A judge suing his dry cleaner for $54 million over a misplaced pair of pants broke down in tears Tuesday as the trial began before a packed Superior Courtroom.

D.C. Administrative Law Judge Roy Pearson could hardly continue as he retold the story of the fateful day in 2005 when the Custom Cleaners three blocks from his home lost the trousers of his expensive pinstripe suit.

“I describe it as a ‘Twilight Zone’ experience,” Pearson said, his voice soft and cracking.

The trial has generated national attention because of the huge amount of damages requested and ordinary details at its heart: an argument over what a customer should expect from a family-owned shop boasting in its window “satisfaction guaranteed.”

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Pearson, who originally asked for $67 million, said he is fighting for the Fort Lincoln community he claims cleaners have misled since 2000, saying this case is in line with his lifelong ethic of public service.

“I always had a sense of obligation to give something back to the community,” Pearson said, claiming he is not aware of a more obvious example of failing to live up to consumer protection laws in the city.

But the defense attorney representing store owners Jin and Soo Chung said the case is a “terrible example of American litigiousness.”

“This is a frivolous lawsuit brought by an unhappy customer,” said lawyer Chris Manning, noting the many millions requested are far more than what a reasonable person would expect for lost clothing.

Pearson, representing himself and acting as a witness on his behalf, offered more than 70 pieces of evidence and seven other witnesses Tuesday, including four Custom Cleaner customers who complained of damaged suits, a sweater and a dress.

For Pearson, it started when he tried to pick up his trousers after alterations. Soo Chung offered him another pair of pants that did not look anything like the ones he brought to the store days before. Manning claims Pearson received the right pants and that the case had no merit whatsoever.

When asked about Pearson’s emotional testimony, Manning said, “The Chungs are the victims here.”

The trial will continue with cross-examination of Pearson and the Chungs’ defense witnesses.

dgenz@dcexaminer.com

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