For first time, Batmasian family tells their story
BOCA RATON, Fla., July 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — James and Marta Batmasian, two of Palm Beach County's most respected civic, community and business leaders, were recently included in an article about three recent lawsuits filed against them.
According to Mr. Batmasian, "The timing of the lawsuits from the three individuals, two of which are living together and the third of which is their close friend, came only after my wife and I refused to succumb to their respective demands."
Upon learning of the lawsuit prior to recent press coverage, the family's primary concern was preventing harm to people who were not sued, but were nevertheless named in the lawsuits. Proceeding swiftly under the law, the Batmasian's were successful in obtaining the sealing of the records. "We were shocked that the media would report these claims without seeking prior approval from the Court. The public has been ill served and misled by publication of these allegations, and innocent people have suffered," said Mr. Batmasian.
According to The Florida Bar website, a formal complaint was filed by The Florida Bar against Chris Kleppin in 2010, the attorney for Baker and Sotomayor, based upon a referral from a Federal Court Judge, who had previously issued a sanction order against the attorney and his client in another matter. The Supreme Court of Florida approved the uncontested referee's report, and admonished the plaintiff's attorney for professional misconduct in that matter.
"Although we preferred for these matters to be handled as they should be, through the judicial system, we can no longer rely on the judicial system as so many innocent people are hurt by the lies," said Mrs. Batmasian. "We are vigorously defending against each of the actions, taking legal action against each of these three individuals."
The Batmasian's benefited the community substantially through job creation, work and other economic stimuli over its 43-year business duration. Moreover, the generosity of the Batmasian family has spanned decades of devotion to helping countless charities, individuals in need and community involvement. "We have been fortunate to have been able to contribute thousands of hours of our time and millions of dollars to charities and organizations. These false claims will not deter us from doing what is right – continuing to conduct our lives, our business and our charitable commitments," said Mrs. Batmasian.
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