Keystone Contractors hit with civil suit

A civil lawsuit was filed Friday on behalf of people allegedly defrauded by Keystone Contractors Inc. of Kalispell.

"We represent about 15 people in regard to the civil lawsuit," Chad Wold of Wold Law Firm said.

He said he expects total damages to exceed $1 million.

The lawsuit requests compensation for losses due to negligence and fraud as well as emotional distress resulting from the alleged actions of Richard and Amy Ockey, operators of Keystone Contractors.

The Ockeys were involved in the homebuilding business when they abruptly shut Keystone down, allegedly leaving many construction projects unfinished.

The Ockeys have been accused of defrauding customers, employees, subcontractors and creditors. They face an array of criminal charges and a long list of liens in addition to the recent lawsuit.

Amy Ockey has been charged with writing bad checks while Richard Ockey faces two counts of felony theft.

The lawsuit lists plaintiffs as Shirley Jackman and Dorothy Smith; Paul Case; Richard J. Erickson; Richard G. and Nancy L. Hamm; Maljan LLP, c/o Malcolm B. McCracken and Bret Pierce; Deanna McGough; John A. and Judith N. Melin; and Bing and Patti Potts.

Erickson told the Inter Lake in January that it would cost him an extra $60,000 to $70,000 to complete his house on Whitefish Lake after Keystone left it unfinished.

Wold said that there may be assets and insurance available to compensate his clients.

"It's worth a shot," he said.

According to the lawsuit, the people bringing the suit engaged Keystone Contractors to build their homes. But many of the homes allegedly were only partially built when Keystone closed down.

"What happened to these people is sickening," Wold said.

He said the Ockeys' alleged failure to perform as promised ruined some of his clients' lives and cost them their savings.

Wold said some were forced to come out of retirement and find a job. He said others had to sell most of their possessions to get back on their feet.

"The majority saved their whole lives to build a home and retire here," he said. "Keystone put these people in a horrible position."

Wold said the financial consequences have put most of their lives on hold. Even with the lawsuit filed, the attorney said it could take from 1 1/2 to three years to come to trial in District Court.

Wold said that he feels confident the suit will succeed in finding some restitution for his clients.

"It will remedy some of the damage the Ockeys have [allegedly] done to this valley," he said. "At least it's a step in the right direction."

Wold said he hopes that the couple "step up to the plate" and cooperate with efforts to undo some of that damage.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.