Case: 1:07-cv-00497 Document #: 116 Filed: 10/08/09 Page 1 of 16 PageID #:1176 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS EASTERN DIVISION DAVID R. MARKIN, Plaintiff, v. CHEBEMMA, INC., MARK HUNT, DIVISION STATE, LLC, and JOHN TERZAKIS Defendant. ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) Case No. 07 C 0497 DEFENDANT MARK HUNT’S ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF’S SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT Defendant, Mark Hunt (“Hunt”), by his attorneys, for his Answer to Plaintiff’s Second Amended Complaint states: PARTIES 1. Florida. Plaintiff Markin is citizen of the state of Florida who resides in Palm Beach, RESPONSE: On information and belief, Hunt admits the allegations in Paragraph 1. 2. Defendant Chebemma is an Illinois corporation with its principal place of business in Chicago, Illinois that was involuntarily dissolved on January 11, 2008. RESPONSE: On information and belief, Hunt admits the allegations in Paragraph 2. 3. Defendant Hunt, an individual, is a citizen and resident of the state of Illinois. RESPONSE: Hunt admits the allegations in Paragraph 3. 4. Defendant Terzakis, an individual, is a citizen and resident of the state of Illinois. RESPONSE: On information and belief, Hunt admits the allegations in Paragraph 4. 5. Defendant Division State is an Illinois limited liability company. The members of Division State are M Division State LLC (an Illinois limited liability company whose sole member is defendant Hunt), Crown Investment Fund (an Illinois general partnership), James A. Case: 1:07-cv-00497 Document #: 116 Filed: 10/08/09 Page 2 of 16 PageID #:1177 Star, Dan Drexler, and Aaron Rappaport. On information and belief, the partners of the Crown Investment Fund, James A. Star, Dan Drexler and Aaron Rappaport are all citizens of the state of Illinois, or are not citizens of the state of Florida. RESPONSE: On information and belief, Hunt admits the allegations in Paragraph 5. JURISDICTION AND VENUE 6. The Court has jurisdiction over this action pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1332 as the parties are citizens of different states and the matter in controversy, exclusive of interest and costs, exceeds the sum of Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($75,000.00). RESPONSE: Hunt admits the allegations in Paragraph 6. 7. Venue is proper pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391(a) as a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claim occurred in the Northern District of Illinois. RESPONSE: Hunt admits the allegations in Paragraph 7. COUNT I (CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD) Markin and Terzakis Purchase the Property: To the extent the headings in this Complaint require an answer, Hunt denies the allegations in the headings. 8. Plaintiff incorporates by reference Paragraphs 1-7 as Paragraph 8 of Count I. RESPONSE: Hunt incorporates by reference his responses to Paragraphs 1-7 as though fully set forth herein. 9. In September 1999, Markin and Terzakis entered into a joint venture in connection with the purchase and development of 1163-67 North State Street, Chicago, Illinois, which, at that time, included an unfinished two-story, vacant commercial building (the “Property”). Terzakis held a 51 percent interest in the Property through an entity he owned and controlled, State & Division L.L.C. (“State LLC”), while Markin owned the other 49 percent. Terzakis and State LLC are collectively referred to as “Terzakis.” RESPONSE: Hunt lacks sufficient knowledge to admit or deny the allegations in Paragraph 9. Further answering, Hunt states that by assigning two different definitions to the term “Terzakis” 2 Case: 1:07-cv-00497 Document #: 116 Filed: 10/08/09 Page 3 of 16 PageID #:1178 (in the preliminary matter before Paragraph 1 and also in Paragraph 9), the Complaint creates confusion; moreover, the phrasing of Paragraph 9 creates an ambiguity as to whether Markin is alleging (a) that John Terzakis owned 51% of State & Division L.L.C. and Markin owned the other 49% of State & Division L.L.C., or (b) that John Terzakis owned 100% of State & Division L.L.C. which in turn owned 49% of the Property and Markin owned the other 49% of the Property. For purposes of this Answer, Hunt assumes that Paragraph 9 was intended to allege (b) and not (a), and Hunt construes the Complaint to define the term “Terzakis” to mean only John Terzakis individually. 