Columbia Honors Student Battles Landlord, Wins Big in Court
In a shocking turn of events, Columbia, South Carolina, resident _Ansel Postell_ found himself becoming a local sensation after an unfortunate incident with his landlord left him without his belongings. As an honors student at Benedict College, _Postell_ had returned to the bustling city in July 2022, eager to start a new school year. However, upon arriving at his apartment, he was left utterly stunned to discover that his landlord had not only emptied his apartment but had also given away all of his personal possessions.
What fueled the fire was that _Postell’s_ mother had just paid a hefty $3,810 six months in advance for rent. You would think that such a significant payment would protect one’s belongings, but in this case, it didn’t. With items including clothes, electronics, a television, and a one-of-a-kind computer valued at over $6,000 now vanished, it was time to take action. After several attempts to seek compensation from the rental company—known as Campus Advantage and located at The Rowan—proved fruitless, _Postell_ decided to file a lawsuit.
A Glimmer of Hope
Fast forward to Thursday, after three long hours of deliberation, a Richland County jury reached a decision in favor of _Postell_. They awarded him a staggering total of _ $692,000_ in damages. The breakdown of this award included _ $230,000_ for actual damages along with _ $462,500_ in punitive damages. “I’m glad I was given the opportunity for this to be taken up in court, and the jury was able to make a decision on the evidence that we provided,” _Postell_ shared in an upcoming interview.
Having graduated with honors in May, majoring in cybersecurity, _Postell_ had high hopes for the upcoming semester. However, the chaos caused by the missing items negatively impacted his stress levels and caused him to miss several classes. This not only threatened his academic performance but also endangered various scholarships he had earned through hard work.
A Lesson in Responsibility
_Todd Lyle_, the attorney who represented _Postell_, explained that the jury found Campus Advantage guilty of violating South Carolina’s Unfair Trade Practices Act. This crucial finding means that _Postell_ could be entitled to receive triple damages, further increasing the amount he will likely recover from this incident. The defense strategy attempted to paint _Postell_ and his mother as exaggerating the value of the possessions lost. However, _Postell’s_ team had solid evidence, including emails and a detailed list of items that he and his mother created upon discovering the loss.
It’s noteworthy that two years ago, an opportunity for drastically lowering costs was presented when they were offered a settlement of _ $75,000_. However, the defendants ignored this offer and instead proposed just _ $7,500_ in recent months, clearly showing their disconnect from the gravity of the situation. Such obstinacy was likely a contributing factor to the jury’s hefty decision, underscoring the importance of treating tenants fairly. “Almost half a million dollars in punitive damages is sending a huge message,” _Lyle_ said, addressing the implications of this case for landlords everywhere.
The Verdict and What Lies Ahead
The trial lasted four days, presided over by Judge _Milton Kimpson_. Finding the rental company liable for unlawful seizure of personal property, breach of rental contract, and negligence, the jury has set an important precedent. With the additional interest accruing at 8% over the past two years, the ultimate price of this case for the defendants continues to rise.
This entire ordeal has reminded us that landlords play a substantial role in ensuring the safety and care of their tenants’ belongings. In the meantime, _Ansel Postell_ walks away not only with a significant financial judgment but also a newfound sense of strength as he navigates the ups and downs of academic life.
