ORDER GRANTING MOTION FOR CONTEMPT (ECF NO. #1364)
This matter came on for hearing on the Motion for Contempt, ECF No. 1364, by chapter 7 Trustee Kimberly R. Lentz ("Lentz") and the Response in Opposition, ECF No. 1370, filed by Debtor Ikechukwu Okorie ("Okorie"). The Motion alleges Okorie's contempt of this Court's March 25, 2024, Order Granting Motion for Sanctions Including Prefiling Injunction ("Sanctions Order"). ECF No. 1198. A hearing on the Motion was held on September 17, 2025. ECF No. 1543. This proceeding is core under 28 U.S.C. § 157(b)(2)(A).
This proceeding arises from a backdrop of frivolous and vexatious litigation filed by Okorie against the Trustee. Okorie's allegations against the Trustee were examined in full and subject to an extensive opinion from this Court, wherein the Court found no evidence of Trustee misconduct and held that the Trustee properly administered the bankruptcy estate. ECF No. 1198 at 6-11. In an attempt to stop Okorie's serial filing of repetitive complaints and other pleadings, the Court granted sanctions against Okorie and in favor of Lentz in the amount of $78,533.27 and issued a pre-filing injunction. ECF No. 1198. Okorie appealed the Sanctions Order to both the District
1
Court and Fifth Circuit, where it was affirmed.1Okorie has since filed a motion with the United States Supreme Court to file a petition for writ of certiorari out of time, which motion was denied. Okorie v. Lentz, No. 25M5, 2025 WL 2823679 (U.S. Oct. 6, 2025).
To date, Okorie has not paid the sanctions awarded by the Court and has continued filing frivolous and unfounded actions against the Trustee and other parties in his bankruptcy. See Chart attached as Ex. "A". Consequently, the Motion for Contempt is granted as stated below.
FINDINGS OF FACT
These facts are undisputed:
1. On February 27, 2019, Okorie filed his individual petition for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. ECF No. 1.
2. On February 17, 2021, after spending two years in chapter 11 without confirming a plan, Okorie voluntarily converted his case to chapter 7. ECF Nos. 334, 339.
3. On October 5, 2021, Okorie received his discharge. ECF No. 447.
4. On February 2, 2022, Okorie's counsel, Pat Sheehan, withdrew after Okorie began filing various pro se motions. See ECF Nos. 488 and 491.
5. Okorie, proceeding pro se, has challenged matters arising in his bankruptcy case in this Court, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Chancery and Circuit Courts of Forrest County Mississippi, the Mississippi Court of Appeals, the Mississippi Supreme Court, the Circuit Court of Okaloosa County Florida, the District Court of Harris County Texas, and the Superior Court of Mercer County New Jersey. Okorie has yet to succeed in any of these matters. See Chart, Ex. "A".
2
6. On March 25, 2024, Okorie was declared a vexatious litigant and sanctioned $78,533.27 payable to the Trustee within thirty days of the date of the order. ECF No. 1198. Okorie has not paid any of the sanctions.
DISCUSSION
I. Civil Contempt
"A bankruptcy court may issue civil contempt orders" including contempt for failing to pay sanctions imposed by the court. Garrett v. Coventry II DDR/Trademark Montgomery Farm, L.P. (In re White-Robinson), 777 F.3d 792, 795 (5th Cir. 2015) (citing Placid Refin. Co. v. Terrebonne Fuel & Lube, Inc. (In re Terrebonne Fuel & Lube, Inc.), 108 F.3d 609, 612-13 (5th Cir. 1997)). And unless an order "has been properly stayed or superseded, the [court] may enforce it through contempt sanctions." Alberti v. Klevenhagen, 46 F.3d 1347, 1358 (5th Cir. 1995) (citing United States v. Revie, 834 F.2d 1198, 1205 (5th Cir. 1987)). "It is firmly established that in a civil contempt proceeding, the party seeking an order of contempt need only establish by clear and convincing evidence: (1) that a court order was in effect; (2) that the order required certain conduct by the respondent; and (3) that the respondent failed to comply with the court's order." Piggly Wiggly Clarksville, Inc. v. Mrs. Baird's Bakeries, 177 F.3d 380, 382 (5th Cir. 1999) (citing F.D.I.C.