10. At all relevant times, title to the Property was held in a land trust with the Parkway Bank and Trust Company (the “Parkway Land Trust”) in which Markin and Terzakis, owned the beneficial interest. RESPONSE: Hunt admits that at the time that Chebemma acquired the beneficial interest in the Property, the Property was held in a land trust with the Parkway Bank and Trust Company, and that the land trust has been in existence ever since. Hunt lacks sufficient knowledge to admit or deny whether Markin and Terzakis owned a beneficial interest in the Parkway Land Trust. Hunt denies all allegations of Paragraph 10 not expressly admitted. The Failed Attempt to Sell the Property to Hunt: To the extent the headings in this Complaint require an answer, Hunt denies the allegations in the headings. 11. In 2003, the Property was still without tenants. During this period, negotiations took place with defendant Hunt, a Chicago based real estate developer concerning the sale of the Property. RESPONSE: Hunt admits that, to his knowledge, the first sentence of Paragraph 11 is correct. Hunt admits the allegations of the second sentence of Paragraph 11. 12. In May 2003, Hunt, through an entity he owns and controls, M Development, LLC (“M Development”), Markin and Terzakis entered into an agreement (the “May 2003 Purchase Agreement”) for M Development to buy the Property for $6,743,000 to be paid as 3 Case: 1:07-cv-00497 Document #: 116 Filed: 10/08/09 Page 4 of 16 PageID #:1179 follows: $1 million at closing; $1,660,000 promissory note in Markin’s favor to be paid with interest in two years; and the assumption of the sellers’ existing mortgage. May 2003 Purchase Agreement, attached as Exhibit A. RESPONSE: Hunt admits that he owns substantially all of M Development LLC and that he controls M Development LLC. The remainder of allegations in Paragraph 12 purport to recite the contents of a document attached to the Complaint as Exhibit A and Hunt refers Exhibit A for the full and complete contents thereof. 13. In or about August 2003, Terzakis informed Markin’s attorney, Wayne R. Hannah, Jr., that Hunt had concluded that the purchase terms of the May 2003 Purchase Agreement were excessive (in favor of Markin and Terzakis) and that Hunt would not proceed upon the terms set forth in the May 2003 Agreement. RESPONSE: Hunt lacks sufficient knowledge to admit or deny what Terzakis told Wayne R. Hannah, Jr. as alleged in Paragraph 13. Answering further, Hunt states that M Development terminated the May 2003 Purchase Agreement in accordance with its terms. Terzakis and Hunt Conspire to have Terzakis Obtain the Property without Markin’s Knowledge: To the extent the headings in this Complaint require an answer, Hunt denies the allegations in the headings. 14. Prior to September 24, 2003, Terzakis entered into an oral agreement with Hunt to combine, for the purpose of accomplishing by concerted action through unlawful means, the transfer of Markin’s beneficial interest in the Property to Terzakis for terms that Markin would not have otherwise accepted if he had known of the existence of Terzakis’s and Hunt’s conspiracy. RESPONSE: Hunt denies the allegations contained in Paragraph 14. 15. In order to accomplish this unlawful purpose, Hunt and Terzakis committed the following overt acts: a. Created a new entity, defendant Chebemma; b. Terzakis represented to Markin that Hunt owned 100 percent of and controlled Chebemma and intentionally concealed from Markin that Terzakis, in fact, was Chebemma’s sole and/or controlling shareholder; 4 Case: 1:07-cv-00497 Document #: 116 Filed: 10/08/09 Page 5 of 16 PageID #:1180 c. Caused Hunt to be made Chebemma’s President, Secretary and Treasurer in order to create the appearance that Chebemma was owned by Hunt; d. Terzakis falsely represented to Markin that to sell the Property to Hunt, Markin would have to accept materially different, and less beneficial terms, than those set forth in the May 2003 Purchase Agreement; e. Caused Hunt to execute on Chebemma’s behalf as President, a September 24, 2003 “Agreement for Purchase of Real Estate and Related Property” (the “September 2003 Purchase Agreement”) for the sale of the beneficial interest in the Property to defendant Chebemma on terms that were substantially less favorable to Markin. Hunt signed the