MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER
Defendants James Fannon, Benjamin Fannon, C & F Contractors, LLC (“C & F”), J and H Enterprises of Virginia, LLC (“J & H”), and Fannon Brothers Tire, Inc. (“FBT”) have filed a Motion for Reconsideration of the Court’s November 15, 2013, Memorandum Opinion and Order. [Record No. 67] Alternatively, they request a separate trial for FBT. For the reasons discussed below, the motion will be granted, in part, and denied, in part.
I.
Plaintiff Jadeo Enterprises, Inc., (“Jadeo”) is a Kentucky corporation involved in the mining and selling of coal. [Record No. 34, p. 2] Defendant C & F is in the
This case involves a purchase order for coal involving Jadeo and some of the defendants. Jadeo alleges that James Fan-non committed fraud by issuing the purchase order with no intent to pay. It further contends that James Fannon made preferential transfers and that the defendants made fraudulent conveyances involving the proceeds of the transaction. Jadeo also claims that the corporate veil of C & F and J & H should be pierced and that James Fannon may be held personally liable for the alleged fraudulent conduct.
According to Jadeo, this dispute commenced when C & F breached a contract with Century Coal, LLC (“Century Coal”), a limited liability corporation involved in mining and selling coal. In early 2009, Century Coal was experiencing financial problem, causing James Fannon and C & F to make multiple attempts to obtain payment for hauling services previously provided by C & F to Century Coal. [Record Nos. 54-2, p. 87 and 54-3, pp. 55-80] Around this time, C & F was also experiencing financial problems, as reflected by a 50% reduction in deposits (from April 2009 to May 2009). [Record No. 54-9] C & F was also indebted to J & H for trucking services, while J & H owed FBT for tires it had purchased. [Record No. 54-10]
On June 10, 2009, James Fannon attempted to issue another purchase order to Century Coal. [Record No. 54-12] However, the transaction was declined by Larry Heatherman, an employee of Century. Heatherman advised Fannon that Jadeo was mining on the same property so he could issue the purchase order to Jadeo. [Record No. 54-13, pp. 1-2] The purchase order in question was issued to Jadeo on June 11, 2009, for 2,500 tons of coal for a purchase price of $60.00 per ton. [Record Nos. 54-15 and 34, p. 3]
Jadeo delivered the coal to C & F after the purchase order was issued. But after paying the first invoice for $7,989.00, C & F did not pay the remainder of the amount due. [Record No. 53-2, p. 2] Instead, C & F sold the coal for $138,536.13. [Id.] C & F then issued several checks to J & H for $160,800 and two checks to James and Benjamin Fannon each for $3,875. The defendants claim that these checks reflected payment of valid, preexisting debt to J & H and James and Benjamin Fan-non. [Record No. 53-2, p. 4] And they further contend that the payments made to Benjamin and James Fannon were compensation, made in the ordinary course of business. [M]
From June 15, 2009, to February 22, 2010, J & H also issued several checks to FBT. [Record No. 34, pp. 5-6] The defendants claim that these checks were payments of valid, preexisting debts for tires and other services provided by FBT. J & H also issued several checks to FBT. The defendants claim that this was in payment of a valid pre-existing debt.
On August 30, 2013, the defendants moved for summary judgment. [Record No. 53] This Court denied the motion, in part, and granted it, in part. [Record No. 66] The Court dismissed Jadco’s preferential transfer claim against J & H and Benjamin Fannon as being time-barred. The Court also dismissed Jadco’s attempt to pierce the corporate veil regarding Benjamin Fannon, but allowed piercing for
II.
Motions to reconsider under Rule 60(b) give an “opportunity for the court to correct manifest errors of law or fact and to review newly discovered evidence or to review a prior decision when there has been a change in the law.” United States v. Davis,
The defendants raise four issues in their motion for reconsideration. They contend that: (i) the Court erred by applying the badges of fraud analysis to the fraudulent conveyance issue because of the existence of a pre-existing debt; (ii) the standard for rebutting badges of fraud should not be heightened; and (iii) there was no genuine issue of material fact regarding the preexisting debt. In addition, the defendants argue that a separate trial should be ordered for FBT. For the reasons explained below, the Court agrees with the defendants regarding the second issue raised in their motion.
III.
A. Effect of Pre-Existing Debt
The defendants claim that when there is proof of a valid, underlying pre-existing debt there can never be a fraudulent conveyance, .even if badges of fraud are present and even if there is actual intent to defraud a creditor. Precedent in Kentucky is mixed on this issue.
