CULLMAN, Ala. – A countersuit filed by Jeff Tolbert in the Circuit Court of Cullman County offered a detailed response to claims made against him in a lawsuit filed by Melissa Curtis of Lake League Real Estate at the end of 2024. The legal response, submitted Jan. 14, 2025, refuted allegations and provided alleged supporting evidence in the form of financial records and text communications.
The countersuit directly challenged the claims by presenting purported evidence, including checks and text messages, which aimed to substantiate Tolbert’s version of events. The included checks reportedly contradict assertions made in the original suit, allegedly illustrating financial transactions that align with Tolbert’s defense narrative. Additionally, text message exchanges presented in the counterclaim allegedly provide further context and clarification regarding key disputed interactions.
Key issues highlighted in the countersuit include:
- Misrepresentation of financial transactions: Tolbert’s legal team asserted that Curtis mischaracterized financial dealings, with the checks showing a different narrative than what was claimed in the initial filing. The checks include details of payments that Tolbert’s team claims are consistent with prior agreements between the parties, challenging the timeline and intent suggested by Curtis.
- Context of communication: Text messages presented as evidence by Tolbert’s team are cited to demonstrate discrepancies in Curtis’ account of events. For example, one message from Curtis to Tolbert reads, “Let’s move forward as we discussed last week — everything looks good on my end.” This message, Tolbert claims, reflects mutual agreement and understanding that contradict Curtis’ assertions in the original lawsuit. Another text from Tolbert to Curtis states, “I’ve sent the payment as per the contract. Please confirm receipt.” According to the countersuit, Curtis acknowledged this in her response, stating, “Got it — thanks for staying on top of this.” Additionally, a text from Curtis to a colleague reportedly read, “He’s harmless and vulnerable,” which Tolbert’s team argued undermined the sincerity of her allegations.
- Travel timeline discrepancies: Evidence provided by Tolbert included records indicating that he and Curtis arrived at Cedar Lodge on the evening of Oct. 1, 2023, and returned to Alabama on Oct. 3, 2023. These dates, Tolbert’s team argues, conflict with claims made in Curtis’ initial filing, particularly regarding the timeline of alleged events.
- Allegations of bad faith filing: Tolbert’s countersuit accused Curtis of engaging in a pattern of misrepresentation and filing the lawsuit without proper grounds, resulting in unnecessary legal costs. The countersuit claimed that Curtis’ actions were designed to harm Tolbert’s reputation and financial standing rather than resolve any genuine grievance.
Court documents are available at www.CullmanTribune.com.
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