September 2003 Purchase Agreement as Chebemma’s President in order to create the false impression that he (and not Terzakis) was Chebemma’s true owner. RESPONSE: With respect to subpart “a”, Hunt admits a new entity, Chebemma, Inc. was created. With respect to subpart “b”, Hunt lacks sufficient knowledge to admit or deny whether Terzakis made that representation to Markin. With respect to subpart “c”, Hunt admits that he was Chebemma’s President, Secretary and Treasurer until he resigned in June 2007. With respect to subpart “d”, Hunt lacks sufficient knowledge to admit or deny whether Terzakis made that representation to Markin. With respect to subpart “e”, Hunt admits that he signed the September 2003 Purchase Agreement. Hunt denies all allegations in Paragraph 15 and its subparts not expressly admitted. 16. In reliance upon the false statements and other wrongful overt acts by Terzakis and Hunt set forth in Paragraph 15 above, Markin agreed to sell his interest in the Property to Chebemma. RESPONSE: Hunt denies making wrongful statements or any other wrongful acts alleged. Hunt admits Markin agreed to sell his interest in the Property to Chebemma. Hunt denies all allegations of Paragraph 16 not expressly admitted. 17. Under the September Purchase Agreement, Markin agreed to accept less money at the time of closing and assumed a greater risk of future payment pursuant to a promissory note called for under that agreement. September 2003 Purchase Agreement, attached as Exhibit B hereto. 5 Case: 1:07-cv-00497 Document #: 116 Filed: 10/08/09 Page 6 of 16 PageID #:1181 RESPONSE: The allegations in Paragraph 17 purport to recite the contents of a document attached to the Complaint as Exhibit B and Hunt refers Exhibit B for its full and complete contents thereof. 18. Following the execution of the September 2003 Purchase Agreement, the parties entered into Amendments whereby Chebemma obtained several extensions of the closing date. At no time during this period did Terzakis or Hunt disclose to Markin that Terzakis owned all, or even part of Chebemma. RESPONSE: Hunt admits that subsequent to the September 2003 Purchase Agreement, Amendments were entered into by the parties thereto. Hunt admits that during this period he personally did not disclose to Markin that Terzakis owned all or part of Chebemma, but denies he had any such duty to disclose. Further answering, Hunt states that Terzakis told Hunt that Terzakis had informed Markin of Terzakis’ ownership interest in Chebemma. Hunt denies all allegations in Paragraph 18 not expressly admitted. 19. Shortly after the consummation of the sale of the Property in mid-August 2004 to Chebemma, Chebemma, as required by the September 2003 Purchase Agreement, executed and delivered the Promissory Note (the “Note”). In furtherance of their conspiracy, Hunt signed the Note on Chebemma’s behalf. Note, attached as Exhibit C. RESPONSE: Hunt admits that Chebemma executed and delivered the Promissory Note. Hunt denies the execution and deliverance of the Promissory Note was in furtherance of any alleged conspiracy. Hunt denies all allegations in Paragraph 19 not expressly admitted. 20. In connection with the purchase, Markin’s and Terzakis’s beneficial interest in Parkway Land Trust was transferred to Chebemma. RESPONSE: Hunt admits the allegations contained in Paragraph 20. 21. During the period between August 2004 and September 2006, Markin received from Chebemma quarterly interest payments under the Note of approximately $13,000 each. At no time during this period did Terzakis or Hunt disclose to Markin that Terzakis owned all, or even part of Chebemma. 6 Case: 1:07-cv-00497 Document #: 116 Filed: 10/08/09 Page 7 of 16 PageID #:1182 RESPONSE: Hunt admits the first sentence of Paragraph 21. Hunt admits that during this period he personally did not disclose to Markin that Terzakis owned all or part of Chebemma, but denies he had any such duty to disclose. Further answering, Hunt states that Terzakis told Hunt that Terzakis had informed Markin of Terzakis’ ownership interest in Chebemma. Hunt denies all allegations in Paragraph 21 not expressly admitted. Hunt and Terzakis Continue their Conspiracy in the Federal Litigation to Conceal Terzakis’s Interest in Chebemma and Terzakis and Hunt Hide from Markin the Transfer of the Property to the Hunt Controlled Division State: To the extent the headings in this Complaint require an answer, Hunt denies the allegations in the headings. 