1 00:00:00,734 --> 00:00:04,600 You're living in a house with his still wife. 2 00:00:04,667 --> 00:00:05,934 Yes, ma'am, I am. 3 00:00:06,000 --> 00:00:07,467 So, I walk into the house, uh... 4 00:00:07,533 --> 00:00:08,967 Don't look at her. 5 00:00:09,033 --> 00:00:11,900 He comes storming down the stairs, coming to beat me up. 6 00:00:11,967 --> 00:00:13,233 Look at me. 7 00:00:13,300 --> 00:00:16,333 I'm getting sympathetic with her, I just want you to know. 8 00:00:16,400 --> 00:00:18,567 This is Judy Justice. 9 00:00:35,767 --> 00:00:39,400 {\an8}Frank Adomitis is suing his wife's boyfriend, 10 00:00:39,467 --> 00:00:44,033 {\an8}Willy Albrecht for filing a false police report and harassment. 11 00:00:44,100 --> 00:00:46,300 Court, come to order. All rise. 12 00:00:46,367 --> 00:00:47,567 Have a seat, please. 13 00:00:48,900 --> 00:00:52,166 Case #2068, Adomitis versus Albrecht. 14 00:00:52,233 --> 00:00:53,100 Thank you. 15 00:00:53,166 --> 00:00:54,166 You're welcome. 16 00:00:54,233 --> 00:00:56,767 Mr. Albrecht, I'm gonna start with you, sir. 17 00:00:56,834 --> 00:00:57,734 Yes, ma'am. 18 00:00:57,800 --> 00:01:03,433 You are the current live-in boyfriend of the Plaintiff's ex-wife? 19 00:01:03,500 --> 00:01:04,600 Soon-to-be. 20 00:01:04,667 --> 00:01:07,066 Of the Plaintiff's wife. 21 00:01:07,133 --> 00:01:08,000 Correct. 22 00:01:08,066 --> 00:01:10,467 Mr. Adomitis's complaint is 23 00:01:10,533 --> 00:01:14,233 that as a result of you making a call to the police, 24 00:01:14,300 --> 00:01:19,166 he was defamed when you said that he was trespassing. 25 00:01:19,233 --> 00:01:21,967 It was a false call to the police 26 00:01:22,033 --> 00:01:25,667 {\an8}and he wants to be compensated to the tune of $2,500. 27 00:01:25,734 --> 00:01:27,433 That's what the case is about. 28 00:01:27,500 --> 00:01:33,467 {\an8}So, in order to make this whole thing in context that that I understand... 29 00:01:33,533 --> 00:01:37,300 {\an8}How long have you been living with Mrs. Adomitis? 30 00:01:37,367 --> 00:01:38,767 Since June of '21. 31 00:01:38,834 --> 00:01:40,233 How long do you know her? 32 00:01:40,300 --> 00:01:41,834 Since January of '21. 33 00:01:41,900 --> 00:01:43,266 Have you ever been married? 34 00:01:43,333 --> 00:01:44,633 Yes, I have. 35 00:01:44,700 --> 00:01:46,333 When, and for how long? 36 00:01:46,400 --> 00:01:51,133 Previously, to April of this year, I was married 15 years. 37 00:01:51,200 --> 00:01:56,233 So, you were married when you moved in with Mrs. Adomitis? 38 00:01:56,300 --> 00:01:57,834 - Yeah, legally. - Legally. 39 00:01:57,900 --> 00:01:59,233 Did you own your own home? 40 00:01:59,300 --> 00:02:01,066 - I did. - With your, then wife. 41 00:02:01,133 --> 00:02:02,000 Correct. 42 00:02:02,066 --> 00:02:03,900 - Did she stay in the house? - She did. 43 00:02:03,967 --> 00:02:05,400 Does she have a boyfriend? 44 00:02:05,467 --> 00:02:06,467 Yes, she does. 45 00:02:06,533 --> 00:02:07,834 Do you like him? 46 00:02:07,900 --> 00:02:09,066 No, I do not. 47 00:02:09,133 --> 00:02:10,567 Does he live in the house? 48 00:02:10,633 --> 00:02:12,000 Not at this time. 49 00:02:12,066 --> 00:02:13,300 Did he ever? 50 00:02:13,367 --> 00:02:14,700 Yes, he did. 51 00:02:14,767 --> 00:02:16,033 And you didn't like it. 52 00:02:16,100 --> 00:02:17,133 No, I did not. 53 00:02:19,100 --> 00:02:24,467 So, I want you to understand that there is maybe, a reason 54 00:02:24,533 --> 00:02:30,233 why the Plaintiff resents you living in a house that he owns 55 00:02:30,300 --> 00:02:34,166 with his still wife, and you're living there. Do you understand? 56 00:02:34,233 --> 00:02:35,100 I do. 57 00:02:35,166 --> 00:02:39,266 'Cause you sort of have the same situation. You're kindred spirits. 58 00:02:39,333 --> 00:02:43,600 Just a minute. Actually, you're kindred spirits. 59 00:02:43,667 --> 00:02:47,633 Except, my 15-year-old son also lives with this young man. 60 00:02:50,033 --> 00:02:53,066 Well, that's all right, but you understand why he might be annoyed. 61 00:02:53,166 --> 00:02:54,500 {\an8}- I do, but... - Okay. 62 00:02:54,567 --> 00:02:59,033 {\an8}So, now, understanding all that, I want you to tell me, 63 00:02:59,100 --> 00:03:02,133 because I'm not totally sympathetic with you, sir, 64 00:03:02,200 --> 00:03:04,767 because if you and your wife are divorcing, 65 00:03:04,834 --> 00:03:06,867 you're entitled to move on with your life, 66 00:03:06,934 --> 00:03:09,166 and so is she entitled to move on with your life. 67 00:03:09,233 --> 00:03:11,400 Where do you live? You live in an apartment? 68 00:03:11,467 --> 00:03:12,834 I live in a condominium. 69 00:03:12,900 --> 00:03:14,900 Okay. How long have you lived in the condo? 70 00:03:14,967 --> 00:03:19,934 I've lived... When we separated, uh, March of 2021. 71 00:03:20,000 --> 00:03:21,166 And who do you live with? 72 00:03:21,233 --> 00:03:22,600 I currently live with my old... 73 00:03:22,667 --> 00:03:25,800 No-no-no. Who do you live with, is the question. 74 00:03:25,867 --> 00:03:26,767 My older son. 75 00:03:26,834 --> 00:03:28,667 {\an8}- And how old is he? - Nineteen. 76 00:03:28,734 --> 00:03:30,266 And how many bedrooms are in the condo? 77 00:03:30,333 --> 00:03:32,700 - Two. - And what about you? Have a girlfriend? 