Woman claims former owner trying to get back property

A Jefferson County woman is suing over claims she purchased property which the former owner is unlawfully attempting to get back.

Jade Robnett filed a lawsuit Oct. 7 in Jefferson County District Court against Ramona Metts, citing breach of contract.

According to the complaint, Robnett purchased property on South 10th Street in Nederland from Metts through a warranty deed, deed of trust and a $77,500 real estate lien note in addition to $5,000 at the time of closing. Robnett says the taxes for the property were not prorated at closing, and Metts later tried to use the non-prorated property taxes to hold Robnett in default.

The lawsuit states Metts alleged she was setting up an escrow account but then unilaterally applied that account to the plaintiff's note. Robnett says Metts repeatedly made complaints to the city about the upkeep of the property such as smells and rat infestations, but city officials found them unfounded. The lawsuit states the property is in good condition but, Robnett says, Metts makes unfounded accusations because she wants the property back.

The complaint states Robnett was forced to file bankruptcy to keep Metts from foreclosing the property as she alleged she had not received payments that Robnett believes she had. According to the lawsuit, Metts also manufactured false reasons for foreclosure such as alleging Robnett doesn't pay taxes and did not have insurance. The defendant is accused of breach of contract, violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act and violations of the Texas Debt Collection Act.

Robnett seeks actual, consequential, statutory and incidental damages, interest, court costs, attorney fees, a temporary restraining order to prevent Metts from proceeding with the foreclosure and a temporary and permanent injunction.

She is represented by attorney Wyatt D. Snider of Snider Law Firm in Beaumont.

Jefferson County District Court case number: D-196196.