Couple searching for 'The Iron Duke'

CHARLESTON - A Kanawha County couple says their boat, "The Iron Duke," was improperly taken from them as a method of settling a Kanawha County magistrate's judgment.

Rudolfo and Ella Stock say David Jarrell, Sr. and Richard Maddox knowingly took "The Iron Duke" instead of the boat they were supposed to seize. The lawsuit was filed July 21 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

"The defendanats knowingly, wrongfully and fraudulently took possession of said vessel by means of a Kanawha County magistrate's order as a method of satisfying a $1,000 judgment," the complaint says.

It also says that "The Iron Duke" is worth more than $6,000 and is registered with the United States Coast Guard.

The Stocks claim the defendants were supposed to take a Jon Boat but instead took the sidewheeler vessel.

Now they want "The Iron Duke" back, along with the termination of the original order from the magistrate.

"'The Iron Duke' has been hidden away from the owners since the seizure thereof, and at least one member of the Kanawha County Sheriff's Department ordered the owners' son away from where said vessel is being held, including threatening the arrest of said son," the complaint says.

Winfield attorney Patrick Anderson is representing the Stocks, who also seek court costs.

Judge Paul Zakaib has been assigned the case.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 06-C-1433