attached return from YORK
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 6.00
Out of County 9.00
Surcharge 10.00
Dep York County 27.90
nn
J G J U
03/27/2006
DILWORTH PAXSON
Sworn and subscribed to before me
this 1'1 ?' day of
attV 4 A. D.
So answe
R. Thomas Kline
Sheriff of Cumberland County
Prothonotary
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO: 2006-01201 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
L CURTIS BARBER INC TDBA CURTI
VS
SLIKE DONALD E ET AL
VALERIE WEARY
Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County,Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within WRIT OF SUMMONS
SLIKE DONALD E T/A DES ASSOCIATES
DEFENDANT
was served upon
the
, at 1420:00 HOURS, on the 13th day of March , 2006
at 1302 SLATE HILL ROAD
CAMP HILL, PA 17011 by handing to
JULIE BARR, OFFICE CLERK, ADULT IN CHARGE
a true and attested copy of WRIT OF SUMMONS together with
and at the same time directing Her attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 6.00
Service 12.32
Affidavit .00
Surcharge 10.00
.00
28.32
Sworn and Subscribed to before
me this /7 f-? day of
?YV Ln y, of yOG A.D.
So Answers:
R. Thomas Kline
03/27/2006
DILWORTH PAXSON
By: &
Deputy Sheriff
Prothonotary
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO: 2006-01201 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
L CURTIS BARBER INC TDBA CURTI
VS
KE DONALD E ET AL
RONALD HOOVER
Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County,Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within WRIT OF SUMMONS was served upon
SLIKE CHRISTOPHER L the
DEFENDANT , at 1935:00 HOURS, on the 20th day of March , 2006
at 110 WILDFLOWER DRIVE
CARLISLE, PA 17013 by handing to
CHRISTOPHER SLIKE
a true and attested copy of WRIT OF SUMMONS together with
and at the same time directing His attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 6.00
Service 7.04
Affidavit .00
Surcharge 10.00
.00
23.04
Sworn and Subscribed to before
me this 17 ° day of
/emu .oUG A. D.
So Answers:
R. Thomas Kline
03/27/2006
DILWORTH PAXSON
By: Deputy She-tiff
Prothonotary
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO: 2006-01201 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
L CURTIS BARBER INC TDBA CURTI
VS
SLIKE DONALD E ET AL
CPL. TIMOTHY REITZ Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County,Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within WRIT OF SUMMONS was served upon
SLIKE DONALD E the
DEFENDANT at 1424:00 HOURS, on the 17th day of March , 2006
at 100 E LAUER LANE
CAMP HILL, PA 17011 by handing to
ROSE SLIKE, WIFE
a true and attested copy of WRIT OF SUMMONS together with
and at the same time directing Her attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 18.00
Service 24.64
Affidavit .78
Surcharge 10.00
.00
53.42
Sworn and Subscribed to before
me-y this /I ?'- day of
b6 ?. A.D.
_r
Prothonotary
So Answers:
R. Thomas Kline
03/27/2006
DILWORTH PAXSON
BY
'D putt' Sheriff
COUNTY OF YORK
OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF S(R )771-%AO;L
45 N. GEORGE ST., YORK, PA 17401
SHERIFF SERVICE
PROCESS RECEIPT and AFFIDAVIT OF RETURN
1
L. Curtis Barber Inc t/d/b/a Curtis Ford Mercury : --7201 civil
3. DEFENDANTISI . TYPE OF WRIT OR COMPLAINT
Donald E. Slike et al writ of Summons WOSUM
SERE 5 NAME OF INDIVIDUAL, COMPANY. CORPORATION, ETC TO SERVE OR DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY TO BE LEVIED, ATTACHED, OR SOLD
Evergreen AutoPark Inc
6. ADDRESS (STREET OR RFO WITH BOX NUMBER, APT NO., CITY, BORO. TWIP. STATE AND ZIP CODE)
AT 4100 Carlisle Road Dover, PA 17315 W-7- a f:- v b .tf t:?,S_5
7. INDICATE SERVICE'. U PERSONAL U PERSON IN CHARGE DEPUTIZE U C RT. MAIL L 'T CLASS MAIL U POSTED U OTHER
NOW March 9 .20 06 I, SHERIFF OF UNTY, PA, do hereby deputize the sheriff of
Yor COUNTY to execute this Wr' SHERIFF return th cording
to law. This deputization being made at the request and risk of the plaintiff., rat<?
HERIFF OF V@MMOUNTY
6. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION THAT WILL ASSIST IN EXPEDITING F6"CEO F COUNTY Cumberland
ADVANCE FEE PAID BY CUMBERLAND CO. SHERIFF
Please mail return of service to Curnberland County Sheriff. Thank you.
NOTE: ONLY APPLICABLE ON WRIT OF EXECUTION: N.B. WAIVER OF WATCHMAN -Any deputy sheriff levying upon or attaching any property under within writ may leave same
vd91oul a Watdarlan, in Custody of whomever is found in possession, after notifying person of levy or attachment. without hablity, on the pan of such deputy or the sheriff to any plaintiff
herein for any loss, destruction. or removal of any property before shenfrs sale thereof.
9. TYPE NAME and ADDRESS of ATTORNEY I ORIGINATOR and SIGNATURE VICTOR P. STABILE TELEPHONE NUMBER 11. DATE FILED
112 MARKET ST, 8th FLOOR, HARRISBURG, PA 17101 717-236-4812 3/2/2006
12. SEND NOTICE OF SERVICE COPY TO NAME AND ADDRESS BELOW: (This area must be completed 0 notice is to be mailed).
CUMBERLAND COUNTY SHERIFF
13. 1 WuwwkAge receipt of the wm --
14. DATE RECEIVED 15. Expiration/Hearing Dale
or complaint as Indicated above. M J M C G I L L Y C S D 3/13/2006 14/1/2006
16. HOW SERVED: PERSONAL( ) RESIDENCE ( ) POSTED( ) POE ( ) SHERIFF'S OFFICE ( ) OTHER ( ) SEE REMARKS BELOW
17. O 1 hereby certify and return a NOT FOUND because I am unable to locate the individual, company, etc. named above. (See remarks below.)
18. NAME AND TITLE OF INDIVIDUAL SERVED I LIST ADDRESS HERE IF NOT SHOWN ABOVE (Relationship to Defendant) 19. Date of Service 20 Time or Service
Time I Miles Llnt. I Date I Time I Miles I Int. I Date I Time I Miles I Int. Date Time Miles Int. Date Time Miles Int.
&Y. V) cr?j -0 bgZx"Il-?
n
21 Advance Costs Service Coats 2 WF 28. cage 27. Postage 28. Sub Total 29. Pound 30. Notary ]t. Surchg. 72. 7d. Cruls 37 Costs Due and ack_Ng
100.00 vo 9o Sa a 0 7a.? 1Q}=,
34. Foreign CoaMy Cosh 35. Advance Costs 36 Service Costs 37. Notary Cart . 39. Mileage/Postage/Nei Found 39. Total Costs 40. Casts Due" Refund
41. AFFIRMED and subscribed to betty
ie SO ANSWERS
V
42
day of March 20 Q6s3 p
hire of 45. DATE
.
.
T e
S
Dep. Sheriff
ea?
?H.?dNO?ARr
COMMONWEALTH OF`PErmSYLVANIA 46. SignaarcofYcrk
Count' Sherri vh- * 47. DATE
NOTARIALSFAL For William M Hose, Sherif 3/22/06
LISA L. BOWMAN, NOTARYPUSLIt; 46 Signature ofForngn 49 DATE
CITY OF YORK, YORK COUNTY County Sheriff
0. l ACKN
5 OF AUT
ATURE
51. DATE RECEIVED
1 . WHITE - %SWQ Authority 2. PINK - Attorney 3. CANARY - Sheriffs Office 4. BLUE - Snentrs Office
COUNTY OF YORK
OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF SERVICE CA60LL
45 N. GEORGE ST., YORK, PA 17401
SHERIFF SERVICE
V
PROCESS RECEIPT and AFFIDAVIT OF RETURN L. Curtis Barber Inc t/d/b/a Curtis Foul Mercury] 2 COURTNM1201 civil
-_ V M Donald E. Slike et al I Writ of SurTons W0SUM
SERVE 5 NAME OF INDIVIDUAL, COMPANY. CORPORATION, ETC TO SERVE OR DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY TO BE LEVIED, ATTACHED. OR SOLD
Evergreen AutoPark Inc
6. ADDRESS (STREET OR RFO WITH BOX NUMBER, APT NO., CITY, BORO. TwP.. STATE AND ZIP CODE) nn
AT 4100 Carlisle Road Doves, PA 17315 ?T YJ v S,A!
7. INDICATE SERVICE{ ? PERSONAL _ ? PERSON IN CHARGE DEPUTIZE C T. IL U 1ST CLASS MAIL U POSTED 'J OTHER
NOW March Yo9 (4
rk 20 06 I, SHERIFF OF OUNTY, PA, dohereb'y deputize the sheriff of
COUNTY to execute this ?Ifit?rt?dce return th cording
to law. This deputization. being ynade at the request and, risk gkthe p1pint)ff
z- 1911MIFF OF LINTY. - -
8. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION THAT WILL ASSIST IN EXPEDITING SPUTE 0 F C 0 U N T Y Ctn
ADVANCE FEE PAID BY CUMBERLAND CO. SHERIFF
Please mail return of service to Cumberland County Sheriff.
Thank you.
NOTE: ONLY APPLICABLE ON WRIT OF EXECUTION: N.B. WAIVER OF WATCHMAN -Any deputy sheriff levying upon or attaching any property under within writ may leave same
without a watchman. in custody of whomever is found in possession, after notifying person of levy or attachment, without liability on the part of such deputy or the sheriff to any plaintiff
herein for any Ides. destruction, or removal of any property before sheriffs sale thereof.
9. TYPE NAME and ADDRESS of ATTORNEY / ORIGINATOR and SIGNATURE VICTOR P. STABILE, ES 10. TELEPHONE NUMBER 11. DATE FILED
112 MARKET ST, 8th FLOOR, HARRISBURG, PA 17101 717-236-4812 3/2/2006
12. SEND NOTICE OF SERVICE COPY TO NAME AND ADDRESS BELOW' (This area must be completed a notice is to be mailed).
CUMBERLAND COUNTY SHERIFF
13. 1 atknOWAdpe receipt of the writ 14. DATE RECEIVED 15. Expiration/Hearing Date
cr complain as indicated above. M J M C G I L L Y C S O 3/13/2006 14/1/2006
16. HOW SERVED: PERSONAL( ) RESIDENCE ( ) POSTED( ) POE ( ) SHERIFF'S OFFICE ( ) OTHER ( ) SEE REMARKS BELOW
17. O I hereby ceray and return a NOT FOUND because I am unable to locate the individual, company, etc. named above. (See remarks below.)
18. NAME AND TITLE OF INDIVIDUAL SERVED / LIST ADDRESS HERE IF NOT SHOWN ABOVE (Relationship b Defendant) 19. Date of Service 20 Time of Service
n. A11 eMrr StyMe I lime I Mye I..IntI Date I Time] Miles Int I Date I Time riles I Int I Date I Time [Mlles I Int. I Date I Time I Miles I Inl_ I Dale Time Mutes Int.
U)ci
3. Advance Costs 2t4, Service Costs NIF 12 M aQa 27. Postage
100.00 "I-UC% W .10
4. Foreign County Costs 35. Advance Costs 36 Service Costs 37. Notary
41. AFFIRMED and subscribed to bell
42.d-ay-of l1arci120 -0?3._
Iry 31. SurMg. 32. TO Cpsls
1
33 S.DUe? Rpluno
Found 39. Total Costs 40. Coats Due or
SO ANSWERS
45. DATE
46. Signature of York 47. DATE
Counrg
F011 l,?Mian ri Ilose,Sheriff 7/22/06
48. S.onatureof Forennr en Hero
w. [ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THE SHERIFF'S RETURN SIGNATURE 51. DATE RECEIVED
OF AUTHORIZED ISSUING AUTHORITY AND TITLE
1 WHITE - Issuap Authority 2 PINK - Attorney 3. CANARY Sheriffs Office 4 LUE - Sharers Ohre _
aj
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a
CURTIS FORD MERCURY CIVIL ACTION - LAW
215 S. Carlisle Street
R.D. #2 Box 3'
New Bloomfield, PA 17068,
No. [?P
Plaintiff,
V.
Donald E. Slike
100 E. Lauer Lane
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Donald E. Slike, trading as, DES
Associates, a Pennsylvania
Limited Partnership
1302 Slate Hill Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Timothy J. Slike
1901 Louisa Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Christopher L. Slike
110 Wildflower Drive
Carlisle, PA 17013
Evergreen AutoPark, Inc.
4100 Carlisle Rd
Dover, PA 17315
Defendants.
PRAECIPE FOR WRITS OF SUMMONS
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
238101
Please issue writs of summons against Donald E. Slike, Donald E. Slike trading as DES
Associates, Timothy J. Slike, Christopher L. Slike, and Evergreen AutoPark, Inc., defendants in
the above captioned matter.
submitted,
Victorle, sq 'r
DILWORTHPAXSON LLP
112 Market Street, 8m Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 236-4812
DATED: February 28, 2006
23810_1
4
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a
CURTIS FORD MERCURY CIVIL ACTION - LAW
215 S. Carlisle Street
R.D. #2 Box 3
New Bloomfield, PA 17068,
Plaintiff,
No. O(- / ) a 1 C':
V.
Donald E. Slike
100 E. Lauer Lane
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Donald E. Slike, trading as, DES
Associates, a Pennsylvania
Limited Partnership
1302 Slate Hill Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Timothy J. Slike
1901 Louisa Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Christopher L. Slike
110 Wildflower Drive
Carlisle, PA 17013
Evergreen AutoPark, Inc.
4100 Carlisle Rd
Dover, PA 17315
Defendants.
WRIT OF SUMMONS
To: Donald E. Slike, Donald E. Slike, trading as DES Associates,
Timothy J. Slike, Christopher L. Slike, and Evergreen AutoPark, Inc.
238101
You ate hereby notified that L. Curtis Barber' Inc• t/dtbta
comn1enced an action against you.
Date:
Seal of the Court
Curtis Ford Mercury has
Name of prothonotary
By
(Deputy)
TPRic DOPY FROM RECORD
? .:......... ... . .. `i, y. W t, 1 hare tl:ti0 Sit rS?"j i3'iiQ
it 3 4 i s S.? j Ctmun at Carlisle, Pa
Prothon ry
23910 -1
Z 1 :01 V £ - HVW 4001
vd'idmllJ3 UN, id3awno
A3I*d3HS 3H1 30 301330
SHERIFF'S RETURN - OUT OF COUNTY
is
CASE NO: 2006-01201 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
L CURTIS BARBER INC TDBA CURTI
VS
SLIKE DONALD E ET AL
R. Thomas Kline , Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff who being
duly sworn according to law, says, that he made a diligent search and
and inquiry for the within named DEFENDANT , to wit:
SLIKE TIMOTHY J
but was unable to locate Him
deputized the sheriff of PERRY
in his bailiwick. He therefore
serve the within WRIT OF SUMMONS
County, Pennsylvania, to
On May 22nd , 2006 , this office was in receipt o
attached return from PERRY
Sheriff's Costs: So answers _-?--
Docketing 18.00
Out of County 9.00
Surcharge 10.00 R. Thomas Kline
Dep Perry County 27.00 Sheriff of Cumberland County
Postage .78
64.78
05/22/2006 f `1103161,
DILWORTH PAXSON
i
In The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
L. Curtis Barber Inc et al
vs.
Donald E. Slike et al
SERVE: Timothy J. Slike No. 06-1201 civil
Now, May 15, 2006 , I, SHERIFF OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA, do
hereby deputize the Sheriff of
Perry County to execute this Writ, this
deputation being made at the request and risk of the Plaintiff.
Sheriff of Cumberland County, PA
Affidavit of Service
Now May 18 , 2006 , at 11:1%,clock A M. served the
within Writ of Summons
upon
at
Timothy J. Slike
279 E. Main St. (Northwoods Auto Sale) New Bloomfield Boro, PA 17068
by handing to Timothy J. Slike, Defendant
a True & Attested
copy of the original writ of Summons
and made known to
Him
the contents thereof.