22. In September 2006, the total amount of the Note, $2,385,000, became due and owing to Markin. RESPONSE: The allegations in Paragraph 22 are legal conclusions to which no answer is required. To the extent that the allegations require an answer, Hunt denies the allegations in Paragraph 22. 23. On January 25, 2007, Markin filed the instant lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Chebemma for breach of the Note (the “Federal Litigation”). RESPONSE: Hunt admits the allegations in Paragraph 23. 24. In furtherance of Terzakis’s and Hunt’s conspiracy, Hunt continued to allow himself be presented in the Federal Litigation as the owner of Chebemma throughout the course of this litigation until such time as Markin, through various documents produced during the discovery process, finally uncovered the fraud that Hunt and Terzakis had perpetrated. As part of this rouse, Hunt even went so far as to personally participate in a Court supervised settlement conference in the Federal Litigation without informing the Court that Markin’s former business partner, Terzakis, was Chebemma’s true owner. RESPONSE: Hunt denies any conspiracy existed and admits participating in a settlement conference with the Court as an officer of Chebemma. Hunt denies all other allegations in Paragraph 24. 7 Case: 1:07-cv-00497 Document #: 116 Filed: 10/08/09 Page 8 of 16 PageID #:1183 25. In June 2007, shortly after the settlement conference described in Paragraph 24 above, Hunt and Terzakis continued to conceal from Markin their wrongful conduct involving the Property, by transferring the beneficial interest in the Property from the Terzakis controlled Chebemma to the Hunt controlled Division State. In connection with that transfer, Terzakis and Hunt acknowledged in writing in June 2007 the liability owed to Markin and consciously determined not to disclose the transfer to Markin. In furtherance of their wrongful conduct, Hunt and Terzakis induced ATG Trust Company not to disclose to Markin the transfer of the Property to Division State so that Markin would not learn of their scheme. RESPONSE: Hunt admits that he was President of Chebemma until he resigned in June 2007 and that the beneficial interest in the Property was transferred from Chebemma to Division State. Further answering, Hunt states that Paragraph 6(c) of the Note attached as Exhibit C to Plaintiff’s Second Amended Complaint specifically states that “Notwithstanding anything in this Note or the Collateral ABI to the contrary, . . . [Markin] agrees that . . . [Chebemma] shall have the right to transfer or convey all or any portion of the Property or any interest therein, to an entity owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by Mark Hunt and/or [Chebemma].” Hunt denies all allegations in Paragraph 25 not expressly admitted. 26. As part of Terzakis’s and Hunt’s continuing effort to hide from Markin the nature of their misconduct, including the transfer of the Property, Hunt again agreed to appear on Chebemma’s behalf at a Court supervised settlement conference on April 16, 2008, although he had no affiliation whatsoever at that time with Chebemma. At the last moment, Hunt claimed that he had a scheduling conflict and could not appear and caused Chebemma’s litigation counsel and Hunt’s personal counsel, Jeffrey Richman, to appear at the settlement conference. At no time, did Hunt, Hunt’s counsel or Chebemma’s counsel disclose to Markin or to the Court the nature of the fraud that had been perpetrated on Markin, including Hunt’s and Terzakis’s transfer of the Property to the Hunt controlled Division State. RESPONSE: Hunt admits that he was the President of Chebemma until he resigned in June 2007, that he agreed to appear at the Court-supervised settlement conference on April 16, 2008, and that a scheduling conflict forced Jeffrey Richman to appear in his stead. Further answering, Hunt admits that his agreement to appear (in person or through counsel) at the Court-supervised settlement conference on April 16, 2008 was based on his personal stake in the outcome of the litigation. Hunt denies all allegations in Paragraph 26 not expressly admitted. 