Roy Pearson v. Custom Cleaners, The Verdict
DC Superior Court Judge Judith Bartnoff today ruled that Roy "Pant-less" Pearson is entitled to nothing. "Based on the foregoing, the Court finds that the plaintiff is not entitled to any relief whatsoever on his claims under the CPPA, Counts One and Four of his Amended Complaint.
The Court's analysis of the plaintiff's CPPA claims applies as well to his claims of common law fraud in Count Two of the Amended Complaint. The plaintiff acknowledges that he is required to prove those claims by clear, convincing and unequivocal evidence. He has not proven those claims by a preponderance of the evidence, let alone by that higher standard.
Judgment therefore will be awarded to the defendants, as well as their costs."
MORE COMING SHORTLY, STAY TUNED
By Emil Steiner | June 25, 2007; 10:16 AM ET | Category: OFF/beat Politics
Posted by: SoMD | June 25, 2007 10:28 AM
WHAT! No punitive damages? Still, this verdict deserves a big, resounding: "YAYYY!"
Posted by: Cable Guy | June 25, 2007 10:30 AM
Holy Shnikes, they won!
Posted by: | June 25, 2007 10:33 AM
"What goes around, comes around."
I hope the 2-3 Roy supporters will have the courage to return to this forum and defend their views, specifically "DC" and the one or two other names he/she used to express how Roy had done nothing wrong, and was simply exercising his American right in filing suit against the Chungs. As the other 99.99% of respondents so clearly reminded Roy's few supporters, his suit was ridiculous, he was entitled to nothing, and he is an unreasonable human being [as shown by the repeated, intentional emotional abuse he levied on his ex-wife and her family.] Further, Roy admitted this case was all about the $$$, as he had less than $2K at the time of trial, mainly b/c he was sanctioned by the divorce court for "intentionally" creating excessive litigation. As an atty, nothing makes me happier than to hear the case concluded in the manner it did; I only hope that the Chungs motion for attys fees succeeds as Roy, again, created this unnecessary litigation. I hope the BAR of Washington DC files charges against Roy for violating the rules of professionalism, in that he filed this case soley for harassment and financial gain, without a legally sound basis and wiothout requesting a good-faith change in existing law. Finally, Roy is getting is exactly what he deserves, and like Mike Nifong, he now has plenty of time to reflect on his sorry existence...
Posted by: told ya so | June 25, 2007 10:35 AM
wow. This is finally over!
Posted by: Jen | June 25, 2007 10:40 AM
Now, if only the rocket scientist who decides if Pants Punk Pearson gets to have a 10 year appointment will use this case as part of his resume we may get rid of this useless fool.
Posted by: SoMD | June 25, 2007 10:42 AM
Where you at "RL" and other longtime, fervent Roy supporters, is there a muzzle on your mouth, has cat got your tongue?
Posted by: told ya so | June 25, 2007 10:45 AM
If I am in DC and own a business I would think about leaving sooner or later because this guy has highlighted the insane court system in DC that allowed such nonsense to continue for 2 yrs. Any small business cannot afford this kind of harassment. This guy's frivilous action will cost the DC area more than the $54M of revenue from lost business. I for one have no plan to ever visiting the DC area without a secret service to escort me around to protect me from opportune guys like pearson. I cannot dot all my i's and cross all my t's and x's all time and I know guys like pearson would constantly look over my shoulder to pounce....
Posted by: luke0701 | June 25, 2007 10:57 AM
How can something like this be allowed to clutter our court system that is already stretched to the point of no return with real cases. Shame on the judge that allowed this in.
Posted by: roneida | June 25, 2007 11:05 AM
I applaud the outcome of this ridiculous case!! Roy is a MORON of the 10th degree and I would love to beat the crap out of him... and then SUE him for bloodying my fists!! Here's his personal info if you'd like to give him a taste of your resentment:
Pearson, Roy L Jr
3012 Pineview Ct NE
Washington, DC 20018-1617
Or leave a message on his answering machine (he doesn't answer his phone directly anymore): (202) 269-1191
Or send him an email: roypearsonjr@verizon.net
Posted by: Justice4all | June 25, 2007 11:06 AM
Finally, a clear message from the courts that this type of nonsense is nothing more than that. He should have to pay the drycleaner for mental anguish caused. Talk about a poster child for ridiculous arrogance.