78 00:03:32,767 --> 00:03:34,533 - Yes, I do. - Ever stay over? 79 00:03:34,600 --> 00:03:35,633 My house? No. 80 00:03:35,700 --> 00:03:37,500 - Do you ever stay at her house? - No. 81 00:03:37,567 --> 00:03:39,233 - Does she live with her children? - Yes. 82 00:03:39,300 --> 00:03:41,367 - And is she divorced? - Yes. 83 00:03:41,433 --> 00:03:43,367 - And she stayed in the house. - Yes. 84 00:03:43,433 --> 00:03:46,166 You see how all these things go? It's just... 85 00:03:46,233 --> 00:03:50,066 It's just as the world turns. It's just what happens. 86 00:03:50,133 --> 00:03:54,934 Been there. Understand it all. Can either make it hard or difficult. 87 00:03:55,000 --> 00:03:56,667 Who pays the mortgage on the house? 88 00:03:56,734 --> 00:03:57,667 Paid off. 89 00:03:57,734 --> 00:04:01,200 Okay. So, you have one teenage child, your wife has the other. 90 00:04:01,266 --> 00:04:02,133 Yes. 91 00:04:02,200 --> 00:04:06,033 And how close is the judgment to divorce to being finalized? 92 00:04:06,100 --> 00:04:08,834 Not close. 93 00:04:08,900 --> 00:04:11,834 Not close. Is that for financial reasons or custody reasons? 94 00:04:11,900 --> 00:04:13,066 Financial. 95 00:04:13,133 --> 00:04:14,467 Have to do with the house? 96 00:04:14,533 --> 00:04:15,467 Yes. 97 00:04:15,533 --> 00:04:19,433 Okay. How much is the house... I'm just... fleshing this out. 98 00:04:19,500 --> 00:04:22,033 Probably because I'm a little bit of a yenta. 99 00:04:22,100 --> 00:04:27,734 Behind this... Behind this purple robe is a little bit of a yenta. 100 00:04:27,800 --> 00:04:30,433 {\an8}You know, with the housing market and being a CPA, 101 00:04:30,500 --> 00:04:33,800 {\an8}you know, it's hard to say, but I would say somewhere... 102 00:04:33,867 --> 00:04:36,633 Why don't you give Sarah the address of the house 103 00:04:36,700 --> 00:04:38,633 and we'll tell you what this estimate is. 104 00:04:38,700 --> 00:04:39,934 [muted], California. 105 00:04:40,000 --> 00:04:43,533 While she's looking that up, tell me when you and your wife purchased it. 106 00:04:43,600 --> 00:04:47,367 2006. August of 2006. 107 00:04:47,433 --> 00:04:51,367 And during the course of the marriage, were you employed all the time? 108 00:04:51,433 --> 00:04:52,367 A hundred percent. 109 00:04:52,433 --> 00:04:53,533 And what about your wife? 110 00:04:53,600 --> 00:04:54,700 A hundred percent. 111 00:04:54,767 --> 00:04:58,333 So, you were both employed and both contributed to the house. 112 00:04:58,400 --> 00:04:59,800 - Fair statement? - Yes. 113 00:04:59,867 --> 00:05:01,266 Great. Okay. 114 00:05:01,333 --> 00:05:03,900 It's, uh, four bedrooms, two and a half baths. 115 00:05:03,967 --> 00:05:07,834 This estimate is $552,000. 116 00:05:07,900 --> 00:05:13,533 And just for my own curiosity, what's the rub about the house? 117 00:05:13,600 --> 00:05:16,467 - The rub about the house... - Come on, it's simple. 118 00:05:16,533 --> 00:05:21,033 The rub about the house is she's-she's now went in 119 00:05:21,100 --> 00:05:25,266 and spent an ungodly amount of money on fixer upper, after I moved out, 120 00:05:25,333 --> 00:05:28,600 and went into a massive amount of debt. The house was fully paid off. 121 00:05:28,667 --> 00:05:32,767 And she's now in massive debt. She's put in fixer upper... 122 00:05:32,834 --> 00:05:34,467 No-no, don't look at her, look at me. 123 00:05:34,533 --> 00:05:37,400 So, she's fixed up the house after you moved out. 124 00:05:37,467 --> 00:05:38,900 - Correct. - And? 125 00:05:38,967 --> 00:05:41,033 - It's not a problem... - Just a second. 126 00:05:41,100 --> 00:05:42,300 So, what's the problem? 127 00:05:42,367 --> 00:05:45,133 There is no problem with the house. Meaning that, you know, 128 00:05:45,200 --> 00:05:47,567 we're still debating who's actually gonna end up with the house. 129 00:05:47,633 --> 00:05:48,767 We haven't decided. 130 00:05:48,834 --> 00:05:51,900 You know, whoever wants to be in the house buys the other one out. 131 00:05:51,967 --> 00:05:52,900 Exactly. 132 00:05:52,967 --> 00:05:55,567 For $260,000. 133 00:05:55,633 --> 00:05:56,633 Correct. 134 00:05:56,700 --> 00:05:59,166 Okay? It would seem to me that would be easy. 135 00:05:59,233 --> 00:06:00,400 - I think so. - Okay. 136 00:06:00,467 --> 00:06:04,667 Now that I've satisfied the yenta in me, I'm getting back to the case. 137 00:06:04,734 --> 00:06:09,400 All right, you called the police. This incident, according to what I read, 138 00:06:09,467 --> 00:06:12,934 Mr. Adomitis, happened on November 5th. 139 00:06:13,000 --> 00:06:13,900 Correct. 140 00:06:13,967 --> 00:06:15,767 You went to the house to pick up your son. 141 00:06:15,834 --> 00:06:16,700 Correct. 142 00:06:16,767 --> 00:06:19,700 Okay. Was that a meeting that had been arranged before? 143 00:06:19,767 --> 00:06:21,900 I have visitation every two weeks. 144 00:06:21,967 --> 00:06:23,166 Every two weeks, when? 145 00:06:23,233 --> 00:06:24,867 Every, every other weekend. 146 00:06:24,934 --> 00:06:26,433 Well, so you... was this a weekend? 147 00:06:26,500 --> 00:06:28,600 Yes, that was one where I was gonna go pick him up. 148 00:06:28,667 --> 00:06:30,166 Okay. Had you spoken to him? 149 00:06:30,233 --> 00:06:32,433 - Yes. - And so he was expecting you 150 00:06:32,500 --> 00:06:33,600 to come at a certain time. 151 00:06:33,667 --> 00:06:35,033 - Absolutely. - What time? 152 00:06:35,100 --> 00:06:40,667 Approximately, we had arranged, about 7:15. That... 7:15, 7:30 that night. 