8 Case: 1:07-cv-00497 Document #: 116 Filed: 10/08/09 Page 9 of 16 PageID #:1184 27. Terzakis and Hunt knew or believed to be false the misrepresentations of material fact that were made to Markin, either directly or indirectly, with the intent of inducing Markin to agree to the sale of Markin’s beneficial interest in the Property on terms that Markin would not have otherwise agreed to had he known the truth. RESPONSE: Hunt denies the allegations contained in Paragraph 27. 28. Markin reasonably relied upon the truth of the various representations and omissions of material fact made to him. RESPONSE: Hunt lacks sufficient knowledge to admit or deny allegations regarding Markin’s state of mind as alleged in Paragraph 28. In addition, the allegations in Paragraph 28 contains legal conclusions to which no answer is required. To the extent that the allegations require an answer, Hunt denies the allegations in Paragraph 28. 29. Markin has suffered damage as a result of that reliance in excess of $2 million. RESPONSE: Hunt denies the allegations contained in Paragraph 29. 30. Hunt’s and Terzakis’s conduct was willful and wanton and done in total and reckless disregard of Markin’s rights. RESPONSE: Hunt denies the allegations contained in Paragraph 30. 31. At all relevant times, defendant Division State, with full knowledge of Terzakis’s and Hunt’s fraud, has accepted the fruits of that fraud, including but not limited to taking possession of a 49 percent beneficial interest in the Property that otherwise belongs to Markin. RESPONSE: Hunt admits that Division State received a transfer of 100% of the beneficial interest in the Property, subject to Markin’s Collateral ABI (as defined in the Note attached as Exhibit C to Plaintiff’s Second Amended Complaint) in the Property. Hunt denies all other allegations in Paragraph 31. 32. As such, Division State is the constructive trustee for Markin of Markin’s 49 percent beneficial interest in the Property and the Court should declare a constructive trust on Markin’s 49 percent beneficial interest in the Property held by Division State. 9 Case: 1:07-cv-00497 Document #: 116 Filed: 10/08/09 Page 10 of 16 PageID #:1185 RESPONSE: The allegations in Paragraph 32 are legal conclusions to which no answer is required. To the extent that the allegations require an answer, Hunt denies the allegations in Paragraph 32. COUNT II (AIDING AND BETTING AGAINST DEFENDANTS HUNT AND DIVISION STATE) 33. Plaintiff incorporates by reference Paragraphs 1-32 as Paragraph 33 of Count II. RESPONSE: Hunt incorporates by reference his responses to Paragraphs 1-32 as though fully set forth herein. 34. At all relevant times, Hunt, individually, and later as Manager of Division State, knew that Terzakis engaged in fraudulent conduct for the purpose of depriving Markin of his 49 percent beneficial interest in the Property. RESPONSE: Hunt denies the allegations in Paragraph 34. 35. At all relevant times, Hunt, individually, and later as Manager of Division State, knew that Terzakis owed fiduciary duties to Markin, including the duty of utmost good faith and undivided loyalty, in matters relating to the Property. RESPONSE: Hunt denies the allegations in Paragraph 35. 36. Hunt, in his individual capacity and later in his capacity as the party in control of the Manager of Division State, possessed full knowledge of Terzakis’s fraudulent conduct and breaches of fiduciary duty to Markin and knowingly and substantially assisted Terzakis in that fraudulent conduct and in those breaches. RESPONSE: Hunt denies the allegations in Paragraph 36. 37. Hunt’s conduct relating to the transfer of the beneficial interest in the Property to Division State was done for Division State’s benefit and, as such, is imputed to Division State. RESPONSE: The allegations of Paragraph 37 derive from the allegations of Paragraphs 34-36, which Hunt has denied. Hunt therefore denies the allegations of Paragraph 37. In addition, the allegation concerning imputation is a legal conclusion to which no answer is required. 10 Case: 1:07-cv-00497 Document #: 116 Filed: 10/08/09 Page 11 of 16 PageID #:1186 38. As a direct and proximate result of defendants Hunt’s and Division State’s wrongful conduct in aiding and abetting Terzakis’s fraud and breaches of fiduciary duty, Markin has suffered damages in excess of $2 million. RESPONSE: Hunt denies the allegations contained in Paragraph 38. 