Beverly sued for ‘deception’ for involvement with Douglass House

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Macon law firm is suing state Representative James Beverly asking for $310,000 in damages in regards to the recent demolition of the Douglass House. 

The group, D&D Middle GA LLC, represents Lou Patel, the property owner of where the Douglass House once stood. 

According to a lawsuit filed with the Bibb County Superior Court, lawyers claim Beverly “intended to deceive” Patel into purchasing the lot and the house with plans on donating the structure. 

The group also states that Patel and Beverly put together a contract, calling for the building to be moved once Patel purchased the house.

The lawsuit goes on to say that Beverly falsely claimed to “have the authority to take possession of and move the Douglass House from the property.”

The property where the Douglass House stood cost Patel $200,000. 

His attorneys are asking for a trial by jury for Beverly to pay over the damages Patel “suffered.”

A breakdown of the damages in the lawsuit include: actual damages as prove upon trial but not less than $60,000; punitive damages for $250,000, Patel’s lawyer fees, and all court costs taxed by the clerk.

41NBC reached out to state Representative Beverly. He says he hasn’t been served papers and will prepare a statement on Wednesday.

J. Wayne Crowley, the attorney representing Lou Patel, chose not to comment until those papers have been served.