Putnam woman files suit to reclaim property

WINFIELD - A Putnam County woman is seeking the court's intervention in seeking return of property that belonged to her late ex-husband.

Jane E. Huey on March 24 filed separate suits in Putnam Circuit Court against Dorenda L. Chandler and John Elswick. In both complaints, Huey, 58, of Hurricane alleges Chandler and Elswick are in possession of money, firearms, appliances and assorted other items belonging to the estate of Bruce Thacker.

In one suit, Huey alleges Chandler took possession of bedroom furniture, a washer and dryer, a 4-wheeler and trailer, various guns, wallets along with $10,000 and "various and sundry keys" belonging to Thacker. The suit does not specify when this allegedly occurred.

Nevertheless, Huey alleges Chandler was not only wrong in "occupying and possessing these assets," but also has "unlawfully converted these assets to her own possession." Despite requests, Huey says Chandler has "refuse[d] to return said items."

In the suit against Elswick, Huey alleges Thacker prior to his death on April 18, 2009, paid Elswick $20,000 for a John Deere dozer. Since then, Elswick has either failed to deliver the dozer or refund the money.

Failure to do either, Huey alleges, constitutes breach of contract.

Huey asks that the court order Chandler to return all the property belonging to the estate, and judgment against Elswick for the money owed to the estate plus pre- and post-judgment interest.

She is represented by Charleston attorney Timothy J. LaFon.

Records show Thacker died as a result of injuries sustained from a motorcycle accident on Hurricane Creek Road. He was 61.

The pair filed for divorce a year earlier.

The suits against Chandler and Elswick are assigned to judges O.C. "Hobby" Spaulding and Philip M. Stowers, respectively.

Putnam Circuit Court, case numbers 10-C-116 and 117