The Kentucky Revised Statutes defines a fraudulent conveyance broadly, as “[e]very gift, conveyance, assignment or transfer of, or charge upon, any estate, real or personal, or right or thing in action, or any rent or profit thereof, made with the intent to delay, hinder or defraud creditors, purchasers or other persons!.]” KRS §• 378.010. The defendants urge the adoption of the rule that repayment of debt to a pre-existing creditor can never constitute a fraudulent conveyance and can only constitute a preferential transfer. Yet, if there is a payment of a preexisting debt, but it is done with the intent to “delay, hinder or defraud creditors, purchasers or other persons” it meets the explicit standard in the statute. Id.
A transfer between two related parties is typically a badge of fraud. Bolling v. Adams,
In Seiler, George A. Seiler purchased land from his father, George F. Seiler, for $268, even though the value of the land was $1,300. The remainder of the amount paid offset a debt owed to George A. Seiler
In Farmer’s Bank of Fountain Run v. Hagan, the Kentucky Court of Appeals held that, “[a]s a general rule, pre-existing indebtedness is a sufficient consideration to uphold a conveyance given in payment of or as security of such indebtedness; and such a conveyance in payment of bona fide antecedent indebtedness should not be set aside unless the fair and reasonable value of the property is greatly in excess of the amount of the indebtedness.”
Next, in First National Bank v. Williamson, the court held that “it appears that the ‘badges of fraud’ which the appellant maintains were disclosed were fairly and clearly explained away and the transaction shown to have been for a valuable consideration and in good faith as measured by the terms of [the fraudulent conveyance statutes].”
Contrary to the defendants’ argument, the court’s holdings in Hagan and First National suggest that if there is an absence of good faith or proof of fraud— even if made in payment of pre-existing debt — a conveyance can still be found to be fraudulent. Thus, while the existence of a pre-existing debt is evidence which may be used to rebut an accusation of fraud, the analysis does not stop once such evidence is offered. The fact finder must still determine whether there is bad faith or an intent to defraud.
The defendants have not offered any current authority in support of their position. In fact, the most recent case was decided in 1939. Liberty Bank & Trust v. Davis,
While, those courts were interpreting the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Acts adopted in other jurisdictions, Kentucky cases also hold that the transferor’s intent is an issue to consider when evaluating fraudulent conveyance claims. For example, in Springfield State Bank v. Kelly, the Kentucky Court of Appeals held that payment of a wife’s debt by her husband does not make a fraudulent conveyance any less
As noted above, there is some inconsistency in Kentucky opinions discussing fraudulent conveyances. Compare Seiler,
B. The Applicable Standard When/If the Burden Shifts
The defendants also argue that if the burden shifts to them once the plaintiff offers evidence of badges of fraud, that standard should not be clear and convincing. There is no Kentucky case expressly holding that the badges of fraud must be rebutted by clear and convincing evidence. Additionally, holdings from courts outside of Kentucky are not uniform regarding the burden shifting element of the badges of fraud.
The general rule stated in Russell County Feed Mill, Inc. v. Kimbler is that “[i]n an action to set aside a conveyance for fraud [under KRS § 378.010] ... fraud must be established by clear and convincing evidence.”
C. Genuine Issues of Material Fact Exists Regarding the Pre-Existing Debt.
The defendants claim that there is no genuine issue of material fact regarding the existence, validity, or amount of the pre-existing debt. They argue that the proof establishes that these debts actually existed and that there is no genuine issue of material fact concerning them. The defendants produce invoices and payments between FBT and J & H. [Record No. 70-1] J & H also provides banking records showing their invoices from May 21, 2009, to April 7, 2010. [Record No. 54-10] And the defendants submit affidavits demonstrating their indebtedness. [Record No. 53-1] While these documents demonstrate the existence of debt, they do not establish the adequacy of consideration or the bona fide intent of those conveyances.