v. LeGrand, 43 F.3d 163, 170 (5th Cir. 1995)). Lentz has met her burden for proving the elements of contempt. The Sanctions Order has been in effect since it was filed and has been affirmed on appeal by both the District Court and Fifth Circuit. The Order clearly states that Okorie was to pay monetary sanctions in the amount of $78,533.27 to Lentz within thirty days of its entry on March 25, 2024. ECF No. 1198 at 14. Over a year has passed and Lentz has not received a dime. Thus, Okorie is in civil contempt of the Sanctions Order and is hereby ordered to pay Lentz $100 per day from the date of this order until
3
he pays the $78,533.27 ordered in the Sanctions Order. See In re White-Robinson, 777 F.3d at 797- 98 (bankruptcy court did not abuse its discretion when it imposed $100 per day charge on sanctions award).
II. Attorney's Fees
Lentz requests attorney's fees and costs related to her contempt motion. ECF No. 1364 at ¶ 10. The Court has discretion to fashion sanctions for civil contempt. Schermerhorn v. Centurytel, Inc. (In re SkyPort Glob. Commc'ns, Inc.), No. 08-36737-H4-11, 2013 WL 4046397, at *81 (Bankr. S.D. Tex. Aug. 7, 2013), aff'd, Schermerhorn v. Kubbernus, 642 F. App'x 301 (5th Cir. 2016). Many courts have ordered the payment of actual damages, including attorneys' fees as a sanction for civil contempt. Petroleos Mexicanos v. Crawford Enters., 826 F.2d 392, 399 (5th Cir. 1987) ("[S]anctions for civil contempt are meant to be 'wholly remedial' and serve to benefit the party who has suffered injury or loss at the hands of the contemnor."). "This sort of sanction is not vindictive, but simply acts as reparation, restoring the parties to the positions they would have been in had the respondent complied with the court's order in the first place." In re SkyPort, 2013 WL 4046397, at *81. As an additional sanction for contempt, the Court will award Lentz her reasonable costs, expenses, and attorney's fees for bringing the Motion for Contempt.
ORDER
The Motion for Contempt is ORDERED GRANTED; and
FURTHER ORDERED that Okorie is to immediately pay Lentz the $78,533.27 in sanctions ordered in the Sanctions Order, with a penalty of $100 per day for each day Okorie fails to do so;
FURTHER ORDERED that additional sanctions are awarded in favor of Lentz and against Okorie in the amount of Lentz's reasonable attorney's fees, expenses, and costs incurred
4
in prosecuting the contempt motion, to be determined after review of a fee itemization and affidavit, see Miss. Bankr. L.R. 7054-1, filed by Lentz's attorney within fourteen days of this order, with responses in opposition due no later than fourteen days after the filing of the fee itemization. ##END##
5
EXHIBIT "A" - OKORIE BANKRUPTCY RELATED LITIGATION
BANKRUPTCY COURT
1 In re Okorie, Ch. 11 Case No. 18-52169-KMS (Bankr. S.D. Miss. filed Nov. 6, 2018), dismissed Jan. 14, 2019, closed Mar. 4, 2019.
BANKRUPTCY DISTRICT 5TH CIRCUIT
COURT COURT COURT OF APPEALS
Order Denying Motion to Reopen Chapter 2:23-cv-00104-HSO-BWR, 24-60376, aff'd, Dkt. No.
11 Case, Dkt. No. 84. aff'd and dismissed, Dkt. No. 48, mandate issued, Dkt.
12. No. 51 (Nov. 27, 2024).
2 In re Okorie, Ch 11 Case No. 19-50379-KMS (Bankr. S.D. Miss. filed Feb. 27, 2019) (converted to Ch. 7 Feb. 17, 2021), discharged Oct. 5, 2021.
BANKRUPTCY DISTRICT 5TH CIRCUIT
COURT COURT COURT OF APPEALS
Order Denying Motion to Set Aside the 1:22-cv-00040-TBM-BWR, N/A Judgment and Interrogatories of Wells dismissed with prejudice, Dkt. Fargo, Dkt. No. 500. No. 14.
