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Wachovia Sues State Rep. Rouson

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By STEPHEN THOMPSON

spthompson@tampatrib.com

Published: December 11, 2008

CLEARWATER - Wachovia is suing state Rep. Darryl Rouson, claiming he failed to repay a $100,000 loan he took out in 2004 while he was running a law firm in St. Petersburg.

The lawsuit, filed by the bank Friday, also lists as a defendant Robert Klingel, a North Redington Beach man who owns TSE Industries, a Pinellas County plastics company.

John Brennan, the attorney representing Wachovia, said the money was lent to Rouson's law firm, and Klingel was acting as guarantor, or backup, if Rouson failed to repay.

On March 12, 2004, Rouson's law firm delivered to Wachovia a $100,000 promissory note - which in essence is a promise to pay - after borrowing that amount, the lawsuit states. The note was renewed and extended in 2005, 2006 and 2007, but Wachovia decided to file a lawsuit after the defendants stopped making satisfactory payments as of Oct. 15.

Rouson, his former law firm Rouson and Brumley, and Klingel owe Wachovia $98,268, the lawsuit says. Rouson merged his law firm with Morgan and Morgan in Tampa this year, according to published reports.

In a call to The Tampa Tribune late Wednesday, Brennan said he had spoken with Rouson Wednesday evening. "We are working expeditiously toward resolving the matter," Brennan said.

In November, Rouson was elected to the state House seat for District 55.

Reporter Stephen Thompson can be reached at (727) 451-2336.

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