153 00:06:40,734 --> 00:06:44,166 Okay. And you had visitation fixed by the court. 154 00:06:44,233 --> 00:06:47,367 And you had been enjoying that with your son for a period of time? 155 00:06:47,433 --> 00:06:48,433 Correct. 156 00:06:48,500 --> 00:06:50,834 Okay. What happened when you got there at 7:15? 157 00:06:50,900 --> 00:06:55,667 Well, on that particular visit, my wife had taken his key to the house. 158 00:06:55,734 --> 00:06:57,934 - And I had... - No-no-no-no. 159 00:06:58,000 --> 00:06:59,667 I told you, don't look at her. 160 00:06:59,734 --> 00:07:02,734 Oh, okay, sorry, sorry. Uh, okay. 161 00:07:02,800 --> 00:07:05,400 I'm getting sympathetic with her, I just want you to know that. 162 00:07:05,467 --> 00:07:07,333 - Okay, okay. - 7:15, 163 00:07:07,400 --> 00:07:10,900 you went to pick up your son. And you were annoyed 164 00:07:10,967 --> 00:07:14,967 because your wife had taken your son's key away from him. 165 00:07:15,033 --> 00:07:15,934 Correct. 166 00:07:16,000 --> 00:07:19,500 And you thought your son should have his key 'cause he was 15. 167 00:07:19,567 --> 00:07:21,533 - Correct. Yes. - And? 168 00:07:21,600 --> 00:07:25,200 - So, at that particular time, I-I... - No-no, don't look down. 169 00:07:25,266 --> 00:07:28,600 {\an8}Okay, look at you. I had went into the house, 170 00:07:28,667 --> 00:07:31,867 {\an8}I had never been in that house since I moved out, and so I wanted... 171 00:07:31,934 --> 00:07:33,500 How did you get into the house? 172 00:07:33,567 --> 00:07:34,800 The house, the door was open. 173 00:07:34,867 --> 00:07:38,233 Okay. The door isn't wide open, you mean it was unlocked. 174 00:07:38,300 --> 00:07:39,400 - Unlocked. - Okay. 175 00:07:39,467 --> 00:07:42,033 Let's not say the door was open, the door was unlocked. 176 00:07:42,100 --> 00:07:45,000 Door was unlocked. You don't live there anymore, you live in a condo. 177 00:07:45,066 --> 00:07:46,834 - Correct. - Okay. Did you ring the bell? 178 00:07:46,900 --> 00:07:48,934 - No. Yes. - Knock at the door? 179 00:07:49,000 --> 00:07:51,400 Nobody an... But there's a bell. There's a bell. 180 00:07:51,467 --> 00:07:53,400 - There was a bell. - There's a bell. 181 00:07:53,467 --> 00:07:54,900 - Yes. - Didn't ring the bell. 182 00:07:54,967 --> 00:07:57,033 Opened the door. Knocked, opened the door. 183 00:07:57,100 --> 00:07:59,567 - Yes. - Your house. I own half of it, 184 00:07:59,633 --> 00:08:01,734 {\an8}I'm going to ask my wife a question. 185 00:08:01,800 --> 00:08:03,600 {\an8}- Yes. - Keep going. 186 00:08:03,667 --> 00:08:06,133 Walked into the house. At that particular time, 187 00:08:06,200 --> 00:08:09,567 she is sitting there with my son. At that particular time, 188 00:08:09,633 --> 00:08:12,800 she... I asked her... I asked her to get a copy of the key, 189 00:08:12,867 --> 00:08:15,433 and we became into an argument. 190 00:08:15,500 --> 00:08:17,500 She didn't want me to have a copy of the key. 191 00:08:17,567 --> 00:08:19,834 And I tried to explain to her without a copy of the key, 192 00:08:19,900 --> 00:08:22,033 he can't get in the house if I drop him off at odd hours 193 00:08:22,100 --> 00:08:25,133 and you don't have to be home. So then, she got upset. 194 00:08:25,200 --> 00:08:29,900 At that point, then, uh, I never met Mr. Albrecht before this time, 195 00:08:29,967 --> 00:08:34,433 {\an8}he comes storming down the stairs. Mr. Albrecht is then, 196 00:08:34,500 --> 00:08:37,166 I think Mr. Albrecht's coming to beat me up. 197 00:08:37,233 --> 00:08:41,433 He is storming down the stairs. I've since learned that Mr. Albrecht... 198 00:08:41,500 --> 00:08:45,767 Just! Just pay careful attention to me. So far, you're in the wrong. 199 00:08:45,834 --> 00:08:46,734 Okay. 200 00:08:46,800 --> 00:08:48,300 - Let me just tell you. - Okay. 201 00:08:48,367 --> 00:08:51,400 - So far, from a legal perspective, - Right. 202 00:08:51,467 --> 00:08:55,867 and a common sense perspective, you're in the wrong. 203 00:08:55,934 --> 00:08:58,900 - I'll explain why in a second. - Okay. So, I walk into the house... 204 00:08:58,967 --> 00:09:01,467 - We got past that. We got past that. - Okay. 205 00:09:01,533 --> 00:09:03,600 So now, you want a copy of the key. 206 00:09:03,667 --> 00:09:05,233 - And she says no. - For my son. 207 00:09:05,300 --> 00:09:07,600 I don't care if you want to give it to your parakeet. 208 00:09:07,667 --> 00:09:09,934 You're not entitled to a copy of the key. 209 00:09:10,000 --> 00:09:12,700 - Okay. - Let's start right there. 210 00:09:12,767 --> 00:09:17,000 And let's start with my first point is, if you're going there to pick up your son 211 00:09:17,066 --> 00:09:19,233 - for a pre-arranged visit, - Yes. 212 00:09:19,300 --> 00:09:22,700 you don't walk into the house. You have a 15-year-old son. 213 00:09:22,767 --> 00:09:24,667 A 15-year-old son has a phone. 214 00:09:24,734 --> 00:09:26,033 I tried to call him, yes. 215 00:09:26,100 --> 00:09:28,500 Oh, you tried to call, and what happened? 