Lawyer seeks to attach processors’ assets

MACHIAS – The Lewiston attorney representing 500 Maine blueberry growers, who won a $56 million judgment against three Down East blueberry processors from a Superior Court jury, filed documents in the registry of deeds in four counties Tuesday that attach the companies’ assets to secure the judgment.

William Robitzek faxed copies of the civil lawsuit’s judgment out of Knox County Superior Court to registries in Knox, Waldo, Hancock and Washington counties.

That is where the three processors – Cherryfield Foods Inc. of Cherryfield, Jasper Wyman & Son of Milbridge and Allen’s Blueberry Freezer of Ellsworth – have real estate.

Robitzek additionally filed the document with the Secretary of State’s Office in Augusta, a move that serves to attach the companies’ personal property as well.

“This just puts our foot in the door,” Robitzek said. “Assessing a lien on the companies’ property gives public notice that there is a claim. If they file a mortgage tomorrow, we come ahead of it. This keeps our place in line.”

The move had been anticipated since a jury of eight found that the three companies participated in a conspiracy to keep prices for unprocessed wild blueberries low between the 1996 and 1999 seasons.

Because the court entered the judgment Nov. 19, attorneys for the defendants have 10 days to file post-trial motions.

Melissa Hewey, who represents Cherryfield Foods, said Monday that the three defendants will likely file their motions together by Monday. That is allowable because Nov. 29 falls on a Saturday.