So answers,
Aaron D. Richards
Deputy Sheriff of Perry
Sworn and subscribed before
me this /I-day of m , 20o4
NOTARIAL SEAL
RGARET F. FLICKINGER, NOTARY PUBLIC
BLOOMFIELD BORO., PERRY COUNTY
MY COMMISSION EXPIRES FEB. 16, 2008
COSTS
SERVICE /&00
MILEAGE y. ('D
AFFIDAVIT 5 _ ov
County, PA
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a
CURTIS FORD MERCURY CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Plaintiff,
No. 06-1201 CIVIL
V.
DONALD E. SLIKE, DONALD E.
SLIKE, trading as DES ASSOCIATES, a
Pennsylvania limited partnership,
TIMOTHY J. SLIKE, CHRISTOPHER
L. SLIKE, EVERGREEN AUTOPARK,
INC.
Defendants.
NOTICE TO DEFEND
You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following
pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this complaint and notice are served,
by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the court
your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to
do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the court
without further notice for any money claimed in the complaint or for any other claim or relief
requested by the plaintiff. You may lose money or property of other rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT
HAVE A LAWYER GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS
OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF
YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO
PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL
SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.
LAWYER REFERENCE SERVICE
CUMBERLAND COUNTY LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 S. Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
717-249-3166 or 800-990-9108
261071
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a
CURTIS FORD MERCURY CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Plaintiff,
No. 06-1201 CIVIL
V.
DONALD E. SLIKE, DONALD E.
SLIKE, trading as DES ASSOCIATES, a
Pennsylvania limited partnership,
TIMOTHY J. SLIKE, CHRISTOPHER
L. SLIKE, EVERGREEN AUTOPARK,
INC.
Defendants.
AVISO
Le han demandado en corte. Si usted desea defender contra las demandas dispuestas en las
paginas siguientes, usted debe tomar la acci6n en el plazo de veinte (20) dias despues de esta
queja y se sirve el aviso, incorporando un aspecto escrito personalmente o y archivando en
escribir con la corte sus defensas u objeciones a las demandas dispuestas contra usted el abogado
le advierte que que si usted no puede hacer asi que el caso puede proceder sin usted y un juicio se
puede incorporar contra usted compra la corte sin aviso adicional para cualquier dinero
demandado en la queja o para cualquier otra demanda o relevaci6n pedida por el demandante.
Usted puede perder el dinero o la caracteristica de otra endereza importante a usted.
USTED DEBE LLEVAR ESTE PAPEL SU ABOGADO WMEDIATAMENTE. SI USTED NO
HACE QUE UN ABOGADO VAYA A O LLAME POR TELEFONO La OFICINA
DISPUESTA ABAJO. ESTA OFICINA PUEDE PROVEER DE USTED LA INFORMACION
SOBRE EMPLEAR A UN ABOGADO. SI USTED NO PUEDE PERMITIRSE AL HIRE A
UN ABOGADO, ESTA OFICINA PUEDE PODER PROVEER DE USTED LA
INFORMACI6N SOBRE LAS AGENCIAS QUE LOS SERVICIOS JURIDICOS DE LA
OFERTA DE MAYO A LAS PERSONAS ELEGIBLES EN UN HONORARIO REDUCIDO O
NINGUN HONORARIO
SERVICIO DE REFERENCIA LEGAL
CUMBERLAND COUNTY LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 S. Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
717-249-3166 or 800-990-9108
26107_1
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a
CURTIS FORD MERCURY
Plaintiff,
V.
DONALD E. SLIKE, DONALD E.
SLIKE, trading as DES ASSOCIATES, a
Pennsylvania limited partnership,
TIMOTHY J. SLIKE, CHRISTOPHER
L. SLIKE, EVERGREEN AUTOPARK,
INC.
Defendants.
COMPLAINT
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
No. 06-1201 CIVIL
AND NOW, comes the plaintiff L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a CURTIS FORD
MERCURY ("Curtis Ford"), and files the following complaint in he above captioned matter, and
in support thereof avers as follows:
1. The plaintiff L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a CURTIS FORD MERCURY ("Curtis
Ford") is a Pennsylvania corporation with an address of P.O. Box 537, New Bloomfield,
PA 17068.
2. The defendant Donald E. Slike is an adult individual who resides at 100 E. Lauer Lane,
Camp Hill, PA 17011.
3. The defendant Donald E. Slike, trading as DES Associates, is a Pennsylvania Limited
Partnership ("DES") with its registered and principal office at 1302 Slate Hill Road,
Camp Hill, PA 17011. Donald E. Slike is the general partner of DES.
4. The defendant Timothy J. Slike is an adult individual that resides at 1901 Louisa Drive,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. Timothy is a son to Donald E. Slike.
5. The defendant Christopher L. Slike is an adult individual that resides at 110 Wildflower
Drive, Carlisle, PA 17013. Christopher is a son to Donald E. Slike.
6. The defendant Evergreen AutoPark, Inc. ("Evergreen") is a Pennsylvania
corporation with a principal place of business of 4100 Carlisle Road, Dover, PA
17315. At all times material hereto it is averred that both Timothy and
Christopher Slike were owners of Evergreen and that Evergreen was exclusively a
used car and truck dealership
7. At all times material hereto, Curtis Ford was an authorized Ford-Mercury dealer
through the Ford Motor Corporation ("Ford Motor") that sold both new and used
cars and trucks. Curtis Ford was first organized in 1991 and as of that time its sole
owner was L. Curtis Barber ("Curt Barber").
8. From its inception in 1991 until approximately 1997, Curtis Ford was a profitable
business. Its inventory of new cars and trucks was wholly dependent upon the
maintenance of its licensed franchise from Ford Motor who alone provided Curtis
Ford with new Ford-Mercury cars and trucks.
9. In connection with its Ford-Mercury dealership, Curtis Ford also secured and was
provided floor plan financing through Ford Motor Credit Corporation ("Ford
Credit"), an affiliate to Ford Motor Corporation. Curtis Ford secured floor-plan
financing not only for its new cars and trucks, but also for the purchase of used
cars and trucks sold at its business.
10. In order to maintain its floor-plan financing, which was critical to Curtis Ford's
ability to secure new cars and trucks for its licensed dealership, Curtis Ford was
required to meet all the terms and conditions of its floor-plan financing, including
the maintenance of sufficient capital as dictated from time to time by Ford Credit.
11. In and around mid-1997, Ford Credit approached Curtis Ford, and despite the then
profitable status of Curtis Ford, Ford Credit insisted that Curtis Ford immediately
provide additional capitalization for its business. Upon information and belief, it
is averred that this sudden and unnecessary demand for additional capitalization
was in fact part of a larger plan at Ford Motor and Ford Credit to systematically
and methodically eliminate certain small licensed dealerships. The most efficient
way to do this was to tighten the terms and conditions upon which the critical
financing provided to these dealerships would be made available so that
eventually these dealerships would be forced into technical default of the terms of
their floor-plan financing agreements, thus permitting Ford Credit to terminate
financing and thus cause a collapse of the dealership.
12. In order to meet the demands of Ford Credit in mid-1997, Curt Barber agreed to
provide a 49% ownership in Curtis Ford to Christopher and Timothy Slike in
exchange for a loan, guaranteed by Donald E. Slike, in the amount of
approximately $350,000.00 to be used for a loan to the company and for the
purchase of company stock by Timothy and Christopher. It is believed and
therefore averred that Donald Slike provided this financing through his two sons
because Donald Slike could not be approved as a 49% owner of Curtis Ford due
to a felony conviction in his background.
13. In addition, Donald Slike also arranged for a $100,000 line of credit for the
dealership.
14. At the same time that Christopher and Timothy ostensibly provided this loan to
Curtis Ford, Donald Slike executed an "Employment Agreement" with Curtis
Ford as of July 23, 1997. An essential term to this agreement insisted upon by
Donald Slike was a provision that Donald Slike be given exclusive authority and
control over the management of Curtis Ford, including but not limited to, control
of cash, bank accounts, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and all personnel.
15. Upon information and belief, it is also averred that part of the $350,000 in
financing guaranteed by Donald was used to permit Timothy and Christopher to
an ownership interest in Evergreen.
16. Timothy and Christopher were both also added to the Board of Directors of Curtis
Ford when the ownership interest was acquired by them.
17. As a result of the terms and conditions attendant to the floor-plan financing
extended by Ford Credit to Curtis Ford, it was also agreed that Donald Slike
would advance necessary capital or loans to the dealership as required by audits
conducted by Ford Credit, which increased in frequency in and around this time
as a part of the scheme to destroy small dealerships.
18. Typically, when Donald Slike would advance additional sums to the dealership,
these monies would be paid back immediately to him as new and used vehicle
indirect loans were funded.
19. By December 1997, Timothy, Christopher, and Donald (collectively, the "Slikes")
were almost exclusively running Curtis Ford.
20. By approximately November 1998, the Slikes had mismanaged Curtis Ford to the
extent that additional capital was required not only to meet current operation
demands, but also to meet more stringent financial demands placed upon the
dealership by Ford Credit.
21. As a result of the dealership status as of November 1998, and the need for
additional financial commitments to the dealership by Donald Slike, Curt Barber
was forced to sign an agreement as of November 25, 1998, with the Slikes which,
inter alia, virtually turned over all control and operations of the business to them.
The agreement also required that Curt Barber resign immediately as President of
Curtis Ford, that Curt no longer have any authority to bind Curtis Ford, except as
authorized by Tim or Chris, and that Curt would not interfere in any way with the
operations and management of the dealership.
22. The terms of the November 25, 1998 agreement continued in force and effect for
only approximately 5 months until May 10, 1999. By that time, the Slikes had so
badly mismanaged the business of the dealership that they were anxious to turning
back the dealership to the ownership and control of Curt Barber.
23. A written agreement dated May 10, 1999, was executed between Curtis Ford,
Curt Barber, and the Slikes. Under that agreement, Timothy and Christopher
resigned as directors and officers of the company, Donald's employment
agreement was terminated, and the November 25, 1998 letter agreement which
essentially excluded Curt Barber from the business was terminated. In addition,
terms also provided for the repayment and repurchase of all capital, stock and
loans made by the Slikes to Curtis Ford.
24. As part of Curt Barber's resumption of the dealership business in May 1999, he
attempted to rehire his accountant to reconcile the books and records of the
dealership. What records were available were in a significant state of disarray
largely placed into unorganized piles inside the dealership offices.
25. Eventually, Curt's accountant determined that the Slike for the year 1999 alone,
had been overpaid or taken more than $206,000 from the dealership to which he
was not entitled. This money was critical to the survival of the dealership. If this
money was available to the dealership, customer obligations and demands from
Ford Credit could have been met and therefore, the eventual demise of the
dealership may have been avoided.
26. It was also learned that $40,000 of used cars which belonged to Curtis Ford, also
had been diverted to Evergreen which directly benefited Timothy and
Christopher.
27. At the same time that the Slikes were squeezing Curt Barber out of the Curtis
Ford dealership and up and including May 10, 1999 when the dealership was
turned back over to Mr. Barber, Ford Motor and Ford Credit were advancing to
terminate the dealership franchise. In fact, by June 1999, the strangle hold placed
upon Curtis Ford by Ford Credit was so great that virtually no floor-plan
financing of inventory was available to the dealership leaving the dealership only
with what it could muster in terms of customer ordered new vehicles, used
vehicles and vehicles from other dealerships to sell in order to survive.
28. In 2000, various criminal charges were bought against Curt Barber as a result of
customer complaints relating to the processing of necessary paperwork for the
sale of vehicles to them and the disposition of funds in connection with those
sales.
29. In July 2001, Mr. Barber lost access to the dealership premises when the landlord
locked the dealership out of the premises for non-payment of rent. As a
consequence of this action, Mr. Barber did not have access to any dealership
records.
30. As a result of the criminal proceedings and loss of access to the dealership
premises, Mr. Barber was not able to determine or discover the true nature of the
funds improperly taken by the Slikes from the dealership.
31. Some significant time later, Mr. Barber was allowed access to the dealership
property and original business records and determined that many Curtis-Ford
checks were written during the period from January 1999 through September
1999 to DES, Evergreen and Donald Slike which resulted in the over $206,000
improperly taken from the dealership. In fact, upon examination of these checks it
was learned that Mr. Barber's name had been forged upon checks to Donald Slike
and Evergreen totaling more than $137,000 after the time when the Slikes had left
the dealership business.
32. When confronted about the $40,000 that was improperly diverted to Evergreen,
the Slike agreed this money belonged to Curtis Ford. As to the remainder of the
funds determined to be owed by the Slikes to Curtis Ford, Donald Slike merely
responded that he had to check his own books and records to determine the
amount owed. At no time did any of the Slikes or Evergreen deny that monies
claimed were owed to Curtis Ford.
COUNT I - CONVERSION
CURTIS FORD V. ALL DEFENDANTS
33. The averments of paragraphs 1 through 31 are incorporated herein by reference
as though the same were fully set forth herein at length.
34. The defendants, individually and collectively, have wrongfully converted funds
which were the property of Curtis Ford.
35. Defendants' actions constitute a wrongful conversion of this property, which the
plaintiff estimates to be in excess of $246,000, exclusive of other consequential
and resulting damages to Curtis Ford.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff respectfully request that judgment be entered in its
favor and against the Defendants, jointly and severally, in the approximate amount of
$246,000, plus interest, costs and such other and further damages and relief that this
Court deems just and appropriate.
COUNT II- BREACH OF FIDUCIARY DUTY
CURTIS FORD V. TIMOTHY AND CHRISTOPHER SLIKE
36. The averments of paragraphs I through 34 are incorporated herein by reference as
though the same were fully set forth herein at length.
37. At all times material hereto, both Timothy and Christopher Slike were officers
and directors of Curtis Ford.
38. As directors of Curtis Ford, both Timothy and Christopher stood in a fiduciary
relationship to the dealership requiring that they act at all times with loyalty, care,
good faith, and inherent fairness to the corporation. In addition, each of them at
all times had to act in good faith and in a manner they believed to be in the best
interests of the corporation and with such care, skill and diligence, as person of
ordinary prudence would use under similar circumstances.
39. For all the reasons set forth herein, both Christopher and Timothy breached their
fiduciary and other duties to Curtis Ford thereby resulting in damages to the
corporation.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff respectfully request that judgment be entered in its
favor and against the Defendants Timothy and Christopher Slike, jointly and
severally, in the approximate amount of $246,000, plus interest, costs and such other
and further damages and relief that this Court deems just and appropriate.
COUNT III- BREACH OF DUTY
CURTIS FORD V. TIMOTHY AND CHRISTOPHER SLIKE
40. The averments of paragraphs 1 through 38 are incorporated herein by reference as
though the same were fully set forth herein at length.
41. At all times material hereto, both Timothy and Christopher Slike were officers of
Curtis Ford.
42. As officers of Curtis Ford, both Timothy and Christopher at all times had to act in
good faith and in a manner they believed to be in the best interests of the
corporation and with such care, skill and diligence, as person of ordinary
prudence would use under similar circumstances.
43. For all the reasons set forth herein, both Christopher and Timothy breached their
duties as officers to Curtis Ford thereby resulting in damages to the corporation.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff respectfully request that judgment be entered in its
favor and against the Defendants Timothy and Christopher Slike, jointly and
severally, in the approximate amount of $246,000, plus interest, costs and such other
and further damages and relief that this Court deems just and appropriate.
ASRespetfully mitted,
Dilworth Paxson LP
112 Market Street, 8`" Fl.
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 236-4812
Dated: April 21, 2008
VERIFICATION
Subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to
authorities, I hereby certify that the facts set forth in the foregoing document are true and correct
to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.
L
L. Curtis arber
26097_1
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on this 21St day of April 2008, I served a true and correct copy of the
foregoing on the following individual(s) via postage-prepaid, first class mail and addressed as
follows:
Donald E. Slike
100 E. Lauer Lane
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Donald E. Slike, trading as, DES Associates,
a Pennsylvania Limited Partnership
1302 Slate Hill Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Timothy J. Slike
1901 Louisa Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Timothy J. Slike
279 E. Main Street
New Bloomfield, PA 17068
Christopher L. Slike
110 Wildflower Drive
Carlisle, PA 17013
Evergreen AutoPark, Inc.
