Feud over American Legion assets set for trial

A long-standing feud over assets of a Corbin American Legion Post will likely culminate in a potentially raucus civic trial this summer.
Members of the Fonzie Wilder American Legion Post #88 are suing their former commander claiming he defrauded them by purchasing property with post funds for his own personal gain, and gutting the post of all furnishings when it closed for two years in the mid-1990s.
A civil complaint, originally filed in Laurel Circuit Court in May 2000, alleges Sammy Sturgill, a former commander for 20 years at the post, and his wife Eleanor, bought three parcels of property with post funds. One of the properties, which was in Sammy Sturgill’s name, was reclaimed by the post and the remaining $28,000 of a promissory note was paid. Two of the properties either remain in Eleanor Sturgill’s name or have been sold.
According to court records, the post was formed in 1984. It closed in 1996 for a two-year period after a string of criminal problems, including frequent brawls and even a murder.At the time, the facility was open to the public.
Current post Commander Donald “Doc” Butler said when the facility was reopened nine years ago, it was in disarray; the roof had numerous leaks and all furnishings were missing.
“I was standing in four inches of water and there wasn’t a thing in the building … not even a toilet,” Butler said. “He took everything. That stuff belonged to the post. He had no right to take it.”
Pre-trial depositions show several pool tables that were in the building were sold at auction in Tennessee. Much of the remaining furnishings were either sold or remain in storage.
While Sturgill was commander, the post had an executive board of directors that supposedly authorized all land purchases. No official records or minutes from meetings before the post was reopened has surfaced.
“It was the good ole’ boy syndrome going on there,” Butler said. “That kind of stuff went on for a long time. Everyone knew what was going on, but nobody cared. I’m not a lawyer, but I don’t have to be one to know something ain’t right in the woodwork.”
Through attorney Robert Cato, members of the post are asking the Sturgills to pay a total of $203,000, plus attorney’s fees: $28,000 for the remainder of a promissory note on one parcel of land, $75,000 for properties that linger in Eleanor Sturgill’s name, and $100,000 for the alleged seizure of personal property that belonged to the post. Members are also asking that deeds for the properties be reconveyed to the post.
Sturgill has never faced any criminal charges for the incident.
Butler said the post has rebounded since its closure and currently has 142 members, a women’s Auxillary, sponsors a Boy Scout Troop and also has a Sons of the American Legion. He said the post is attempting to form a baseball team as well.
A trial date in the case has been set for July 26.
“I’m really pushing this thing,” Butler said. “I want to get it finished.”
Sturgill could not be reached for comment.