Lawsuit filed against catering company and car dealer over allegedly stolen catering van

GRETNA – The owner of a local catering company claims his catering van was stolen by his former employer due to the malfeasance of a local car dealer where it was undergoing repairs.

Dirk Long and Tree Hugger Catering LLC filed suit against Tomcats Catering LLC and Don Bohn Ford in the 24th Judicial District Court on Nov. 8.

Long claims that since 2008 he has owned a catering van registered in Mississippi. The plaintiff alleges that he formerly used the van to do work for Tomcats Catering under whom he served as a chef and traveled across the country, but that he received payment during those jobs from the vendors and not Tomkats. Long claims that he began to pursue movie production catering contracts and worked on multiple local sets providing food to movie crews.

During this time the plaintiff’s van was in need of repairs, which he alleges were done by Don Bohn. Long asserts after the vehicle had been repaired employees with Don Bohn negligently called Tomkats to notify them and they sent out an employee from Tennessee who wrongfully took possession of the vehicle and stole it.

The defendant is accused of theft, failing to return stolen property, failing to reasonable diligence in performing work duties and failing to protect the plaintiff’s property.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for loss of use of van and equipment, loss of value of the property, loss of employment and loss of business opportunity.

Long is represented by attorney Kevin R. Krause of Metairie.

The case has been assigned to Division A Judge Raymond S. Steib Jr.

Case no. 732-746.