Nick Nolte's ex-wife sues woman over arrest

CHARLESTON – The ex-wife of actor Nick Nolte is suing two Charleston women, saying she was arrested on bogus charges following an attempt to visit her niece.

Rebecca Linger Nolte filed a lawsuit June 24 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Tatyana Markina Linger and Valentina Markina.

Nolte, who lives in California, says that on Jan. 31, 2009, she and a friend, James McCormick went to a Chappell Road residence where the defendants lived to visit with and deliver "food treats" to Tatyana's daughter.

Nolte is the sister of William Gates Linger, Tatyana's ex-husband and the father of the little girl.

Nolte claims that when she arrived, Valentina refused to allow her inside. She claims that she and McCormick then left the property "peacefully and lawfully."

But Tatyana called police and reported that Nolte and McCormick were taking pictures of the property and had been snooping around in a detached garage. Tatyana also told police that Nolte entered the residence and declared she used to live there and could come in any time she wanted.

Charleston police charged Nolte with trespassing and battery and arrest warrants were issued.

Nolte says the allegations are false. She wants compensatory and punitive damages from the defendants.

James T. Cooper is representing the plaintiff. The case is before Kanawha Circuit Judge Louis Bloom.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 09-C-1155