A circuit judge didn’t err when he decided a well-known Deadwood business figure wasn’t in contempt regarding an unpaid debt involving a casino and hotel, according to the South Dakota Supreme Court.
Mark and Annesse Brockley of Spearfish wanted Michael Trucano found in contempt, but Circuit Judge Eric Strawn ruled in Trucano’s favor. The state’s high court publicly released the opinion Thursday upholding the circuit judge’s decision.
The background is complicated. Brockleys in 2004 sold a hotel and casino they owned in downtown Deadwood for $2 million to several men through a 20-year contract for deed. The men later transferred the property to a new group that eventually became known as G Squared and included Clarence “Nick” Griffin.