Posted by: mpb | June 25, 2007 11:07 AM
Finally, a clear message from the courts that this type of nonsense is nothing more than that. He should have to pay the drycleaner for mental anguish caused. Talk about a poster child for ridiculous arrogance.
Posted by: mpb | June 25, 2007 11:07 AM
Beautiful...absolutely beautiful...
Posted by: Sri | June 25, 2007 11:08 AM
Yes he took this too far, BUT, they should have replaced his pants when they screwed up the first time.
Posted by: | June 25, 2007 11:08 AM
*points and laughs*
Posted by: 23112 | June 25, 2007 11:09 AM
Well the justice system prevailed. I hope the Chung's understand how many people were pulling for them. Roy Pearson deserves worse than he received under the verdict. But, I hope it cost him plenty along the way. Only a miserable human being could put a family through something like this.
Posted by: myronstout | June 25, 2007 11:11 AM
I am in complete agreement with roneida. I can't for the life of me figure out how or why this was allowed to go to court in the first place. Don't we as a people have enough junk on the docket as it is?? Can you disbar someone for complete lack of common sense or for stupidity? I think this would be a good case on which to test that theory.
Posted by: RichardB | June 25, 2007 11:12 AM
This is racist. The Negro lost. I will boycott all Koreans.
Posted by: Al Sharpton | June 25, 2007 11:13 AM
Time for years of appeals!
Posted by: Marlon | June 25, 2007 11:15 AM
What is the Chung's financial status. Are they saved from financial ruin or from the edge of the cliff? There is of course the emotional toll.
Posted by: Mike | June 25, 2007 11:15 AM
I think this is a poor people's mind symptom trying to rip off the working class or business owner. You know, many positive people and immigrants make their living through hard working. Not lawsuit and wrongful accusation traditionally dominated by certain minority group in America. At the same time, I think African consumer trying to revenage Korean American community. Hey, we all know this kind of lawsuit isn't new. They do that to the mainstream all the time trying to get even. That's not the way to do. if you want to get even, work hard and pay your due. Not going around create trouble.
We don't appreciate this type of behavior.
Posted by: Asian American Observer | June 25, 2007 11:16 AM
I will boycott all Al Sharptons
Posted by: don imus | June 25, 2007 11:17 AM
Everyone has a Constitutional Right to petition the gubmint for redress of grievances, including suits about suits. See the 7th Amendment for a discussion of how it works.
Having the Right, however, does not mean that your petition will prevail.
That's why the judge could file such a suit, and that's why it Must be heard and adjudicated.
But yeah -- it was sorta silly.
Still and all, that's what happens when someone's ire trumps their good sense. Which happens all too often of late.
Posted by: dhomuth | June 25, 2007 11:17 AM
Shouldn't we set up a fund for Roy soon to be Paper-boy? There is no way he's going to get a decent job anywhere...
Posted by: Me | June 25, 2007 11:18 AM
regarding this stupid and ridculous and frivoulus lawsuit, this judge ought to be put out to pastures and removed from the bench and not only that maybe he should go and work in the cleaners for $7.00 an hour and see what the true reality of a real job is...he has made himslef look like the moron and jerk he is...but that is the american way of life go out and sue anyone for any amount of money and our courts and judges are responsilbe for some of these stupid and frivolus lawsuits that people have won, may this be a lesson to everyone...
Posted by: kaleroy anderson | June 25, 2007 11:18 AM
I would send an email to this pustule if I thought for even one second that he's still reading any emails to this address.
However, if there is some contact information where I may voice my opinion that Mr. Pearson should be prohibited from ever practicing law again, I would gladly add my name to the undoubtedly extensive list. Also, if there is some type of fund set up for the Chung family, to help offset the losses from lost business, I would gladly contribute a five-spot there, as well.
Posted by: Icepulse | June 25, 2007 11:19 AM
This is good news!
But I have a question regarding the Chungs.
I'm a noob at the justice system.
