In re Whitdel Properties, Ltd.
In re Whitdel Properties, Ltd.
Opinion of the Court
MEMORANDUM AND DECISION
The Chapter XI debtor-in-possession in this Act case has filed an objection to the claim of First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Rochester, hereinafter referred to as “First Federal”. The debtor, Whitdel Properties, Ltd., hereinafter referred to as “Whitdel” and First Federal have stipulated the facts.
The facts follow. There are four separate corporations owned by the same
Specialized filed a petition in bankruptcy on June 5, 1979. Whitdel filed a similar bankruptcy petition in Chapter 11 on June 6, 1979. The other two corporations owned by the individual are now defunct and insolvent. First Federal has filed a claim in each of the bankruptcy proceedings in the amount of $383,980.82. First Federal was not listed as a creditor in the schedules of Whitdel but was listed in the schedules of Specialized.
In answering the objection of Whitdel, First Federal contends that not only is Whitdel liable for the two checks drawn by it totaling $156,845.91 but also that Whitdel is jointly and severally liable as a co-conspirator to defraud First Federal of the balance of the dishonored checks less the amount recovered.
There is no question of the liability of Whitdel on the two checks drawn by it. U.C.C. 3-413(2) provides that:
The drawer engages that upon dishonor of the draft and any necessary notice of dishonor or protest he will pay the amount of the draft to the holder or to any endorser who takes it up. The drawer may disclaim this liability by drawing without recourse.
The draft was dishonored and notice of dishonor was given to Whitdel through its chief operating officer. First Federal by advancing credit for the checks to Specialized, after the deposit, was a holder in due course. U.C.C. 4-209. See Long Island National Bank v. Zawada, 34 A.D.2d 1016, 312 N.Y.S.2d 947 (2d Dept. 1970). First Federal became a holder upon the indorsement of the checks to it. N.Y.U.C.C. 1— 201(20). The indorsements are shown on the reverse side of the checks. (Exhibit A, stipulation of facts). Even if the bank were a mere holder and not a holder in due course, it would be entitled to recover on the dishonor of the drafts since no defenses have been raised. In its brief, the debtor-in-possession concedes that $156,845.91 less appropriate credit for payments received are owed by Whitdel to First Federal because Whitdel was a drawer of the dishonored checks.
The remaining issue is whether Whitdel is jointly and severally liable for a co-conspiracy to defraud First Federal on the other dishonored checks. The stipulation entered into by the parties reveal no facts upon which such a conclusion could be reached.
Therefore, First Federal has a claim against Whitdel in the amount of $130,-202.51 which represents the $156,845.91 amount of the two bad checks by Whitdel less their proportionate share of the $69,-092.97 which First Federal has already recovered and it is so ordered.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- In re WHITDEL PROPERTIES, LTD., Debtor
- Status
- Published