A surveying company has filed suit against nine corporations, alleging they have not paid more than $50,000 for surveying work the company completed.
Sabine Surveyors claims defendants George Scarborough and The Scarborough Group of Companies Corp. contacted Sabine about conducting surveys on vessels they were interested in purchasing.
After the defendants indicated they would be able to pay for all charges incurred as a result of the surveys, Sabine Surveyors agreed to perform the work and extended credit toward the defendants, according to the complaint filed May 21 in Jefferson County District Court.
On Jan. 12, 2008, Sabine performed a marine survey of the M/V Blue Sky for $3,832.60; on Aug. 26, 2008, it performed another survey of the M/V Euterpe for $3,851.62; and in September 2008, it performed a third survey of M/V Delphin for $58,904.76, the suit states.
The Scarborough Group issued a check of $33,000, partially paying for the surveys, the complaint says. However, Sabine claims that when it attempted to deposit the check, it was returned for insufficient funds.
Afraid of facing criminal charges, the Scarborough Group, along with defendants Scarborough Aviation, Scarborough Cargo Shipping, Scarborough Freight and Transportation Systems, Scarborough Associates and Investors, Pelican Investment Group, International Cruise Lines and Black Diamond Farms and Ranches, executed a promissory note for $66,588.98 on Jan. 25, according to the complaint.
Since then, though, the defendants have failed to make a single payment on the promissory note, the suit states.
Sabine alleges breach of contract, breach of promissory note, unjust enrichment and fraud against the defendants.
In addition to the money it says it is owed, Sabine is seeking exemplary damages, attorneys' fees, pre- and post-judgment interest, costs and other relief the court deems just.
David E. James and Mark Freeman of Stevens, Baldo, Freeman and Lighty in Beaumont will be representing it.
The case has been assigned to Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court.
Jefferson County District Court case number: D186-918.
Surveying company sues to collect $50,000 for work done on ships
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