216 00:09:28,567 --> 00:09:30,867 He said he was there, that he said... 217 00:09:30,934 --> 00:09:33,600 Ah, bup-bup-bup, be very careful what you say to me. 218 00:09:33,667 --> 00:09:35,800 - Okay. He was... - You called your son. 219 00:09:35,867 --> 00:09:39,767 I called my son. Be ready to go. He said, okay, I'm ready to go. 220 00:09:39,834 --> 00:09:42,333 That was at about seven o'clock. 221 00:09:42,400 --> 00:09:43,900 Yes, approximately. 222 00:09:43,967 --> 00:09:45,467 What do you mean, "yes, approximately"? 223 00:09:45,533 --> 00:09:48,166 It was probably on my way to pick him up. So, when I come up there, 224 00:09:48,233 --> 00:09:50,066 - I call him on the phone. - He's ready to go. 225 00:09:50,133 --> 00:09:51,767 - Yes. - So, you walked in. 226 00:09:51,834 --> 00:09:54,500 - You had no right to enter the house. - Did not know that. 227 00:09:54,567 --> 00:09:58,033 Well, you had no right to enter the house. You knew that your wife changed the locks. 228 00:09:58,100 --> 00:10:00,333 I did not know at that time she had changed the locks 229 00:10:00,400 --> 00:10:02,400 'cause the door was open. I had not been back... 230 00:10:02,467 --> 00:10:05,567 No, listen to me. You went there because... Mr. Adomitis, 231 00:10:05,633 --> 00:10:09,767 You have to be a two-process thinker, sir, before you give me a lot of bologna. 232 00:10:13,100 --> 00:10:17,066 You knew that your old key didn't open the house. 233 00:10:17,133 --> 00:10:19,633 Otherwise, you would've said, your mother took away your key 234 00:10:19,700 --> 00:10:21,600 I'll make you another key from my copy. 235 00:10:21,667 --> 00:10:22,867 True. 236 00:10:22,934 --> 00:10:25,934 True, of course, it's true. So... You know. 237 00:10:26,000 --> 00:10:27,266 And later today... 238 00:10:27,333 --> 00:10:29,300 I wasn't allowed to live with my dad and step-mom 239 00:10:29,367 --> 00:10:31,400 'cause they moved into a 55 and over neighborhood. 240 00:10:31,467 --> 00:10:32,367 When? 241 00:10:32,433 --> 00:10:33,900 Um... They... 242 00:10:33,967 --> 00:10:37,767 Just... If you tell the truth, you don't have to have a good memory. 243 00:10:48,266 --> 00:10:52,166 {\an8}Frank Adomitis claims his wife's boyfriend, 244 00:10:52,233 --> 00:10:56,266 {\an8}Willy Albrecht, wrongfully called the police while visiting his own house. 245 00:10:56,333 --> 00:11:01,500 Okay. If you needed a copy of the key, to a house that you partially own, 246 00:11:01,567 --> 00:11:02,767 Yes. 247 00:11:02,834 --> 00:11:04,433 You would've had a key to the house. 248 00:11:04,500 --> 00:11:05,367 Correct. 249 00:11:05,433 --> 00:11:08,800 You didn't need a copy to make because you would've had one. 250 00:11:08,867 --> 00:11:13,533 So, you knew that your old key didn't open the house. 251 00:11:13,600 --> 00:11:16,533 Otherwise, you would've said, your mother took away your key, 252 00:11:16,600 --> 00:11:18,767 I'll make you another key from my copy. 253 00:11:18,834 --> 00:11:19,834 True. 254 00:11:19,900 --> 00:11:23,300 True, of course, it's true. So... You know. 255 00:11:23,367 --> 00:11:26,533 So, he called the police and he said you were trespassing. 256 00:11:26,600 --> 00:11:28,000 {\an8}No, he didn't say that at all. 257 00:11:28,066 --> 00:11:29,066 What did he say? 258 00:11:29,133 --> 00:11:32,500 {\an8}He said he told me I was trespassing. Then, he called on the phone, 259 00:11:32,567 --> 00:11:34,934 and when he was on the phone with the police department, 260 00:11:35,000 --> 00:11:38,367 he is telling them that I am now committing domestic violence. 261 00:11:38,433 --> 00:11:41,500 Now, that is a very serious charge. 262 00:11:41,567 --> 00:11:46,000 {\an8}I mean, we can debate about my access to the house, 263 00:11:46,066 --> 00:11:50,734 {\an8}but when you call the police and say that I'm committing domestic violence, 264 00:11:50,800 --> 00:11:53,000 which is a crime in the state of California, 265 00:11:53,066 --> 00:11:55,200 that's a game-changer. So... 266 00:11:55,266 --> 00:11:57,333 I want to ask you a question, Mr. Adomitis. 267 00:11:57,400 --> 00:12:01,166 When you walked into the house and you saw your wife and your son, 268 00:12:01,233 --> 00:12:03,967 I want to know, when you walked in, uninvited, 269 00:12:04,033 --> 00:12:04,934 True. 270 00:12:05,000 --> 00:12:07,200 your first words were, I want a copy of the key. 271 00:12:07,266 --> 00:12:09,500 That's what you said, you said, I want a copy of the key. 272 00:12:09,567 --> 00:12:11,934 Would you read that back to me, please, Whitney? 273 00:12:13,166 --> 00:12:16,100 "At that particular time, I asked her to get a copy of the key, 274 00:12:16,166 --> 00:12:17,834 and we became into an argument." 275 00:12:17,900 --> 00:12:21,467 So now, you're in an argument and you're a trespasser. 276 00:12:21,533 --> 00:12:23,467 Your case is dismissed. Goodbye. 277 00:12:23,533 --> 00:12:24,767 Goodbye. 278 00:12:24,834 --> 00:12:26,900 - Okay. - This court is adjourned. 279 00:12:28,400 --> 00:12:29,667 Very, very shocking. 280 00:12:29,734 --> 00:12:32,066 She's absolutely correct, as she usually is. 281 00:12:32,133 --> 00:12:35,133 I had no idea this was gonna blow up into World War III. 282 00:12:35,200 --> 00:12:38,133 He's all about winning. He didn't get his way, he was throwing a tantrum. 283 00:12:38,200 --> 00:12:41,467 I feel that he's trying to do whatever he can to keep me out of the picture. 