Opinion ID: 2738168
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Testimony from Landlords

Text: Three of the landlords for the stores’ various locations also testified at trial. Each of these individuals stated that Defendant negotiated the leases for the boutique locations and that 8 No. 13-3315 when they visited the stores during the period of time relevant to this case, they observed Defendant assisting customers or actively participating in business-related activity. Perry Fruscella, who was the landlord for the East Cuyahoga Falls location, was not aware that anyone other than Defendant owned the store. He claimed that Defendant was the only person from whom he collected rent. Fruscella also testified that he did not discuss the lease or payment terms with anyone other than Defendant. Fruscella visited the store occasionally to collect rent. When asked what he believed Defendant’s role was at the store, he responded, “Well, she . . . was the one that talked to the customers and took care of the business. Occasionally she had somebody else there.” (R. 121, Trial Tr. at PageID# 1300.) Nick Alexander, the landlord for the store’s North Main Street location, also testified at trial. He stated that Defendant rented the store from January 2005 until September 2006. He testified that when he first spoke with Defendant, “[s]he physically came to the body shop [which he owned] with a gentleman questioning the rental property.” (Id. at PageID# 1317.) He later clarified that the gentleman was Defendant’s husband Miller. He remembered receiving a business card from either Defendant or Donald. That business card, which was presented at trial, had “Bernice” written across the front. Also submitted into evidence were two letters of recommendation supporting Defendant’s application for the lease, mentioning Defendant by name. Alexander claimed that although the lease agreement was actually signed by Donald, he dealt with Defendant with respect to the tenancy. Alexander also testified that over the course of the 18-month lease period, he visited the store on approximately twelve occasions. He stated that “[o]n more than one occasion, [Defendant] was taking care of customers the way any business owner would.” (Id. at PageID# 1337.) After being asked what he believed was 9 No. 13-3315 Defendant’s role at the store, Alexander stated, “I assume it was like mine at the body shop as owner/operator.” (Id.) Joseph Polk, the third landlord, who leased the Brittain Road location of the store, also testified at Defendant’s trial. First, he identified Defendant as his tenant. He explained that Defendant was the person who initially inquired about renting the unit, and during that call, they discussed the terms of the agreement. Polk stated as follows: Well, the way it was explained to me when I met with [Defendant] and spoke with [Defendant] was that she described the arrangement as a partnership between her – I’m sorry – between Charlene Dawkins and her husband Donald Miller, and the thing was in this case my really primary contact was Bernice Miller. (Id. at PageID# 1379.) He also testified that before they executed the rental agreement, Defendant described the store and its business model, which was then incorporated into the rental agreement.