How much does the Chungs get for this?
I know Pearson will pay for their legal fees but I'm sure there are other fees that the Chungs spent like the hours they spent on the court and not doing business and some other medicine or stuff.
Do they get anything more than their legal fees?
Thanks.
Posted by: noob | June 25, 2007 11:19 AM
I guess without a pair of pants, it's not a suit.
Posted by: | June 25, 2007 11:19 AM
I feel so very happy for these people winning their case against this Baffoon. I can not understand how such a stupid event could be blown out of proportion by a man who represents the American Law System. He has terrorized these people for a long time, their loss of life while this farce has been going on must have been beyond imagination. I wish them a happier future and since DAVID has smitten again, I have had some faith restored in this judicial system of ours.
One last comment, I think and hope that it will be hard for this man to find a company, that will clean his filthy clothing again.
Posted by: james | June 25, 2007 11:20 AM
To "told ya so". I think that was indeed the plaintiff's premise for the case, that his suit was ridiculous because he had no pants to go with it!
Posted by: The Great Duggo | June 25, 2007 11:20 AM
Man, this is just ridiciously wrong. I don't find this kind of suit entertaining. This only allows in America. Go somewhere else around the globe. People tell you to go to hell or mental facility!
Posted by: This kind of lawsuit faster than bank robbery! | June 25, 2007 11:21 AM
Another reason for staying away from DC in the future is that this pearson guy will be on the streets asking people for quarters for a meal!!! He is just several $K away from a homeless bum.
Posted by: luke0701 | June 25, 2007 11:22 AM
It is a shame that the judge was unable to order a psychiatric evaluation on Mr. Pearson...I suspect that there are deeper psychological issues at play based on his history of litigious behavior (personality disorder, perhaps?). Although this appears to be a victory for the Chungs, the unfortunate truth is that Pearson has the right to drag them back into court for rounds of appeals- which, of course, will cost him nothing but will cost the Chungs and the taxpayers additional $$$$$$.
If he loses his $100K post, and loses his appeals, how exactly will he be able to cover the Chungs' court costs?
Posted by: BerlitzFrench | June 25, 2007 11:22 AM
One more question.
Roy's a poor person. He's even poorer now.
How will he pay for it?
If he can't pay, what will the Chung's get?
Posted by: noob | June 25, 2007 11:23 AM
It's not over til this miserable SOB loses his job. Also not over til the judge awards legal fees to the Chungs which is a pending decision.
Posted by: Kate | June 25, 2007 11:23 AM
noob, probably they won't get much out of Pearson. But they can take him to court! Pearson is soon to be jobless and who the hell would hire him now. Maybe Al Sharpton has a job opening for this racist pig. Hopefully donations will make up for the majority of the legal fees. Perhaps someone who knows a contact will post info about how to donate.
Posted by: Jim | June 25, 2007 11:26 AM
Even though the Chungs won in the courts, I'm afraid Pearson has decimated their views on the American dream. Shame on Roy. Shame on Roy.
Posted by: 07932 | June 25, 2007 11:26 AM
They never lost his pants. When he tired to con a new suit of them he refused because he thought he could use this as a get rich quick scheme. Turned out to be a get poor quick scheme. Ha ha.
Posted by: Ha ha | June 25, 2007 11:28 AM
The next story I would like to see will involve the judge and his disbarment proceedings.
Posted by: V. Laslow | June 25, 2007 11:31 AM
Docket entry on Pearson Case dated 6/25/07:
Order Finding of Facts and Conclusion of Law Entered on Docket-The Court's analysis of the plaintiff's CPPA claims applies as well to his claims of common law fraud in Count Two of the Amended Complaint. The plaintiff acknowledges that he is required to prove those claims by clear, convincing and unequivocal evidence. He has not proven those claims by a preponderance of the evidence, let alone by that higher standard. Judgment therefore will be awarded to the defendants, as well as their costs. A separate judgment is being entered, together with these findings. The issue of the defendants' claim for attorney's fees against the plaintiff will be addressed after the defendant's motions for sanctions and for attorney's fees have been filed and briefed by the parties. Order signed, docketed and efiled June 25, 2007.
