Willene Shipp, et al vs. A1A Bonding, Inc., et al

Case Background

On May 21, 20119, Plaintiff  Willene Shipp and others filed a Battery and trespass lawsuit in the Georgia State, Muscogee County, State Court (Case number: SC-19-CV-494). Pythias Temesgen presided over this case.

Cause

In January 2019, plaintiffs Sammie Williams Jr., Willene Shipp, Ayonia Shipp, and Mikala Shipp were living in Columbus, Georgia, when armed bounty hunters Charlotte Riley of A1A Bonding Inc., Tony Viggins of Ace Bonding Co., and Scott Cramer of Wyatt Terry Jr. Inc. entered their home in search of a fugitive. The fugitive was not present, and the plaintiffs claimed the bounty hunters unlawfully touched them while searching. The bounty hunters reportedly forced their way into the house with weapons drawn, conducted a physical search, and detained the plaintiffs for over 30 minutes while questioning them. The plaintiffs did not know the fugitive and were unaware of their involvement in the case.

After the failed search, the defendants left without an apology but allegedly threatened to monitor the plaintiffs further. Despite a complaint to the police, the bounty hunters caused the plaintiffs to be arrested, though the charges were eventually dismissed. In response, the plaintiffs filed a lawsuit, claiming trespass, battery, and false imprisonment.

Injuries

The plaintiffs, particularly Riley and Cramer, caused severe emotional distress by intruding into their home, using unlawful force, and detaining them against their will. The bounty hunters’ actions resulted in the plaintiffs feeling intimidated, threatened, and coerced throughout the entire ordeal. As a result, the plaintiffs experienced physical and psychological injuries, including anxiety, fear, and humiliation, as well as lasting trauma from the invasion of their home. Additionally, the plaintiffs endured an arrest that was ultimately dismissed, further exacerbating their emotional distress

Damages

The plaintiffs’ counsel sought compensation for their injuries. They demanded a global settlement of $75,000, but the defendants rejected the offer. The plaintiffs claimed that the defendants violated their civil rights. They also argued that the actions caused financial hardship, emotional suffering, and damage to their reputation. The plaintiffs focused their claims on holding the bounty hunters and their employers accountable. They sought justice for the unlawful conduct and the resulting trauma.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Ayonia Shipp | Mikala Shipp | Willene Shipp | Sammie Williams, Jr.
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Neal J. Callahan | David C. Rayfield
  • Defendant(s): 1A Bonding, Inc. | John F. Law Investment Company d/b/a Ace Bonding Company |  Wyatt Terry, Jr., Inc. | Entities 1-5 | Charlotte Riley | Tony Viggins | Scott Cramer
    • Counsel for Defendants: Ted D. Morgan | Michael E. Garner 

Claims

The plaintiffs filed trespass claims against all three individual bounty hunters for unlawfully entering their home. Battery and false imprisonment claims were directed specifically at Riley and Cramer for using excessive force and detaining the plaintiffs without consent. The defendants’ companies, A1A Bonding Inc., Ace Bonding Co., and Wyatt Terry Jr. Inc., were also named in the lawsuit for their role in authorizing the actions of their employees. Justice Bail Bonds was eventually removed from the case after asserting that they did not authorize the conduct. The lawsuit sought to hold the bounty hunters and their employers responsible for violating the plaintiffs’ civil rights and causing emotional distress and harm.

Defense

Justice Bail Bonds, represented by attorney Ted D. Morgan, denied any responsibility for the actions of the bounty hunters. The defense claimed that Justice Bail Bonds primarily operated in Alabama and did not authorize the alleged unlawful conduct outlined in the plaintiffs’ complaint. The company contended that it had no knowledge of any recovery efforts being made on its behalf in Muscogee County, Georgia, at the time of the incident. Justice Bail Bonds argued that it did not approve or authorize any employee or agent to enter the plaintiffs’ home. Additionally, the company denied authorizing the use of unlawful tactics such as forced entry, physical contact, or intimidation. The defense insisted that the bounty hunters involved were independent agents. These agents provided assistance to other recovery agents from different bonding companies, not Justice Bail Bonds. As a result, the defense asserted that Justice Bail Bonds was not liable for the actions of the bounty hunters. The bounty hunters were acting outside the scope of their duties and not under the company’s direction or control.

Jury Verdict

On October 3, 2024, the Muscogee County State Court jury returned a verdict of $3,038,166.13 in favor of the plaintiffs. The jury apportioned 60% of the fault to defendants Charlotte Riley and A1A Bonding Inc. and 40% to Scott Cramer and Wyatt Terry Jr. Inc. The jury awarded $1.4 million in general damages to the plaintiffs, reflecting the emotional and physical distress caused by the defendants’ actions. Additionally, the jury imposed $400,000 in punitive damages against Riley and A1A Bonding Inc., and $600,000 in punitive damages against Cramer and Wyatt Terry Jr. Inc. The jury found in favor of defendant Tony Viggins, clearing him of liability. Furthermore, the jury awarded $638,166.13 in attorneys’ fees and expenses.

Total Damages Awarded:

Mikala Shipp:

$638,166.13 total, including $100,000 in punitive damages against Riley, $300,000 in general damages, and $150,000 in punitive damages against Cramer.

Ayonia Shipp:

$550,000 total, including $100,000 in punitive damages against Riley, $400,000 in general damages, and $150,000 in punitive damages against Cramer.

Sammie Williams Jr.:

$650,000 total, including $350,000 in general damages, $150,000 in punitive damages against Cramer, and $100,000 in punitive damages against Riley.

Willene Shipp:

$600,000 total, including $100,000 in punitive damages against Riley, $350,000 in general damages, and $150,000 in punitive damages against Cramer.

In total, the jury awarded $3,038,166.13, which includes the plaintiffs’ individual awards, attorneys’ fees, and punitive damages against the responsible defendants.

Court Documents:

Documents are available for purchase upon request at jurimatic@exlitem.com