Debt Collector

LIT’s Foreclosure Tracker is Now Following ‘Mack’ and ‘Eliazar’ in front of Miller

Defendant seeks a judgment for foreclosure together with an order of sale issued to the Cameron County sheriff or constable.

LIT COMMENTARY

AUG 21, 2024

No foreclosure exactly one year and 11 months after Judge Eskridge’s order of foreclosure was entered in S.D. Texas federal court, Houston Div’n, and after checking real property records in MCAD, as well as confirming no new bankruptcies.

LIT COMMENTARY

FEB 14, 2024

On Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, LIT released a tweet which states; Coming up on LIT: Shocking facts and case studies on the current criminal activity endorsed by the US Gov for implementation by Federal Judges and Wall Street’s Creditor Rights lawyers. Truth that will shake American homeowners to the core. Stay tuned. #TruthRevealed #USJustice

This published foreclosure case is part of the live reporting and investigation, which is explained, in part, below:

LIT’s inquiry delves into the prevailing standards governing foreclosures, Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs), Injunctions, evictions, and appeals. Drawing from rigorous analysis of factual case studies and a wealth of data amassed over years of investigation, LIT’s insights are prominently featured on this legal blog, LawsInTexas.com.

The initial confusion stemming from the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, wherein the US Government, hand in hand with the judiciary, orchestrated the mass seizure of millions of homes, is a focal point of LIT’s examination.

LIT refrains from extensively elaborating on the myriad frauds that transpired initially, such as lender application fraud and predatory lending which resulted in the financial crisis, and thus leading to counterfeit assignments, robo-signing, document falsification, perjury, and the unlawful actions of the Mortgage Electronic Registration System (MERS) in foreclosing on homesteads.

Instead, LIT steers the discussion toward the avarice evident within the legal profession and the complicit role of the judiciary in perpetuating fraud in real estate and title deed matters, beyond the scandals within their own administration.

LIT’s live reporting and investigation is published in real-time, as it probes into the motivations driving the US Government’s directive for the judiciary to adopt predatory practices in the latter part of 2023 and throughout 2024—an inquiry to which LIT claims to hold the key answers.

The Controlling Question: Why Are the Feds and Texas Targeting an 85-Year Old Disabled Widow for an Illegal Foreclosure c/o The Catholic Bandit When He Cannot Execute His Own Orders of Foreclosure from Years Past?

In the ongoing saga of foreclosure proceedings for the Spears, they’ve dodged foreclosure since 2011 and there’s no sign of malicious and corrupt targeting by the Feds, the IRS, the State, or Wells Fargo for that matter. Indeed, it is clear by the citation and answer yesterday by the Spears, they are still residing in the home subject to foreclosure and Mackie Wolf’s Catholic Bandit Mark Cronenwett has blanked the order of foreclosure for the last 17 months.

Instead, they are focusing on Joanna Burke, LIT’s founder’s mother in order to silence LIT and/or send her to an early grave due to the unrelenting abuse of power they are invoking. Targeting an elderly widow is the lowest of the low tactic.

Northcrest Ranch Property Owners Association VS. Eliazar Spears

23-12-19209
DEC 29, 2023 | REPUBLISHED BY LIT: FEB 14, 2024

Northcrest Ranch Property Owners Association VS. Eliazar Spears
23-12-19209

Proposed Agreed Final Judgment

Request for Abstract of Judgment

Mack Spears and Eliazar Spears (Bankr. S.D. Tex. 2011)

Mack Metcalf Spears and Eliazar Spears (Bankr. S.D. Tex. 2019)

Mack Mecalf Spears, Jr and Eliazar Spears (Bankr. S.D. Tex. 2019)

Spears v. Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

(4:21-cv-02936)

District Court, S.D. Texas, Judge Charles Eskridge

SEP 9, 2022 | REPUBLISHED BY LIT: FEB 14, 2024

It took the Southern District Federal Court in Houston exactly one year to issue a no-answer default judgment of foreclosure in this Spears lawsuit.

Plaintiff Eliazar Spears executed a Texas home equity adjustable rate note on July 18, 2006.

It was secured by the property commonly known as 23993 Mossy Oaks Drive, New Caney, Texas 77357.

See Dkt 20-1 at 9–14.

She and her husband, Plaintiff Mack Spears Jr, executed a deed of trust on the property that same day.

Id at 16–36.

The deed of trust includes an optional right of acceleration and foreclosure.

Id at 27; see also id at 11.

Defendant Wells Fargo Bank NA has owned the note and deed of trust at all relevant times.

Id at 73.

The Spears failed to make timely payments on the note and filed for bankruptcy in February 2011.

Id at 78–119 & 168–71.

That action concluded in August 2011.

Id at 171.

