Opinion
Civil Action No. JFM-14-101
08-28-2014
INGRAM MICRO, INC. Plaintiff(s) v. THERA FREEMAN, ET AL. Defendant(s)
MEMORANDUM
Defendant, Thera Freeman, has filed a motion to set aside entry of default. The motion will be denied.
In deciding whether to set aside a default, a court is to consider (1) whether setting aside the default would prejudice the plaintiff, (2) whether the defendant has a meritorious defense; and (3) whether the default was the result of defendant's culpable conduct. United States v. $55,518.05 in U.S. Currency, 728 F.2d 192, 195 (3d Cir. 1984). Here, assuming that the plaintiff would not be prejudiced by setting aside the default, it is clear that the default was the result of defendant's culpable conduct and that she has not prevented a meritorious defense. As to the "culpable conduct" issue, defense counsel was in contact with plaintiff's counsel before the default was entered, and defendant simply paid no attention to the case. As to the "meritorious defense" issue, the fact is that whether or not David Freeman committed any fraud as to plaintiff, plaintiff nevertheless is liable to defendant for the goods purchased by Priority Computer Systems, d/b/a Erie Computer, of which defendant was the sole proprietor.
A separate order effecting the ruling made in this memorandum is being entered herewith. Date: August 28, 2014
/s/ J. Frederick Motz
J. Frederick Motz
United States District Judge
ORDER
For the reasons stated in the accompanying memorandum, it is, this 28th day of August 2014
ORDERED that the motion to set aside entry of default filed by defendant Thera Freeman is denied.
/s/ J. Frederick Motz
J. Frederick Motz
United States District Judge