4100 Carlisle Rd
Dover, PA 17315
4actor P uire
Dilworth Paxson LLP
112 Market Street, 8th Floor
Tel.: (717) 236-4812
Attorneys far Plaintiff
Dated: April 21, 2008
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McNEES WALLACE & NURICK LLC
James P. DeAngelo
Attorney I.D. No. 62377
Charles T. Young, Jr.
Attorney I.D. No. 80680
P.O. Box 1166, 100 Pine Street
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
(717) 237-5397 (phone)
(717) 260-1760 (fax)
L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a
CURTIS FORD MERCURY,
Plaintiff,
V.
Attorneys for Defendants
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
: PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DONALD E. SLIKE, DONALD E.
SLIKE, trading as DES ASSOCIATES, :
A Pennsylvania Limited Partnership, :
TIMOTHY J. SLIKE, CHRISTOPHER
L. SLIKE, EVERGREEN AUTOPARK, NO. 06-1201 CIVIL
INC.,
Defendants.
PRAECIPE FOR ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly enter our appearance on behalf of Defendants in the above-captioned
matter.
MCNEFS WALUACE,& NjjRICK LAC
By
James P. to /
Attorney I.2377
Charles T. Jr.
Attorney 1.9o. 0680
P.O. Box 1166, 100 Pine Street
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
(717) 237-5397
(717) 260-1760 (fax)
Dated: April g, 2008
Attorneys for Defendants
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Charles T. Young, Jr., hereby certify that on this ky of April 2008, a true
and correct copy of the foregoing Praecipe for Entry of Appearance was served by
Facsimile and U.S. first-class mail, postage prepaid, on the following:
Attorney for Plaintiff
Victor P. Stabile, Esq.
Dilworth Paxson LLP
112 Market Stre t 8th Fl.
Harrisburg, A .'171q?1
Fax: 717-2 6,781 I
I
Charles T. Y
Attorney for Defyndants
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McNEES WALLACE & NURICK LLC
James P. DeAngelo
Attorney I.D. No. 62377
Charles T. Young, Jr.
Attorney I.D. No. 80680
P.O. Box 1166, 100 Pine Street
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
(717) 237-5397 (phone)
(717) 260-1760 (fax)
L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a
CURTIS FORD MERCURY,
Plaintiff,
V.
Attorneys for Defendants
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
: PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DONALD E. SLIKE, DONALD E.
SLIKE, trading as DES ASSOCIATES, :
A Pennsylvania Limited Partnership, :
TIMOTHY J. SLIKE, CHRISTOPHER
L. SLIKE, EVERGREEN AUTOPARK, NO. 06-1201 CIVIL
INC.,
Defendants.
DEFENDANTS' PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS
Defendants, by and through their attorneys McNEES WALLACE & NURICK LLC,
hereby file these Preliminary Objections to the Complaint. In support thereof,
Defendants state the following:
1. Plaintiff L. Curtis Barber, Inc. t/d/b/a Curtis Ford Mercury claims to have been
an authorized Ford-Mercury dealership, selling both new and used cars and trucks.
(Complaint, ¶7).
2. In order to meet the capitalization requirements of Ford Motor Credit
Corporation, Plaintiff allegedly entered into a number of contracts with Defendants
Donald Slike, Timothy Slike, and Christopher Slike. However, Plaintiff fails to attach any
of the contracts to the Complaint.
3. Plaintiff alleges that Donald Slike executed an Employment Agreement with
the dealership as of July 23, 1997. (Complaint, 114). However, Plaintiff has not
attached the Agreement as an exhibit to the Complaint. Rather, Plaintiff simply
asserts that an essential term of the agreement was a provision that Donald Slike be
given exclusive authority and control over the management of the dealership.
(Complaint, 114).
4. Curt Barber was allegedly forced to sign an agreement as of November 25,
1998, whereby Barber virtually turned over all control and operations of the dealership
to the Slikes. (Complaint, $21). Plaintiff does not attach the alleged agreement to
the Complaint.
5. Plaintiff claims that the terms of the November 25, 1998, agreement continued
in force for approximately five months, until May 10, 1999. (Complaint, 122). At that
point, the Slikes had allegedly so badly managed the business of the dealership that
they were anxious to return the dealership to the ownership and control of Barber.
(Complaint, ¶22).
6. Plaintiff claims that the parties executed a written agreement dated May 10,
1999, providing "for the repayment and repurchase of all capital, stock and loans made
by the Slikes to Curtis Ford." (Complaint, 123). Plaintiff does not attach a copy of
the agreement to its Complaint.
7. Plaintiff claims that following Curt Barber's resumption of the dealership
business in May 1999, his accountants determined that for the year 1999 alone, the
Slikes had been overpaid or taken more than $206,000 from the dealership to which
2
they were not entitled. (Complaint, 125). Plaintiff further claims that $40,000 of used
cars were improperly diverted to Evergreen. (Complaint, ¶26).
8. On March 2, 2006, Plaintiff commenced this action by filing a Praecipe for Writ
of Summons. On April 22, 2008, Plaintiff filed a Complaint, asserting (1) claims against
Defendants for conversion, (2) claims against Timothy and Christopher Slike for breach
of fiduciary duty, and (3) claims against Timothy and Christopher Slike for breach of
duty.
9. Defendants assert these Preliminary Objections in response to the Complaint.
Preliminary Objection #1
(Asserted Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1019(i) and 1028(a)(2))
Failure of the Complaint to Conform to Law or Rule of Court
10. Plaintiff devotes the majority of its Complaint to assertions regarding the
alleged contents of three separate contracts. Plaintiff then improperly neglects to attach
any of those documents to the Complaint.
11. Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1019(1) states in relevant part that,
"When any claim or defense is based upon a writing, the pleader shall attach a copy of
the writing, or the material part thereof." Plaintiff has failed to attach the required
writings.
12. By failing to attach three separate writings on which its claims are based,
Plaintiff has blatantly violated Pa.R.C.P. 1019(i).
WHEREFORE Defendants request that the Court sustain this Preliminary
Objection, dismiss Plaintiffs Complaint, and provide Plaintiff with leave to file an
Amended Complaint within thirty (30) days.
3
Preliminary Objection #2
(Asserted Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1028(a)(3) and (a)(4))
Failure to State a Claim and Insufficient Specificity - Claim for Conversion
13. Plaintiff purports to assert the same cause of action for conversion against
four different Defendants: Donald E. Slike, Timothy J. Slike, Christopher L. Slike, and
Evergreen AutoPark, Inc.
14. The elements of a conversion claim include (1) deprivation of another's right
of property, (2) without the owner's consent, and (3) without lawful justification.
15. Plaintiff has failed to aver facts, showing how each of the four Defendants
allegedly participated in the deprivation of Plaintiffs property rights.
16. Plaintiff has failed to aver any factual basis to show that the alleged
transactions occurred without the owner's consent or without lawful justification.
WHEREFORE Defendants request that the Court sustain this Preliminary
Objection, dismiss Plaintiffs Complaint, and provide Plaintiff with leave to file an
Amended Complaint within thirty (30) days.
Preliminary Objection #3
(Asserted Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1028(a)(3) and (a)(4))
Failure to State a Claim and Insufficient Specificity -
Claims for Breach of Fiduciary Duty and "Breach of Duty"
17. Pennsylvania is a fact pleading state, and a Complaint must therefore not
only give the defendant notice of what the plaintiffs' claim is and the grounds upon
which it rests, but it must also formulate the issues by summarizing those facts essential
to support the claim.
18. Plaintiff has failed to formulate the issues and facts essential to the Breach
of Fiduciary Duty and "Breach of Duty" claims. The facts essential to Plaintiffs alleged
claims are wholly lacking.
4
19. In both the count for Breach of Fiduciary Duty and Breach of Duty, Plaintiff
devotes all of two paragraphs to alleging a cause of action. This is not sufficient. The
body of the Complaint does not describe Defendants' alleged duties, or identify the
particular decisions or actions in which they allegedly took part.
20. The Complaint contains only legal boilerplate, and allusions to the
mismanagement of the dealership.
21. Pennsylvania does not recognize a cause of action for "Breach of Duty."
Plaintiffs must identify the particular duty to which they refer. Defendants are not
required to guess.
WHEREFORE Defendants request that the Court sustain this Preliminary
Objection, dismiss Plaintiffs Complaint, and provide Plaintiff with leave to file an
Amended Complaint within thirty (30) days.
Preliminary Objection #4
(Asserted Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1028(a)(1))
Improper Service of Process on Defendant Evergreen AutoPark, Inc.
22. Plaintiff never properly served Defendant Evergreen AutoPark, Inc. with
either the Writ of Summons commencing this litigation, or the subsequent Complaint.
23. The docket does not contain a Sheriffs Return, indicating service of the Writ
of Summons on Evergreen, and Plaintiff only mailed the Complaint to Evergreen, which
does not constitute sufficient service under the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
5
WHEREFORE Defendants request that the Court sustain this Preliminary
Objection and dismiss Plaintiffs civil action against Evergreen AutoPark, Inc. for lack of
service of original process.
McNEES3NA VAC,9 WNURIOK LLC
By
James P.
Attorney I.D. Nb. 377
Charles T. Youn , Jr.
Attorney I.D. . 80680
P.O. Box 1166, 100 Pine Street
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
(717) 237-5397
(717) 260-1760 (fax)
Dated: May t ?, 2008 Attorneys for Defendants
6
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Charles T. Young, Jr., hereby certify that on thO'q day of May 2008, a true
and correct copy of the foregoing document was served by U.S. first-class mail, postage
prepaid, on the following:
Attorney for Plaintiff
Victor P. Stabile, Esq.
Dilworth P?tr xs LLP
112 Market t, 8th Fl.
Harrisburg, A 1 1 1
Charles T. YouKO, Jr`
Attorney for Doendants
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a
CURTIS FORD MERCURY CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Plaintiff,
No. 06-1201 CIVIL
V.
DONALD E. SLIKE, DONALD E. JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
SLIKE, trading as DES ASSOCIATES, a
Pennsylvania limited partnership,
TIMOTHY J. SLIKE, CHRISTOPHER
L. SLIKE, EVERGREEN AUTOPARK,
INC.
Defendants.
NOTICE TO DEFEND
You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following
pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this complaint and notice are served,
by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the court
your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to
do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the court
without further notice for any money claimed in the complaint or for any other claim or relief
requested by the plaintiff. You may lose money or property of other rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT
HAVE A LAWYER GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS
OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF
YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO
PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL
SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.
LAWYER REFERENCE SERVICE
CUMBERLAND COUNTY LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 S. Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
717-249-3166 or 800-990-9108
261071
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a
CURTIS FORD MERCURY CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Plaintiff,
No. 06-1201 CIVIL
V.
DONALD E. SLIKE, DONALD E. JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
SLIKE, trading as DES ASSOCIATES, a
Pennsylvania limited partnership,
TIMOTHY J. SLIKE, CHRISTOPHER
L. SLIKE, EVERGREEN AUTOPARK,
INC.
Defendants.
AVISO
Le han demandado en corte. Si usted desea defender contra las demandas dispuestas en las
paginas siguientes, usted debe tomar la acci6n en el plazo de veinte (20) dias despues de esta
queja y se sirve el aviso, incorporando un aspecto escrito personalmente o y archivando en
escribir con la corte sus defensas u objeciones a las demandas dispuestas contra usted el abogado
le advierte que que si usted no puede hacer asi que el caso puede proceder sin usted y un juicio se
puede incorporar contra usted compra la corte sin aviso adicional para cualquier dinero
demandado en la queja o para cualquier otra demanda o relevaci6n pedida por el demandante.
Usted puede perder el dinero o la caracteristica de otra endereza importante a usted.
USTED DEBE LLEVAR ESTE PAPEL SU ABOGADO INMEDIATAMENTE. SI USTED NO
HACE QUE UN ABOGADO VAYA A O LLAME POR TELEFONO La OFICINA
DISPUESTA ABAJO. ESTA OFICINA PUEDE PROVEER DE USTED LA INFORMACI6N
SOBRE EMPLEAR A UN ABOGADO. SI USTED NO PUEDE PERMITIRSE AL HIRE A
UN ABOGADO, ESTA OFICINA PUEDE PODER PROVEER DE USTED LA
INFORMA06N SOBRE LAS AGENCIAS QUE LOS SERVICIOS JURIDICOS DE LA
OFERTA DE MAYO A LAS PERSONAS ELEGIBLES EN UN HONORARIO REDUCIDO O
NINGiJN HONORARIO
SERVICIO DE REFERENCIA LEGAL
CUMBERLAND COUNTY LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 S. Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
717-249-3166 or 800-990-9108
261071
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a
CURTIS FORD MERCURY
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Plaintiff,
No. 06-1201 CIVIL
V.
DONALD E. SLIKE, DONALD E.
SLIKE, trading as DES ASSOCIATES, a
Pennsylvania limited partnership,
TIMOTHY J. SLIKE, CHRISTOPHER
L. SLIKE, EVERGREEN AUTOPARK,
INC.
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants.
AMENDED COMPLAINT
AND NOW, comes the plaintiff L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a CURTIS FORD
MERCURY ("Curtis Ford"), and files the following amended complaint in the above captioned
matter, and in support thereof avers as follows:
1. The plaintiff L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a CURTIS FORD MERCURY ("Curtis
Ford") is a Pennsylvania corporation with an address of P.O. Box 537, New Bloomfield,
PA 17068.
2. The defendant Donald E. Slike is an adult individual who resides at 100 E. Lauer Lane,
Camp Hill, PA 17011.
3. The defendant Donald E. Slike, trading as DES Associates, is a Pennsylvania Limited
Partnership ("DES") with its registered and principal office at 1302 Slate Hill Road,
Camp Hill, PA 17011. Donald E. Slike is the general partner of DES.
4. The defendant Timothy J. Slike is an adult individual that resides at 1901 Louisa Drive,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. Timothy is a son to Donald E. Slike.
5. The defendant Christopher L. Slike is an adult individual that resides at 110 Wildflower
Drive, Carlisle, PA 17013. Christopher is a son to Donald E. Slike.
6. The defendant Evergreen AutoPark, Inc. ("Evergreen") is a Pennsylvania
corporation with a principal place of business of 4100 Carlisle Road, Dover, PA
17315. At all times material hereto it is averred that both Timothy and
Christopher Slike were owners of Evergreen, that Timothy was and is an officer
of Evergreen, and that Evergreen was exclusively a used car and truck dealership
7. At all times material hereto, Curtis Ford was an authorized Ford-Mercury dealer
through the Ford Motor Corporation ("Ford Motor") that sold both new and used
cars and trucks. Curtis Ford was first organized in 1991 and as of that time its sole
owner was L. Curtis Barber ("Curt Barber").
8. From its inception in 1991 until approximately 1997, Curtis Ford was a profitable
business. Its inventory of new cars and trucks was wholly dependent upon the
maintenance of its licensed franchise from Ford Motor who alone provided Curtis
Ford with new Ford-Mercury cars and trucks.
9. In connection with its Ford-Mercury dealership, Curtis Ford also secured and was
provided floor plan financing through Ford Motor Credit Corporation ("Ford
Credit"), an affiliate to Ford Motor Corporation. Curtis Ford secured floor-plan
financing not only for its new cars and trucks, but also for the purchase of used
cars and trucks sold at its business.
10. In order to maintain its floor-plan financing, which was critical to Curtis Ford's
ability to secure new cars and trucks for its licensed dealership, Curtis Ford was
required to meet all the terms and conditions of its floor-plan financing, including
the maintenance of sufficient capital as dictated from time to time by Ford Credit.
11. In and around mid-1997, Ford Credit approached Curtis Ford, and despite the then
profitable status of Curtis Ford, Ford Credit insisted that Curtis Ford immediately
provide additional capitalization for its business. Upon information and belief, it
is averred that this sudden and unnecessary demand for additional capitalization
was in fact part of a larger plan at Ford Motor and Ford Credit to systematically
and methodically eliminate certain small licensed dealerships. The most efficient
way to do this was to tighten the terms and conditions upon which the critical
financing provided to these dealerships would be made available so that
eventually these dealerships would be forced into technical default of the terms of
their floor-plan financing agreements, thus permitting Ford Credit to terminate
financing and thus cause a collapse of the dealership.