The Spears agreed to a loan modification agreement in July 2018, but they again failed to make timely payments.

Id at 78–119 & 122–31.

Wells Fargo then issued a notice of default and intent to accelerate on November 29, 2018.

Id at 135–40.

It subsequently issued notice of acceleration in February 2019 after the Spears failed to cure the default.

Id at 143–48.

The Spears then filed a second bankruptcy action in November 2019, which concluded in July 2021.

Id at 177–84.

The note remains due for the October 2018 payment and all subsequent payments.

Id at 6; see also id at 78–119.

As of June 22, 2022, the outstanding balance of the loan was at least $457,062.04.

Dkt 19 at 5.

The record also establishes that the United States Internal Revenue Service recorded a notice of federal tax liens on the property in June 2019.

Id at 236–39.

The Spears initiated this action in September 2021 in Texas state court to prevent foreclosure.

Dkt 1-1 at 2.

They brought claims for violations of the Texas Constitution and Property Code, to quiet title, and for declarations that the lien is void and the principal and interest are forfeited.

Dkt 1-1 at 5–16.

Wells Fargo removed, counterclaimed against the Spears for an order of foreclosure and for attorney fees, and sought an order declaring that the foreclosure sale will extinguish the liens maintained by the IRS.

Dkts 1 & 12.

Wells Fargo moved for summary judgment.

Dkt 19. The Spears haven’t responded.

Upon notice, the IRS responded that it wasn’t opposed to an order declaring the Wells Fargo lien as superior to the IRS liens, while requesting that certain provisions be included in the final judgment to protect its interests.

Dkt 23.

No party opposed the IRS requests.

“It is well established in the Fifth Circuit that a federal court may not grant a ‘default’ summary judgment when no response has been filed.”

Morgan v Federal Express Corp, 114 F Supp 3d 434, 437 (SD Tex 2015)

(quotation marks and alteration omitted), citing Eversley v MBank of Dallas, 843 F2d 172, 174 (5th Cir 1988).

But “if no response to the motion for summary judgment has been filed, the court may find as undisputed the statement of facts in the motion for summary judgment.”

Ibid.

The Fifth Circuit likewise holds that when a non-movant bears the burden of proof at trial, a movant may make a proper summary judgment motion under Rule 56 by alleging that the non-movant has “no evidence” of its claims.

Austin v Kroger Texas LP, 864 F3d 326, 335 (5th Cir 2017, per curiam).

As to affirmative claims by the Spears, they bear the burden of proof.

Wells Fargo asserts that their claims fail both as a matter of law and for lack of evidence.

It further submits that undisputed evidence and controlling law entitle it to judgment against the Spears because (among other reasons) they failed to raise these claims in the prior bankruptcy actions, the Spears entered into a written loan modification agreement and affirmed the enforceability of the lien, and the loan complied with the Texas Constitution.

See generally Dkt 19.

Wells Fargo is entitled to summary judgment on all claims by the Spears.

As to affirmative claims by Wells Fargo, it bears the burden of proof. Regarding its claim for an order of foreclosure, Wells Fargo must show that (i) a debt exists, (ii) it’s secured by a lien created under Texas law, (iii) the borrower is in default, and (iv) the borrower has been properly served with notice of default and acceleration.

Huston v US Bank NA, 988 F Supp 2d 732, 740 (SD Tex 2013), citing Tex Property Code § 51.002.

The undisputed facts as outlined above establish each of these points, thus entitling Wells Fargo to summary judgment as against the Spears.

It is likewise entitled to attorney fees pursuant to the undisputed terms of the loan agreement.

Dkt 20-1 at 11 & 22; see also Tex Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 38.001.

And as noted, the IRS is unopposed to the request by Wells Fargo for an order declaring that a foreclosure sale will extinguish the liens maintained by the IRS.

Dkt 23 at 2.

* * *

The motion by Defendant Wells Fargo Bank NA for summary judgment is GRANTED.

Dkt 19.

The claims by Plaintiffs are DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE.

It is hereby DECLARED that the deed of trust on the subject property secures (i) the outstanding balance of the loan, which was at least $457,062.04 as of June 22, 2022, plus all contractual interest, escrow advances, fees, costs, and other items in the loan that are recoverable and have accrued since that date, (ii) pre-judgment interest, and (iii) post-judgment interest at the current rate as specified in the note from the date of this judgment until paid.

It is further DECLARED that Defendant Wells Fargo Bank NA is entitled to attorney fees in an amount to be determined by subsequent motion practice as part of the debt owed under the loan agreement. All costs of this action are to be taxed against Plaintiffs.

