MISTRIAL DENIED IN 1.2-MILLION DOLLAR LAWSUIT AWARD
A judge in 21st District Court has denied the motion for a mistrial filed by a Chappell Hill woman, contending the 1.2-million-dollar civil judgment against her last month.
Lawyers for Michael D. Graves say visiting Judge Vann Culp upheld the jury verdict against Kathy Gaskamp Graves, after she was ordered to pay her ex-husband.
Katy attorney Eddie Krenek says the judge denied Kathy Graves’ motions to overrule the jury verdict, file sanctions against her ex-husband’s lawyers, as well as appoint her a new attorney.
Krenek says Judge Culp found “no evidence” supporting Kathy Graves’ claims and overruled all motions.
Michael Graves sued his ex-wife after his 2009 indictment for felony charges of interference with child custody and had his daughter temporarily taken away.
The jury awarded Michael Graves $1.2-million in a final judgment rendered September 16th. Krenek and co-counsel Tricia Thompson presented evidence claiming that Kathy Graves made false claims against her ex-husband that resulted in criminal investigations, and that Kathy Graves lied under oath during divorce hearings that led to her receiving temporary custody of the child.
Michael Graves also had to make child support payments to Kathy Graves based on the false testimony. His lawyers also say they have found hidden bank accounts linked to his ex-wife.
The jury awarded $500,000 to Michael Graves for damages to his reputation, and for any physical, mental and emotional distress and other ‘special damages.’ The jury awarded another half a million for malicious criminal and civil prosecution and for engaging in the abuse of the legal process.
Graves was also awarded $62,500 in legal fees and $100,000 for the payments made to his ex-wife.
A hearing was held today at 11:00 A.M. in the 21st District Court today, the Honorable Judge Van Culp. Ms. Graves filed three motions; (1) A motion for a mistrial (2) Sanctions against my attorney’s (3) A request that the court appoint her a new attorney.
The court has signed an order denying all three motions you may contact the District Clerk (Tammy Brawner) for a copy.
I wish to thank the jury for doing their job. I also ask that all voters of Washington County realize that you cannot commit Malicious Criminal Prosecution or Abuse of Process alone when the next election comes, you need to send a message that you won’t tolerate this in your county.