It Figures

$51 Million

A jury in Tarrant County, Texas, awarded a suburban Fort Worth couple a $51 million verdict against a politically influential Texas homebuilder. Robert and Jane Cull of Mansfield won the verdict against Perry Homes in a suit that extends to December 2000 when the Culls experienced structural and foundation problems that started shortly after they moved into their 2,900-square-foot, four-bedroom house custom built by the company. The Texas Supreme Court previously overturned an $800,000 arbitration award against the company headed by major political contributor Bob Perry. The Associated Press reported that the nine judges on the all-Republican panel, whose decision overturned two lower-court rulings, had each received contributions totaling more than $260,000 from members of Perry’s family. Perry Homes is expected to appeal. AP

5

Louisiana State Police arrested five people on charges ranging from felony theft to insurance fraud related to allegedly staged auto crashes. In September 2009, troopers received information from the state insurance department about a possible staged crash ring in St. Landry Parish. Troopers said they found evidence indicating the crash was staged, and had not happened how the individuals involved claimed. The five people arrested had each filed a separate claim with the insurance company, which totaled approximately $113,000. Accused are Lora Nobles, Moses Williams, Elridge Tezano and Phil Fontenot, all of Opelousas, and Charlene Frame of Port Barre.