It is further DECLARED that Wells Fargo may proceed with foreclosure in accordance with the deed of trust and Texas Property Code § 51.002, or with judicial foreclosure under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 309, on the property commonly known as 23993 Mossy Oaks Drive, New Caney, Texas 77357,

and more particularly described as:

LOT 7, IN BLOCK 1, OF NORTHCREST RANK, SECTION THREE (3), A SUB- DIVISION IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN CAB- INET N, SHEETS 87, 88, 89, AND 90 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS.

See Dkt 19 at 2–3.

Any notices regarding the foreclosure sale of the property may be sent to the borrowers at the property address.

Wells Fargo must additionally provide notice of the date, time, and place of any proposed sale of the property to both the United States Internal Revenue Service at 1919 Smith Street, Houston, Texas 77002, and to the office of Assistant United States Attorney Chad W. Cowan at 1000 Louisiana Street, Suite 2300, Houston, Texas 77002.

It is further DECLARED that any such foreclosure sale will extinguish liens maintained by the United States Internal Revenue Service on the subject property.

But the IRS is entitled to any excess proceeds from the foreclosure sale of the subject property, as permitted by law and by the terms of the notice of federal tax liens.

The IRS also maintains its statutory right of redemption under 28 USC § 2410(c).

Wells Fargo and the United States Internal Revenue Service may seek modification of this declaration within thirty days if other or different technical language is necessary to effectuate the foregoing relief granted.

This is a FINAL JUDGMENT.

Any pending motion is DENIED AS MOOT. SO ORDERED.

Signed on September 22, 2022, at Houston, Texas.

Hon. Charles Eskridge

United States District Judge

Spears v. Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

(4:21-cv-02936)

District Court, S.D. Texas

SEP 9, 2021 | REPUBLISHED BY LIT: SEP 23, 2021

Motion for Summary Judgment and Appendix filed June 30, 2022.

SCHEDULING ORDER. ETT:

2 days. Jury Trial.

Amended Pleadings due by 1/3/2022.

Joinder of Parties due by 1/3/2022

Pltf Expert Report due by 5/2/2022. (Nothing filed).


U.S. District Court
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS (Houston)
CIVIL DOCKET FOR CASE #: 4:21-cv-02936

Create an Alert for This Case on RECAP

Spears et al v. Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
Assigned to: Judge Gray H Miller
Demand: $250,000

Case in other court:  284th Judicial District Court, Montgomery County, 21-0912202