Order Denying Motion for Violation of 2:23-cv-00172-HSO-BWR, 24-60254, aff'd, Dkt. No. C Automatic Stay, Dkt. No. 933. aff'd, Dkt. No. 8, recons. 43, mandate issued, Dkt. O denied, Dkt. No. 10. No. 46 (Oct. 7, 2024).
N Motion filed by Okorie against Texas
T landlord and attorneys for alleged violation
E of stay related to post-petition, post-
S discharge real property lease.
T
E Opinion and Order on Debtor's Objection to 2:23-cv-00173-HSO-RPM, 24-60255, aff'd, Dkt. No. D Claims, Dkt. No. 932. aff'd, Dkt. No. 30. 128, reh'g denied, Dkt. No. 138, mandate issued,
Objections filed by Okorie to claims of Dkt. No. 139 (Dec. 3,
creditors including Trustmark, PriorityOne, 2024).
M First Bank, Wells Fargo, Citizens Bank and
A others.
T
T Okorie raised issues re: security for, amount E and validity of prepetition debt, violation of R automatic stay, violation of TILA, Trustee's S alleged negligence, breach of duty, conspiracy and collusion with creditors. Court found, among other things, debts at
issue to be commercial debts, Okorie did
not have stranding to object to
administration of estate, Trustee did not
owe Okorie a fiduciary duty, claims
established validity and amount of debt.
Order Denying Debtor's Amended Motion 2:24-cv-00017-HSO-BWR, N/A to Quash Examination and Stay Sanctions dismissed, Dkt. No. 8. Pending Appeal Resolution, Dkt. No. 1039.
Opinion and Order Denying Motion for 2:24-cv-00020-HSO-BWR, 24-60377, aff'd, Dkt. No. Violation of Automatic Stay and Granting aff'd, Dkt. No. 8. 61, reh'g denied, Dkt. No. Motion to Annul Stay, Dkt. No. 1059. 71, mandate issued, Dkt. No. 72 (Apr. 16, 2025).
6
EXHIBIT "A" - OKORIE BANKRUPTCY RELATED LITIGATION
|
Dispute between Okorie and PriorityOne regarding foreclosure of 908 West Pine Street. Stay annulled. |
|
|
| Order Denying Motions for Violation of Automatic Stay, Dkt. No. 1058. Motions filed by Okorie against taxing authorities and HOA asserting violation of stay for receiving lien payoff from court ordered 363 Sales of 8806 Inglebrook Lane, Houston, TX, and Lot 49, Destiny by the Sea, Destin, FL. |
2:24-cv-00021-TBM-RPM, aff’d, Dkt. No. 17. |
25-60047, dismissed, Dkt. No. 56, mandate issued, Dkt. No. 58 (May 23, 2025). |
| Order Approving Butler Snow’s First Application for Compensation for Attorney for the Trustee, Dkt.. No. 1121. |
2:24-cv-00030-KS-MTP, dismissed with prejudice, Dkt. No. 7. |
24-60345, dismissed, Dkt. No. 49, recons. denied, Dkt. No. 61, mandate issued, Dkt. No. 62 (Nov. 7, 2024). |
| Opinion and Order Denying Motions for Recusal, Dkt. No. 1185. |
2:24-cv-00050-TBM-RPM, dismissed, Dkt. No. 8. |
25-60048, dismissed, Dkt. No. 35, mandate issued, Dkt. No. 38 (July 17, 2025). |
| Order Granting Motion for Sanctions Including Prefiling Injunction, Dkt. No. 1198. Motion filed by Chapter 7 Trustee against Okorie. Order includes vexatious litigant finding, recaps meritless arguments, collateral attacks, and imposes prefiling injunction and monetary sanctions. |
2:24-cv-00051-KS-MTP, aff’d, Dkt. No. 11. |
24-60469, aff’d, Dkt. No. 76, reh’g denied, Dkt. No. 87, mandate issued, Dkt. No. 88 (Jan. 15, 2025), cert. denied, No. 25M5, 2025 WL 2823679 (U.S. Oct. 6, 2025). |
| Order Denying Motions to Void Orders Authorizing Sales of Real Property, Dkt. No. 1447. Filed by Okorie seeking to set aside 363 Sales of 8806 Inglebrook Lane, Houston TX, 44 Miry Brook Road, Hamilton, NJ, Lot 49, Destiny by the Sea, Destin, FL, and 912 W. Pine Street, Hattiesburg, MS |
2:25-cv-00005-KS-MTP, aff’d, Dkt. No. 32. |
25-60490. |
| Order Denying Various Pending Motions, Dkt. No. 1463. Denying on res judicata grounds pending motions including Motion to Remove Trustee and seven separate motions for sanctions for violation of stay against Citizens Bank, Wells Fargo (2 motions), Trustmark, First Bank, PriorityOne, National Funding and their counsel. |
N/A |
N/A |
7
EXHIBIT "A" - OKORIE BANKRUPTCY RELATED LITIGATION Order Denying Debtor's Motion for 2:25-cv-00042-TBM-RPM N/A Violation of Automatic Stay, Dkt. No. (argued July 25, 2025).
