Brent Coon settles $170K debt suit brought by AmEx

Beaumont attorney Brent Coon has settled a lawsuit alleging his law firm owes American Express more than $170,000 in charges on a past due credit card account.

As previously reported, American Express sued Brent Coon & Associates on Dec. 27, 2010, claiming the firm refuses to pay its corporate credit card balance and owes the company $170,818.72 for goods and services purchased.

A court official told the Southeast Texas Record that in November the parties announced to the court that the case, which was on the December trial docket, had been settled.

As of Dec. 12, no filings announcing the settlement are on file.

The last filing in the suit came on Jan. 27, 2011, when the firm responded to the litigation, asserting a general denial and demanding proof of the accusation, court records show.

American Express alleged in its suit that Brent Coon & Associates received its statements without protest for months, but refuses to pay the balance due.

“Defendant used the American Express card to purchase goods or services for which no payment was made,” the suit states.

American Express alleged breach of contract and unjust enrichment, and was seeking an award of actual damages, plus attorney’s fees and court costs.

Attorney Bruce Johnson of the Dallas law firm Johnson & Silver represents the company.

Beaumont attorney Eric Newell represents the law firm.

Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, is presiding over the litigation.

Case No. D189-023