39. At all relevant times, defendant Division State, with full knowledge of Terzakis’s wrongful conduct, has accepted the fruits of that wrongful conduct, including but not limited to taking possession of a 49 percent interest in the Property that otherwise belongs to Markin. RESPONSE: Hunt admits that Division State received a transfer of 100% of the beneficial interest in the Property, subject to Markin’s Collateral ABI (as defined in the Note attached as Exhibit C to Plaintiff’s Second Amended Complaint) in the Property. Hunt denies all other allegations in Paragraph 39. 40. As such, Division State is the constructive trustee for Markin of Markin’s 49 percent beneficial interest in the Property and the Court should declare a constructive trust on Markin’s 49 percent beneficial interest in the Property held by Division State. RESPONSE: The allegations in Paragraph 40 are legal conclusions to which no answer is required. To the extent that the allegations require an answer, Hunt denies the allegations in Paragraph 40. 41. Hunt’s and Division State’s conduct was willful and wanton and done in total and reckless disregard of Markin’s rights. RESPONSE: Hunt denies the allegations contained in paragraph 41. COUNT III (WRONGFUL DISTRIBUTION AGAINST CHEBEMMA AND TERZAKIS) 42-53. ANSWER: Hunt is not required to answer the allegations of Count III, as the allegations in Count III are not directed at Hunt. To the extent that the allegations in Paragraphs 42-53 are directed at Hunt, Hunt denies the allegations. 11 Case: 1:07-cv-00497 Document #: 116 Filed: 10/08/09 Page 12 of 16 PageID #:1187 COUNT IV (IN THE ALTERNATIVE: BREACH OF PROMISSORY NOTE AGAINST CHEBEMMA) 54-63. ANSWER: Hunt is not required to answer the allegations of Count IV, as the allegations in Count IV are not directed at Hunt. To the extent that the allegations in Paragraphs 54-63 are directed at Hunt, Hunt denies the allegations. COUNT V (IN THE ALTERNATIVE: BREACH OF SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AGAINST HUNT) 64. Plaintiff incorporates by reference Paragraphs 1-7 as Paragraph 64 of Count V. RESPONSE: Hunt incorporates by reference his responses to Paragraphs 1-7 as though fully set forth herein. 65. Count V, pursuant to Rule 8(d)(2) is alleged in the alternative. RESPONSE: As Paragraph 65 makes no factual averments, Hunt neither admits nor denies the statements of Paragraph 65. 66. At all relevant times, Hunt has held himself out to Markin and to the Court as President and sole owner of Chebemma. RESPONSE: Hunt admits that he was the president of Chebemma until he resigned in June, 2007. As to the remaining allegations of Paragraph 66, the Complaint fails to specify the context of these allegations, and therefore Hunt denies the remaining allegations of Paragraph 66. 67. In or about August 2004, Chebemma purchased from Markin his 49 percent beneficial interest in the Property. RESPONSE: Hunt admits the allegations in Paragraph 67. 68. As part of the consideration for that sale, Chebemma executed the Note. RESPONSE: Hunt admits the allegations in Paragraph 68. 12 Case: 1:07-cv-00497 Document #: 116 Filed: 10/08/09 Page 13 of 16 PageID #:1188 69. Pursuant to the terms of the Note, Markin holds a collateral beneficial interest in the Property and the Property was conveyed from Chebemma to Division State in June 2007 without Markin’s consent. RESPONSE: Hunt admits that the Property was conveyed from Chebemma to Division State LLC. As to the allegations regarding the terms of the Note, Hunt incorporates the full and complete terms of the Note and denies any allegation contrary thereto. Further answering, Hunt states that Markin’s consent was not required, in that the transaction between Chebemma and Division State LLC was made subject to Markin’s Collateral ABI (as defined in the Note attached as Exhibit C to Plaintiff’s Second Amended Complaint) in the Property, and Paragraph 6(c) of the Note attached as Exhibit C to Plaintiff’s Second Amended Complaint specifically states that “Notwithstanding anything in this Note or the Collateral ABI to the contrary, . . . [Markin] agrees that . . . [Chebemma] shall have the right to transfer or convey all or any portion of the Property or any interest therein, to an entity owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by Mark Hunt and/or [Chebemma].” Hunt denies all allegations in Paragraph 69 not expressly admitted. 