Defense Judgment on Behalf of Community Bank in 29-day Bench Trial With $22 Million at Stake

Keesal, Young & Logan shareholders Terry Ross and Stacey Garrett obtained a defense judgment on behalf of their client, a community bank, in a 29-day bench trial conducted in the Superior Court of Santa Barbara (Santa Maria).  The plaintiffs sought $22 million in compensatory damages, punitive damages and costs based on their claim that the bank had promised to provide them with various loans and lines of credit to support their farming and produce-marketing operations.  The trial judge found in favor of the bank on every claim and awarded the bank $650,000 on its counterclaim against the plaintiffs.  Corona Fruits & Veggies, Inc., v. Heritage Oaks Bank, Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara Case No. 1290870 (11/26/2014).