Alabama Mayor David Young Faces: Orem The Alabama Supreme Court has upheld a judgment against Orem Mayor David Young, deeming him a “lynchpin” in a fraud case, ordering him to pay $1 million.
Young, along with his real estate company Torch13 LLC and son Shawn D. Young, faced a lawsuit over fraudulent business loans in May 2022. Allegedly, they persuaded an elderly Alabama man to loan money that Shawn Young didn’t repay, using it for gambling.
The Alabama Supreme Court’s recent decision disappointed David Young, who emphasized that he has never borrowed money privately. He asserted his non-involvement in his son’s loans, vowing to use every legal option to protect his family.
The circuit court ruling followed a 2022 trial where Judge Pat Ballard criticized the Youngs’ credibility, describing them as “extremely lacking” and “evasive.” Ballard held them responsible for the fraud, stating that David Young played a pivotal role, running Torch13 LLC as a personal tool and providing funds for Shawn Young’s gambling endeavors.
The fraud lawsuit involved Torch13 LLC, registered in Alabama in 2013. Despite knowledge of Shawn Young’s gambling addiction and legal issues, David Young allowed him to engage in financial activities. Over several years, Shawn received loans from a 77-year-old neighbor, Ross Gagliano, totaling $285,000. Gagliano sued in 2021, alleging that David Young failed to inform him of Shawn’s misuse of funds.
Ballard ruled in favor of Gagliano, ordering compensatory damages of $339,235 and punitive damages of $678,471, totaling $1,017,706.88. David Young expressed disappointment in the decision, emphasizing his commitment to fight for justice.
In January, Young filed a lawsuit alleging perjury by Gagliano and his former daughter-in-law, Candace Graehl. The lawsuit claims they provided false testimony to recover funds. It seeks a judgment of $300,000, double damages, plus costs and attorney fees.
Shawn Young issued a statement, calling it a “sad day” for his family, reiterating his father’s innocence. The next steps are uncertain, but he emphasized his father’s determination to fight for justice. Graehl’s attorney, Steven Wall, denies the allegations, stating there is no basis for the relief sought in the lawsuit.
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