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Joseph Finley v. Roman Catholic Diocese of Victoria
Date: 06-21-2005
Case Number: Unknown
Judge: Paula Casey
Court: Superior Court, Thurston County, Washington
Plaintiff's Attorney:
Randolph I. Gordon of Gordon Edmunds Elder PLLC, Bellevue, Washington
Defendant's Attorney:
Richard M. Clinton of Dorsey & Whitney LLP, Seattle, Washington
Joseph Finley sued the Roman Catholic Diocese of Victoria for breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty. Finley invested in a property in Lacey, Washington with Remi De Roo, Bishop of Victoria in the 1990s. Bishop De Roo loaned $600,000 of church money to Mr. Finley for an Arabian horse-breeding venture that failed. Mr. Finley then proposed buying, developing and selling the 160 acre property to pay off his debt and accrued interest, which the diocese estimated at $3.2-million. The Biship co-signed a note with Finley for $5.3 million which was subsequently increased to $7.5 million to obtain money for debt service. The property eventually went into bankruptcy after Re Roo retired and his successor refused to invest any more money in the venture. A Victoria then group raised money to take control of the property and protect the Church.
The defenses asserted by the defendant are not available.
About This Case
What was the outcome of Joseph Finley v. Roman Catholic Diocese of Victoria?
The outcome was: Plaintiff's verdict for $8.2-million for breach of contract, plus $4.2-million for breach of fiduciary duty or trust.
Which court heard Joseph Finley v. Roman Catholic Diocese of Victoria?
This case was heard in Superior Court, Thurston County, Washington, WA. The presiding judge was Paula Casey.
Who were the attorneys in Joseph Finley v. Roman Catholic Diocese of Victoria?
Plaintiff's attorney: Randolph I. Gordon of Gordon Edmunds Elder PLLC, Bellevue, Washington. Defendant's attorney: Richard M. Clinton of Dorsey & Whitney LLP, Seattle, Washington.
When was Joseph Finley v. Roman Catholic Diocese of Victoria decided?
This case was decided on June 21, 2005.