284 00:12:41,533 --> 00:12:42,967 He lives by his own rules. 285 00:12:43,033 --> 00:12:47,133 He, uh, just simply wants me out of the way so he can take over. 286 00:12:47,200 --> 00:12:48,367 Let the courts decide. 287 00:12:49,633 --> 00:12:53,533 It's always so unfortunate when people divorce. 288 00:12:53,600 --> 00:12:56,000 I mean, the story is, this... I could've written this script 289 00:12:56,066 --> 00:13:00,333 without even listening to the people. But they have two teenage boys, 290 00:13:00,400 --> 00:13:04,000 fifteen, nineteen years old. One's chosen to live with the father, 291 00:13:04,066 --> 00:13:07,000 one's chosen to live with the mother. Clearly, the son said to him, 292 00:13:07,066 --> 00:13:08,767 - mom took away my key. - Mm-hmm. 293 00:13:08,834 --> 00:13:11,033 She clearly took away his key for a reason. 294 00:13:11,100 --> 00:13:12,100 Mm-hmm. 295 00:13:12,166 --> 00:13:14,166 I didn't even want to get into what the reason was, 296 00:13:14,233 --> 00:13:16,166 but clearly, she took away the key for a reason. 297 00:13:16,233 --> 00:13:18,934 Otherwise, she doesn't look like an unreasonable person. 298 00:13:19,000 --> 00:13:21,934 Her boyfriend doesn't look like an unreasonable guy. 299 00:13:22,000 --> 00:13:25,767 And he was flexing his muscles. And the fight is over the house. 300 00:13:25,834 --> 00:13:28,400 Because I gather that's the only real asset they have. 301 00:13:28,467 --> 00:13:29,433 Point of contention. 302 00:13:29,500 --> 00:13:31,467 Unfortunate when people don't realize 303 00:13:31,533 --> 00:13:34,834 that they have to love their children more than they hate each other. 304 00:13:34,900 --> 00:13:36,066 So true. 305 00:13:36,133 --> 00:13:40,767 Case #2069, Hastings versus Cammer. All parties, please step forward. 306 00:13:40,834 --> 00:13:44,200 {\an8}Ryan Hastings is suing his former roommate, 307 00:13:44,266 --> 00:13:48,133 {\an8}Payton Cammer for a security deposit, personal belongings, 308 00:13:48,200 --> 00:13:50,433 and filing a false restraining order. 309 00:13:50,500 --> 00:13:53,233 Mr. Hastings, you and the Defendant were roommates? 310 00:13:53,300 --> 00:13:55,433 - I'm not quite understanding... - Yes, correct. 311 00:13:55,500 --> 00:13:59,900 Clearly, whether you were roommates or in a relationship? What was it? 312 00:13:59,967 --> 00:14:01,066 It was just roommates. 313 00:14:01,133 --> 00:14:02,934 When did you start to be roommates? 314 00:14:03,000 --> 00:14:05,934 In September of 2020. 315 00:14:06,000 --> 00:14:07,400 {\an8}Did you know each other before? 316 00:14:07,467 --> 00:14:08,800 {\an8}- Yes. - How? 317 00:14:08,867 --> 00:14:12,967 {\an8}We were just friends that met at a party and hung out often. 318 00:14:13,033 --> 00:14:16,367 - Starting when? - Um, that was in... 319 00:14:16,433 --> 00:14:18,233 December of 2019. 320 00:14:18,300 --> 00:14:20,200 And what made you decide to room together? 321 00:14:20,266 --> 00:14:24,700 We were both looking for a place to live. So, um, since we both needed that, 322 00:14:24,767 --> 00:14:26,367 we found this apartment together. 323 00:14:26,433 --> 00:14:27,834 - Two bedrooms? - Correct. 324 00:14:27,900 --> 00:14:30,934 - And you moved in with animals. - Correct. 325 00:14:31,000 --> 00:14:32,934 I understand from the complaint. 326 00:14:33,000 --> 00:14:35,100 - Cats. How many? - Yes. 327 00:14:35,166 --> 00:14:36,400 - I had two. - I had two. 328 00:14:36,467 --> 00:14:38,734 I didn't ask you anything yet. You had two. 329 00:14:38,800 --> 00:14:41,433 And Miss Cammer had two. Any other animals? 330 00:14:41,500 --> 00:14:42,367 No. 331 00:14:42,433 --> 00:14:45,000 So, you started to live together during COVID. 332 00:14:45,066 --> 00:14:45,934 Correct. 333 00:14:46,000 --> 00:14:47,433 - Were you working? - Yes. 334 00:14:47,500 --> 00:14:49,600 - Was Miss Cammer working? - Yes. 335 00:14:49,667 --> 00:14:51,567 What was the rent on the apartment? 336 00:14:51,633 --> 00:14:54,266 It was $1,365. 337 00:14:54,333 --> 00:14:55,800 And you each paid half. 338 00:14:55,867 --> 00:14:56,734 Correct. 339 00:14:56,800 --> 00:14:58,500 So far, correct? 340 00:14:58,567 --> 00:15:03,200 Was everything okay in 2020? September, October, November, December? 341 00:15:03,266 --> 00:15:04,133 As far as rent? 342 00:15:04,200 --> 00:15:06,333 No, as far as the living arrangement. 343 00:15:06,400 --> 00:15:07,934 Oh, um, in 2020... Yeah. 344 00:15:08,000 --> 00:15:10,834 We just had mini squabbles but overall, we were just fine. 345 00:15:10,900 --> 00:15:14,200 I'm going to ask you the same question. 2020, everything okay? 346 00:15:14,266 --> 00:15:15,133 No. 347 00:15:15,200 --> 00:15:16,800 What happened in 2020? 348 00:15:16,867 --> 00:15:19,767 {\an8}It was emotional warfare since I moved in with him. 349 00:15:19,834 --> 00:15:21,900 {\an8}There was arguments with everything, 350 00:15:21,967 --> 00:15:24,066 even simple things, like cleaning the dishes. 351 00:15:24,133 --> 00:15:27,233 Just non-stop. I was terrified of him, living with him. 352 00:15:27,300 --> 00:15:29,867 I couldn't bring anything up without it being an argument. 353 00:15:29,934 --> 00:15:33,700 Okay. So, prior to moving in with Mr. Hastings, 354 00:15:33,767 --> 00:15:34,667 where did you live? 355 00:15:34,734 --> 00:15:35,633 With my parents. 