The defendants claim that Jadeo has failed to present any evidence that would question the existence or bona fide nature of the sale transactions that created the indebtedness in question. However, Jadeo has alleged — and this Court has identified — several badges of fraud in this case. [Record No. 66, pp. 24-25] C & F was having financial problems in April and May 2009. During that period, the company experienced a significant decrease in deposits (from $520,247.94 to $233,625.00). [Record No. 54-9] See Hayes v. Rodgers,
The transfers from C & F to J & H and the distributions to Benjamin and James Fannon were made on June 30, 2009. Jadco’s Complaint was filed on July 31, 2009, in Clay Circuit Court. [Record No. 53-2, pp. 2-3; Record No. 53-3, pp. 3-4] Many conveyances to FBT were made after the filing of the lawsuit. The defendants argue that the transfers between J & H and FBT were too remote from the lawsuit to be considered (i.e., J & H was not added until October 2012, years after the coal purchase in question). However, J & H is owned by the same defendants that own C & F. It is not unreasonable to expect that James and Benjamin expected to have J & H and FBT added as parties after the filing of the original claim. A conveyance in anticipation of a lawsuit or while one is pending is prima facie fraudulent. James v. Stokes,
These multiple badges of fraud are not contested in the defendants’ present motion. The defendants merely argue that there is proof that these debts existed and they are debts typical of someone doing
Jadeo claims that the defendants’ proof has not been satisfactory to show that the conveyances were not fraudulent. While the defendants have produced business records and affidavits, there are still some questions regarding the validity of these conveyances. A payable/receivable sheet would still exist even if a conveyance was made with the intent to defraud, delay, or hinder a creditor. The monthly statements between J & H and FBT have their authenticity challenged. [Record No. 64] Without more, self-serving affidavits are insufficient to sustain a motion for summary judgment. Devine v. Jefferson Cnty., Kentucky,
Here, the plaintiff argues that the defendants made conveyances with the intent to defraud. The defendants contend that the evidence is uncontroverted regarding the existence of the indebtedness and the amount. However, as discussed above, several badges of fraud are presented. There is a lack of balance sheets and promissory notes that would help demonstrate the legitimacy of these transfers. Jadeo argues that they repeatedly sought copies of the defendants’ financial statements and balance sheets, but they have not been provided. This evidence would certainly go to prove good intent, adequate consideration, and validity of these transactions. However, the defendants have not produced this evidence for Jadeo or the Court. The defendants claim that they did not want to supply this evidence because it would “burden the record of this case.” [Record No. 67-1, p. 13] But the result is that the defendants’ motion for summary judgment is not properly supported. There remain genuine issues of material fact regarding the good faith of these conveyances.
A court may deny a motion for summary judgment “where, although the movant may have technically shouldered his burden, the court is not reasonably certain that there is no triable issues of fact[.]” ACME Roll Forming Co. v. Home Ins. Co.,
D. Separating FBT
The defendants also argue for an order granting FBT a separate trial on the fraudulent conveyance claim. They contend that a separate trial would prevent prejudice to FBT, eliminate confusion of the issues, and conserve judicial resources. Jadeo argues that creating two separate trials would prejudice Jadeo and burden the Court by maintaining two separate actions. The Court agrees with Jadco’s argument regarding this issue.
The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure state that, “[f]or convenience, to avoid prejudice, or to expedite and economize, the court may order a separate trial of one or more separate issues, claims, crossclaims, counterclaims, or third party claims.” Fed. R. of Civ. P. 42(b). Rule 42(b) places the decision to determine what issues or claims should be tried separately within the discretion of the district court. Saxion v. Titan-C-Manufacturing, Inc.,
To establish liability for FBT, Jadeo must first establish that the payments made from C & F to J & H were fraudulent. The defendants claim that forcing FBT to expend resources on a defense which may be unnecessary if J & H successfully defend the fraudulent conveyance claims would be prejudicial. The defendants also argue that FBT would be prejudiced in its defense by the accusations of fraud for the original coal transaction, to which FBT was not a party. They also contend that separating FBT would also eliminate confusion of the issues at trial. They state that Jadeo has brought complex fraud claims and resolving those issues at trial would be tedious with complicated proof. Separating FBT, the defendants claim, would remove all of these issues of prejudice and expense.
Jadeo contends that separating the claims would place a heavy burden on the Court and the parties. Separation would cause the case to be tried twice, it would keep this case on the docket, and the Court would have to go through another round of pretrial scheduling and a second trial. Jadeo maintains that James and Benjamin Fannon are officers of FBT and both C & F and J & H are in the same building as FBT. Jadeo argues that the FBT is a beneficiary of the scheme set up to defraud Jadeo. Therefore, they argue, that this matter should not be separated.
FBT was closely-related to the activity of the other Defendants. The proof required to show that they were liable for fraudulent conveyances should not be any more complicated than the other claims. Kentucky case law demonstrates that the recipient of a fraudulent conveyance is of
IV.
In summary, the motion for reconsideration will be denied, in part, and granted, in part. The defendants are incorrect in their assertion about the effect of a preexisting debt. And while the Court was initially incorrect regarding the burden of proof to be applied in rebutting a presumption of fraud, that error does not change the outcome of the earlier opinion. There is still a question of fraudulent intent of the defendants in making these conveyances. Further, separate trials is unnecessary and a waste of judicial resources. Therefore, the defendants’ motion will be granted to the extent that the burden of proof for rebutting the presumption of fraud was incorrect. However, the defendants’ request for a dismissal of any additional claims — or for separate trials— will be denied. Accordingly, it is hereby
ORDERED that the Defendants’ motion for reconsideration [Record No. 67] is GRANTED, in part, and DENIED, in part. The Court’s November 15, 2013, Memorandum Opinion and Order is reconsidered to the extent that the burden of proof to rebut the badges of fraud may be met by demonstrating good faith by a preponderance of the evidence. The remainder of the motion for reconsideration is DENIED.
Notes
. In Turner v. Hammock, the Kentucky Court of Appeals found that valid consideration for the conveyance was not enough to disprove the fraud. It must also be made with bona fide intent.
