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Gene Percudani v. Pocono Record
Date: 10-21-2010
Case Number: 3651 CIVIL 2001, 2358 CIVIL 2002
Judge: Peter J. O'Brien
Court: Court of Common Pleas, Monroe County, Pennsylvania
Plaintiff's Attorney: Marshall Anders, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Defendant's Attorney: Gayle Sproul, Levine Sullivan Koch & Schulz, L.L.P., New York, New York
Description:
Gene Percudani and his companies, Raintree Homes and Chapel Creek Mortgage Banker, sued the Pocono Record on a libel theory claiming that a series of investigative articles published in 2001 about abusive home-sale practices, including use of inflated appraisals to sell homes for more than they were worth to those who could least of afford them. Percudani alleged he was falsely portrayed — and singled out — in the series by former Pocono Record reporter Matt Birkbeck detailing use of inflated appraisals to sell homes to residents of the metropolitan New York area for more than they were worth in the Poconos, resulting in massive home foreclosures for the homeowners, many of whom had marginal credit. Birkbeck was also a defendant in the suit.
Matt Birkbeck, who researched and wrote the series, "A Price Too High", noted the swiftness of the jury's verdict and called the series a great public service.
Defendants denied selling houses at inflated prices or any wrongful conduct and asserted truth as a defense.
Matt Birkbeck, who researched and wrote the series, "A Price Too High", noted the swiftness of the jury's verdict and called the series a great public service.
Defendants denied selling houses at inflated prices or any wrongful conduct and asserted truth as a defense.
Outcome:
Defendants' verdict.
Plaintiff's Experts:
Philip Waier, Bradley Hockman, Harvey Levin
Defendant's Experts:
None
Comments:
About This Case
What was the outcome of Gene Percudani v. Pocono Record?
The outcome was: Defendants' verdict.
Which court heard Gene Percudani v. Pocono Record?
This case was heard in Court of Common Pleas, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, PA. The presiding judge was Peter J. O'Brien.
Who were the attorneys in Gene Percudani v. Pocono Record?
Plaintiff's attorney: Marshall Anders, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Defendant's attorney: Gayle Sproul, Levine Sullivan Koch & Schulz, L.L.P., New York, New York.
When was Gene Percudani v. Pocono Record decided?
This case was decided on October 21, 2010.