Man alleges loss of tens of thousands of dollars when partner quit photography business

A man has filed suit against his former business partner, alleging he lost access to thousands of dollars worth of photography equipment when the partner quit.

Paul-Scott Sealing claims he and defendant Stephen Brett Fuller were managing members of a company called Visual Velocity Studios. On Sept. 13, 2013, Fuller requested possession of the majority of the equipment that the company owned in order to perform a function for the company, according to the complaint filed Aug. 25 in Galveston County District Court. Sealing agreed to the request, the suit states. 

On Sept. 16, 2013, Fuller sent Sealing an e-mail stating that he had decided to walk away from the business, the complaint says. However, he still had possession of the company's equipment, Sealing alleges.

Sealing replied to Fuller's e-mail in a series of responses, explaining that he was not ready to dissolve the company and that he was open to any buyout options, according to the complaint. He also requested that Fuller release the equipment he had borrowed from the company before his voluntary departure, the suit states.

Fuller refused to release the equipment, and Sealing attempted to continue to run the company, the complaint says. However, during the afternoon hours of Nov. 13, 2013, Sealing received an e-mail from Fuller, stating that he had dissolved the company. 

On Feb. 2, Fuller allegedly filed a false report with a League City peace officer in which he stated that he was a victim of theft of assets owned by Visual Velocity Studios. He later explained that he wanted to convert the equipment to his sole ownership, according to the complaint.

Because of Fuller's actions, Sealing lost revenues of more than $200,000, the suit states. He also lost property worth $10,124 and intellectual property valued at $99,000, the complaint says. In addition, he also alleges he lost income and legal fees.

In his complaint, Sealing seeks a temporary injunction that would prohibit Fuller from immediately making photographs, videotapes, inspections and examination of the equipment. He also seeks a judgment enjoining Fuller from destroying the equipment, plus compensatory and exemplary damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Sealing, of Dickinson, will be appearing in court pro se.

Galveston County District Court case number: 14-CV-902   This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed at Galveston County District Court. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note that a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt and it represents only one side of the story.