Cause: 28:1332 Diversity-Breach of Contract

Date Filed: 09/09/2021
Jury Demand: Plaintiff
Nature of Suit: 220 Real Property: Foreclosure
Jurisdiction: Diversity
Plaintiff
Mack M Spears, Jr. represented by Larry Alton Vick
Attorney at Law
13501 Katy Freeway, Suite 1460
Houston, TX 77079
832-413-3332
Fax: 832-202-2821
Email: lv@larryvick.com
LEAD ATTORNEY
ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
Plaintiff
Eliazar Spears represented by Larry Alton Vick
(See above for address)
LEAD ATTORNEY
ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
V.
Defendant
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
as Trustee for ABFC 2006-OPT2 Trust, Asset Backed Funding Corporation Asset Backed Certificates, Series 2006-OPT2
represented by Mark Douglas Cronenwett
Mackie Wolf Zientz & Mann, P.C.
14160 N. Dallas Parkway, Ste. 900
Dallas, TX 75254
214-635-2650
Fax: 214-635-2686
Email: mcronenwett@mwzmlaw.com
ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
Counter Claimant
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
as Trustee for ABFC 2006-OPT2 Trust, Asset Backed Funding Corporation Asset Backed Certificates, Series 2006-OPT2
represented by Mark Douglas Cronenwett
(See above for address)
ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
V.
Counter Defendant
Eliazar Spears represented by Larry Alton Vick
(See above for address)
LEAD ATTORNEY
ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
Counter Defendant
Mack M Spears, Jr. represented by Larry Alton Vick
(See above for address)
LEAD ATTORNEY
ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
Third Party Defendant
United States of America Department of the Treasury – Internal Revenue Service, represented by Chad Wesley Cowan
United States Attorney Office
1000 Louisiana
Suite 2300
Houston, TX 77002
713-567-9569
Fax: 713-718-3300
Email: chad.cowan@usdoj.gov
LEAD ATTORNEY
ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
ThirdParty Plaintiff
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
as Trustee for ABFC 2006-OPT2 Trust, Asset Backed Funding Corporation Asset Backed Certificates, Series 2006-OPT2
represented by Mark Douglas Cronenwett
(See above for address)
ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
Counter Claimant
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
as Trustee for ABFC 2006-OPT2 Trust, Asset Backed Funding Corporation Asset Backed Certificates, Series 2006-OPT2
represented by Mark Douglas Cronenwett
(See above for address)
ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
V.
Counter Defendant
Eliazar Spears represented by Larry Alton Vick
(See above for address)
LEAD ATTORNEY
ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
Counter Defendant
Mack M Spears, Jr. represented by Larry Alton Vick
(See above for address)
LEAD ATTORNEY
ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
Date Filed # Docket Text
11/18/2021 11 SCHEDULING ORDER. ETT: 2 days. Jury Trial. Amended Pleadings due by 1/3/2022. Joinder of Parties due by 1/3/2022 Pltf Expert Report due by 5/2/2022. Deft Expert Report due by 6/1/2022. Discovery due by 6/1/2022. Mediation due by 6/1/2022. Dispositive Motion Filing due by 7/1/2022. Objections due by 10/13/2022 Joint Pretrial Order due by 9/29/2022. Docket Call set for 10/28/2022 at 10:00 AM in Courtroom 9D before Judge Gray H Miller(Signed by Judge Gray H Miller) Parties notified.(rguerrero, 4) (Entered: 11/18/2021)
12/14/2021 12 First AMENDED ANSWER to 1 Notice of Removal,, THIRD PARTY COMPLAINT against United States of America Department of the Treasury – Internal Revenue Service,, COUNTERCLAIM against Eliazar Spears, Mack M Spears, Jr by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, filed. (Cronenwett, Mark) (Entered: 12/14/2021)
12/14/2021 13 Request for Issuance of Summons as to United States of America Department of the Treasury – Internal Revenue Service,, filed.(Cronenwett, Mark) (Entered: 12/14/2021)
12/15/2021 14 Summons Issued as to United States of America Department of the Treasury – Internal Revenue Service,, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General. Issued summons returned to plaintiff by NEF, filed.(RachelSalazar, 4) (Entered: 12/15/2021)
12/28/2021 15 RETURN of Service of SUMMONS Executed as to United States of America Department of the Treasury – Internal Revenue Service, served on 12/20/2021, answer due 2/18/2022, filed.(Cronenwett, Mark) (Entered: 12/28/2021)
12/29/2021 16 RETURN of Service Executed as to Merrick Garland – U.S Attorney General on 12/23/2021 re: Summons on a 3rd Party Complaint and Defendant’s First Answer & Counterclaim against Plaintiffs and Original Third Party Claim, filed.(Cronenwett, Mark) (Entered: 12/29/2021)
01/05/2022 17 ANSWER to 3 Answer to State Court Petition/Notice of Removal,, Counterclaim, by Eliazar Spears, Mack M Spears, Jr, filed.(Vick, Larry) (Entered: 01/05/2022)
02/17/2022 18 ANSWER to 12 Amended Answer,, Third Party Complaint,, Counterclaim, by United States of America Department of the Treasury – Internal Revenue Service,, filed.(Cowan, Chad) (Entered: 02/17/2022)

 

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LIT UPDATE; NOV. 1, 2021

The proposed case and trial schedule has been submitted to the court for approval.

DEFENDANT’S ORIGINAL ANSWER AND COUNTERCLAIM AGAINST PLAINTIFFS

Defendant Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Trustee for ABFC 2006-OPT2 Trust, Asset Backed Funding Corporation Asset Backed Certificates, Series 2006-OPT2 (“Defendant”), files this its Original Answer to the Plaintiffs’ Original Petition, Application for Temporary Restraining Order, Temporary Injunction and Permanent Injunction, and Jury Demand (the “Petition”) and Counterclaim Against Plaintiffs Mack M. Spears, Jr. and Eliazar Spears (“Plaintiffs”). Defendant respectfully states as follows:

I. ANSWER

1. Paragraph 1 of the Petition contains a statement regarding a state court discovery control plan, which is not applicable to this action that is now pending in this Court. Further, Defendants deny that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested in Paragraph 1 of the Petition and demand strict proof thereof.

2. Defendant admits the statements and allegations in Paragraph 2 of the Petition.

3. Defendant admits the statements and allegations in Paragraph 3 of the Petition.

4. Defendant admits the statements and allegations in Paragraph 4 of the Petition.

5. With respect to Paragraph 5 of the Petition, Defendant states this United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division has jurisdiction over this action, as set forth more fully in the Notice of Removal. Defendant admits the subject real property is located in Montgomery County, Texas. Defendant denies the remaining statements and allegations contained in Paragraph 5 of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

6. With respect to Paragraph 6 of the Petition, Defendant states this United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division is the proper venue, as set forth more fully in the Notice of Removal. Defendant admits the subject real property is located in Montgomery County, Texas.

7. With respect to Paragraph 7 of the Petition, Defendant admits the address and description of the subject property are as described therein.