70. As written discovery proceeded in the Federal Litigation, Hunt, in or about August 2008, informed Markin of his desire to meet with Markin without lawyers present in order to reach a settlement of the dispute which is the subject of this litigation. RESPONSE: Hunt admits that he reached out to Markin for purposes of attempting to resolve the dispute between Chebemma and Markin. The remaining allegations of Paragraph 70 are denied. 71. In response, Markin agreed to meet with Hunt in New York, New York. RESPONSE: Hunt admits the allegations in Paragraph 71. 72. On or about September 3, 2008, Markin and Hunt met in New York to discuss the settlement of this litigation. RESPONSE: Hunt admits the allegations in Paragraph 72. 13 Case: 1:07-cv-00497 Document #: 116 Filed: 10/08/09 Page 14 of 16 PageID #:1189 73. Although Hunt and Markin did not reach a settlement agreement at that time, the parties continued to negotiate by telephone. RESPONSE: Hunt admits the allegations in Paragraph 73. 74. On or about September 18, 2008, Hunt and Markin reached the following oral settlement agreement concerning this dispute (the “Settlement Agreement”): a. Hunt personally would be obligated to pay Markin $1 million upon the execution of a written settlement agreement to be prepared by the parties’ respective counsel; b. Markin’s claim and Chebemma’s counterclaim would be dismissed upon Markin’s receipt of the $1 million payment; and c. Within one year of execution of the written settlement agreement, Hunt personally would be obligated to pay Markin $700,000 and Hunt would provide reasonable security for that payment. RESPONSE: Hunt denies the allegations in Paragraph 74. 75. At all relevant times, the parties understood and agreed that any payment obligation under the Settlement Agreement would be Hunt’s personally as Chebemma is an assetless entity. RESPONSE: Hunt denies the allegations in Paragraph 75. 76. Hunt and Markin further agreed that a written settlement agreement to be prepared by counsel was not intended to be a condition precedent to an enforceable settlement agreement, but was to serve only as a memorialization of their oral settlement agreement. RESPONSE: Hunt denies the allegations in Paragraph 76. 77. Thereafter, and as agreed between Hunt and Markin, the parties’ counsel engaged in the process of memorializing the Settlement Agreement. RESPONSE: Hunt admits that certain draft settlement agreements were prepared by Chebemma’s counsel and Markin’s counsel but denies the remaining allegations of Paragraph 77. 78. Before this process could be completed, and in or about December 2008, Hunt (by his counsel) informed Markin (through his counsel) that Hunt was unable to and would not perform his obligations under the Settlement Agreement. 14 Case: 1:07-cv-00497 Document #: 116 Filed: 10/08/09 Page 15 of 16 PageID #:1190 RESPONSE: Hunt admits that in December, 2008, Chebemma’s counsel informed Markin’s counsel that the settlement negotiations would be discontinued. The remaining allegations of Paragraph 78 are denied. 79. By Hunt’s actions and inactions, Hunt has unilaterally repudiated and materially breached the Settlement Agreement. RESPONSE: Hunt denies the allegations in Paragraph 79. 80. At all relevant times, Markin has complied with his contractual obligations under the Settlement Agreement. RESPONSE: The allegations of Paragraph 80 are denied. Further answering, Hunt states that there were never any contractual obligations for Markin to fulfill because there was never any contract. 81. Markin has demanded that Hunt comply with his obligations under the Settlement Agreement, but Hunt has failed to do so. RESPONSE: The allegations of Paragraph 81 are denied. Further answering, Hunt states that there were never any contractual obligations for Hunt to fulfill because there was never any contract. 82. As a direct and proximate result of Hunt’s acts and omissions, Markin has suffered damages in excess of $1,700,000. RESPONSE: Hunt denies the allegations in Paragraph 82. 15 Case: 1:07-cv-00497 Document #: 116 Filed: 10/08/09 Page 16 of 16 PageID #:1191 JURY DEMAND Mark Hunt demands a jury on all issues that may be tried to a jury. Dated: October 8, 2009 Respectfully submitted, Mark Hunt, Daniel Lynch (ARDC No. 6202499) Avidan J. Stern (ARDC No. 6201978) LYNCH & STERN LLP 150 S. Wacker Dr., Suite 2600 Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 346-8700 (312) 896-5883 (fax) s/Avidan J. Stern By One of His Attorneys 16