Property owner sues tenants, insurer over July fire

The owner of a Beaumont property claims his tenants and their insurance company have failed to make any repairs to the premises following a July fire.

Wallace Debes filed a lawsuit Dec. 2 in Jefferson County District Court against Cahoots Entertainment, Brian Lee O'Quinn, Dana O'Quinn, Jeffrey O'Quinn and General Star Indemnity Co.

In his complaint, Debes claims his property at 315 N. Interstate Highway 10 caught on fire July 4 and sustained serious damages which may amount to more than $500,000 in repair costs.

According to the complaint, at the time of the blaze the O'Quinns owned Cahoots Entertainment, which rented the building from Debes. They had an insurance policy through General Star.

Since the fire, none of the owners have attempted to clean or repair the premises, the suit states.

After seeing the damage, Debes attempted to contact General Star to ask for money to help with repair costs, the complaint says. However, General Star refuses to pay anything for the damages, Debes alleges.

In his complaint, Debes seeks an unspecified judgment, plus attorney's fees, costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief the court deems just.

Kenneth D. Furlow of Beaumont will be representing him.

Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, has been assigned to the case.

Case No. D191-415