Relatives in dispute over couple's financial management

GALVESTON - Dave Brichler Jr. claims his relative Stephen Pettye obliterated his parents' financial assets.

According to a lawsuit filed Aug. 26 in Galveston County District Court, the plaintiff explains that Pettye gained access to David and Marjorie Brichler's funds in 2004 by offering to manage them.

David Brichler became disabled at the time and could not attend to the assets.

Pettye, who is the couple's grandson, did not have legal authority to handle the finances, but was granted limited rights by way of family trust.

The suit says Marjorie Brichler would ask Pettye about the state of their finances, but Pettye dodged the questions. It states Pettye seized full control of his grandparents' finances yet failed to keep the Brichlers informed.

Dave Brichler Jr. argues that the defendant liquidated his parents' IRA account of $300,000 and withdrew $100,000 from their checking account.

The defendant lived with his grandparents during the time he oversaw their money, but left Aug. 6 after a violent episode, the suit says.

The plaintiff seeks to recover the funds in question.

Jackson Walker L.L.P. is representing Dave Brichler Jr., and Galveston County 405th District Court Judge Wayne Mallia is presiding over the case.

Case No. 10-cv-2437