Mark P. Friedlander, Jr.
Another false promise from Pappas
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MARK P. FRIEDLANDER (1903-1978) MEMBERS OF: |
LAW OFFICES OF |
OF COUNSEL COTCHETT
& PITRE (415) 697-6000 |
September 26, 1997 Mr. Rick Shaddock RE: Lease with Louis Pappas Trust for Dear Mr. Shaddock: I am in receipt of the copies of canceled checks. Accordingly, once you have removed your property Please sign and return the enclosed Release
MPF, Jr:mg Enclosure cc: Louis A. Pappas |
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New address:
Friedlander & Friedlander, PC
Mark P. Friedlander, Jr.
VSB No. 4773
1364 Bevery Road, Suite 201
McLean, VA 22101
703-893-9600
703-893-9650 Fax
On May 25, 1997, Mr. Shaddock came home from work at a client's (Cascade Rehabilitation Inc. in Purceville VA) to find that a mysterious fire had burned the back door and kitchen in the house he was renting from Pappas at 2320 South Eads. Most of the house was untouched, and looked fine from the front. But, Shaddock lost thousands of dollars in personal items, including his irreplaceable Eagle Scout badge. Pappas was fully ensured, and got a new modern kitchen installed for free. Pappas also seemed happy at the opportunity to get rid of a tenant who knew his rights, and helped found the Pappas Tenant Association.
Shaddock paid his own hotel expenses or stayed with friends during the reconstruction. For months, he worked long hours in his office in nearby Crystal Plaza. With full knowledge and approval of Pappas and Arlington Deputy Fire Marshall Kenneth Kent, Shaddock continued to be active in the reconstruction. He paid the utilities to keep the water on, so the construction workers could work and wash up on site. He paid for the electricity for their tools. He kept the lights on and watched over the house when in town to prevent burlaries. He paid a gardener to keep the lawn nice. His phone was continuously working at the house through September 1997.
Pappas dragged out the reconstruction for months, asking contractors for estimates after estimates. It was later learned that there was a dispute between the Insurance company and Pappas regarding payment for the restoration, because the cause could not be determined to be not the fault of Pappas.
Pappas was trying to maximize the payment by the insurance company that insured the property. Apparently there were payment disputes between Pappas and the Fire Restoration company. Pappas did not pay the $30,000 owed for work done during the summer of 1997. The owner had to pay the workers out of his own pocket, and went bankrupt. In 1998 the owner committed suicide.
On August 17th 1997, when the house was almost ready, Pappas claimed Shaddock was not authorized to be there, despite his valid lease until November 15th 1997 and nothing challenging its validity. Shaddock agreed to move his property out, and bought his own home in Iowa.
To add insult to injury, Pappas falsely accused Shaddock of being behind on rent, which he later recanted (see letter from Friedlander). To add further injury, Pappas refused to repay Shaddock's deposit, despite Friedlander's promise. Shaddock had to spend a lot of time and energy pursuing legal avenues, to finally get it returned. But this cost more than the amount of the deposit.
The amount in question is insignificant to Mr. Shaddock, who is a well paid computer consultant. But prospective tenants should be aware that a promise from this attorney may not necessarily be a guarantee of prompt return of your funds.
