A suit brought over the sale of a rental property settled before the case could be heard before a jury.
Clyde Bearden filed suit against Jarrod Reed on Oct. 22, 2014, in Jefferson County District Court.
Nearly a year later, the case was called up for trial on Sept. 28 but settled beforehand, according to a courthouse official.
According to the lawsuit, on Aug. 26, 2010, Bearden entered into a contract with Reed to sell him his Port Neches home that Reed had been renting for about 20 months.
Due to the discovery of previously unknown judgment liens against Bearden’s ex-wife, the sale could not be closed then. Reed ceased paying rent for 11 months until a mediated settlement was reached.
In his suit, Bearden accused Reed of breaching the agreement.
Court records show Reed filed a counterclaim on Sept. 21, arguing that breached an agreement to sell the property to him, accusing Bearden of fraud.
Port Neches attorney Marcus Pitre represents Bearden.
Beaumont attorney Thomas Roebuck represents Reed.
Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court, is presiding over the case.
Case No. E-196293