12. In order to meet the demands of Ford Credit in mid-1997, Curt Barber agreed to
provide a 49% ownership in Curtis Ford to Christopher and Timothy Slike in
exchange for a loan, guaranteed by Donald E. Slike, in the amount of
approximately $350,000.00 to be used for a loan to the company and for the
purchase of company stock by Timothy and Christopher. It is believed and
therefore averred that Donald Slike provided this financing through his two sons
because Donald Slike could not be approved as a 49% owner of Curtis Ford due
to a felony conviction in his background.
13. In addition, Donald Slike also arranged for a $100,000 line of credit for the
dealership.
14. At the same time that Christopher and Timothy ostensibly provided this loan to
Curtis Ford, Donald Slike executed an "Employment Agreement" with Curtis
Ford as of July 23, 1997, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit "A". An essential
term to this agreement insisted upon by Donald Slike was a provision that Donald
Slike be given exclusive authority and control over the management of Curtis
Ford, including but not limited to, control of cash, bank accounts, accounts
receivable, accounts payable, and all personnel.
15. Upon information and belief, it is also averred that part of the $350,000 in
financing guaranteed by Donald was used to permit Timothy and Christopher to
purchase an ownership interest in Evergreen.
16. Timothy and Christopher were both also added to the Board of Directors of Curtis
Ford when the ownership interest was acquired by them.
17. As a result of the terms and conditions attendant to the floor-plan financing
extended by Ford Credit to Curtis Ford, it was also agreed that Donald Slike
would advance necessary capital or loans to the dealership as required by audits
conducted by Ford Credit, which increased in frequency in and around this time
as a part of the scheme to destroy small dealerships.
18. Typically, when Donald Slike would advance additional sums to the dealership,
these monies would be paid back immediately to him as new and used vehicle
indirect loans were funded.
19. By December 1997, Timothy, Christopher, and Donald (collectively, the "Slikes")
were almost exclusively running Curtis Ford.
20. By approximately November 1998, the Slikes had mismanaged Curtis Ford to the
extent that additional capital was required not only to meet current operation
demands, but also to meet more stringent financial demands placed upon the
dealership by Ford Credit.
21. As a result of the dealership status as of November 1998, and the need for
additional financial commitments to the dealership by Donald Slike, Curt Barber
was forced to sign an agreement as of November 25, 1998, with the Slikes which,
inter alia, virtually turned over all control and operations of the business to them.
A copy of this agreement is attached as Exhibit "B". The agreement also required
that Curt Barber resign immediately as President of Curtis Ford, that Curt no
longer have any authority to bind Curtis Ford, except as authorized by Tim or
Chris, and that Curt would not interfere in any way with the operations and
management of the dealership.
22. The terms of the November 25, 1998 agreement continued in force and effect for
only approximately 5 months until May 10, 1999. By that time, the Slikes had so
badly mismanaged the business of the dealership that they were anxious to turning
back the dealership to the ownership and control of Curt Barber.
23. A written agreement, attached as Exhibit "C", dated May 10, 1999, was executed
between Curtis Ford, Curt Barber, and the Slikes. Under that agreement, Timothy
and Christopher resigned as directors and officers of the company, Donald's
employment agreement was terminated, and the November 25, 1998 letter
agreement which essentially excluded Curt Barber from the business was
terminated. In addition, terms also provided for the repayment and repurchase of
all capital, stock and loans made by the Slikes to Curtis Ford.
24. As part of Curt Barber's resumption of the dealership business in May 1999, he
attempted to rehire his accountant to reconcile the books and records of the
dealership. What records were available were in a significant state of disarray
largely placed into unorganized piles inside the dealership offices.
25. Eventually, Curt's bookkeeper determined that the Slikes for the year 1999 alone
had been overpaid or taken more than $206,000 from the dealership to which they
were not entitled. This money was critical to the survival of the dealership. If this
money was available to the dealership, customer obligations and demands from
Ford Credit could have been met and therefore, the eventual demise of the
dealership may have been avoided.
26. It was also learned that $40,000 of used cars which belonged to Curtis Ford, also
had been diverted to Evergreen which directly benefited Timothy and
Christopher.
27. At the same time that the Slikes were squeezing Curt Barber out of the Curtis
Ford dealership and up and including May 10, 1999 when the dealership was
turned back over to Mr. Barber, Ford Motor and Ford Credit were advancing to
terminate the dealership franchise. In fact, by June 1999, the strangle hold placed
upon Curtis Ford by Ford Credit was so great that virtually no floor-plan
financing of inventory was available to the dealership leaving the dealership only
with what it could muster in terms of customer ordered new vehicles, used
vehicles and vehicles from other dealerships to sell in order to survive.
28. In 2000, various criminal charges were bought against Curt Barber as a result of
customer complaints relating to the processing of necessary paperwork for the
sale of vehicles to them and the disposition of funds in connection with those
sales.
29. In July 2001, Mr. Barber lost access to the dealership premises when the landlord
locked the dealership out of the premises for non-payment of rent. As a
consequence of this action, Mr. Barber did not have access to any dealership
records.
30. As a result of the criminal proceedings and loss of access to the dealership
premises, Mr. Barber was not able to determine or discover the true nature of the
funds improperly taken by the Slikes from the dealership.
31. Some significant time later, Mr. Barber was allowed access to the dealership
property and original business records and determined that many Curtis-Ford
checks were written during the period from January 1999 through September
1999 to DES, Evergreen and Donald Slike which resulted in the over $206,000
improperly taken from the dealership. In fact, upon examination of these checks it
was learned that Mr. Barber's name had been forged upon checks to Donald Slike
and Evergreen totaling more than $137,000 after the time when the Slikes had left
the dealership business.
32. When confronted about the $40,000 worth of vehicles that were improperly
diverted to Evergreen by the Slikes, Don Slike agreed this money belonged to
Curtis Ford. As to the remainder of the funds determined to be owed by the Slikes
to Curtis Ford, Donald Slike merely responded that he had to check his own
books and records to determine the amount owed. At no time did any of the Slikes
or Evergreen deny that any of the monies claimed were owed to Curtis Ford.
Upon information and belief, it is averred that the Slikes and Evergreen,
individually and collectively, unlawfully took and retained funds that were the
property of Curtis Ford.
COUNT I - CONVERSION
CURTIS FORD V. ALL DEFENDANTS
33. The averments of paragraphs 1 through 32 are incorporated herein by reference
as though the same were fully set forth herein at length.
34. The defendants, individually and/or collectively, have wrongfully converted funds
which were the property of Curtis Ford.
35. Defendants' actions constitute a wrongful conversion of this property, which the
plaintiff estimates to be in excess of $246,000, exclusive of other consequential
and resulting damages to Curtis Ford.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff respectfully request that judgment be entered in its
favor and against the Defendants, jointly and severally, in the approximate amount of
$246,000, plus interest, costs and such other and further damages and relief that this
Court deems just and appropriate.
COUNT II- BREACH OF FIDUCIARY DUTY
CURTIS FORD V. TIMOTHY AND CHRISTOPHER SLIKE
36. The averments of paragraphs 1 through 35 are incorporated herein by reference as
though the same were fully set forth herein at length.
37. At all times material hereto, both Timothy and Christopher Slike were officers
and directors of Curtis Ford.
38. As directors of Curtis Ford, both Timothy and Christopher stood in a fiduciary
relationship to the dealership requiring that they act at all times with loyalty, care,
good faith, and inherent fairness to the corporation. In addition, each of them at
all times had to act in good faith and in a manner they believed to be in the best
interests of the corporation and with such care, skill and diligence, as person of
ordinary prudence would use under similar circumstances.
39. Based upon the averments set forth herein, both Christopher and Timothy
breached their fiduciary and other duties to Curtis Ford through acts of self-
dealing, willful misconduct, recklessness, and/or conversion of company funds
and/or assets, thereby resulting in damages to the corporation.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff respectfully request that judgment be entered in its
favor and against the Defendants Timothy and Christopher Slike, jointly and
severally, in the approximate amount of $246,000, plus interest, costs and such other
and further damages and relief that this Court deems just and appropriate.
COUNT III- BREACH OF DUTY
CURTIS FORD V. TIMOTHY AND CHRISTOPHER SLIKE
40. The averments of paragraphs 1 through 39 are incorporated herein by reference as
though the same were fully set forth herein at length.
41. At all times material hereto, both Timothy and Christopher Slike were officers of
Curtis Ford.
42. As officers of Curtis Ford, both Timothy and Christopher at all times had to act in
good faith and in a manner they believed to be in the best interests of the
corporation and with such care, skill and diligence, as person of ordinary
prudence would use under similar circumstances.
43. Based upon the averments set forth herein, both Christopher and Timothy
breached their duties as officers to Curtis Ford through acts of self-dealing, willful
misconduct, recklessness, and/or conversion of company funds and/or assets,
thereby resulting in damages to the corporation.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff respectfully request that judgment be entered in its
favor and against the Defendants Timothy and Christopher Slike, jointly and
severally, in the approximate amount of $246,000, plus interest, costs and such other
and further damages and relief that this Court deems just and appropriate.
;Respe fully submksq
or P. Stabi a .
Dilw
orth Paxson LP
112 Market Street, 8tr' Fl.
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 236-4812
Dated: June 3, 2008
VERIFICATION
Subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. 4904 relating to unworn falsification to
authorities, I hereby certify that the facts set forth in the foregoing document are true and correct
to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.
L. Curtis Barber
260971
NUV-LJ-7ti 11 : 1J AP) 1)t5 HSaUl.1H 1 t5
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
r 1 ( (610660 P. es
THIS AGREEMENT is made this 23rd day of Jul,-v.,, 1997 between.-L.
CURTIS akwWR; rft' v- (Employer) and DONALD E. BIT m fiployee) .
:. .>
ec tals
WHEREAS, DONALD E. SLIKE has extensive experience in business
operations and management; and
WHEREAS, L. CURTIS BARBER, INC. has encountered financial
difficulties and desires to utilize the expertise of DONALD E.
SLIKE; and
WHEREAS, L. CURTIS BARBER, INC. desires to employ DONALD E.
SLIKE as manager of its business operations; and
WHEREAS, DONALD E. SLIKE will agree to accept employment with
L. CURTIS BARBER, INC. but only on the condition that he be given
sufficient managerial authority and discretion to effectively carry
out and perform his functions;
WITNESS, THEREFORE, THE FOLLOWING AGREEMENT.
1. The recitals set forth above are incorporated into and
made a part of this Agreement.
2. L. CURTIS BARBER, INC. hereby agrees to employ DONALD E.
SLIKE and DONALD E. SLIKE hereby accepts employment with L. CURTIS
BARBER, INC. subject to the terms and conditions of this Employment
Agreement.
3. The parties agree that in order for the employment
relationship to be successful DONALD E. SLIKE must have adequate
managerial authority. Accordingly, L. CURTIS BARBER, INC. hereby
grants to DONALD E. SLIKE exclusive authority and control over the
management of the corporation and its operations, including but not
limited to, control of cash, bank accounts, accounts receivable,
accounts payable; personnel, including but not limited to hiring,
1
NOV-25-98 1115 AM DES ASSOCIATES T117610550 P.U4
y.
termination, salaries, benefits, bonuses, performance reviews and
promotions or demotions and discipline; purchasing, sales,
inventory, credit, leases of personal property and real estate;
capital improvements, expenditures and investments; taxes and tax
payments; and all other incidents of managerial authority and
control.
4. L. CURTIS BARBER, INC. shall compensate DONALD E. SLIKE
for his services under this Agreement by paying the sum of
$12,000.00 per year or twenty-one percent (21%) of the profit of
the corporation, whichever is greater, on an annual basis. Payment
shall be made at least monthly, with adjustments made quarterly and
with a final adjustment to the amount paid at the end of the year.
5. This Agreement shall terminate at such time as DONALD E.
SLIKE is released by the Bank of Hanover and Trust Company, its
successors or assigns, from his obligations as a guarantor of
payment and performance of L. CURTIS BARBER, INC. of its
obligations to the Bank under a line of credit, and from his
obligations as a guarantor of payment of performance of CHRISTOPHER
LEE SLIKE and TIMOTHY JAMES SLIKE of their obligations under a loan
and loan documents for a $350,000.00 loan to enable the borrowers,
CHRISTOPHER LEE SLIKE and TIMOTHY JAMES SLIKE, to acquire an
ownership interest in L. CURTIS BARBER, INC. and EVERGREEN
AUTOPARK, INC.
6. In the event that DONALD E. SLIKE is unwilling or unable
to perform his obligations under this Agreement, these obligations
shall be performed by such person as DONALD E. SLIKE shall
designate from time to time. In the event that no person is
designated, then the authority, rights, duties and obligations of
DONALD E. SLIKE under this Agreement shall be assumed and performed
by CHRISTOPHER LEE SLIKE and TIMOTHY JAMES SLIKE.
7. L. CURTIS BARBER, INC. represents and warrants as
follows I
2
MOV-25-98 11:14 AM DES ASSOCIATES TITT610550 P.05
A. L. CURTIS BARBER, INC. is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
B. L. CURTIS BARBER, INC. has full power and authority
to execute and perform this Agreement, and all corporate action
necessary to confer such authority to its officers has been duly
taken. In addition, said authority shall extend to and include the
execution of all documents necessary to effectuate the terms and
conditions of this Agreement.
. C. L. CURTIS*BARBER, INC. has maintained and shall
continue to maintain its operations and property in the usual
business manner, including maintenance of all insurance coverage,
and intends to continue to so operate f or the term of this
Agreement.
8. The parties agree that any breach of this Agreement may
not be compenaable by monetary damages and hereby consent to the
equity jurisdiction of the Courts of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania and the parties specifically authorize, and grant to
the other parties and to the Court the right to obtain (and in the
case of the Courts, to enter an order granting) injunctive relief,
specific performance, and to provide other equitable relief as may
be appropriate under the circumstances, in addition to monetary
damages and any other relief permitted at law or in equity.
9. The failure of any party to insist in any one or more
instance upon the strict performance of any of the obligations
under this Agreement, or to exercise any option provided under the
terms of this Agreement, shall not be construed as a waiver or
relinquishment for the future, and all rights and obligations of
the parties shall continue and remain in full force and effect. No
waiver shall be deemed to have been made by any party unless such
waiver is made expressly in writing and signed by the party to be
bound by the waiver.
3
r.k?c
Nov-25-98 11:14 AM DES ASSOCIATES 7177610550
,11K
i
10. This Agreement, except as otherwise provided herein,
shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the ph=ties
hereto, their respective heirs, executors, administrators,
successors and assigns.
11. The interpretation and performance of this Agreement
shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania.
12. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between
the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes, merges, and replaces all prior negotiations, offers,
representations, warranties and agreements with respect to such
subject matter.
INTENDING TO BE LEGALLY BOUND, the parties have executed this
Agreement the day and year first above written.
ATTESTS
Gi
WITNESS:
L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a
CURTIS O/RD- RCUAY
By :
L. CU IB BARBER
President
4
HOU-25-1998 16: 01 FROM
L. Curtis Barber
BIPC-FAX B
TO
November 25, 1998
7510.330 P.L_
This letter will outline the understanding of the undersigned parties, specifically Donald 8. Slike
("Don"), L. Curtis Barber ("Curt', Timothy J. Slike ("Tim's and Christopher L. S1ike ("Chris")
with respect to the operation and management of L. Curtis Barber, Inc., Evergreen AutoPark, Inc.
and the Newville Auto Outlet. This letter is legally binding on the parties hereto.
A. L. Curtis Barber, Inc, ("Curtis Ford'):
1. At all times at least two-thirds of the directors of Curtis Ford's Board of Directors
shall be the Slikes or their designees. Curt agrees to vote his shares of stock
accordingly.
2. Curt will immediately resign as President of Curtis Ford. Although he will be
elected as Vice President, his authority shall be limited to performing only those
duties which are specifically assigned to him by Tim or Chris from time to time.
