MADISON — A Logan County man has sued a construction company, alleging illicit oil drilling procedures.
Stephen Kent Byus filed a lawsuit Feb. 2 in Boone Circuit Court against Mahue Construction Company, doing business as R.H. Adkins Companies, alleging breach of contract and obtaining profits unlawfully.
According to the complaint, Buys is an heir to the estate in the Washington District of Boone Coutny of his late grandmother, Audrey M. Byus, who had willed her estate to Byus’ father upon her death. The plaintiff’s father predeceased him, therefore his residuary share of the estate was passed on to Stephen Byus and his brothers, the suit states.
The lawsuit says the defendant has been drilling for oil and gas on Byus' property, specifically via two existing wells, and the Mahue Company owes Buys royalties for the resources. The complaint states Mahue has refused to honor its contractual obligation to pay Buys as the landowner, breaching its obligation and causing Byus to suffer monetary damages. He alleges unjust enrichment.
Byus seeks compensatory and punitive damages as well as attorney fees and costs.
He is represented by attorney Timothy LaFon of Ciccarello, Del Giudice & LaFon in Charleston.
Boone Circuit Court case number: 15-C-23
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