CHARLESTON — The West Virginia Real Estate Commission is suing a licensed broker from Putnam County for alleged breach of contract.
The state agency filed a complaint against Michael James Bell in Kanawha Circuit Court, claiming that the real estate broker failed or refused to comply with the terms of a signed consent decree. According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff alleges that on March 9, 2018, the defendant signed a consent decree resolving a complaint pertaining to allegations that he violated the West Virginia Real Estate License Act. Among the terms and conditions, Bell agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $4,000 and to reimburse the commission $6,000 toward the $8,500 incurred in administrative costs, to be paid in four monthly payments on or before June 1, 2018.
As of the filing of the suit, Bell has not made any payment for restitution or administrative costs. The plaintiff holds him responsible because the defendant allegedly breached the consent decree he signed. The plaintiff seeks an order from the court concluding that Bell breached the consent decree and direct him to make restitution in the amount of $4,000 and any further relief the court may deem appropriate.
The West Virginia Real Estate Commission is represented by Patrick Morrisey, Attorney General, and Anthony D. Eates II, Deputy Attorney General.
Kanawha Circuit Court Case number 19C28