Judge Judy was sued in a Los Angeles court Tuesday by the wife of her producer Randy Douthit, who claims her husband sold expensive dinnerware and flatware to the TV judge at 10 cents on the dollar in order to conceal it from their divorce proceedings. Patrice Jones filed suit against Judge Sheindlin alleging fraud over the sale of the Christofle tableware, which she claims is valued at $514,421.14. Jones alleges Judge Judy only paid $50,000 for the goods. Documents surfaced today that show the lawsuit may be bogus. Judge Judy responded by telling TMZ yesterday that Jones should "find a job".
Beverly Hills attorney Perry Wander filed the suit on behalf of Patrice Jones who claims the valuable items were sold to Judge Judy without her consent, and with full knowledge and intent to defraud her.
Jones goes even further alleging Randy Douthit agreed to a reduction in his profit participation in the syndicated Judge Judy show so he wouldn't have to pay out as much money in the divorce settlement.
Jones claims Sheindlin knew full well the deal was revenge against her. “As a former family law judge, she knew that California is a (community property) state and that a spouse cannot sell community property without the written consent of both spouses and certainly not at 10 cents on the dollar”, read a statement from Wander.
“Sheindlin was not a bona fide purchaser for value”, the lawsuit states, according to the Daily News. “Sheindlin was willful and intended to cause injury to the plaintiff”, it continues.
Patrice Jones said Sheindlin is also aware she obtained a court order requiring Randy Douthit to return the china and flatware, but refuses to return the items in question.
Jones is seeking not only the return of the goods, but also $500,000 in damages. However TMZ reports today that the lawsuit may indeed be bogus. Documents show the disputed items were purchased by Judge Judy for approximately $100,000 back in 2003.
The couple didn’t initiate divorce proceedings until 2007. The judge in the divorce proceedings valued the items at $125,000 in 2012, and plans to order Douthit to pay Jones half the value, or $62,500.
The divorce judge also apparently reamed Patrice, claiming that she “lacked integrity” and was “untruthful” throughout the proceedings. Once Randy pays the ordered amount, Patrice will have no further claim on the goods.
Wander labels the ruling “tentative” and says if it goes through, they will appeal the ruling. Judge Judy responded in typical fashion for the 70 year-old sharp tongued jurist.
“I have not seen any complaint by the former Mrs. Douthit, however, I don't owe this lady a cent. And if this 50-year-old woman would spend her time more productively at trying to find a job, instead of abusing the judicial system with frivolous lawsuits, we would all be a lot better off”, Sheindlin said.
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