Columbus businessman Donald DePriest has sued a Nashville, Tenn., businessman for more than $20 million.
DePriest, the owner, president and CEO of Wireless Properties of Virginia, Inc., which is headquartered in Columbus, alleged Peter S. Harmer “has, and continues, to interfere with valid and existing contracts and relationships” between DePriest and “third parties,” according to court documents.
The lawsuit, which was filed July 16, alleged Harmer”s actions are “designed to interfere with and damage DePriest, his corporation, his reputation and his business.”
Documents filed by DePriest”s attorney, Wilbur Colom, state Harmer purchased shares in MCT Corp., a company chaired by DePriest, in November 2000 and subsequently sold the stocks, then filed for bankruptcy.
DePriest alleged Harmer “requested DePriest aid him in committing a fraud upon the court by stating Harmer held stock in MCT and that a sale of the stock could be a part of his bankruptcy organization,” court records stated, noting DePriest refused and Harmer since “embarked upon a malicious campaign to interfere with DePriest”s business and harm his reputation.”
“I was surprised by the lawsuit and the lack of specificity (in the suit),” Harmer said this morning. “We”ll see what happens as the lawsuit unfolds.”
In 2009, a lengthy legal matter between DePriest and former associate Oliver Phillips ended, with Lowndes County Chancery Court Judge Kenneth Burns ruling in favor of Phillips to the tune of $9.1 million.
Burns ordered DePriest to pay the sum to his former associate, after Phillips sued DePriest in connection with several business transactions over the past few decades.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.