Legal Victory for Cotton Tree Resident, Land Returned and Compensated for Damages

Rudolph Tucker

In September 2013, forty-nine-year-old Rudolph Tucker returned home to hisCotton Tree property only to discover that it was no longer his.  The home, trees, and all his equipment had been removed, resulting in damages.  The land had reportedly been taken away from him and given to two men, Dennis Williams and Gabriel Castillo.  According to Tucker’s attorney, the land was sold by Gabriel Castillo to Dennis Williams.   Ownership of the property, valued at around a hundred thousand dollars, was subsequently litigated in the Supreme Court.  After a year of waiting, the matter before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin ended with a settlement. The property which is located at Mile Forty-two on the George Price Highway has been returned to its rightful owner, Rudolph Tucker.  Tucker was also awarded financial compensation for a total of three buildings that were destroyed and also awarded financially for the trees and tools destroyed when the property was demolished.  Tucker, who was represented by attorney Richard Bradley Jr., says today’s victory was one that he is happy about.

Rudolph Tucker, Land Owner

“I get a report that some people were breaking down my house and when I reached back my whole property was destroyed, all household things and the house that I had on the land was destroyed completely.”

Reporter

“How long have you been living on this property?”

Rudolph Tucker

“Since about 1981.”

Reporter

“So are you satisfied with the outcome today?”

Rudolph Tucker

“Yes, I’m satisfied.”

Reporter

“Okay, so you will be getting back, financially you will be compensated for the damages done?”

Rudolph Tucker

“Yes.”

Reporter

“So you have title you said and possession of this land?”

Rudolph Tucker

“Yes.”

Reporter

“How long were you before the court?  How many times did you have to come to court?”

Rudolph Tucker

“We started to come to court from about January.”

Reporter

“Tell me how something like this affected you.”

Rudolph Tucker

“It affected me a great deal because all my youth I’ve been working on this land and it’s a big setback for me.”

Reporter

“Do you have a family?”

Rudolph Tucker

“Yes.”

The settlement took place around nine-thirty this morning at the Supreme Court.