HOUSTON – A Beaumont businessman is being accused of breaching his contract for failing to complete work on a “smart home,” even though he was paid thousands of dollars in advance.
Seeking up to $200,000 in damages, the Beatrice Group filed suit against Mark Luke Simon Jr. and his company, The Digital Connection, on June 21 in Harris County District Court.
According to the lawsuit, the Beatrice Group met with Simon to discuss the installation of an entire “smart home” network system and to provide equipment. Simon allegedly made several false promises and misrepresentations during the meeting.
“In reliance on Simon’s false promises and deception, Beatrice Group paid $18,000 to him but the work was never completed,” the suit states. “Simon failed and refused to substantially being work and refused to provide equipment as promised.”
Simon did not return the $18,000, the suit states.
Court records show Simon answered the suit on Aug. 18, asserting a general denial.
In addition to breach of contract, the Beatrice Group is accusing him of violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, negligent misrepresentation, fraud and unjust enrichment.
The Beatrice Group is suing for actual and punitive damages, plus attorney’s fees.
Houston attorney Derrick Parker represents it.
Simon is represented by Beaumont attorney Terrence Allison.
Cause No. 2017-41398