Homeowner sued over handyman work by man who lived with her

GRETNA – A man who lived with a local woman for nearly eight years is suing her for not properly reimbursing him for work he did on her home as well as allegedly keeping money he gave to her for safekeeping.

Bruce Cain filed suit against Jocelyn Cangelosi in the 24th Judicial District Court on March 6.

Cain claims he lived with Cangelosi in her home on two occasions from October 2000 until August 2005 and from mid 2011 until March 4, 2013. The plaintiff alleges that during those periods he performed contractor and handyman work on the defendant’s home and that the defendant said she would compensate him for the work. Cain asserts that during the second period in which they lived together he paid Cangelosi $500 a month and also entrusted her with cash which she put in her savings account.

The plaintiff claims that after March 4, 2013 the defendant refused to pay him for the work he did on her home or provide him with the money he allegedly gave her for safekeeping.

The defendant is accused of failing to pay for maintenance work and improvements and wrongfully refusing to return personal funds.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for loss of personal funds, loss of use of funds, costs of litigation and attorney’s fees.

Cain is represented by David W. Nance of New Orleans-based Nance Group LLC.

The case has been assigned to Division M Judge Henry G. Sullivan Jr.

Case no. 736-137.