Contractor who lived in man’s shed suing for items that allegedly went missing after arrest

GRETNA – A contractor who was arrested and removed to Florida while engaged in a construction job for a Metairie man from whom he was also renting a shed alleges his belongings were stolen after his arrest.

Roy A. Hiatt filed suit against Gregory C. Alexander in the 24th Judicial District Court on Jan. 14.

Hiatt alleges that on July 1, 2008 he entered into a contract to install hardwood flooring at Alexander’s home located at 10145 Stephens Drive in Metairie. The plaintiff asserts that during the contract he also renovated a shed on the defendant’s property and was living in it when on April 17, 2009 he was arrested and taken to Florida. Hiatt claims that after the arrest he could not return to the property and had a difficult time getting in contact with the plaintiff. The plaintiff alleges it was nearly two months later when the defendant told him his belonging in the shed were being taken care of, but he had decided to keep the plaintiff’s flat screen TV.

Hiatt asserts that on June 23, 2010 he was released from the Florida Department of Corrections and attempted to reach the defendant regarding his belongings but a phone conversation with him ended abruptly. It was not until Sept. 12, 2013 that Hiatt was able to return to Metairie at which time he presented Alexander with a list of the items he expected to be returned to him and at which time those items were not returned.

The defendant is accused of theft, theft by extortion, conspiracy and accessory after the fact.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for restitution of property, court costs and attorney’s fees.

Hiatt is representing himself pro se in the case.

The case has been assigned to Division D Judge Scott U. Schlegel.

Case no. 734-600.