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File #: 18-760A    Version: 1
Type: County Attorney Item Status: Passed
File created: 5/10/2018 Department: County Attorney
On agenda: 6/5/2018 Final action: 6/5/2018
Title: Proposed initiation of litigation in the case of Pinellas County v. Charlene Thomas-Smith - action to recover property damage costs.

Subject:

Title

Proposed initiation of litigation in the case of Pinellas County v. Charlene Thomas-Smith - action to recover property damage costs.

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Recommended Action:

Recommended Action

Approval for the County Attorney to initiate litigation in the case of Pinellas County v. Charlene Thomas-Smith.

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Strategic Plan:

N/A

 

Summary:

This is a civil action to recover property damages sustained by Pinellas County arising from a motor vehicle accident.  Ms. Thomas-Smith’s car was observed speeding and driving recklessly and was later discovered by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office abandoned on Belcher Road after it had demolished a County traffic sign.  It is the County’s contention that Ms. Thomas-Smith is liable for the damages sustained by the County on the grounds that she was either driving the vehicle herself, allowed a permissive user to drive it, or negligently left the keys in the car allowing the vehicle to be stolen.  In any of these circumstances, Ms. Thomas-Smith is liable for the damages incurred, which total approximately $7,000.00. 

 

Background Information:

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Fiscal Impact:

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Staff Member Responsible:

Jewel White, County Attorney
John A. Powell, Jr., Sr. Assistant County Attorney

 

Partners:

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Attachments:

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