8. With respect to Paragraph 8 of the Petition, Defendant states the referenced Deed Exhibit speaks for itself. Defendant does not have sufficient information to admit or deny the remaining allegations contained in Paragraph 8 of the Petition, so to the extent a response is required, Defendant demands strict proof thereof.

9. With respect to Paragraph 8 of the Petition, Defendant states Plaintiff Eliazar Spears executed a Texas Home Equity Adjustable Rate Note on or about July 18, 2006 in the original principal amount of $300,000.00, and further states the written Note speaks for itself with respect to the loan terms. Otherwise, Defendant demands strict proof of the statements and allegations in Paragraph 9.

10. Defendant admits the statements and allegations in Paragraph 10 of the Petition.

11. Defendant denies the statements and allegations in Paragraph 11 of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

12. With respect to Paragraph 12 of the Petition, Defendant states the referenced Exhibits, pleadings from Cause No. 19-03-03738 in the 284th Judicial District of Montgomery County, Texas speak for themselves. Defendant otherwise denies the statements and allegations in Paragraph 12 of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

13. With respect to Paragraph 13 of the Petition, Defendant states the referenced Exhibits, pleadings from Cause No. 19-03-03738 in the 284th Judicial District of Montgomery County, Texas and the Notice of Foreclosure, speak for themselves. Defendant otherwise denies the statements and allegations in Paragraph 13 of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

14. Defendant incorporates by reference its responses and answers in the prior paragraphs. Defendant denies the statements and allegations in Paragraph 14 of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

15. With respect to Paragraph 15 of the Petition, Defendant states that the Texas Constitutional provisions cited speak for themselves. Defendant denies the remaining statements and allegations in Paragraph 15 of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

a. Defendant denies the statements and allegations in Paragraph 15(a) of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

b. Defendant denies the statements and allegations in Paragraph 15(b) of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

c. Defendant denies the statements and allegations in Paragraph 15(c) of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

16. Defendant denies the statements and allegations in Paragraph 16 of the Petition and denies Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested therein.

a. Defendant denies that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested in Paragraph 16(a) of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

b. Defendant denies that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested in Paragraph 16(b) of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

c. Defendant denies that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested in Paragraph 16(c) of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

17. Defendant incorporates by reference its responses and answers in the prior paragraphs. Defendant denies that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested in Paragraph 17 of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

18. Defendant incorporates by reference its responses and answers in the prior paragraphs. Defendant denies that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested in Paragraph 18 of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

a. Defendant denies that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested in Paragraph 18(a) of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

b. Defendant denies that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested in Paragraph 18(b) of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

c. With respect to Paragraph 18(c) of the Petition, Defendant maintains Plaintiffs breached their obligations under the Note, and Defendant is entitled to foreclose. Defendant otherwise denies that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested therein.

d. With respect to Paragraph 18(d) of the Petition, Defendant maintains Plaintiffs breached their obligations under the Deed of Trust and Security Agreement, and Defendant is entitled to foreclose. Defendant otherwise denies that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested therein.

e. With respect to Paragraph 18(e) of the Petition, Defendant maintains Plaintiffs breached their obligations under the Loan, and Defendant is entitled to foreclose pursuant to the provisions of the Texas Constitution. Defendant otherwise denies that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested therein.

f. With respect to Paragraph 18(f) of the Petition, Defendant maintains Plaintiffs breached their obligations under the Loan, and Defendant is entitled to foreclose pursuant to the provisions of the Texas Constitution. Defendant otherwise denies that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested which would interfere with Defendant’s right to enforce its security interest and foreclose.

g. Defendant denies that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested in Paragraph 18(g) of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

h. Defendant denies that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested in Paragraph 18(h) of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

19. Defendant denies that all conditions precedent to Plaintiff’s requests for relief have occurred and demands strict proof thereof.

20. Defendant denies the statements and allegations in Paragraph 20 of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

21. Defendant denies that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested in Paragraph 21 of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

22. Defendant denies that all conditions precedent to Plaintiff’s requests for relief have occurred and demands strict proof thereof.

23. Paragraph 23 of the Petition contains a jury demand, which does not require a response.

24. Defendant incorporates by reference its responses and answers in the prior paragraphs.

25. With respect to Paragraph 25 of the Petition, Defendant states the referenced Exhibits, pleadings from Cause No. 19-03-03738 in the 284th Judicial District of Montgomery County, Texas, speaks for itself. Defendant otherwise denies the statements and allegations in Paragraph 13 of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

26. Paragraph 26 of the Petition contains legal conclusion and reference to case law and statutory authority, for which no response is required.

