CHARLESTON, SC – September 12, 2024 – Bland Richter Law Firm has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Nicholas Worth Mitchell, III against Sweetgrass Capital Partners, LLC and several other defendants, alleging fraud and other misconduct that deprived Mr. Mitchell of over $1 million in home equity.
The complaint, filed in the Charleston County Court of Common Pleas, outlines a complex series of events surrounding the sale of Mr. Mitchell’s home. According to the filing, Mr. Mitchell had an agreement with Sweetgrass Capital Partners that should have allowed him to realize over $1 million in equity from the $1.65 million sale of his home.
The lawsuit alleges that just days before the closing, Mr. Mitchell was misled into signing away his rights to this equity. The complaint states that Mr. Mitchell was told the document was merely a formality needed to complete the sale, when in fact it purported to waive his right to purchase the property for $472,000 – a fraction of its true value.
“This case alleges an egregious breach of trust,” said Ronnie Richter, partner at Bland Richter. “Our client placed his faith in financial professionals who allegedly manipulated him out of his life savings. We intend to prove that their actions were not just negligent, but fraudulent and malicious.”
The lawsuit seeks damages under multiple causes of action, including:
- Breach of Contract
- Fraud
- Conversion
- Intentional Interference with Contract
- Negligent Misrepresentation
- Conspiracy
- Violations of the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act
- Unjust Enrichment
- Legal Malpractice
- Aiding and Abetting Breach of Fiduciary Duty
“The implications of this case extend far beyond Mr. Mitchell’s personal losses. It raises serious questions about the conduct of financial service providers and the protections afforded to consumers in complex real estate transactions,” states partner Eric Bland.
The lawsuit names several individual defendants, including Jarrett Hodson, Jason Rosenthal, Michael Dunbar “Mick” Jewell, Leonard “Lenny” Mitchum, and Eric J. Bradshaw, IV. These individuals are alleged to have played various roles in the scheme, including misrepresenting facts to Mr. Mitchell and facilitating the transfer of funds.
Bland Richter LLP is seeking compensatory damages, treble damages under the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act, punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees and costs. The firm has requested a jury trial.
“Mr. Mitchell and his family are now facing potential homelessness due to the defendants’ alleged actions,” added Richter. “We are committed to seeking justice for our client and holding these parties accountable for what we believe to be unconscionable conduct.”