In a legal spectacle that rivals the intensity of an NFL playoff game, a California property owner is engaged in a heated battle with a cannabis cultivator who has accused former NFL player Sharod “Roddy” White and current player Julio Jones of aiding in the looting of their operation to fund an illicit enterprise. Now, the property owner has countersued, alleging that the very cultivator is responsible for illegal activities and unpaid debts.
The Pot Cultivator’s Allegations
Genetixs LLC, the cannabis cultivator, didn’t hold back in its initial lawsuit, claiming that White and Jones played a pivotal role in “looting” their business. They alleged that the former NFL players were using their investment company, SLW Holdings, to fraudulently funnel funds into the illegal operation.
Property Owner Strikes Back
In a compelling twist, Bunch Palms Trail LLC and its agent, Mohammad “Medi” Tehranchi, filed counterclaims this week, hitting back at Genetixs with a forceful legal response. They argue that Genetixs had violated their lease agreement, which was inked back in February 2020, for a property located in Desert Hot Springs. As per the terms of the lease, Genetixs was supposed to pay $80,000 per month in rent, in addition to other expenses.
The Alleged Illegal Operation
According to Bunch Palms Trail LLC, their investigation revealed that Genetixs had engaged in illegal activities by refusing to undergo U.S. Department of Justice background checks and failing to disclose the criminal past of two of its principals, Duade Sherrils and Tyrone Freeman, who have federal felony convictions. These revelations triggered a series of internal conflicts among Genetixs’ leaders, leading them to stop paying rent and other expenses, subsequently defaulting on the lease.
Pot Cultivator Suing NFL Players : The Legal Rumble
The counterclaims are no small matter. Bunch Palms and Tehranchi have filed lawsuits against Genetixs, citing breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, intentional misrepresentation, and negligent misrepresentation. In a potentially breathtaking move, they are seeking monetary damages of up to $10 million for each of these claims.
Reactions and Repercussions
While Freeman, one of Genetixs’ principals, declined to comment on the unfolding legal drama, representatives for the other parties involved were not immediately reachable for statements. The legal storm surrounding this case has left the public intrigued and the legal community buzzing.
Pot Cultivator Suing NFL Players : Previous Legal Hurdles
This legal showdown has already seen its share of twists and turns. In August 2022, Judge Mel Red Recana of the Los Angeles Superior Court initially dismissed Genetixs’ suit after they missed a crucial 60-day deadline to secure new legal representation. Judge Recana’s decision came after he disqualified Genetixs’ prior counsel, citing ethical breaches. The previous attorney had advised the NFL players and then allegedly disclosed confidential information after switching sides.
Pot Cultivator Suing NFL Players : A Lawsuit Given New Life
However, in a surprising turn of events, Judge Recana granted temporary relief from the dismissal order in December, allowing the lawsuit to resurface. In January, Genetixs sought sanctions against White and Jones for filing “unpermitted” arguments during the legal proceedings.
Legal Eagles in the Arena
Notably, Bunch Palms and Tehranchi are represented by Alex Lan Benedict of the Law Offices of Alex L. Benedict & Associates APC, and Jacob H. Zadeh of JZ Law Group PC. On the other side, White and Jones have enlisted the services of Raymond O. Aghaian, Vincent I. Parrett, and William R. Poplin Jr. of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, while SLW Holdings has Rafe B. Emanuel and Sacha Emanuel of Emanuel Law LLP in their corner. Genetixs is represented by Salomon Zavala and Joe Inumerable of Zavala Law Group PC.
Counsel Information Unavailable
Counsel information for Sherrills and the other cross-defendants was not available at the time of reporting, adding yet another layer of intrigue to this captivating legal saga.
