GRETNA – A woman who claims the former owner of a pizzeria she bought forcefully took over the business four years after she purchased it is suing for the return of her investment.
Amy Weston filed suit against Mario Carapina in the 24th Judicial District Court on Oct. 31.
Weston claims that she entered into an agreement with Carapina in December 2009 in which she would purchase a restaurant, Mr. Jim’s Pizza, from her for the sum of $110,000 that would be paid over a number of payments. The plaintiff alleges that she put a down payment of $20,000 on the business and that afterward she was to take full control of the business, including all of its finances and income to allow her to make future payments.
Weston contends that during her time as the owner of Jim’s Pizza she spent several thousand dollars to make improvements to the property and pay off creditors who Carapino owed money on behalf of the business. However, the plaintiff asserts that on Aug. 25, 2014, more than four years after she took over the business, Carapino canceled the sale arrangement by changing the locks on the restaurant and taking over control of the business’s bank account.
The defendant is accused of unfair and deceptive practices and violation of state and federal law.
Damages in the amount of $73,279 plus attorney’s fees and court costs are sought by the plaintiff.
Weston is represented by attorney Malcolm B. Robinson of Metairie.
The case has been assigned to Division E Judge John J. Molaison Jr.
Case no. 743-891.
Dispute over ownership of Mr. Jim’s Pizza lands in court
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