?C
3. Curt shall have no authority to bind Curtis Ford except as specifically authorized '
by Timor Chris, or matters pertaining to the day-to-day operations /n
at Newville Auto Outlet.
4. z V
c?
CUM
5. Curt shall not interfere in any way with the operations and management of Curtis
Ford, nor shall he have any professional contact with any employee of Curtis Ford
except as necessary to carry out the responsibilities and duties assigned to hum.
6. Curt shall not discuss orally, in writing or via email the Slikes or any aspect of the
operation and management of Curtis Ford with any employee of Curtis Ford or
any employee's friends or family.
7. Curt will fully and completely cooperate with the Slikes in their attempts to
designate Chris, Tim or their designee as the named dezier under the Ford Sales
and Service Agreement,
Curt may negotiate the sale of a vehicle to a friend, provided that the sale is
approved in advance by Tim, Chris or an employee designated by Tim or Chris,
To -1 610330 P.o=.
,CV-25-1559 16:02 FROM BIPC-FAX B
that trade involved is appraised by Tim, Chris or their designee and that any
financing terms are approved in writing by Tim, Chris or their designee.
The Employment Agreement dated July 27, 1997 between L. Curtis Barber, Inc.
and Don continues and remains in full force and effect
B. Evergreen AutoPark, Inc. ("Evergreen"):
Curt shall resign as a director and an officer of Evergreen, effective immediately.
C. Newville Auto Outlet ("Newville"):
1. Newville will be organized as an entity separate and apart from Evergreen. It may, ' 12
be formed as apartnershlp (general or limited), C corporation, S corporation ors
limited liability company, at the sole discretion of the Slikes. It will be a wholly
owned subsidiary of Curtis Ford. Curt will operate Newville solely as a x& ,B
\'t?'r- -moused car dealership. Cart will have sales and administrative responsibilities and,
normay ?I3IHi W1XX M responsibilities with respect to hiring and firing
employees. One or more of the Slikes will oversee Curt's performance of his
sales and administrative responsibilities.
2. For his services, Curt shall be paid $1,000 per week, payable in accordance with
Curtis Ford's normal payroll procedures, for a minimum period of two (2) years.
In addition, until the second anniversary of the date hereof, he shall have the use
of an automobile approved by the Slikes and Individual health insurance coverage
under plan(s) offered by Curtis Ford from time to time. Curt shall execute and
deliver an employment agreement in form and substance mutually agreeable to
the parties to supplement the terms hereof if so requested by the Slikes. Curt shall
be an at-will employee.
3. Curt shall receive the compensation and benefits referenced above for a minimum
period of two (2) years even ifNewville is closed; provided, however, that Curt
shall forfeit any unpaid compensation and benefits for the balance of the two (2)
year period in the event of Curt's d, gross negligence, willful misconduct or
C/ criminal act
triple-net Q
4. The existing ease for the premises located at 98 Broad Street, Newville, .r?
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania will Cy /Q?
mot continue with rent being $25.00 pdeliver: J/
A new lease shall be negotiated when Newville Auto outlet separat;s from
L: Cur Ba ez, Inc . ? ? ,h ??
5 y ?p
If Newville Auto Outlet is not profitable after six m?t s, at
the Slikes' option the business may be-..-terminated with L. Cur Barber, Ii
giving thirty days notice to Curt. X04
6. L. Curtis Barber, Inc., will make available $100,000.00 from//the existing
floor plan line(s) for Newville Auto Outlet subject to Ford Credit/Floor p3
provider approval. ,
7. The Slikes will:;indemriifyi:'Curt:•against .guarantees.: he signed previously on
-' - ^6eeia_.f of L. Curtis Barber, Inc., and Evergreen AutoPark, Inc. p?,? ?j
/I/ r
NOO-25-1998 1 : 02 FP,OM B I PC-FAX B TO 761OL3.30 r-. '.-
D. Miscellaneous:
* 1. To the extent permitted by law and/or by any guarantee agreements signed by
Curt and Don prior to the date hereof, Curt agrees to indemnify and hold Don
harmless against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses ,
(including attorneys fees and court costs) which Don may incur arising out of or
by reason of the guaranty or suretyship agreement signed by Don guaranteeing L.
Curtis Barber, Inc.'s financing from Ford Motor Credit.
2. The parties agree that any breach of this agreement may not be compensable by
monetary damages and hereby consent to the equity jurisdiction of the Courts of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the parties specifically authorize and
grant to the other parties and to the Court the right to obtain (and in the case of the
Courts, to enter an order granting) injunctive relief, specific performance, and to
provide other equitable relief as may be appropriate under the circumstances, in
addition to monetary damages and other relief permitted at law or in equity.
3. The failure of any party to insist in any one or more instance upon the strict
performance of any of the obligations under this agreement, or to exercise any
option provided under the terms of this agreement, shall not be construed as a
waiver or relinquishment for the future, and all rights and obligations of the
parties shall continue and remain in full force and effect. No waiver shall be
deemed to have been made by any party unless such waiver is made expressly in
writing and signed by the party to be bound by the waiver.
4. This agreement, except as otherwise provided herein, shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective personal representatives,
heirs and assigns.
The interpretation and performance of this agreement shall be governed in all
respect by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without regard to its
conflicts of laws provisions.
6. This agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect
to the'subject matter hereof and supersedes, merges, and replaces all prior
negotiations, offers, representations, warranties and agreements with respect to
such subject matter.
The parties hereto shall each perform such arts, execute and deliver such
instruments, assignments, endorsements and other documents, and do all such
other things consistent with the terms hereof as may be reasonably necessary or
desirable to accomplish the purposes and intent of this agreement.
* Item D (1) accepted subject to subsequent
interpretation
?G
1.1131-25-1998 16:W FROM BIPC-FAX B TO 11610330 P. C35
Donald . Sue
- - -----------
L. Curtis Barber
HBO I,: 104689-1
t
r_
AGREEMENT AND RELEASE
THIS AGREEMENT AND RELEASE ("Agreement") is made this ld?day of May,
1999, by and among L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., a Pennsylvania corporation with offices located
at 215 South Carlisle Street, New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania 17068 (the "Company"), L. CURTIS
BARBER, an individual residing at 15 West High Street, New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania 17068
("Curt"), DONALD E. SLIKE, an individual residing at 100 East Lauer Lane, Camp Hill, -
Pennsylvania 17011 ("Don"), CHRISTOPHER L. SLIKE, an individual residing at 110
Wildflower Drive, Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013 ("Chris"), and TIMOTHY J. SLIKE, an
individual residing at. 1901 Louisa Lane, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania 17055 ("Tim").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Chris and Tim together loaned the Company Two Hundred Five "Thousand
Seven Hundred Ninety Four Dollars and Fifty-Five Cents ($205,794.55), as evidenced by a
Promissory Note dated July 9, 1997 issued by the Company, a copy of which is attached hereto as
Exllibit A; and
WHEREAS, the Company paid interest on the July, 9, 1997 Promissory Note up to and
until October 15, 1998; and
WHEREAS, the Company repaid Eighteen Thousand One Hundred and Twenty Five
Dollars ($18,125.00) to each of Chris and Tim, and now owes each of Chris and T im in principal
and accrued interest Eighty Eight Thousand Sixty Six Dollars and Eighty Five Cents ($88.0.66.85)
on the July 9, 1997 Promissory Note;
WHEREAS, on July 23, 1997, Chris purchased Fifty (50) shares of the Company's
common stock for a purchase price of Seventy Five Thousand One Hundred Seven Dollars and
Q Fifty Cents ($75,107.50) and Tim purchased Forty Six (46) shares of the Company's common stock
for a purchase price of Sixty Nine Thousand Ninety Eight Dollars and Ninety Cents ($69,098.90),
together acquiring 49% ownership of the Company; and
WHEREAS, Don and the Company entered into an Employment Agreement dated July 23,
1997 (the "Employment Agreement"), a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit B. pursuant to
which Don was engaged by the Company to act as the exclusive manager of its business operations;
and
WHEREAS, between November, 1998 and March, 1999, Don invested Seventy Five
Thousand Dollars ($75,000.00) to the Company, which investment was treated by the Company as
a capital contribution; and
WHEREAS, between November, 1998 and March, 1999, Don loaned the Company a total
of Two Hundred Forty Seven Thousand Five Hundred Ninety One Dollars and Ten Cents
($247,591.10); and
i
203161 v 3
WHEREAS, Curt, Don, Chris and Tim are parties to a Letter Agreement dated November
24, 1998 (the "Letter Agreement"), a copy of which is attached as Exhibit C hereto, pursuant to
which Don Chris and Tim effectively took control of the Company and of Evergreen; and
WHEREAS, the parties have agreed to restructure the obligations of the Company to Don,
Chris and Tim and memorialize the Company's obligations to Don; and
C, WHEREAS, Curt has agreed to purchase the Company's stock owned by each of Chris and
Tim for the purchase price each paid for such stock as set forth hereinabove and to purchase from
Don the capital contribution Don made to the Company as set forth hereinabove; and
WHEREAS, Don, Chris and Tim wish to sever all relations with the Company in their
respective capacities as directors, officers, employees and shareholders.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, with the intent to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree
as follows:
1. Resignations. Chris and Tim, effective as of the close of business on April 30, 1999,
hereby resign as members of the Board of Directors of the Company. In addition, Chris, effective
as of &,..e close of business on April 30, 1999, hereby resigns from each office he holds-vvith the
Company, including but not limited to the office of President of the Company. Tim, effective as of
the close of business on April 30, 1999, hereby resigns from each office he holds with the
Company. including but not limited to the office of Secretary/Treasurer of the Company. Each of
these resignations is hereby accepted by the Boards and Shareholders of the Company.
2. Termnation of Employment Agreement. The Company and Don mun ally agree
that the Employment Agreement is hereby terminated effective as of the close of business on April
30, 1999 and that the parties shall have no further obligations to each other thereunder. The parties
agree that this Agreement supersedes and replaces in every respect the Employment Agreement.
3. Termination of Letter Agreement. Each of Curt, Don, Chris and Tim hereby agree
that each provision of the Letter Agreement is hereby terminated, and that this Agreement
supersedes and replaces in every respect the Letter Agreement.
4. Curt's Obligations.
a. To Don. In consideration of all of the agreements made herein and for other good
and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Curt
hereby agrees to purchase from Don the capital contribution made by Don to the Company in the
amount of Seventy Two Thousand One Hundred Dollars ($72,100.00), pursuant to the terms and
conditions of the Secured Promissory Note dated of even date herewith, the terms of which are
hereby incorporated by reference, at an interest rate of 9.25% per annum over a term of five years
secured by all Collateral of the Company (as such term is defined in the Security Agreement by and
among the Company, Curt, Don, Chris and Tim of even date herewith (the "Security Agreement")
2
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the terms of which are hereby incorporated by reference). The parties agree that the principal of this
Note reflects a credit of Two Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars ($2,900.00) in connection with an
obligation owed by Evergreen Auto Park, Inc. to Curt.
b. To Chris. In consideration of all of the agreements made herein and for other good
and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Curt
hereby agrees to purchase the 50 shares of common stock of the Company owned by Chris for a.-
purchase price of Seventy Five Thousand One Hundred Seven Dollars and Fifty Cents
($75,107.50), pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Promissory Note of even date herewith,
the terms of which are hereby incorporated by reference, at an interest rate of 9.25% per annum
secured by all Collateral and the Pledged Interests (as such term is defined in the Pledge Agreement
by and between Curt, Chris and Tim of even date herewith (the "Pledge Agreement") and the terms
of which are hereby incorporated by reference.)
C. To Tim. In consideration of all of the agreements made herein and for other good
and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Curt
hereby agrees to purchase from Tim the 49 shares of common stock of the Company owed by Tim
for a purchase price of Sixty Nine Thousand Ninety Eight Dollars and Ninety Cents ($68,098.90),
pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Promissory Note of even date herewith, the terms of
which are hereby incorporated by reference, at an interest rate of 9.25% per annum secured by all
Collateral and by the Pledged Interests.
Company Payment Obligations:
` a. To Don. In consideration of all of the agreements made herein and for other good
and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the
Company hereby agrees to repay Don, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Secured
Promissory Note of even date herewith, the terms of which are hereby incorporated by reference,
the principal amount of Two Hundred Forty Seven Thousand Five Hundred Ninety One Dollars and
Ten Cents ($247,591.10) at an interest rate of 9.25% per annum over a term of five years secured by
all Collateral.
b. To Chris. In consideration of all of the agreements made herein and for other good
and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the
Company hereby agrees to repay to Chris, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Promissory
Note attached of even date herewith, the terms of which are hereby incorporated by reference, the
principal sum of Eighty Nine Thousand Three Hundred Sixty Six Dollars and Eighty Five Cents
($88,066.85) at an interest rate of 9.25% per annum secured by all Collateral and the Pledged
Interests.
C. To Tim. In consideration of all of the agreements made herein and for other good
and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the
Company hereby agrees to repay to Tim, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Promissory
Note of even date herewith, the terms of which are hereby incorporated by reference, the principal
sum of Eighty Eight Thousand Sixty-Six Dollars and Eighty Five Cents ($88,066.85) at an interest
rate of 9.25% per annum secured by all Collateral and the Pledged Interests.
6. Release. Each of the Company, and Curt (the "Party" or the "Barber Parties") and
each of Don, Chris and Tim (the "Party" or the "Slike Parties"), as an inducement for the other
Party to enter into this Agreement, knowingly ; rernise?f?recr dirge
each other, their heirs, personal representatives and assigns, frow any and aii manner, ofc?laims,
liabilities, actions, causes of action, suits, debts, rents, sums of money, contracts, controversies,
agreements, promises and demands whatsoever, both at law and in equity, wliehvnd the Barer
Poor 'r1-a-&, or w ucfi tTiey ma fie3 ate "IY a aga nst tree [er
Party arising out of or°i caectic? aarit.th rela?f a?a,?erbf?acr Faro`°t
Hof thrty, any claims, liabilities, actions, causes of action,
suits, debts, rents, sums of money, contracts, controversies, agreements, promises or demands
whatsoever arising out of or ?1g-t?t imisre efitiQnal.-na?l?..r„t
.-, 7. Indemnification.
kz?
a. In Favor of the Slikes. The Company and Curt, as an inducement for Don, Chris
and Tim to enter into this Agreement, hereby agree, jointly and severally, to indemnify and hold
harmless each of Don, Chris and Tim, their heirs, personal representatives and assigns, from any
and all manner of claims, liabilities, actions, causes of action, suits, debts, rents, sums of money,
contracts, controversies, agreements, promises and demands whatsoever, both at law and in
equity, brought by any third party against Don, Chris and/or Tim arising out of or in connection
with the relationships of each of Don, Chris and Tim with the Company and/or Curt, including
but not limited to the personal guaranties made by Don, Chris and Tim on the financing provided
by Ford Motor Credit and the Bank of Hanover to the Company, or to any actions which Don,
i Chris and Tim may have taken, or may have failed to take, in their respective capacities as
officers, directors, employees, shareholders, creditors and advisors of the Company and/or of
Curt.
b. In Favor of Curt and Sandra. Don, Chris and Tim, as an inducement for Curt to
enter into this Agreement, hereby agree, jointly and severally, to indemnify and hold harmless
each of Curt and Sandra, their heirs, personal representatives and assigns, from any and all
manner of claims, liabilities, actions, causes of action, suits, debts, rents, sums of money,
contracts, controversies, agreements, promises and demands whatsoever, both at law and in
equity,
' " g°ot't'?Oftir in connection with
tiie?er?nas;f a"hymtnadery Eurtw44ar- 8aclsaszarirtg provided by the
B> ,a4ianov O to--Evergreen Auto Park, Inc. or (ii) to Don, Chris and Tim.
