Hutchison v. Parent et al

Filing 349

Memorandum Opinion and Order: In accordance with the Circuit's mandate issued July 25, 2019, (Doc. No. 347), I enter judgment in Defendant's favor. Judge Jeffrey J. Helmick on 7/29/2019. (S,AL)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
WESTERN DIVISION

Scott Hutchison,

Case No. 3:12-cv-320
Plaintiff

v.

MEMORANDUM OPINION
AND ORDER

John R. Parent, et al.,
Defendants

On March 31, 2014, I issued a memorandum opinion and entered judgment denying Plaintiff
and Defendant’s cross-motions for summary judgment on Plaintiff’s claims of breach of fiduciary
duties and breach of contract. (Doc. Nos. 125 & 126). Approximately one year later, in April 2015,
a jury trial was held. The jury returned verdicts for the Plaintiff and against the Defendant, awarding
Plaintiff $989,000.00 in compensatory damages and $1,135,00.00 in punitive damages. (Doc. Nos.
209 & 210). Defendant appealed. (Doc. No. 225).
On appeal to the Circuit, Defendant argued, among other things, that summary judgment
should have been granted in his favor because Plaintiff’s claims were barred by Ohio’s doctrine of
res judicata pursuant to Ohio Civil Rule 13(A). (First Brief for Appellant Cross-Appellee John R.
Parent, Hutchison v. Parent, No. 15-3604, 16-4194, 18-3305 (6th Cir. June 15, 2018)). After briefing
and oral argument, the Circuit agreed. Specifically, the Circuit concluded that, because there was a
“logical relationship” between Plaintiff’s present federal claims and previously dismissed state court
claims, Ohio Civil Rule 13(A) precluded Plaintiff from litigating these claims in federal court.

Hutchison v. Parent, No. 15-3604, 16-4194, 18-3305, -- F. App’x --, 2019 WL 2149648 (6th Cir. May
15, 2019).
The Circuit vacated the judgment and damages award, reversed my denial of Defendant’s
motion for summary judgment, and remanded the case with instructions that I render judgment for
Defendant on the basis of preclusion. Id. In accordance with the Circuit’s mandate issued July 25,
2019, (Doc. No. 347), I hereby enter judgment in Defendant’s favor.

So Ordered.
s/ Jeffrey J. Helmick
United States District Judge

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