27. Defendant denies the statements and allegations in Paragraph 27 of the Petition and denies Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested therein.

a. Defendant denies that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested in Paragraph 27(a) of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

b. Defendant denies that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested in Paragraph 27(b) of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

c. Defendant denies that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested in Paragraph 27(c) of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

d. Defendant denies that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested in Paragraph 27(d) of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

e. Defendant denies that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested in Paragraph 27(e) of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

28. Defendant denies the statements and allegations in Paragraph 28 of the Petition and denies Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested therein.

29. Defendant denies the statements and allegations in Paragraph 29 of the Petition and denies Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested therein.

30. Defendant denies the statements and allegations in Paragraph 30 of the Petition and denies Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested therein.

31. Defendant denies the statements and allegations in Paragraph 31 of the Petition and denies Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested therein.

32. Defendant denies the statements and allegations in Paragraph 32 of the Petition and denies Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested therein.

a. Defendant denies that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested in Paragraph 32(a) of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

b. Defendant denies that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested in Paragraph 32(b) of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

c. Defendant denies that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested in Paragraph 32(c) of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

d. Defendant denies that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested in Paragraph 32(d) of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

e. Defendant denies that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested in Paragraph 32(e) of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

33. Defendant denies that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested in the Payer of the Petition and demands strict proof thereof.

II. DEFENSES

Defendant asserts the following affirmative defenses:

1. Defendant denies that all conditions precedent to a right of recovery have been satisfied.

2. Plaintiffs’ claims are barred by the applicable statutes of limitations.

3. Plaintiffs’ claims are barred by the statute of frauds.

4. Plaintiffs’ claims are barred or any failure to perform is excused because one or more of the material obligations of the note and security instrument have not been satisfied.

5. Plaintiffs’ claims are barred or any failure to perform is excused by the doctrines of affirmation, ratification, and waiver.

6. Plaintiffs’ claims are barred by novation.

7. Plaintiffs’ claims are barred or any failure to perform is excused by the waiver provisions contained in the security instrument at issue in this lawsuit.

8. Plaintiffs’ claims are barred or any failure to perform is excused by the doctrine of accord and satisfaction.

9. Plaintiffs’ claims are barred by the election of rights doctrine.

10. Plaintiffs’ claims are barred, in whole or in part, by the doctrines of estoppel, judicial estoppel, contractual estoppel and/or quasi estoppel.

11. Plaintiffs’ allegations Defendant breached the loan contract fail because Plaintiffs seek to retain the benefits of the agreement.

12. One of more of Plaintiffs’ claims are barred by the “one satisfaction” and “con- tort” doctrines, and “economic loss” rule.

13. Plaintiffs failed to mitigate their alleged damages.

14. Defendant claims all offsets and credits available to it.

15. Defendant is not liable for the acts, omissions, or conduct of other persons or entities not authorized to act on behalf of them; pleading further, and in the alternative, Defendant is not liable for the acts, omissions, or conduct of its agents who exceeded the scope of their authority.

16. Plaintiffs’ damages, if any, were proximately caused by the acts, omissions, or breaches of other persons and entities, including Plaintiff, and the acts, omissions, or breaches were intervening and superseding causes of Plaintiff’s damages, if any.

17. Plaintiffs’ damages, if any, were proximately caused by the acts, omissions, or breaches of other persons and entities, including Plaintiff, and said acts, omissions, or breaches were intervening and superseding causes of Plaintiff’s damages, if any. Defendant asserts its right to comparative responsibility as provided in Chapter 33 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code and requests that the fact finder apportion responsibility as provided in Chapter 33.

18. Defendants’ actions and omissions were undertaken in good faith, with the absence of malicious intent to injure Plaintiff, and constitute lawful, proper and justified means to further the business purposes of Defendant. Any purported conduct of individuals who were or are agents of Defendant were privileged, and those individuals were and are justified in engaging in the conduct attributed to them. Defendant pleads all statutory and common law privileges that may apply to its conduct and those of its agents.

19. Any allegedly wrongful acts or omissions of Defendant, if and to the extent such acts and omissions occurred, were legally excused or justified.

20. Defendant would show its conduct or activity conformed at all times to any and all applicable state and federal statutes, codes, and regulations.

21. Plaintiffs’ claims are barred, in whole or in part, by the doctrines of judicial estoppel, res judicata, and collateral estoppel.

22. Plaintiffs lack clean hands to bring an action in equity.

23. Plaintiffs’ claims must fail due to the Plaintiff’s failure to tender amount(s) admittedly owed.

24. Some or all of Plaintiffs’ claims are barred by the doctrine of laches.

25. Any alleged wrongful acts or omissions of Defendant, if and to the extent such acts or omissions occurred, were not intentional and resulted from a bona fide error.