356 00:15:35,700 --> 00:15:36,767 How old are you? 357 00:15:36,834 --> 00:15:37,734 I'm 21. 358 00:15:37,800 --> 00:15:39,400 Is this the first time you had an apartment? 359 00:15:39,467 --> 00:15:41,233 - Yes. - And how far away 360 00:15:41,300 --> 00:15:43,567 were your parents from this apartment? 361 00:15:43,633 --> 00:15:44,667 About like ten minutes. 362 00:15:44,734 --> 00:15:46,900 If you were terrified, you should've moved home. 363 00:15:46,967 --> 00:15:48,800 I wasn't allowed to. 364 00:15:48,867 --> 00:15:50,467 You weren't allowed to because? 365 00:15:50,533 --> 00:15:53,934 {\an8}Because my, um, I just... I wasn't allowed to live with my dad and step-mom 366 00:15:54,000 --> 00:15:56,433 {\an8}'cause they moved into a 55 and over neighborhood. 367 00:15:56,500 --> 00:15:57,367 When? 368 00:15:57,433 --> 00:15:59,066 Um... they... 369 00:15:59,133 --> 00:16:02,633 If you tell the truth, you don't have to have a good memory. 370 00:16:02,700 --> 00:16:05,000 They moved in a little after I moved into my apartment. 371 00:16:05,066 --> 00:16:07,467 I moved into my apartment to prepare for them moving out. 372 00:16:07,533 --> 00:16:09,266 I just don't want to hear drama. 373 00:16:09,333 --> 00:16:12,066 If you had fights over who's gonna clean the dishes and who... 374 00:16:12,133 --> 00:16:15,033 I don't want to hear "terrified" unless you're terrified. 375 00:16:15,100 --> 00:16:17,700 And if you're terrified, and you're 21-years-old, 376 00:16:17,767 --> 00:16:20,266 you go back to where you came from, to your parents' house. 377 00:16:20,333 --> 00:16:23,166 If you're terrified. You may not have liked it, 378 00:16:23,233 --> 00:16:28,300 but that's just kid drama. So, squabbles in 2020. 379 00:16:28,367 --> 00:16:32,800 Your lawsuit says that she disposed of your belongings, 380 00:16:32,867 --> 00:16:35,233 she filed a restraining order. - Yes. 381 00:16:35,300 --> 00:16:39,066 As a result of the restraining order, you were evicted from the apartment. 382 00:16:39,133 --> 00:16:40,000 {\an8}Yes. 383 00:16:40,066 --> 00:16:42,834 {\an8}It was a false restraining order. You hired a lawyer 384 00:16:42,900 --> 00:16:46,400 {\an8}- to appeal the finding of the judge, - Yes. 385 00:16:46,467 --> 00:16:48,533 that you had harassed her 386 00:16:48,600 --> 00:16:51,467 because the restraining order was based on harassment. 387 00:16:51,533 --> 00:16:53,834 - Yes. - May I see a copy of it, please? 388 00:16:53,900 --> 00:16:55,633 I have a copy of the restraining order. 389 00:16:55,700 --> 00:16:58,300 Of the order, or what it was based on? 390 00:16:58,367 --> 00:17:01,333 It has the whole thing. It says what it was based on. 391 00:17:01,400 --> 00:17:05,567 May I see what she has? It doesn't look like it tells what it was based on. 392 00:17:05,633 --> 00:17:08,266 You do a write-up of what it was based on. 393 00:17:10,533 --> 00:17:14,567 On the front page, in a little box, it has a little description of what happened. 394 00:17:14,633 --> 00:17:17,600 Okay. 395 00:17:17,667 --> 00:17:21,967 So, the judge who heard this case, and I'm assuming 396 00:17:22,033 --> 00:17:26,934 everything in this write-up is true. On the above date, 397 00:17:27,000 --> 00:17:32,000 which was the 7th of September, 2021. On the above date and time, 398 00:17:32,066 --> 00:17:35,400 "Defendant and Plaintiff engaged in a verbal argument 399 00:17:35,467 --> 00:17:40,100 over household chores. The Defendant then made comments to the Plaintiff 400 00:17:40,166 --> 00:17:43,667 the he would go crazy on her and raised his fist. 401 00:17:43,734 --> 00:17:49,433 The Defendant stated this multiple times and started shaking in anger, 402 00:17:49,500 --> 00:17:53,600 causing the Plaintiff to be in fear for her life. 403 00:17:53,667 --> 00:17:55,300 And you had a hearing on this? 404 00:17:55,367 --> 00:17:56,367 Yes. 405 00:17:56,433 --> 00:17:59,233 You had a hearing on this, you told this to a judge. 406 00:17:59,300 --> 00:18:01,066 I want you to tell me what you told the judge, 407 00:18:01,133 --> 00:18:02,600 or did you tell the judge anything? 408 00:18:02,667 --> 00:18:06,800 {\an8}I told the judge that I, uh, was raising my voice, 409 00:18:06,867 --> 00:18:10,934 {\an8}but I was standing a good amount of distance away from her at the time. 410 00:18:11,000 --> 00:18:13,934 And that I was shaking because I wasn't being listened to. 411 00:18:14,000 --> 00:18:19,367 And that was it, there was no, uh, physical, uh, interaction there. 412 00:18:19,433 --> 00:18:20,767 Only verbal interaction. 413 00:18:22,500 --> 00:18:25,767 Did the judge say to you, how would you describe shaking in anger 414 00:18:25,834 --> 00:18:27,367 'cause you weren't being listened to? 415 00:18:27,433 --> 00:18:32,567 I was shaking just because I was angry, I was trying to keep my composure. 416 00:18:32,633 --> 00:18:34,033 Well, that would frighten me. 417 00:18:45,400 --> 00:18:48,834 Ryan Hastings claims his former roommate, 418 00:18:48,900 --> 00:18:51,767 Payton Cammer owes for a security deposit 419 00:18:51,834 --> 00:18:53,567 and personal belongings. 420 00:18:53,633 --> 00:18:57,400 Payton is countersuing for rent and emotional distress. 