Date: Fri 09-Apr-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

Trudeau-Lockwood-lawsuit

Full Text:

Trudeau Sues Fire Marshal Over Comments

A local business has sued Fire Marshal George Lockwood over comments he

allegedly made about the business and its manager, William A. Trudeau, Jr, to

an appraiser.

In a lawsuit filed March 31 in Danbury Superior Court, Montana Realty, Inc, of

47-49 South Main Street, sues Mr Lockwood and the Town of Newtown, which

employs Mr Lockwood as fire marshal.

The address 47-49 South Main Street is the site of the former Trudeau's

Service Center. It now contains Newtown Tire and Service.

According to the lawsuit, "On or about February 28, 1999, Lockwood made

statements to an appraiser for Eastern States Bank, regarding Montana Realty,

Inc, and its manager William A. Trudeau, Jr. These statements were untrue. The

statements were made without privilege. At all times while making these

statements, Lockwood was an employee of the town.

"As a result of these statements, the plaintiff has been damaged in that it

was unable to obtain a refinancing on a piece of property located at 47-49

South Main Street ... directly because of the remarks of Lockwood."

Through the lawsuit, Montana Realty seeks damages.

Representatives of the defendants are scheduled to appear in court May 4.