Deed to Dickinson property subject of legal dispute

GALVESTON - Dickinson resident Juanita Gill accuses fellow Dickinson local David Ingram of committing fraud in a real estate transaction, recent court documents say.

According to a lawsuit filed Nov. 30 in Galveston County Court at Law No. 1, Ingram failed to timely provide Gill a deed to a residence located in the 4900 block of 39th Street in Dickinson although the plaintiff made payments.

The suit shows Gill and a Ms. Maresh, Ingram's late mother, entered into an executory contract to convey the subject real property from the decedent individually and as executor of her husband's estate.

Gill was to pay $500 and a principal amount of $14,000 with interest at a rate of 10.50 percent under the contract.

Maresh received timely payments until her death in 2002 when her son reportedly told the complainant that payments were to be made to him.

"Ms. Gill completed making timely payments until the final payment was made on July 31, 2008, yet the defendant failed to timely provide a deed to Ms. Gill," the original petition says.

The plaintiff adds she "has made repeated attempts to resolve this matter without involving the courts, however, he has refused to comply."

Consequently, Gill seeks unspecified monetary damages and a declaratory judgment naming her the rightful owner of the property.

A jury trial is also requested.

Attorney Duana Boswell-Loechel of Galveston is representing the plaintiff, and Galveston County Court at Law No. 1 Judge John Grady is presiding over the case.

Cause No. 66,439