421 00:18:57,467 --> 00:19:02,033 Now, tell me, did the judge say to you, how would you describe shaking in anger 422 00:19:02,100 --> 00:19:03,800 'cause you weren't being listened to? 423 00:19:03,867 --> 00:19:05,367 Can you repeat that question, please? 424 00:19:05,433 --> 00:19:07,066 I don't know how you were shaking. 425 00:19:07,133 --> 00:19:10,500 I was shaking as in, like, um, I was shaking just... 426 00:19:10,567 --> 00:19:14,233 because I was... angry. I wasn't being listened to. 427 00:19:14,300 --> 00:19:17,800 I was trying to keep my composure, so I was just shaking. 428 00:19:17,867 --> 00:19:20,233 Well, that would frighten me, actually. 429 00:19:20,300 --> 00:19:23,667 I don't know whether I'd put you out of your house, but that would frighten me. 430 00:19:23,734 --> 00:19:25,700 Mr. Hastings, where are you living now? 431 00:19:25,767 --> 00:19:27,667 I just moved into a new apartment. 432 00:19:27,734 --> 00:19:28,900 - With whom? - Myself. 433 00:19:28,967 --> 00:19:30,500 - Better? - Yes. And my cats. 434 00:19:30,567 --> 00:19:33,033 Perfect. Yourself and your cats. Great. 435 00:19:33,100 --> 00:19:36,867 Now, I'm gonna tell you, Mr. Hastings, if that happened to me, 436 00:19:36,934 --> 00:19:41,567 with a man who was larger than I was, that might frighten me 437 00:19:41,633 --> 00:19:44,333 if you appeared out of control. So, I'm dismissing 438 00:19:44,400 --> 00:19:48,900 that part of your complaint which seeks damages for a false restraining order. 439 00:19:48,967 --> 00:19:51,533 - Okay. - What you actually just testified to me. 440 00:19:51,600 --> 00:19:55,567 And I took everything that she said in her complaint against you. 441 00:19:55,633 --> 00:19:58,700 I didn't even have to ask her. I wanted to know what you told the judge. 442 00:19:58,767 --> 00:20:00,066 - Of course. - Then, 443 00:20:00,133 --> 00:20:03,633 it was a reasonable issuing of a protective order. 444 00:20:03,700 --> 00:20:07,934 Just to make sure that it appeared to me, what you were testifying to 445 00:20:08,000 --> 00:20:11,033 was that she couldn't tell the difference whether you were composing yourself 446 00:20:11,100 --> 00:20:13,467 or whether you were out of control. Okay. So it was... 447 00:20:13,533 --> 00:20:18,166 May I interject and just say that the restraining order was, uh, repealed 448 00:20:18,233 --> 00:20:22,667 and remanded, saying that the court did not find sufficient evidence 449 00:20:22,734 --> 00:20:24,166 to impose the order, and... 450 00:20:24,233 --> 00:20:26,400 Whether it was or not, I just... 451 00:20:26,467 --> 00:20:29,533 I don't care what an... I'm not sitting as an appellate court. 452 00:20:29,600 --> 00:20:33,867 I'm sitting as a trier of fact for the first time in your civil action. 453 00:20:33,934 --> 00:20:38,900 And what you told me, in my judgment, was sufficient for a judge to say, 454 00:20:38,967 --> 00:20:43,100 you know, I don't want to preside over an assault case or homicide case. 455 00:20:43,166 --> 00:20:46,967 This guy says he was shaking, she says he was shaking in anger. 456 00:20:47,033 --> 00:20:50,433 You say I was shaking to try to maintain my composure. 457 00:20:50,500 --> 00:20:56,467 Well, I'm not gonna worry about them. Let him go find someplace else to live. 458 00:20:56,533 --> 00:20:59,767 Which is what he did. So, I think that that's reasonable. 459 00:20:59,834 --> 00:21:03,266 Money owed for the return of security deposit. 460 00:21:03,333 --> 00:21:07,033 Now, he was put out of the apartment. He put in security deposit. 461 00:21:07,100 --> 00:21:08,033 Correct. 462 00:21:08,100 --> 00:21:12,200 And he was put out of the apartment. How much security deposit did he put in? 463 00:21:12,266 --> 00:21:13,266 $682. 464 00:21:13,333 --> 00:21:15,400 Are you still living in the apartment? 465 00:21:15,467 --> 00:21:16,800 - I am. - Okay. 466 00:21:16,867 --> 00:21:21,166 When he moved out of the apartment as a result of this restraining order, 467 00:21:21,233 --> 00:21:25,300 was there any damage in the apartment that he caused? 468 00:21:25,367 --> 00:21:26,266 {\an8}No. 469 00:21:26,333 --> 00:21:29,467 {\an8}Then you have to give him back his $682. 470 00:21:29,533 --> 00:21:32,700 Because any damage that would've resulted since he moved out 471 00:21:32,767 --> 00:21:35,800 would be your damage. Okay? That's fair enough. 472 00:21:35,867 --> 00:21:41,834 $682, that's your security deposit, sir. Return of belongings. 473 00:21:41,900 --> 00:21:46,133 Okay. So, when you were told that you had to vacate the apartment, 474 00:21:46,200 --> 00:21:49,734 tell me what belongings you left in the apartment 475 00:21:49,800 --> 00:21:53,400 which you think she still has which belong to you. 476 00:21:53,467 --> 00:21:57,233 I do not believe she has anything left... Anything of mine left in that apartment. 477 00:21:57,300 --> 00:21:59,300 Well, what do you think she owes you for? 478 00:21:59,367 --> 00:22:05,300 I am seeking the money for those items because they were thrown away. 479 00:22:05,367 --> 00:22:06,233 What items? 480 00:22:06,300 --> 00:22:08,066 Um, so I had a bed... 481 00:22:08,133 --> 00:22:11,367 Just a second. You had a bed and there was a major flea problem 482 00:22:11,433 --> 00:22:13,266 in the apartment as a result of your cats. 483 00:22:13,333 --> 00:22:15,700 - Correct. - Okay, she threw away the bed. What else? 484 00:22:15,767 --> 00:22:19,333 Okay. Um, there was a Nintendo Switch. 