1471.1
Opinion and Order Denying Motions for 2:25-cv-00143-HSO-BWR. N/A Leave to File Barton Motions and to File
Bond Under Seal, Dkt. No. 1546.
Okorie sought to sue Trustee, her counsel
and bonding company, court appointed
realtors, lienholders, and, 363 sale
purchasers in state court.
3 Okorie v. Citizens Bank, Adv. No. 19-06040-KMS (Bankr. S.D. Miss. filed Oct. 9,
2019).
ISSUES PROPERTY HISTORY
Injunctive Relief regarding scheduled 3700 Hardy Street, Agreed dismissal, Adv. foreclosure. Hattiesburg, MS. Dkt. No. 28 (May 5,
2021).
4 Okorie v. Citizens Fin. Group [Citizens Bank], Kimberly Lentz, R. Andrew Foxworth,
Adv. No. 23-06017-KMS (Bankr. S.D. Miss. filed July 3, 2023).
ISSUES PROPERTY HISTORY
Injunctive Relief, Breach of Fiduciary Duty, 3700 Hardy Street, Dismissed with prejudice Violation of Automatic Stay, Fraud and Hattiesburg, MS. as to Citizens and Declarative Relief regarding foreclosure Foxworth, Adv. Dkt. No. and Citizens Bank's proof of claim. 110 (Sept. 4, 2024).
Dismissed with prejudice
as to Lentz, Adv. Dkt. No.
127 (Mar. 10, 2025).
BANKRUPTCY DISTRICT COURT 5TH CIRCUIT COURT
COURT OF APPEALS
Order denying request for injunctive relief, 2:23-cv-00100-TBM-RPM, 23-60505, dismissed for Adv. Dkt. No. 18. aff'd, Dkt. No. 7. lack of jurisdiction, Dkt.
No. 33, recons. denied,
Dkt. No. 45, mandate
issued, Dkt. No. 46 (Dec.
7, 2023).
Order Granting Motion to Dismiss by 2:24-cv-00146-TBM-RPM, N/A Citizens Bank and R. Andrew Foxworth, aff'd, Dkt. No. 14. Adv. Dkt. No. 110.
Order Dismissing Complaint Against Lentz, N/A N/A Adv. Dkt. No. 127.
8
EXHIBIT "A" - OKORIE BANKRUPTCY RELATED LITIGATION
5 Okorie v. PriorityOne Bank, Kimberly R. Lentz, Derek A. Henderson, Adv. No. 23- 06019-KMS (Bankr. S.D. Miss. filed July 25, 2023).
ISSUES PROPERTY STATUS
Injunctive Relief for Violation of Automatic 908 West Pine Street, Dismissed, Adv. Dkt. No. Stay, Intentional and Negligent Infliction of Hattiesburg, MS. 33 (Mar. 10, 2025). Emotional Distress, Breach of Fiduciary
Duty and Declarative Relief regarding 2019
foreclosure and PriorityOne's proof of
claim.
BANKRUPTCY DISTRICT COURT 5TH CIRCUIT COURT
COURT OF APPEALS
Order Dismissing Complaint, Adv. Dkt. No. 2:25-cv-00045-HSO-BWR. N/A
33.
Order Denying Motion for Leave to File 2:25-cv-00045-HSO-BWR. N/A Motion for Reconsideration, Adv. Dkt. No.