8. Negative Covenant. In consideration of all of the agreements made herein and other
good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the
Company, Curt and Sandra hereby agree that until such time as each Promissory Note referenced
herein is paid in full, in no event shall the annual total compensation, which includes but is not
limited to any salary, bonus dividends or other distributions payable to Curt or to Sandra, directly or
indirectly, paid by the Company or any other subsidiary or affiliate of the Company exceed a total
of One Hundred and Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($125,000.00), plus (i) any amounts required
by Curt to meet his obligations to each of Don, Chris and Tim as set forth in Section 4 hereinabove,
and (ii) any amounts distributed to Curt solely to permit him to satisfy his tax obligations as a
consequence of the company's status as an S corporation for federal and state income tax purposes.
4
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9. Best Efforts to Release from Guaranties.
a. Curt's Obligation. Curt hereby agrees to use his best efforts to cause each of
Don, Chris and Tim to be released as soon as possible from the personal guaranties made by Don,
Chris and Tim on the- financing provided by Ford Motor Credit and the )dank 6r Hanover to the
Company. In the event that each of Don, Chris and Tim are not removed as guarantors on such
loans on or before the close on business on December 31, 2000, the parties hereby agree and
acknowledge that the Company shall provide Don (or his designee) with one (1) demonstrator
vehicle of his choice until such time as each of Don, Chris and Tom has been removed from all
personal guaranties of the Company's obligations.
b. Don's Obligation. Don hereby agrees to use his best efforts to cause Curt and
_ Sandra to be released as soon as possible from the persgaal guaranties made by Curt and Sandra on
the financing provided by the Bank of Hanover (i) to Evergreen Auto Park, Inc. and (ii) to Don,
Chris and Tim, if such debt was in fact guaranteed by Curt and Sandra.
10. Tim To Remain on Payroll. The parties hereby agree that the Company shall make
severance payments to Tim in the amount of Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) per week, exclusive
•• 4
of any taxes or withholding, until December 31, 1999.
11. Reserved.
a
12. Election to Treat Taxable Year As Two Separate Taxable Years. The Company and
each of its shareholders hereby authorize the Company to elect to close its books as of the date
hereof and treat the current taxable year as two separate taxable years, pursuant to the Internal
Revenue Code Section 1377(a)(2), as amended. The parties agree to make any and all assurances
and/or to execute any and all documents that the Company and its advisors deem necessary to
effectuate the foregoing.
13. Acknowledgement. Each party acknowledges that it/he/she has carefully read and
fully understands the provisions of this Agreement including the releases, terminations and
indemnifications contained herein, and has been afforded the opportunity to consult with counsel
regarding the same.
14. Heirs and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parries and their respective successors, assigns, heirs, and personal
representatives.
15. Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall
constitute one and the same document.
16. Severability. The provisions and sections of this Agreement are severable. If any of
the provisions of this Agreement or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the
invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this Agreement which can be given
effect without the invalid provision or application.
El
17. Conflict of Laws. This Agreement shall be interpreted under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
18. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the
parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supercedes all prior written or oral
agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof..-
(Signatures on Next Page)
11
6
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Agreement have caused it to be executed by
themselves or their duly authorized officers the day and year first above written.
L.. CURTIS BARBER, INC.
r
By: L. Curtis Barber, President
L. Curtis Barber.
_ ___
4 htw? - Dan E. like _
?--rStop$'e-r-IL. Z49,-fike
Timothy
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CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on this 3rd day of June 2008,1 served a true and correct copy of the
foregoing on the following individual(s) via postage-prepaid, first class mail and addressed as
follows:
James P. DeAngelo, Esq.
Charles T. Young, Esq.
McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC
P.O. Box 1166, 100 Pine Street
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
ictor P. a , squire
Dilworth Paxson LLP
112 Market Street, 8th Floor
Tel.: (717) 236-4812
Attorneys for Plaintiff
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McNEES WALLACE & NURICK LLC
James P. DeAngelo
Attorney I.D. No. 62377
Charles T. Young, Jr.
Attorney I.D. No. 80680
P.O. Box 1166, 100 Pine Street
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
(717) 237-5397 (phone)
(717) 260-1760 (fax)
Attorneys for Defendants
L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a
CURTIS FORD MERCURY,
Plaintiff,
V.
DONALD E. SLIKE, DONALD E.
SLIKE, trading as DES ASSOCIATES,
A Pennsylvania Limited Partnership,
TIMOTHY J. SLIKE, CHRISTOPHER
L. SLIKE, EVERGREEN AUTOPARK,
INC.,
Defendants.
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
: PENNSYLVANIA
: CIVIL ACTION -LAW
: NO. 06-1201 CIVIL
DEFENDANT EVERGREEN AUTOPARK INC.'S
PRELIMINARY OBJECTION TO THE AMENDED COMPLAINT
Defendant Evergreen AutoPark, Inc. ("Evergreen"), by and through its attorneys
McNEES WALLACE & NURICK LLC, hereby files this Preliminary Objection to the
Amended Complaint. In support thereof, Evergreen states the following:
Preliminary Objection -- Asserted Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1028(a)(1)
Improper Service of Process on Defendant Evergreen AutoPark, Inc.
1. Plaintiff never properly served Evergreen with either the Writ of Summons
commencing this litigation, or the subsequent Complaint(s).
2. The docket does not contain a Sheriffs Return, indicating service of the Writ
of Summons on Evergreen, and Plaintiff only mailed the Complaints to Evergreen
and/or its counsel, which does not constitute sufficient service under the Pennsylvania
Rules of Civil Procedure.
WHEREFORE Defendant Evergreen AutoPark, Inc. requests that the Court
sustain this Preliminary Objection and dismiss Plainti it action against it for lack of
service of original process. 7/ e
McNEES WALLACE & NURIQK LLC
Dated: June Ib, 2008
By .r v L "' 74
mes P. DeA e
Attorney I.D. o. 2377
Charles T. Y g, Jr.
Attorney I. . o.80680
P.O. Box 66, 100 Pine Street
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
(717) 237-5397
(717) 260-1760 (fax)
Attorneys for Defendants
2
A.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
_rff
I, Charles T. Young, Jr., hereby certify that on this day of June 2008, a true
and correct copy of the foregoing document was served by U.S. first-class mail, postage
prepaid, on the following:
Attorney for Plaintiff
Victor P. Stabile, Esq.
Dilworth Paxso P
112 Market Stre h F
Harrisburg, P 1 10
Charles T. Y
Attorney for
4
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a
CURTIS FORD MERCURY
Plaintiff,
V.
DONALD E. SLIKE, DONALD E.
SLIKE, trading as DES ASSOCIATES, a
Pennsylvania limited partnership,
TIMOTHY J. SLIKE, CHRISTOPHER
L. SLIKE, EVERGREEN AUTOPARK,
INC.
Defendants.
Yfe-
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CIVIL ACTION - LAW
No. 06-1201 CIVIL
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PLAINTIFF'S RESPONSE TO DEFENDANT EVERGREEN AUTOPARK INC'S
PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS TO AMENDED COMPLAINT
AND NOW, comes the plaintiff L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a CURTIS FORD
MERCURY ("Curtis Ford"), and files the following response to the defendant's Evergreen
Autopark, Inc.'s ("Evergreen") preliminary as follows:
1. Denied as a legal conclusion requiring no response. By way of further answer, service
upon a corporate defendant under Pa. R.C.P. 424(1) is proper if service is made upon any
"executive officer, partner or trustee of the corporation or similar entity..."
2. It is believed and averred that the defendant Timothy J. Slike was and is an officer of the
defendant Evergreen.
3. This matter proceeded by writ of summons issued March 2, 2006. The writ was reissued
May 9, 2006 for service upon all defendants. The sheriff s returns for Timothy J. Slike
and for Evergreen, attached hereto as Exhibit A and B, respectively, indicate that the
sheriff was unable to locate Timothy J. Slike and that Evergreen was out of business.
4. Timothy J. Slike was served by the sheriff on May 18, 2006 as per the return of service
attached hereto as Exhibit C.
WHEREFORE, the plaintiff Curtis Ford respectfully requests that the preliminary
objection of the defendant Evergreen be dismissed.
Res ectfully submitted,
/44A?
ictor P. S e, sq.
Dilworth Paxson LP
112 Market Street, 8th Fl.
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 236-4812
Dated: June 30, 2008
VERIFICATION
Subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to
authorities, I hereby certify that the facts set forth in the foregoing document are true and correct
to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.
239231
' SHERIFF'S RETURN - NOT FOUND
SE NO: 2006-012010 f
COMMONTWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
L CURTIS BARBER INC TDBA CURTI
APR 1 2006
VS
L
SLIKE DONALD E ET AL
- R. Thomas Kline Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff, who being
duly sworn according to law, says, that he made a diligent search and
inquiry for the within named DEFENDANT
?_r rsr? .T
,?T T i??mirv _
but was
e. in his bailiwick. He therefore returns the
WRIT OF SUMMONS ,
the within named DEFENDANT
1901 LOUISA DRIVE
SLIKE TIMOTHY J
six
CIS to
MECHANICSBURG, PA 17055
DEFENDANT HAS NOT LIVED AT 1901 LOUISA DRIVE
FOR OVER A YEAR.
Sheriff's Costs: So answers-
Docketing 6.00
Service 8.80
Not Found 5.00 R. Thomas Kline
Surcharge 10.00 Sheriff of Cumberland County
.00
29.80 DILWORTH PAXSON
03/27/2006
Sworn and subscribed to before me
this day of
A.D.
Prothonotary
COUNTY OF YORK
APP, 1 0 2006
OFFICE
OF THE SHEIFF
45 N. GEORGE ST., YORK, PA 17401
-J* SERVICE
and AFFIDAVIT OF RETURN
USTM
SERVICE CALL
(717) 771-9601
EASE TYPE OK.Y L/NE 1 THRU 12
DO NOT DETACH ANY Ctrs
3. DEFENDANT/S/
L. Curtis Barber Inc t/d/b/a Curtis Ford Mercury
201 civil
4. TYPE OF WRIT OR COMPLAINT
Donald E. Slike et al Writ of SutTions
WOSUM
SERVE 5. NAME OF INDIVIDUAL, COMPANY, CORPORATION, ETC. TO SERVE OR DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY TO BE LEVIED, ATTACHED, OR SOLD
It'?erl 'At'il' ';
6 ADDRESS (STREET OR RFO WITH BOX NUMBER, APT. NO., CITY, BORO, TWP, STATE ZIP CODE)
AT 4100 Carlisle Road Dover, PA 17315 x7 ?- , t s-fo
7. t?sff
INDICATE SERVICE: O PERSONAL U PERSON IN CHARGE DEPUTIZE '.CRT. L U 1ST CLASS MAIL U POSTED U OTHER
NOW March 9 , 20 06 I, SHERIFF O UNTY, PA, do hereby deputize .the sheriff of
Yor COUNTY to execute this a return th rding
b law. This deputization being made at the request and risk of the plaintiff.. J'
1. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION THAT WILL ASSIST IN EXPEDITING 66"gCEO F C 0 U N T Y
ADVANCE FEE PAID BY CUMBERLAND CO. SHERIFF
Please mail return of service to Cunberland County Sheriff. Thank you.
TOTE: ONLY APPLICABLE ON WRIT OF EXECUTION: N.B. WAIVER OF WATCHMAN - Any deputy sheriff levying upon or attaching any property under within writ may Wave same
a walahahan. in custody of whomever is found in possession, after nob" person Of Wry ar attachment, wittrout
wm for any loss, deswrxion. or removal of any property before sheriffs sale thereon. Nsbi on the pad of such deputy or the sheriff to any plaintiff
I. TYPE NAME and ADDRESS of ATTORNEY / ORIGINATOR and SIGNATURE V ICTOR P. STABILE, ES .
10. TELEPHONE NUMBER 11. DATE FILED
112 MARKET ST, 8th FLOOR, HARRISBURG, PA 17101 1717-236-4812 13/2/2006
2. SEND NOTICE OF SERVICE COPY TO NAME AND ADDRESS BELOW: (This area must be completed t notice is to be mailed)
CUMBERLAND COUNTY SHERIFF
3. I ackrtowledge receipt of the writ 14 DATE RECEIVED 15. ExprationNlearing Date
or oDrtip1i'K's indicated above. M J M C G I L L Y C S O 13/13/2006 4/ 1 /2 0 0 6
6. HOW SERVED: PERSONAL ( ) RESIDENCE ( ) POSTED( ) POE( ) SHERIFFS OFFICE ( ) OTHER ( ) SEE REMARKS BELOW
7. O 1 hereby candy and return a NOT FOUND because I am unable to locate the individual. company, ate. named above. (See remarks below.)
a. NAME AND TITLE OF INDIVIDUAL SERVED / LIST ADDRESS HERE IF NOT SHOWN ABOVE (Relationship to Defendant) 19. Date of Service 20. Time of Service
I _ t Date I Time I Mies Int. Date Time Miles int. (ate Time Miles IM. Dab Twine Miles Int. Dale Time Miles Int.
2. REMARKS:
`y`"l •"J V tier JJ
3. Advance Costs Service Costs 2 N/F 26. µtleage 7ftsW"otary 26. Sub TOW 29. Pouind 30. Notary 31. Surchg. 32. Tot. Coats 33 Coq, Due!
.00.00 7a.t FonaiyiCMr Coats 35. Advance Costs 36Service CostCert. 38. Mie
spNPrxtUgegdW Found 39. Total Costs 40. Costs Due or Refund
1. AFFIRMED and subscribed to me this nri sD ANSWERS ' OK" !. day of March 20 Q613. NN 44 ? ?? 45. DATE
COMMONWEALTH 0PM t 1LVTk A 46. SWINIU a of York ?[ ? 47. DATE
cou sheiiff
NOTARIAL SFAL Fordilliam M Hose, Sherif . 3/22/06
LISA L. BOVNAN, NOTARY PUBLIU CITY OF YORK, YORK COUNTY se. CouS a Foreign
F1
AUTH M TURE 51
OF -9, F
WHITE - UMN Authoriy 2. PINK - Attomey 3. CANARY -Sheriffs office 4. BLUE - SheWs Office
SHERIFF'S RETURN - OUT OF COUNTY
CASE NO: 2006-01201
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
L CURTIS BARBER I-NC TDBA CURTI
VS
SLIKE DONALD E ET AL
R. Thomas Kline , Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff who being
duly sworn according to law, says, that he made a diligent search and
and inquiry for the within named DEFENDANT , to wit:
f+T TTlL+ MTIurnmt V T
but was unable to locate Him
deputized the sheriff of PERRY
serve the within WRIT OF SUMMONS
County, Pennsylvania, to
On May 22nd , 2006 , this office was in receipt of the
attached return from PERRY
Sheriff's
Docketing
Out of Co,
Surcharge
Dep Perry
Postage
Costs:
18.00
.inty 9.00
10.00
County 27.00
.78
V Z . / U
05/22/2006
DILWORTH PAXSON
in his bailiwick. He therefore
So answer
R. Thomas Kline
Sheriff of Cumberland County
n The Court of Coon Fleas of Cumberland tonnty, Pennsylvania
L. Curtis Barber Inc et al
VS.
Donald E.-Slike et al
SERVE: Timothy J. Slike 06-1201 civil
No.
Now, _ May 15, 2006 , I, SHERIFF OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA, do
hereby deputize the Sheriff of Pew' County to execute this Writ, this
deputation being made at the request and risk of the Plaintiff.
Sheriff of Cumberland County, PA
Affidavit of Service
Now, May 18 , , 2006 , at 11:1%'clock , A M. served the
within Writ of Summons
upon Timothy J. Slike
at 279 E. Main St. (Northwoods Auto Sale) New Bloomfield Boro, PA 17068
by handing to Timothy J. Slike, Defendant
a True & Attested copy of the original
and made known to
Him
Writ of Summons
the contents thereof.
So answers,
Aaron D. Richards
Sworn and subscribed before
me this / g-hday of 20 o 6
NOTARIAL SEAL
. .
- GZe? Z - xl/?
Deputy Sheriff of Perry County, PA
COSTS
SERVICE l $ • oy
MILEAGE y co _-
AFFIDAVIT 5 . vy
$ d?.OT
$
N .
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on this 30th day of June 2008, I served a true and correct copy of the
foregoing on the following individual(s) via postage-prepaid, first class mail and addressed as
follows:
James P. DeAngelo, Esq.
Charles T. Young, Esq.
McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC
P.O. Box 1166, 100 Pine Street
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
Victor P. , squire
Dilworth Paxson LLP
112 Market Street, 8th Floor
Tel.: (717) 236-4812
Attorneys for Plaintiff
C7
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DILWORTH PAXSON LLP
LAW OFFICES
DIRECT DIAL NUMBER:
(717) 236-4812
Victor P. Stabile
vstabile@dilworthlaw.com
July 2, 2008
VIA FIRST-CLASS MAIL
Curtis R. Long, Prothonotary
Office of the Prothonotary
Cumberland County Courthouse
1 Courthouse Square
Carlisle, PA 17103
RE: L. Curtis Barber, Inc., t/d/b/a Curtis Ford Mercury v Donald E Slike et al.
No. 06-1201 CIVIL
Dear Mr. Long:
Enclosed for filing is the original "Plaintiff's Response to Defendant Evergreen
Autopark, Inc.'s Preliminary Objections to Amended Complaint" in the above-captioned matter.
This document was incorrectly filed with the Office of the Prothonotary in Dauphin County on
June 30, 2008. Please time-stamp the enclosed copy and return it to me in the self-addressed
stamped envelope I have provided.
Thank you for your help and cooperation. Should there be any questions, please do not
hesitate to call.
VPS/ely
Enclosures
C: All Counsel of Record
112 MARKET STREET • 8TH FLOOR HARRISBURG PA 17101
263231 (717) 236-4812 • FAX (717) 236-7811 www.dilworthlaw.com
CHERRY HILL NJ NEPTUNE NJ PHILADELPHIA PA WASHINGTON DC WILMINGTON DE
McNEES WALLACE & NURICK LLc
James P. DeAngelo
Attorney I.D. No. 62377
Charles T. Young, Jr.
Attorney I.D. No. 80680
P.O. Box 1166, 100 Pine Street
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
(717) 237-5397 (phone)
(717) 260-1760 (fax)
Attorneys for Defendants
L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a
CURTIS FORD MERCURY,
Plaintiff,
V.
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
: PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DONALD E. SLIKE, DONALD E.
SLIKE, trading as DES ASSOCIATES, :
A Pennsylvania Limited Partnership, :
TIMOTHY J. SLIKE, CHRISTOPHER
L. SLIKE, EVERGREEN AUTOPARK, NO. 06-1201 CIVIL
INC.,
Defendants.
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO: Plaintiff L. Curtis Barber, Inc. t/d/b/a Curtis Ford Mercury
and its attorney, Victor P. Stabile, Esq.
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED TO FILE A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE
ENCLOSED ANSWER AND NEW MATTER WITHIN ENTY (20) DAYS FROM
SERVICE HEREOF OR A JUDGMENT MAY BE EN ED/AGAFNST YOU.
McNEES WALLACE &1NLAICK LLC
BY.
James P. De elo
Attorney I.D . 62377
Charles T. ung, Jr.
Attorney I . No. 80680
P.O. Box 66, 100 Pine Street
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
(717) 237-5397
(717) 260-1760 (fax)
Dated: July, , 2008 Attorneys for Defendants
McNEES WALLACE & NURICK LLC
James P. DeAngelo
Attorney I.D. No. 62377
Charles T. Young, Jr.
Attorney I.D. No. 80680
P.O. Box 1166, 100 Pine Street
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
(717) 237-5397 (phone)
(717) 260-1760 (fax)
Attorneys for Defendants
L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a
CURTIS FORD MERCURY,
Plaintiff,
V.
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
: PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DONALD E. SLIKE, DONALD E.
SLIKE, trading as DES ASSOCIATES, :
A Pennsylvania Limited Partnership, :
TIMOTHY J. SLIKE, CHRISTOPHER
L. SLIKE, EVERGREEN AUTOPARK, NO. 06-1201 CIVIL
INC.,
Defendants.
ANSWER AND NEW MATTER OF DEFENDANTS
DONALD E. SLIKE, DES ASSOCIATES, TIMOTHY J. SLIKE AND
CHRISTOPHER L. SLIKE FILED IN RESPONSE TO THE AMENDED COMPLAINT
Defendants Donald E. Slike, DES Associates, Timothy J. Slike, and Christopher
L. Slike, by and through their attorneys McNEES WALLACE & NURICK LLC, hereby file
this Answer and New Matter to the Amended Complaint. In support thereof, Defendants
state the following:
1. It is admitted that Curtis Ford is a Pennsylvania corporation. After reasonable
investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief
as to the truth of the remainder of the averments. Therefore, they are deemed denied.
2. It is admitted that Donald E. Slike is an adult individual residing at 100 E.
Lauer Lane, Camp Hill, PA 17011.
3. It is admitted that DES Associates is a Pennsylvania limited partnership. It is
further admitted that Donald E. Slike is the general partner of DES Associates. The
remainder of the allegations is denied. By way of further response, the offices of DES
Associates are currently located at 3619 Simpson Ferry Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011.
4. It is admitted that Timothy J. Slike is an adult individual and son of Donald E.
Slike. It is denied that he presently resides at 1901 Louisa Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA
17055.
5. It is admitted that Christopher L. Slike is an adult individual and son of Donald
E. Slike. The remainder of the allegations is denied. By way of further response,
Christopher L. Slike resides at 120 Wildflower Drive, Carlisle, PA 17015.
6. It is admitted that Evergreen AutoPark, Inc. ("Evergreen") is a Pennsylvania
corporation, and it previously sold used cars and trucks. It is further admitted that both
Timothy and Christopher Slike were, at one time, owners of Evergreen. After
reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to
form a belief as to the truth of the remainder of the averments. Therefore, they are
deemed denied.
7. It is admitted that Curtis Ford was at one time an authorized Ford-Mercury
dealer through the Ford Motor Corporation ("Ford Motor"), and it sold new and used
cars and trucks. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the remainder of the averments.
Therefore, they are deemed denied.
8. Denied. Curtis Ford's tax returns indicate that it was not typically a profitable
business. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or
2
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the remainder of the averments.
Therefore, they are deemed denied.
9. It is admitted that Curtis Ford secured floor plan financing through Ford Motor
Credit Corporation ("Ford Credit"). After reasonable investigation, Defendants are
without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
remainder of the averments. Therefore, they are deemed denied.
10. It is admitted that Curtis Ford was generally required to meet all of the terms
and conditions of its floor plan financing in order to maintain said financing. After
reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to
form a belief as to the truth of the remainder of the averments. Therefore, they are
deemed denied.
11. Denied. Curtis Ford's tax returns indicate that it was not typically a profitable
business. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the remainder of the averments.
Therefore, they are deemed denied.
12. It is admitted that Donald Slike guaranteed a loan for $350,000. It is further
admitted that Christopher and Timothy Slike obtained ownership interests in Curtis
Ford. Lastly, it is admitted that Donald Slike has a criminal conviction. The remainder
of the allegations is denied. Defendants specifically deny Plaintiffs characterizations of
their conduct. Donald Slike neither sought nor desired the approval of Ford Motor. His
participation in the business dealings was primarily intended to benefit his son, Timothy
Slike.
3
13. Denied as stated. Donald Slike issued a check for $100,000 after Curt
Barber executed a promissory note. There was no $100,000 line of credit.
14. It is admitted that Donald E. Slike executed an Employment Agreement. The
Employment Agreement is a legal document that speaks for itself, and Defendants deny
Plaintiffs self-serving characterizations of it.
15. It is admitted that Donald E. Slike guaranteed $350,000 in financing, and
Christopher Slike and Timothy Slike obtained ownership interests in Curtis Ford. The
remainder of the allegations is denied. The financing did not involve Evergreen.
16. It is admitted that Timothy and Christopher Slike were both added to the
Board of Directors of Curtis Ford when they acquired ownership interests in the
company.
17. It is admitted that Donald Slike provided capital to Curtis Ford. It is further
admitted that Ford Credit conducted audits. The remainder of the allegations is denied.
Plaintiffs characterizations of the events are specifically denied.
18. Plaintiffs characterizations of the "typical" transaction are denied.
19. Denied. The Slikes were not in control of Curtis Ford in December 1997.
Curt Barber possessed a 51 % ownership interest in Curtis Ford as of that date.
Furthermore, Curt Barber was President of Curtis Ford as of that date, and Curt Barber
routinely acted in a unilateral manner without the knowledge or participation of the
Slikes. Plaintiffs characterizations of the operations of Curtis Ford and the Slikes'
conduct are denied.
20. Denied. It is denied that the Slikes mismanaged Curtis Ford in any way. By
way of further response, the Slikes did not assume control of Curtis Ford until after
4
November 1998, and the Slikes were not responsible for Curtis Ford's financial
problems.
21. The letter agreement of November 25, 1998, is a legal document that speaks
for itself. Plaintiffs self-serving characterizations of it are denied. After reasonable
investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief
as to the truth of the remainder of the averments. Therefore, they are deemed denied.
22. The letter agreement of November 25, 1998, is a legal document that speaks
for itself. Plaintiffs self-serving characterizations of it are denied. By way of further
response, it is denied that the Slikes mismanaged Curtis Ford in any way.
23. The Agreement and Release of May 10, 1999, is a legal document that
speaks for itself, and Plaintiffs self-serving characterizations of it are denied. By way of
further response, Plaintiff has failed to attach amendments to the Agreement and
Release and related documents, dated October 1, 1999, and October 21, 1999. Plaintiff
has also failed to attach the promissory notes executed as part of the Agreement and
Release.
24. Denied. It is denied that Defendants caused any books or records to be in
disarray. On the contrary, Defendants expended tremendous amounts of time and
energy organizing Curtis Ford's records. At the same time, Curtis Barber actively
interfered with Defendants' access to information. Barber went so far as to have the
dealership's mail delivered to a post office box that he concealed from Defendants.
25. It is denied that the Slikes were overpaid or improperly took any funds from
the dealership. It is denied that the Slikes' conduct in anyway caused the demise of the
dealership. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or
5
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the remainder of the averments.
Therefore, they are deemed denied.
26. It is denied that any vehicles were improperly diverted to Evergreen. It is
denied that Timothy or Christopher Slike benefited from any improper diversion of
vehicles.
27. Denied. Plaintiffs characterizations of the conduct of the Slikes, Ford Motor,
and Ford Credit are denied. The Slikes did not squeeze Curtis Barber out of Curtis
Ford. By way of further response, the actions of Ford Motor and Ford Credit were the
direct result of Curtis Barber's own improper conduct and financial improprieties,
including specifically, selling motor vehicles "out of trust."
28. Admitted in part, denied in part. Defendants are aware that criminal charges
were brought against Curt Barber. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are
without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
remainder of these averments. Therefore, they are deemed denied.
29. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of these averments. Therefore, they
are deemed denied.
30. It is denied that the Slikes improperly took any funds from the dealership.
After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or information
sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the remainder of the averments. Therefore,
they are deemed denied.
31. Denied. It is denied that Defendants improperly took any funds from the
dealership. It is further denied that Defendants forged Mr. Barber's name on any check
6
or other document. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge
or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the remainder of the
averments. Therefore, they are deemed denied.
32. Denied. It is denied that Donald Slike ever agreed that Plaintiff was entitled
to $40,000 worth of vehicles. By way of further response, Defendants did not unlawfully
take or retain any funds from Curtis Ford, and Plaintiffs self-serving characterizations of
Defendants' conduct are denied.
COUNT I - ALLEGED CONVERSION
CURTIS FORD v. ALL DEFENDANTS
33. Defendants hereby incorporate their responses to Paragraphs 1 to 32 as
though the same were fully set forth herein at length.
34. Denied. Defendants have not converted funds that were the property of
Curtis Ford.
35. Denied. Defendants have not wrongfully converted any funds or other
property belonging to Curtis Ford.
WHEREFORE, Defendants Donald E. Slike, DES Associates, Timothy J. Slike,
and Christopher L. Slike respectfully request that the Court enter judgment in their favor
and against Plaintiff, and award Defendants their costs.
COUNT II - ALLEGED BREACH OF FIDUCIARY DUTY
CURTIS FORD v. TIMOTHY AND CHRISTOPHER SLIKE
36. Defendants hereby incorporate their responses to Paragraphs 1 to 35 as
though the same were fully set forth herein at length.
37. It is admitted that Timothy and Christopher Slike were, at times, officers and
directors of Curtis Ford. The remainder of the allegations is denied.
7
38. This Paragraph states a legal conclusion to which no response is required.
39. Denied. It is denied that Timothy Slike and/or Christopher Slike breached
any duties, fiduciary or otherwise, to Curtis Ford. It is denied that they engaged in self-
dealing, willful misconduct, recklessness, and/or conversion of company funds and/or
assets. It is denied that Plaintiff suffered any damages due to the conduct of Timothy
Slike and/or Christopher Slike.
WHEREFORE, Defendants respectfully request that the Court enter judgment in
their favor and against Plaintiff, and award Defendants their costs.
COUNT III - ALLEGED BREACH OF DUTY
CURTIS FORD v. TIMOTHY AND CHRISTOPHER SLIKE
40. Defendants hereby incorporate their responses to Paragraphs 1 to 39 as
though the same were fully set forth herein at length.
41. It is admitted that Timothy and Christopher Slike were, at times, officers of
Curtis Ford. The remainder of the allegations is denied.
42. This Paragraph states a legal conclusion to which no response is required.
43. Denied. It is denied that Timothy Slike and/or Christopher Slike breached
any duties to Curtis Ford. It is denied that they engaged in self-dealing, willful
misconduct, recklessness, and/or conversion of company funds and/or assets. It is
denied that Plaintiff suffered any damages due to the conduct of Timothy Slike and/or
Christopher Slike.
WHEREFORE, Defendants respectfully request that the Court enter judgment in
their favor and against Plaintiff, and award Defendants their costs.
8
NEW MATTER
44. Plaintiffs claims are barred by a release.
45. The Agreement and Release dated May 10, 1999, provides in relevant part,
as follows:
6. Release. Each of the Company, and Curt (the "Party" or the
"Barber Parties") and each of Don, Chris and Tim (the "Party" or the "Slike
Parties"), as an inducement for the other Party to enter into this
Agreement, knowingly and voluntarily release, remise and forever
discharge each other, their heirs, personal representatives and assigns,
from any and all manner of claims, liabilities, actions, causes of action,
suits, debts, rents, sums of money, contracts, controversies, agreements,
promises and demands whatsoever, both at law and in equity, which
either the Barber Parties, or the Slike Parties now have, ever had, or
which they may hereafter have against the other Party arising out of or in
connection with the relationship of any member of each Party to any
member of the party, which release shall not include any claims, liabilities,
actions, causes of action, suits, debts, rents, sums of money, contracts,
controversies, agreements, promises or demands whatsoever arising out
of or relating to fraud, willful misconduct or intentional malfeasance.
(Agreement and Release, 5/10/99, at p.4, ¶6).
46. Plaintiff has not pleaded a claim for fraud or other intentional misconduct or
malfeasance, and the release therefore bars Plaintiffs claims.
47. Other provisions of the parties' agreements may apply and bar Plaintiffs
claims.
48. The Agreement and Release of May 10, 1999, was modified by Amendment
dated October 1, 1999, and the attachments were similarly modified. (See Attached
Exhibit "A," Amendment).
49. The parties' agreements and/or executed modifications may apply and bar
Plaintiffs claims.
50. Plaintiffs claims are barred by the relevant statutes of limitations.
9
51. Plaintiffs tort claims are barred by the 2-year statute of limitations contained
in 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 5524.
52. Plaintiff did not initiate this action until almost seven (7) years after execution
of the Agreement and Release dated May 10, 1999.
53. Plaintiff has alleged that Curtis Ford secured floor plan financing not only for
its new cars and trucks, but also for the purchase of used cars and trucks sold at its
business. (Amended Complaint, ¶9). Accordingly, Plaintiff knew or should have known
the precise status of any vehicles purchased or sold in its operations, and Plaintiffs
current claims are barred by the statute of limitations.
54. The Agreement and Release of May 10, 1999, provided that the Company
would close its books on May 10, 1999, and treat the current taxable year as two
separate taxable years. (Agreement and Release, 5/10/99, at p.5, 112). Accordingly,
Plaintiff knew or should have known the precise status of its business operations at that
time, and Plaintiffs current claims are barred by the statute of limitations.
