PINEVILLE — Shentel Cable Communications faces a lawsuit in a dispute over their landlord's cable and telephone services.
A group of businesses owned by Chris Mullins filed a complaint in Wyoming Circuit Court against Shentel Cable Communications LLC, alleging the company is extorting the plaintiffs.
Mullins owns the Bailey Mullins Cow Shed Motel, Motel Bailey Mullins, Cow Shed & Restaurant Motel Inc., Lunch Box Cow Shed Restaurant & Motel and Trails & L’s.
According to the complaint, Mullins rented a building to the communications company. As part of the agreement, the complaint states, Shentel Cable would give Mullins' businesses free cable and phone services.
When Mullins received bills for the services, Shentel Cable would tell him to ignore them, he says.
After a dispute over damage to the rented buildling and a refusal to sell his property, Mullins claims Shentel Cable suddenly demanded payment for the five years of services.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury. They seek a temporary and permanent injunction against the defendant, plus damages. They are represented by Timothy P. Lupardus of Lupardus Law Office in Pineville.
Wyoming Circuit Court Case number 18-C-74