Taken from https://www.dccourts.gov/pa/CRTVNameSearch.html
Enter Pearson Last Name
Enter Roy First Name
You will see a list consisting of two cases involving Pearson. Choose case #2005 CA 004302 B
Posted by: Darren | June 25, 2007 11:31 AM
The Supreme Court 5-4 reversed this decision this afternoon in an opinion written by Samuel Alito. Thank God for their even minded repudiation of Bartnoff's partisan decision, the result of judicial overreach.
Posted by: Shooliganza | June 25, 2007 11:31 AM
Thanks Jim
Damn!
Even if justice was served, it really wasn't!
*Sigh!*
Let's sue Roy for not answering our phone calls and messages.
oh and for being stupid!
Posted by: noob | June 25, 2007 11:31 AM
Roy Pearson deserves every terrible thing that is going to happen to him as a result of this.
Posted by: Becky | June 25, 2007 11:32 AM
I teach law to high school students and this case presented an interesting set of facts for my students. Sadly cases like this badly damage the students' faith in the legal system
My students came up with many creative strategies for how the case could be resolved. First and foremost however, the majority felt that the judge should have to pay significant damages, both economic and punitive and Pearson should suffer some professional sanction as well. I couldn't agree more!
Posted by: m brandt | June 25, 2007 11:32 AM
Upon his eventual demise may Roy Pearson return to earth as the only tree in the dog pound.
Posted by: Dennis Wood | June 25, 2007 11:32 AM
THANK GOD! Now to top it off - I hope someone sees him on the street and kicks the crap out of him for creating this mess - and after he's gotten his WELL DESERVED whoopin, they should strip him of his pants and leave him sitting in the gutter - where he belongs.
Posted by: Vince | June 25, 2007 11:33 AM
So, everyone is upset about this? Why? Like any lawsuit, the facts were put in front of a judge and like 99% of all lawsuits, the court got it right. Our court system is open, which leads to some cases being filed that have no merit, but the "weed-wacker" of summary judgment ("Judge, they have no case, toss them out on their kiester!!") works again, just like it is supposed to do. Instead of criticising the court system, say "Hooray, it works!"
Posted by: Baffled | June 25, 2007 11:34 AM
PUNK Pearson should pay the Chung's for the damage he did to them - including the emotional damages!
I hope he will lose his job over this - what an IDIOT!
Posted by: CA | June 25, 2007 11:34 AM
What a complete Dumb A$$. The Moron should of took 12K offer for the missing pants from the Chung's when he had the chance. Not only he disgraced himself but also tainted characters of thousands of African American leaving in DC area over the complete non-sense frivilous lawsuit. I'm relieved and couldn't be more happier for the Chung's! Racism? This was not about blacks vs. white, this was purely an idiot vs. righteousness and righteousness prevailed. Roy, Burger King in my neighborbood is looking to hire a cashier, better give them a call and I strongly advise you to use an alias.
Posted by: Truth Sayer | June 25, 2007 11:34 AM
Pearson lost because he asked for too much, in part because consumer protection laws don't seem to provide adequate redress for simple wrongs. Custom Cleaners screwed up, but apparently refused to acknowledge this or do anything about it until after Pearson sued. Once a lawuit starts, it's harder for cooler heads to prevail, and things can often spiral out of control - as seems to have happened here.
Still, the Court's ruling is troubling in that it may have a chilling effect on the willingness of consumers to seek recovery the next time they are harmed by service providers. Pearson certainly didn't suffer damages in the millions of dollars (the amount he was seeking almost certainly influenced the Court as much as it has influenced the media and the public). But he did suffer damages which he should have recovered. That he did not recover anything is a black eye to consumer rights.
Posted by: NJ Defense Lawyer | June 25, 2007 11:35 AM
m brandt, your students have alot more brains than Roy Pearson. Let them know they can be voices in the fight to reform the legal system. No system is perfect but we can try to make it better.
Posted by: Ned | June 25, 2007 11:35 AM
I'll bet the Chung family could easily win a civil suit against lunatic Pearson. At least DC had the common sense to suspend his active involvement as an administrative judge. Presumably, he's sitting behind an empty desk, sobbing over his lost pants and cutting out paper dolls.