26. Any and all claims alleged in Plaintiffs’ Petition are barred, in whole or in part, to the extent she seeks an improper punitive or multiple damages award for an alleged single wrong because such an award would violate defendant’s rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution, including, without limitation, the due process and equal protection provisions of the Fourteenth Amendment and the Double Jeopardy Clause of the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, and Defendant’s rights to the Due Course of Law under the Texas Constitution.

27. Plaintiffs are not entitled to punitive or multiple damages, and any and all excessive amounts of such damages sought herein violate chapter 41 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, the Texas Constitution and the United States Constitution, all of which set limits on the award of punitive damages. Defendant hereby invokes the caps on damages as provided in Chapter 41 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, the Texas Constitution and the United States Constitution.

28. Defendant asserts the defense of equitable subrogation.

29. Defendant is a bona fide mortgagee.

30. Plaintiffs have failed to state a claim upon which relief may be granted.

III. COUNTERCLAIM

A. Parties and Jurisdiction

1. Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Trustee for ABFC 2006-OPT2 Trust, Asset Backed Funding Corporation Asset Backed Certificates, Series 2006-OPT2 (“Defendant”) is the Defendant/Counter-Plaintiff in this case.

2. Plaintiff/Counter-Defendant Mack M. Spears, Jr. has previously appeared in this cause. He may be served through his counsel of record in this case.

3. Plaintiff/Counter-Defendant Eliazar Spears has previously appeared in this cause.

She may be served through her counsel of record in this case.

4. This Court has jurisdiction over this cause and the parties, as further detailed in the Notice of Removal [ECF Document No. 1]. 28 U.S.C. § 1331.

B. Summary of Facts

5. On or about July 18, 2006, Eliazar Spears executed a promissory Texas Home Equity Adjustable Rate Note (“Note”) for $300,000.00 payable to Oak Street Mortgage, LLC as lender on a loan secured by the real property commonly known as 23993 Mossy Oaks Drive, New Caney, TX 77357, and more particularly described as:

LOT 7, IN BLOCK 1, OF NORTHCREST RANCH, SECTION THREE (3), A SUBDIVISION IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN CABINET N, SHEETS 87, 88, 89, AND 90 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS (the “Property”).

6. Concurrently with execution of the Note, Plaintiffs executed a Texas Home Equity Security Instrument (“Deed of Trust” and together with the Note, the “Loan Agreement”) with said Deed of Trust being recorded in the official public records of Montgomery County, Texas July 26, 2006.
7. The Loan Agreement was transferred and assigned to Defendant.

8. Under the terms of the Note and Deed of Trust, Plaintiffs were required to pay when due the principal and interest on the debt evidenced by the Note, as well as any applicable charges and fees due under the Note.

9. The Loan Agreement further provides that should Plaintiffs fail to make payments on the Note as they became due and payable, or fail to comply with any or all of the covenants and conditions of the Deed of Trust, then the lender may enforce the Deed of Trust, selling the Property pursuant to applicable law and in accordance with the provisions set out in the Loan Agreement.

10. Plaintiffs failed to timely make all required payments under the terms of the Loan Agreement. Notice of default and intent to accelerate was provided to Eliazar Spears, the borrower on the Note. The default on the Note was not cured and, as a result, the debt was accelerated. As a result, Plaintiffs were given notice that the maturity date of the Note had been accelerated, thus making all unpaid principal and accrued interest due and payable.

11. Defendant now files this counterclaim seeking an order for foreclosure pursuant to the Loan Agreement.

C. Cause of Action—Foreclosure

12. The foregoing paragraphs are incorporated by reference for all purposes.

13. Defendant asserts a cause of action for foreclosure against Plaintiffs. The Loan Agreement is a contract, and Defendant fully performed its obligations under it. Plaintiffs,

however, did not comply with the Loan Agreement by failing to substantially perform material obligations required under its terms (principally, the payment of amounts due under the contract, among others).

14. Defendant seeks a judgment for judicial foreclosure allowing it to enforce its lien against the Property in accordance with the Security Instrument and Texas Property Code section 51.002.

15. Alternatively, Defendant seeks a judgment for foreclosure together with an order of sale issued to the Cameron County sheriff or constable, directing the sheriff or constable to seize and sell the Property in satisfaction of the Loan Agreement debt, pursuant to Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 309.

16. Defendant has been forced to hire the undersigned attorneys to seek an order allowing foreclosure as a result of the default on the Loan Agreement. Defendant is therefore entitled to and seeks judgment against Plaintiffs for its reasonable attorney fees in this action, both through trial and in the event of a subsequent appeal.

17. All conditions precedent to Defendant’s right to enforce the Loan Agreement and to obtain the relief requested herein have been performed or have occurred.

WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, Defendant prays the Court enter judgment that: Plaintiffs take nothing on their claims; Defendant have and recover judgment against Plaintiffs allowing it to proceed with foreclosure in accordance with the Deed of Trust and Texas Property Code section 51.002, or judicial foreclosure under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 309, plus Defendant recover its interest and attorney fees, and all costs of suit. Defendant further requests such other and further relief to which it may be entitled.

