Facts

Kin Hui and Singpoli Pacifica LLC, real estate developers based in Arcadia, sued Charles Dunn Co. for breach of contract and defamation in connection with a prior action filed against Hui and others alleging non-payment of a commission to Charles Dunn.

In the underlying case, Charles Dunn sued Kin Hui, Boardwalk and Singpoli Pacifica Development, Ltd. During the litigation, Charles Dunn executed a release in favor of Kin Hui and Boardwalk, but not Singpoli Pacifica Development, Ltd. The jury came back in favor of Charles Dunn, and Singpoli Pacifica Development Ltd. (SPDL) ultimately became indebted to Charles Dunn Company. Charles Dunn was unable to collect on its judgment. Subsequent to the judgment, an agent of Charles Dunn made statements before the Pasadena City Council, claiming that the developers refused to pay the judgment. Mr. Hui claimed he was humiliated and defamed by the representations, giving rise to the instant lawsuit.

Result

Charles Dunn agreed to settle the matter for $385,000 and to release any claims of the judgment against Singpoli Pacifica Development, Ltd. Moreover, Charles Dunn provided a letter to Hui indicating that the statements made by its agent were incorrect and that Hui nor Singpoli Pacifica, LLC never owed any money to Charles Dunn.