38.
6 Okorie v. First Bank, Kimberly R. Lentz, Eileen N. Shaffer, Adv. No. 23-06020-KMS (Bankr. S.D. Miss. filed Aug. 1, 2023).
ISSUES PROPERTY STATUS
Violation of Automatic Stay, Negligent Lot 49, Destiny by the Sea, Dismissed, Adv. Dkt. No. Management, and Declarative Relief Destin, FL. 25 (Mar. 10, 2025). regarding 363 Sale and First Bank's proof
of claim.
BANKRUPTCY DISTRICT COURT 5TH CIRCUIT COURT
COURT OF APPEALS
Order Dismissing Complaint, Adv. Dkt. No. 2:25-cv-00044-HSO-BWR. N/A
25.
Order Denying Motion for Leave to File 2:25-cv-00044-HSO-BWR. N/A Motion for Reconsideration, Adv. Dkt. No.
30.
7 Okorie v. Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Kimberly R. Lentz, Erno Lindner, Adv. No. 23- 06021-KMS (Bankr. S.D. Miss. filed Aug. 1, 2023).
ISSUES PROPERTY STATUS
Violation of TILA, Violation of Automatic N/A Dismissed, Adv. Dkt. No. Stay, Declarative Relief, and Negligent 20 (Mar. 10. 2025). Management, regarding Wells Fargo's proof
of claim and settlement with Okories.
8 Okorie v. National Funding, Kimberly R. Lentz, Robert Zahradka, Megan M. Adeyemo,
Adv. No. 23-06022-KMS (Bankr. S.D. Miss. filed Aug. 24, 2023).
ISSUES PROPERTY STATUS
Violation of Automatic Stay, Negligent N/A Dismissed, Adv. Dkt. No. Management, Declarative Relief, and 16 (Mar. 10. 2025). Negligent and Intentional Infliction of
Emotional Distress, regarding National
Funding's proof of claim.
9
EXHIBIT "A" - OKORIE BANKRUPTCY RELATED LITIGATION
9 Okorie v. Trustmark National Bank, Jim F. Spencer, Jr., Kimberly R. Lentz, Adv. No. 23-06023-KMS (Bankr. S.D. Miss. filed Aug. 25, 2023).
ISSUES PROPERTY STATUS
Violation of Automatic Stay and N/A Dismissed, Adv. Dkt. No. Declarative Relief regarding Trustmark's 15 (Mar. 10, 2025), proof of claim and the filing of a recons. denied, Adv. Dkt. nondischargeability complaint by No. 20 (Mar. 31, 2025). Trustmark.
10 Okorie v. First Bank, Eileen N. Shaffer, Timothy Matthew Farris, Adv. No. 24-06017- KMS (Bankr. S.D. Miss. filed May 31, 2024).
ISSUES PROPERTY STATUS
Violation of RESPA and FDCPA, Fraud on Lot 49, Destiny by the Sea, Consolidated with Adv. the Court and Intentional Infliction of Destin, FL. No. 24-06018-KMS, Emotional Distress regarding prepetition referred to Bankr. Ct. commercial debt which is the subject of from consolidated S.D. First Bank's proof of claim. Miss. Nos. 2:24-cv-
00046-HSO-BWR and
2:24-cv-00061-HSO-
BWR.
BANKRUPTCY DISTRICT COURT 5TH CIRCUIT COURT
COURT OF APPEALS
Order Staying Proceedings in the 2:24-cv-00111-TBM-RPM, N/A consolidated Adversary proceedings voluntarily dismissed, Dkt. pending appeal, Adv. Dkt. No. 60. No. 20 (July 25, 2025). Order Granting Motions to Dismiss and Sua 2:25-cv-00151-TBM-MTP. N/A Sponte Dismissing Complaint Against
Timothy Matthew Farris, Adv. Dkt. No. 87.
11 Okorie v. Wells Fargo, Erno D. Lindner, Adv. No. 24-06018-KMS (Bankr. S.D. Miss. filed May 31, 2024).
ISSUES PROPERTY STATUS
Violation of RESPA and FDCPA, Fraud on Lot 49, Destiny by the Sea, Consolidated with Adv. the Court and Intentional Infliction of Destin, FL. No. 24-06017-KMS, Emotional Distress regarding prepetition referred to Bankr. Ct. commercial debt and judgment which is the from consolidated S.D. subject of Wells Fargo's proof of claim and Miss. Nos. 2:24-cv- a settlement with the Okories. 00046-HSO-BWR and
2:24-cv-00061-HSO-
BWR.