Respectfully submitted,
By: /s/ Mark D. Cronenwett
MARK D. CRONENWETT
Texas Bar No. 00787303
Southern District Bar No. 21340
mcronenwett@mwzmlaw.com
MACKIE WOLF ZIENTZ & MANN, P.C.
14160 North Dallas Parkway, Suite 900
Dallas, TX 75254
Telephone: (214) 635-2650
Facsimile: (214) 635-2686
ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

The undersigned certifies that on September 9, 2021, a true and correct copy of the foregoing document was delivered via U.S. Mail to all counsel of record listed below:

Via U.S. Mail:
Larry A. Vick
13501 Katy Freeway, Suite 1460
Houston, Texas 77079

/s/ Mark D. Cronenwett
MARK D. CRONENWETT

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U.S. District Court
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS (Houston)
CIVIL DOCKET FOR CASE #: 4:21-cv-02936

 

Spears et al v. Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
Assigned to: Judge Gray H Miller
Demand: $250,000

Case in other court:  284th Judicial District Court, Montgomery County, 21-0912202

Cause: 28:1332 Diversity-Breach of Contract

Date Filed: 09/09/2021
Jury Demand: Plaintiff
Nature of Suit: 220 Real Property: Foreclosure
Jurisdiction: Diversity
Plaintiff
Mack M Spears, Jr. represented by Larry Alton Vick
Attorney at Law
13501 Katy Freeway, Suite 1460
Houston, TX 77079
832-413-3332
Fax: 832-202-2821
Email: lv@larryvick.com
LEAD ATTORNEY
ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
Plaintiff
Eliazar Spears represented by Larry Alton Vick
(See above for address)
LEAD ATTORNEY
ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
V.
Defendant
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
as Trustee for ABFC 2006-OPT2 Trust, Asset Backed Funding Corporation Asset Backed Certificates, Series 2006-OPT2
represented by Mark Douglas Cronenwett
Mackie Wolf Zientz & Mann, P.C.
14160 N. Dallas Parkway, Ste. 900
Dallas, TX 75254
214-635-2650
Fax: 214-635-2686
Email: mcronenwett@mwzmlaw.com
ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
Counter Claimant
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
as Trustee for ABFC 2006-OPT2 Trust, Asset Backed Funding Corporation Asset Backed Certificates, Series 2006-OPT2
represented by Mark Douglas Cronenwett
(See above for address)
ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
V.
Counter Defendant
Eliazar Spears represented by Larry Alton Vick
(See above for address)
LEAD ATTORNEY
ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
Counter Defendant
Mack M Spears, Jr. represented by Larry Alton Vick
(See above for address)
LEAD ATTORNEY
ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED

 

Date Filed # Docket Text
09/09/2021 1 NOTICE OF REMOVAL from 284th Judicial District, Montgomery County, Texas, case number 21-09-12202 (Filing fee $ 402 receipt number 0541-27021010) filed by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Trustee for ABFC 2006-OPT2 Trust, Asset Backed Funding Corporation Asset Backed Certificates, Series 2006-OPT2. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Civil Cover Sheet)(Cronenwett, Mark) (Entered: 09/09/2021)
09/09/2021 2 CERTIFICATE OF INTERESTED PARTIES by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Trustee for ABFC 2006-OPT2 Trust, Asset Backed Funding Corporation Asset Backed Certificates, Series 2006-OPT2, filed.(Cronenwett, Mark) (Entered: 09/09/2021)
09/09/2021 3 ANSWER to 1 State Court Petition/Notice of Removal, COUNTERCLAIM against Eliazar Spears, Mack M Spears, Jr by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Trustee for ABFC 2006-OPT2 Trust, Asset Backed Funding Corporation Asset Backed Certificates, Series 2006-OPT2, filed.(Cronenwett, Mark) (Entered: 09/09/2021)
09/10/2021 4 Order in Removed Cases. Statement due within ten days. (Signed by Judge Gray H Miller) Parties notified.(JosephWellsadi, 4) (Entered: 09/10/2021)
09/20/2021 5 STATEMENT Regarding Removal, by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, filed.(Cronenwett, Mark) (Entered: 09/20/2021)
09/20/2021 6 ORDER for Initial Pretrial and Scheduling Conference and Order to Disclose Interested Persons. Scheduling Order Deadline date 10/20/2021(Signed by Judge Gray H Miller) Parties notified.(rguerrero, 4) (Entered: 09/20/2021)
LIT’s Foreclosure Tracker is Now Following ‘Mack’ and ‘Eliazar’ in front of Miller
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