55. Plaintiff knew or should have known about the status of its business
operations, and its claims are barred by the relevant statute of limitations.
56. Plaintiffs claims are barred by the doctrine of laches.
57. Plaintiffs claims may be barred by the doctrines of res judicata and/or
collateral estoppel.
58. Plaintiffs claims may be barred by determinations made in the criminal
proceedings against Curtis Barber.
10
59. Defendants are entitled to offset, setoff, and/or recoup the amounts that
Plaintiff has failed to pay them in breach of the parties' various agreements and/or
promissory notes.
60. Defendants are entitled to offset, setoff, and/or recoup those damages
caused by the conduct of Plaintiff.
61. Plaintiffs claims are barred by the "gist of the action" doctrine.
62. Plaintiffs claims are barred by the "economic loss" doctrine.
63. Plaintiffs allegations are barred by the parol evidence rule.
64. Plaintiff has failed to plead the elements of a cause of action, either for
conversion, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of duty, or otherwise.
65. Plaintiff has failed to plead the elements of a cause of action for conversion,
including (1) that each Defendant acted without lawful justification and (2) that each
Defendant acted without the owner's consent.
66.1 Plaintiffs claims may be barred by its consent given to the transactions in
question.
67. Plaintiffs claims are barred by the payment(s) it received.
68. No cause of action for "breach of duty" exists in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.
69. Plaintiffs claims are barred by the doctrine of unclean hands.
70. Plaintiffs claims may be barred by the doctrine of estoppel.
71. Plaintiffs claims may be barred by its express or implied waiver.
72. Plaintiffs claims may be barred by the statute of frauds.
11
73. Plaintiffs claims may be barred by an accord and satisfaction reached
between the parties.
WHEREFORE, Defendants Donald E. Slike, DES Associates, Timothy J. Slike,
and Christopher L. Slike respectfully request that the Court enter judgment in their favor
and against Plaintiff, and award Defendants their
McN
Dated: July ??' '2008
By
& NO WK PLC
James P. De Ifig to
Attorney I.DZNo. 62377
Charles T. *ou g, Jr.
Attorney I. Nb. 80680
P.O. Box 1 6, 100 Pine Street
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
(717) 237-5397
(717) 260-1760 (fax)
Attorneys for Defendants
12
VERIFICATION
Subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification
to authorities, I hereby certify that I have reviewed the foregoing Answer and New
Matter to the Amended Complaint, and the facts set forth therein are true and correct to
the best of my knowledge, information and belief.
?? xUtA f- - 44?'
Donald E. Slike
Dated: June , 2008
VERIFICATION
Subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification
to authorities, I hereby certify that I have reviewed the foregoing Answer and New
Matter to the Amended Complaint, and the facts set forth therein are true and correct to
the best of my knowledge, information and belief.
C/
Timo J. Sli
Dated: June , 2008
VERIFICATION
Subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification
to authorities, I hereby certify that I have reviewed the foregoing Answer and New
Matter to the Amended Complaint, and the facts set forth therein are true and correct to
the best of my knowledge, information and belief.
,,, ".f 1'a'I- - --/ rx /0
Oe YMIZ?6
sNvistopher L. S e
Dated: June tom, 2008
je?
,b,b,
AMENDMENT TO
AGREEMENT AND RELEASE
THIS AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT AND RELEASE ("Amendment") is made
this tst day of October, 1999, by and among L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., a Pennsylvania
corporation with offices located at 215 South Carlisle Street, New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania
17068 (the "Company"), L. CURTIS BARBER, an individual residing at 15 West High Street,
New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania 17068 ("Curt"), DONALD E. SLIKE, an individual residing at
100 East Lauer Lane, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17011 ("Don"), CHRISTOPHER L. SLIKE, an
individual residing at 110 Wildflower Drive, Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013 ("Chris"), and
TIMOTHY J. SLIKE, an individual residing at 1901 Louisa Lane, Mechanicsburg,
Pennsylvania 17055 ("Tim").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Company, Curt, Don and Chris executed and delivered an Agreement
and Release, dated May 10, 1999 (the "Agreement"), pursuant to which (1) the parties
restructured the obligations of the Company to Don, Chris and Tim and memorialized the
Company's obligations to Don; (2) Curt purchased the Company's stock then owned by each of
Chris and Tim and purchased from Don the capital contribution Don had made to the Company;
and (3) Don, Chris and Tim severed all relations with the Company in their respective capacities as
directors, officers, employees and shareholders;
WHEREAS, the Company, Curt, Don, Chris and Tim hereby desire to amend the
Agreement to substitute the Promissory Notes issued on May 10, 1999 by the Company to each
of Don, Chris and Tim for new promissory notes to be issued on the date hereof by Curt to each
of Don, Chris and Tim;
WHEREAS, the Company has agreed to guarantee Curt's obligations under the
Promissory Notes issued by Curt to Don, Chris and Tim on the date hereof and on May 10, 1999
by a guaranty agreement, in a form acceptable to Don, Tim and Chris, to be executed on the date
hereof, and the Company has agreed to collateralize its guarantee obligations;
WHEREAS, Curt has agreed to cause the Company to purchase insurance on the life of
Curt in the aggregate amount of Five Hundred Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($500,000) naming
Don as the beneficiary on such insurance policy, and to maintain such insurance policy until such
time as Curt's obligations under the Promissory Notes issued on May 10, 1999 and as of the date
hereof are fully satisfied; and
WHEREAS, all capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meaning
specified in the Agreement.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, with the intent to be legally bound hereby, the parties
hereto agree as follows:
14BG 208195 vG
I . New Promissorv Notes. Section 5 of the Agreement is hereby deleted and replaced
in its entirety,'as follows:
5. Curt's Payment Obligations and Company Obligations:
a. To Don. In consideration of all of the agreements made herein and any
amendments thereto and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of
which are hereby acknowledged, Curt hereby agrees to repay Don, pursuant to the terms and
conditions of the Secured Promissory Note attached dated October 1, 1999, the terms of which
are hereby incorporated by reference, the principal amount of Two Hundred Forty Seven
Thousand Five Hundred Ninety One Dollars and Ten Cents ($247,591.10) at an interest rate of
9.25% per annum over a terns of five years secured by all Collateral of the Company.
b. To Chris. In consideration of all of the agreements made herein and any
amendments thereto and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of
which are hereby acknowledged, the Company hereby agrees to repay to Chris, pursuant to the
terms and conditions of the Secured Promissory Note attached dated October 1, 1999, the terms
of which are hereby incorporated by reference, the principal sum of Eighty Nine Thousand Three
Hundred Sixty Six Dollars and Eighty Five Cents ($88,066.85) at an interest rate of 9.25% per
annum secured by all Collateral.
C. To Tim. In consideration of all of the agreements made herein and any
amendments thereto and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of
which are hereby acknowledged, the Company hereby agrees to repay to Tim, pursuant to the
terms and conditions of the Promissory Note attached dated October 1, 1999, the terms of which
are hereby incorporated by reference, the principal sum of Eighty Eight Thousand Sixty Six
Dollars and Eighty Five Cents ($88,066.85) at an interest rate of 9.25% per annum secured by all
Collateral.
2. Guaranty. In consideration of Don, Tim and Chris agreeing to release the Company
of its obligations tinder the Promissory Notes issued by the Company on May 10, 1999 in favor
of Don, Tim and Chris the Company hereby agrees to guarantee Curt's obligations under the
Promissory Notes issued by Curt to Don, Chris and Tim on May 10, 1999 and on the date hereof,
pursuant to the terms of a guaranty agreement in a form agreed to by Don, Chris and Tim and to
be executed on the date hereof. The Company hereby agrees to collateralize its guarantee
obligations by a security interest in collateral of a priority acceptable to Don, Chris and Tim.
3. Insurance. Within ten (10) business days from the date hereof, Curt hereby agrees to
name Don as the beneficiary of an existing insurance policy on the life of Curt owned by the
Company in the amount of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) (the "Existing Policy").
In addition, Curt hereby agrees to increase the amount of coverage under the Existing Policy to
Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) as soon as reasonably practicable, but in no event
later than April 1, 2000. Curt hereby agrees to maintain the Existing Policy (with Don as the
named beneficiary), in the increased amount as set forth above, until such time as Curt's
obligations under the Promissory Notes issued on May 10, 1999 and as of the date hereof are
fully satisfied and extinguished.
11BG 208195 v6
4. Except as modified herein, the Agreement is hereby ratified and confirmed
5. This Amendment shall be governed by, construed, interpreted and the rights of the
parties determined under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without regard to its
conflicts of laws principles.
6. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which
when executed shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the
same agreement.
7. A facsimile signature of any party hereto shall constitute a legal, valid and binding
execution hereof by such party.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment or caused this
Amendment to be executed on the date first above written.
L. CURTIS BARBER, INC.
By: L. Curtis Barber, President
.? 1 ./Z,6 /
L. Curtis Barber
Donald E. Slike
istopher L. Ike
Timot?ry . • ike
-3-
1113G 208195 v6
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE A G
I, Charles T. Young, Jr., hereby certify that on this 11? day of July 2008, a true
and correct copy of the foregoing document was served by U.S. first-class mail, postage
prepaid, on the following:
Attorney for Plaintiff
Victor P. Stabile, Esq.
Dilworth Paxson AP
112 Market Stree 8 Fl.
Harrisburg, PA 7 01
Ch'wfes T. Young, Jr
Attorney for Defe idhnts
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON EAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a
CURTIS FORD MERCURY
Plaintiff,
V.
DONALD E. SLIKE, DONALD E.
SLIKE, trading as DES ASSOCIATES, a
Pennsylvania limited partnership,
TIMOTHY J. SLIKE, CHRISTOPHER
L. SLIKE, EVERGREEN AUTOPARK,
INC.
Defendants.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
No. 06-1M CIVIL
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PLAINTIFF'S ANSWER TO DEFENDANT'S' NEW MATTER
AND NOW comes the Plaintiff, L. Curtis Barber, Inc. t/d/b/a Curtis Ford Mercury,
through his counsel, and responds to Defendants' New Matter as follows:
44. Denied as legal conclusions requiring no response.
45. Denied in that the document speaks for itself.
46. Denied as legal conclusions requiring no response.
47. Denied in that the document speaks for itself and these are legal conclusions
requiring no response.
48. Denied in that the documents speaks for themselves.
49. Denied as legal conclusions requiring no response.
50. Denied as legal conclusions requiring no response.
51. Denied as legal conclusions requiring no response.
52. Denied as legal conclusions and/or argument r quiring no response.
e
53. Denied in that the Complaint speaks for itself,; and as legal conclusions requiring
no response.
54. Denied in that the document speaks for itself, I'! and as legal conclusions requiring
no response and that the document speaks for itself.
55. Denied as legal conclusions requiring no response.
56. Denied as legal conclusions requiring no response.
57. Denied as legal conclusions requiring no response.
58. Denied as legal conclusions requiring no response.
59. Denied as legal conclusions requiring no response.
60. Denied as legal conclusions requiring no response.
61. Denied as legal conclusions requiring no response.
62. Denied as legal conclusions requiring no response.
63. Denied as legal conclusions requiring no response.
64. Denied as legal conclusions requiring no response.
65. Denied as legal conclusions requiring no response.
66. Denied as legal conclusions requiring no response.
67. Denied as legal conclusions requiring no response.
68. Denied as legal conclusions requiring no response.
69. Denied as legal conclusions requiring no response.
70. Denied as legal conclusions requiring no response.
71. Denied as legal conclusions requiring no response.
72. Denied as legal conclusions requiring no response.
73. Denied as legal conclusions requiring no response.
?I
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff respectfully request that judgment be entered in his favor
and against the Defendant.
submitted,
Victor P. t i e,(Rquire
S. Ct. ID ## 37449
Dilworth Paxson LLP
112 Marklet Street, 8th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 2361-4812
Attorney for Plaintiff
DATED: October 8, 2008
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on this 8t' day of October 008, I served a true and correct
copy of the foregoing document on the following individual(s) via postage-prepaid, first class
mail and addressed as follows:
James P. DeAngelo, Esquire
Charles T. Young, Jr., Esqu*e
McNees Wallace & Nurick, L'LC
P.O. Box 1166
100 Pine Street
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
IP# 37449
Dilworth Paxson LLP
1 2 Market Street, 8th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(117) 236-4812
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a
CURTIS FORD MERCURY
Plaintiff,
v.
DONALD E. SLIKE, DONALD E.
SLIKE, trading as DES ASSOCIATES, a
Pennsylvania limited partnership,
TIMOTHY J. SLIKE, CHRISTOPHER
L. SLIKE, EVERGREEN AUTOPARK,
INC.
Defendants.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
No. 06-1201 CIVIL
f_
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;;;;.: CD
r.^
PLAINTIFF'S STATEMENT OF INTENTION TO PROCEED
TO THE COURT:
Plaintiff L. Curtis Barber, Inc. t/d/b/a Curtis Ford Mercury intends to proceed with the
above -captioned matter.
Dated: October 27, 2014
117723933_1
Respectfully submitted,
DILWORTH PAXSON LLP
John B. Consevage, Es
Penn National Insurance Plaza
2 N. 2nd Street, Suite 1101
Harrisburg, PA 17101
j consevage@dilworthlaw.com
(717) 213-4105 (phone)
(717) 236-7811 (fax)
Attorneys for L. Curtis Barber, Inc.
t/d/b/a Curtis Ford Mercury
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that this 27th day of October 2014, a true and correct copy of the
foregoing Notice of Intention to Proceed was served upon the parties listed below via U.S. First
Class Mail addressed as follows:
James DeAngelo, Esquire
McNees Wallace & Nurick, LLC
100 Pine Street
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
Attorneys for Defendants
John B. Consevage, Es
PA Atty. I.D. No. 3659
DILWORTH PAXSON LLP
Penn National Insurance Plaza
2 N. 2nd Street, Suite 1101
Harrisburg, PA 17101
iconsevage@dilworthlaw.com
(717) 213-4105 (phone)
(717) 236-7811 (fax)
117723933_1
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
L. CURTIS BARBER, INC., t/d/b/a
CURTIS FORD MERCURY
Plaintiff,
v.
DONALD E. SLIKE, DONALD E. SLIKE, :
trading as DES ASSOCIATES, a
Pennsylvania limited partnership,
TIMOTHY J. SLIKE, CHRISTOPHER L. :
SLIKE, EVERGREEN AUTOPARK, INC. :
Defendants.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
No. 06-1201 CIVIL
JOINT STIPULATION OF DISCONTINUANCE
NOW COME, L. Curtis Barber, Inc. t/d/b/a Curtis Ford Mercury and Donald E. Slike,
Donald E. Slike t/a DES Associates, a Pennsylvania limited partnership, Timothy J. Slike,
Christopher L. Slike and Evergreen Autopark, Inc., by and through their respective counsel, and
hereby jointly stipulate to the discontinuance of this action, with prejudice, each party to bear
their respective costs and attorneys' fees.
DILWORTH PAXSON LLP
1
John B. Consevage, Esquire
Penn National Insurance Plaza
2 N. 2nd Street, Suite 1101
Harrisburg, PA 17101
j consevage@dilworthlaw.com
(717) 213-4105 (phone)
(717) 236-7811 (fax)
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
Dated: \ , i
MCNEES WALLACE & NURICK, LLC
..,� o
James De
gelo, Esquire
P.O. Bo 66
100 Pine : treet
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
Attorneys for Defendants
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that this 19th day of November 2014, a true and correct copy of the
foregoing Joint Stipulation of Discontinuance was served upon the parties listed below via U.S.
First Class Mail addressed as follows:
James DeAngelo, Esquire
McNees Wallace & Nurick, LLC
P.O. Box 1166
100 Pine Street
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
Attorneys for Defendants
John B. Consevage, Esq.
PA Atty. I.D. No. 36593
DILWORTH PAXSON LLP
Penn National Insurance Plaza
2 N. 2" Street, Suite 1101
Harrisburg, PA 17101
jconsevage@dilworthlaw.com
(717) 213-4105 (phone)
(717) 236-7811 (fax)