485 00:22:19,400 --> 00:22:20,433 Do you know what that is? 486 00:22:20,500 --> 00:22:24,667 Nintendo Switch? I never found that. I believe he took that the night with him. 487 00:22:24,734 --> 00:22:27,500 Okay, she didn't have it, she didn't throw it away. What else? 488 00:22:27,567 --> 00:22:31,066 I also had a hookah that was in there. 489 00:22:31,133 --> 00:22:32,600 - A what, a hookah? - Yeah. 490 00:22:32,667 --> 00:22:34,367 - Do you have his hookah? - No. 491 00:22:34,433 --> 00:22:35,834 Go. What's next? 492 00:22:35,900 --> 00:22:36,834 Um... 493 00:22:38,734 --> 00:22:42,000 Okay. If you have to think about it that hard, sir, we're finished. 494 00:22:42,066 --> 00:22:46,100 She owes you back your security deposit, that's $682. You have a counterclaim. 495 00:22:46,166 --> 00:22:50,700 Most of it is nonsense. Your counterclaim for emotional distress. Forget that. 496 00:22:50,767 --> 00:22:54,066 The only one emotionally distressed, usually, in this room is me. 497 00:22:54,133 --> 00:22:58,166 Money owed for the month's rent, for a final month's rent. What is that? 498 00:22:58,233 --> 00:23:01,033 He didn't pay the month of September. He was late on it. 499 00:23:01,100 --> 00:23:04,800 - The month of September. - That would've been the $682. 500 00:23:04,867 --> 00:23:06,266 Was he there in September? 501 00:23:06,333 --> 00:23:09,200 Um, September 1st would've been the day the money was due. 502 00:23:09,266 --> 00:23:13,000 No. When did he vacate the apartment as a result of your restraining order? 503 00:23:13,066 --> 00:23:18,934 {\an8}September 7th. The night of the mistake. But he was late on rent often. 504 00:23:19,000 --> 00:23:23,033 $682, that's what he gets as he gets his security deposit back. 505 00:23:23,100 --> 00:23:25,967 Your counterclaim's dismissed. We're finished. Thank you very much. 506 00:23:26,033 --> 00:23:28,300 - Thank you. - This court is adjourned. 507 00:23:30,266 --> 00:23:33,033 I don't really disagree with anything. Everything went perfectly, 508 00:23:33,100 --> 00:23:34,433 the way I would've hoped it went. 509 00:23:34,500 --> 00:23:36,300 I'm glad I got my security deposit back, 510 00:23:36,367 --> 00:23:39,500 but I could've definitely been compensated for the items that I lost. 511 00:23:39,567 --> 00:23:43,433 I mean, he got a little money out of it but way less than he thought he would. 512 00:23:43,500 --> 00:23:44,367 It's a good day. 513 00:23:44,433 --> 00:23:47,667 Sometimes I can get anxious, but I would not hurt anybody physically. 514 00:23:47,734 --> 00:23:48,734 I hope he gets some help. 515 00:23:48,800 --> 00:23:50,734 Me and my cats are the best trio. 516 00:23:52,066 --> 00:23:57,867 You know, I remember, from a very early period in my life when I started college, 517 00:23:57,934 --> 00:24:01,467 that I wasn't really good at having a roommate. 518 00:24:01,533 --> 00:24:03,500 I think you must've passed that on to me. 519 00:24:03,567 --> 00:24:05,233 That's... I did. 520 00:24:05,300 --> 00:24:07,367 Especially one that you don't love. You know, it's hard enough 521 00:24:07,433 --> 00:24:10,533 to live with somebody that you love. You know, they get irritated. 522 00:24:10,600 --> 00:24:14,333 She said they fought over dishes and not doing the dishes. Well, you know, 523 00:24:14,400 --> 00:24:18,100 you've lived with us, so you know I have that argument all the time, 524 00:24:18,166 --> 00:24:19,800 - but I love him. - Yeah. 525 00:24:19,867 --> 00:24:25,133 It's very hard to deal with somebody's schmutz that you don't love 526 00:24:25,200 --> 00:24:27,900 You gotta be careful and pick someone you really think, 527 00:24:27,967 --> 00:24:29,867 and cross your fingers and toes. 528 00:24:29,934 --> 00:24:32,333 Actually, Sarah, I don't think you should pick anybody. 529 00:24:32,400 --> 00:24:37,900 I think what you should do, if you can, is live in a shoebox, by yourself, 530 00:24:37,967 --> 00:24:39,800 - if that's all you can afford. - Yeah. 531 00:24:39,867 --> 00:24:43,166 You know how many roommate cases we've done just in the last couple of years? 532 00:24:43,233 --> 00:24:47,066 All with stress and aggravation intertwined, immensely. 533 00:24:47,133 --> 00:24:49,133 And that's without romance involved. 534 00:24:49,200 --> 00:24:53,200 I mean, this young man, who looks like a perfectly reasonable young man, 535 00:24:53,266 --> 00:24:57,867 and very honest, said, he told the judge that he was shaking. 536 00:24:57,934 --> 00:25:01,200 I said, well, describe to me what you were doing, and he shook. 537 00:25:01,266 --> 00:25:03,266 That was a little out there. 538 00:25:03,333 --> 00:25:06,767 She was getting under his skin. There's no question, 539 00:25:06,834 --> 00:25:08,300 she was getting under his skin. 540 00:25:08,367 --> 00:25:10,133 Middle of COVID, everyone's inside. 541 00:25:10,200 --> 00:25:12,967 You could tell she was getting under his skin, she was terrified. 542 00:25:13,033 --> 00:25:14,467 A little dramatic. 543 00:25:14,533 --> 00:25:15,934 Yeah, a little dramatic. 544 00:25:16,000 --> 00:25:18,633 - Anyway, I think it ended okay. - Yeah, ended well. 545 00:25:20,166 --> 00:25:24,000 {\an8}Want justice? Go to JudyJustice.tv.