Co-defendants move to block 38 Studios settlement

July 7, 2014 3:19 pm

By: Dee DeQuattro
Email: ddequattro@abc6.com
Twitter:@deedequattro

Two former staffers of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation are asking a judge to reject a proposed settlement deal in the 38 Studios Law Suit.

Former Executive Director Keith Stokes and former Deputy Director J. Michael Saul are two of the named co-defendants in the lawsuit who are objecting to a settlement agreement from a third co-defendant, Antonia Alfonso and his firm Moses Alfonso Ryan Ltd. Alfonso agreed to a $4.37 settlement deal from the firm’s insurance policy but lawyers for Stokes and Saul argue that the settlement is unconstitutional.

A recent law passed in Rhode Island allows for individual settlements in multi-party suits, however Stokes and Saul say it is unfair to individuals who do not have legal malpractice insurance that can cover such settlements.

The matter is expected to be heard during a Tuesday court appearance.