In a legal battle that could have significant implications for property rights and financial obligations, Truist Bank has filed a lawsuit against Sherlin Norris and the United States of America in Harris County, Texas. The complaint was officially lodged on March 6, 2025, seeking to address alleged breaches of a loan agreement by Norris and the involvement of federal interests due to liens on the property.
The case revolves around a promissory note executed by Sherlin Norris on November 15, 2013, amounting to $164,946.00 with an interest rate of 4.250 percent. Truist Bank claims to be the holder of this note and asserts that Norris has defaulted on his loan obligations by failing to make scheduled monthly payments since January 1, 2024. The plaintiff is seeking foreclosure on the property located at 23402 Stargazer Point, Spring, Texas, which serves as collateral for the loan. According to Truist Bank's petition, "All conditions precedent for foreclosure have been performed or occurred as required by Tex. R. Civ. Proc. Chapter 51."
The lawsuit also implicates the United States of America due to its interest in the property through two Deeds of Trust associated with loans secured by Norris in February 2019 and November 2023. These deeds were filed with Harris County's official public records and involved amounts of $45,923.83 and $130.71 respectively. The federal government’s involvement arises from its role through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which necessitates serving process via Nicholas J. Ganjei, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas.
Truist Bank seeks several forms of relief from the court: monetary damages totaling at least $137,890.71 due to Norris's breach of contract; attorney fees; costs incurred; pre-judgment interest; post-judgment interest until full payment is made; foreclosure authorization under Texas Rules of Civil Procedure §309; issuance of a writ of possession following foreclosure; and any other relief deemed just by the court.
Representing Truist Bank is Thomas L. Brackett from Barrett Daffin Frappier Turner & Engel LLP based in Addison, Texas. The case is being heard in Harris County’s judicial district court under Case ID: BDFTE NO. 10317303.