Post by Canton Cougar Fan on Apr 3, 2008 17:47:09 GMT -5
www.tribune-democrat.com/local/local_story_093232359.html
Riverhawks owner loses $58G suit; vows he won't pay
By SANDRA K. REABUCK
The Tribune-Democrat
EBENSBURG — Three Cambria County judges have entered a $58,500 civil judgment against Michael Dawson, the owner of the defunct Johnstown Riverhawks arena football team.
Former owner Brian Schwelling of Acworth, Ga., contended that Dawson still owed him that much money on a $62,500 promissory note Dawson gave him in December 2005 in buying the team.
Dawson, of Johnstown, who never hired an attorney in the civil case, complained that Schwelling had inaccurately listed the team’s losses at $12,000. Dawson said losses totaled $120,000 during his first year of ownership.
“I won’t pay it ($58,000),” Dawson said Wednesday. “I don’t have the money for a lawyer to fight this. This will be handled in (proceedings) with the Internal Revenue Service.”
Michael McShea, the Pittsburgh attorney who represents Schwelling, could not be reached for comment.
Dawson has the right to appeal within 30 days to state Superior Court. If no appeal is made, Schwelling could seek to collect on the civil judgment.
Tuesday’s one-paragraph court order entering the judgment was signed by Judges F. Joseph Leahey, Timothy Creany and Norman Krumenacker.
In November, Judge Gerard Long threw out what Dawson said was a counterclaim for $125,000 for team losses since the purchase.
Riverhawks owner loses $58G suit; vows he won't pay
By SANDRA K. REABUCK
The Tribune-Democrat
EBENSBURG — Three Cambria County judges have entered a $58,500 civil judgment against Michael Dawson, the owner of the defunct Johnstown Riverhawks arena football team.
Former owner Brian Schwelling of Acworth, Ga., contended that Dawson still owed him that much money on a $62,500 promissory note Dawson gave him in December 2005 in buying the team.
Dawson, of Johnstown, who never hired an attorney in the civil case, complained that Schwelling had inaccurately listed the team’s losses at $12,000. Dawson said losses totaled $120,000 during his first year of ownership.
“I won’t pay it ($58,000),” Dawson said Wednesday. “I don’t have the money for a lawyer to fight this. This will be handled in (proceedings) with the Internal Revenue Service.”
Michael McShea, the Pittsburgh attorney who represents Schwelling, could not be reached for comment.
Dawson has the right to appeal within 30 days to state Superior Court. If no appeal is made, Schwelling could seek to collect on the civil judgment.
Tuesday’s one-paragraph court order entering the judgment was signed by Judges F. Joseph Leahey, Timothy Creany and Norman Krumenacker.
In November, Judge Gerard Long threw out what Dawson said was a counterclaim for $125,000 for team losses since the purchase.
