Casey Kasem’s widow was dealt some legal setbacks today when a judge fined her $1,050 and found she had indirectly admitted she has no evidence to support her lawsuit’s allegation that the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has overcharged her for sewer service since 1989.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Gregory Alarcon also ordered Jean Kasem to be present for a deposition by the City Attorney’s Office on a rescheduled date of Dec. 19.
Jean Kasem was not present for today’s hearing. She is now representing herself after her attorney, Steven Haney, was granted permission by Alarcon to withdraw from the case in August.
Jean Kasem and her late husband filed the lawsuit against the DWP in September 2013, when the former “Top 40” deejay was still alive. The suit states that the couple had two water meters at their Los Angeles home to measure both water regular water consumption and that used for irrigation.
The suit alleges the couple’s sewer service bill incorrectly calculated water used for irrigation as having been discharged into the sewer system.
Deputy City Attorney Dirk Broersma said the Kasems alleged the overbilling occurred for 25 years, but provided no specific amount. The DWP denies any excessive charges occurred, Broersma said.
The fines Alarcon assessed against Jean Kasem were imposed because she did not appear for her original Sept. 23 deposition date, and due to her lack of any response to DWP discovery requests. By ignoring the discovery inquiries, Jean Kasem was deemed to have admitted she has no evidence to support her allegations of overbilling, Broersma said.
The City Attorney’s Office sought to depose Kasem in her role as a plaintiff in her lawsuit and in her secondary position as the executrix of the late radio icon’s estate.
He was the subject of a bitter court battle between his widow and his children from his first marriage until his death June 15 at age 82.
His wife proceeded with the lawsuit against the DWP after his death.
Broersma said he likely will file a motion in the future to dismiss the case.