Posted by: windrider | June 25, 2007 11:36 AM
PUNK Pearson should change his last name to IDIOT.
Posted by: CA | June 25, 2007 11:36 AM
Trolls who are posting that the Chungs should have replaced the pants are ignorant of the facts of this case and should shut the hell up.
Posted by: Ben | June 25, 2007 11:37 AM
I'm happy to see the outcome. A reassurance that that justice does eventually prevail in our inefficient and sometimes corrupt institutions.
Posted by: Reuben | June 25, 2007 11:37 AM
If you would like to donate some money to help the Chungs with their attorney fees, there is a fund set up accepting donations. Go to http://www.customcleanersdefensefund.com.
Hopefully they can rebuild their lives once this is over.
Posted by: jason | June 25, 2007 11:37 AM
THIS IS AN INJUSTICE!!!
THIS IS AN INJUSTICE!!!
THIS IS AN INJUSTICE!!!
THIS IS AN INJUSTICE!!!
THIS IS AN INJUSTICE!!!
THIS IS AN INJUSTICE!!!
THIS IS AN INJUSTICE!!!
THIS IS AN INJUSTICE!!!
THIS IS AN INJUSTICE!!!
THIS IS AN INJUSTICE!!!
THIS IS AN INJUSTICE!!!
THIS IS AN INJUSTICE!!!
THIS IS AN INJUSTICE!!!
Just kidding. That guy is a nut.
Posted by: Frank | June 25, 2007 11:38 AM
sad times are these. Just another distraction from the rising cost of gasoline, health care and childhood obesity. Plus, poor Paris Hilton losing all of that precious media coverage (for a min.) Who babysits the babysitter?
Posted by: Chainstarr | June 25, 2007 11:38 AM
sad times are these. Just another distraction from the rising cost of gasoline, health care and childhood obesity. Plus, poor Paris Hilton losing all of that precious media coverage (for a min.) Who babysits the babysitter?
Posted by: Chainstarr | June 25, 2007 11:38 AM
Well, if he does not have any money to pay the Chung's court costs, then go after his personal assets. Looks like he has a house and I'm sure he has some other assets than can be liquidated.
Also let's not forget his wardrobe! If a single pair of his pants is worth 54 million dollars, his clothes should bring in quite a bit of money.
What a moron! Throw this idiot out of the court system. I agree that the DC legal system is dysfunctional. I'd never have a small business in DC with a legal system that allowed this fiasco to continue for so long. I would not even have rental property in DC with lawys designed to screw hard working people.
Posted by: BethesdaMD | June 25, 2007 11:39 AM
ok roy ... now it's your turn. a nice ethics hearing ... or abuse of the system review ... or how about just a dismissal from his post ... cause he aint suited to judge anyone else.
Posted by: bobnjersey | June 25, 2007 11:39 AM
Baffled, the case was drawn out by Pearson for the sole cause of damaging the Chung's business NOT to get justice. We have every right to yell and scream at this lowlife pig. Until there's an iron-clad loser pays law in place, there will not be justice in the US legal system, just alot of wasted time and money.
Posted by: Buzzsaw | June 25, 2007 11:40 AM
HELP WANTED:
Position available for a well educated person, especially in law (might come in handy for next sue happy idiot) to do menial labor at my drycleaner facility.
Posted by: Wahn Hunglow | June 25, 2007 11:41 AM
They should start dis-bar hearings to have this kind of jackass prevented from practicing law. He is the prime example of why our judicial system is so messed up.
He's an idiot, and we can only hope that he's pulled from the gene pool, so he don't raise a whole houseful of other idiots to follow in his footprints..
Posted by: testifyyyy | June 25, 2007 11:41 AM
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Sanity prevails, at least for now:
WASHINGTON -- A D.C. Superior Court judge has sided with the defendants over a $54 million lawsuit over a pair of pants.
According to the judge's decision, the plaintiff, Administrative Law Judge Roy Pearson Jr. will take nothing from Soo Chung and Jim Nam Chung, the owners of Custom Cleaners.
The judge also awarded the Chungs' court costs.