12 Okorie v. PriorityOne Bank, Derek Henderson, Adv. No. 24-06027-KMS (Bankr. S.D. Miss. filed Sept. 11, 2024).
ISSUES PROPERTY STATUS
Violation of RESPA and FDCPA, Fraud on 908 West Pine Street, Referred from S.D. Miss., the Court and Intentional Infliction of Hattiesburg, MS. No. 2:24-cv-00047-KS- Emotional Distress regarding prepetition MTP.
commercial debt which is the subject of
PriorityOne's proof of claim.
10
EXHIBIT "A" - OKORIE BANKRUPTCY RELATED LITIGATION
BANKRUPTCY DISTRICT COURT 5TH CIRCUIT COURT
COURT OF APPEALS
Opinion and Order Dismissing Adversary 2:25-cv-00150-KS-MTP. N/A Proceedings, Adv. Dkt. No. 35.
13 Okorie v. PriorityOne Bank, Adv. No. 25-06008-KMS (Bankr. S.D. Miss. filed May 1,
2025).
ISSUES PROPERTY STATUS
Wrongful Foreclosure, Declaratory 908 West Pine Street, Referred from S.D. Miss., Judgment. Hattiesburg, MS. No. 2:24-cv-00181-HSO-
BWR.
Originally filed in Forrest Cnty. Chancery Ct.,
18CH1:24-cv-00623-SM.
BANKRUPTCY DISTRICT COURT 5TH CIRCUIT COURT
COURT OF APPEALS
Opinion and Order Dismissing Adversary 2:25-cv-00150-KS-MTP. N/A Proceeding, Adv. Dkt. No. 108.
14 Okorie v. PriorityOne Bank, Adv. No. 25-06013-KMS (Bankr. S.D. Miss. filed June 18,
2025).
ISSUES PROPERTY STATUS
Wrongful Foreclosure, Fraud, Breach of 908 West Pine Street, Referred from S.D. Miss., Good Faith and Fair Dealing and Hattiesburg, MS. No. 2:25-cv-00065-KS- Declaratory Judgment asserting issues MTP.
regarding notice of foreclosure and the
validity of the debt which is the subject of Originally filed in Forrest PriorityOne's proof of claim. Cnty. Chancery Ct.,
18CH1:25-cv-243-SM.
BANKRUPTCY DISTRICT COURT 5TH CIRCUIT COURT
COURT OF APPEALS
Opinion and Order Dismissing Adversary 2:25-cv-00150-KS-MTP. N/A Proceedings, Adv. Dkt. No. 31.
MATTERS ORIGINATING IN OR REMOVED TO DISTRICT COURT
| 15 |
Okorie v. Andrew Foxworth, Citizens Bank, Sheila H. Smallwood, Foxworth & Shepard, P.A., Kimberly R. Lentz, Paul S. Murphy, No. 2:24-cv-00035-TBM-RPM (S.D. Miss. filed Mar. 8, 2024). |
|
ISSUES |
PROPERTY |
STATUS |
| RESPA, FDCPA, Fraud, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress, asserting issues of Violation of Automatic Stay and Voluntariness of Reaffirmation Agreement. |
3700 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS. |
Order denying TRO and preliminary injunction to set aside foreclosure sale, Dkt. No. 13, appealed to 5th Cir., No. 24-60166, dismissed, Dkt. No. 62, mandate issued, Dkt. No. 65 (Aug. 22, 2024). Compl. dismissed, Dkt. No. 78 (Mar. 31, 2025), recons. denied, Dkt. No. |
11
EXHIBIT "A" - OKORIE BANKRUPTCY RELATED LITIGATION 87, appeal docketed, No.
25-60431 (5th Cir. Aug.
14, 2025).
10 Okorie v. First Bank, Eileen N. Shaffer, Timothy Matthew Farris, No. 2:24-cv-00046- HSO-BWR (S.D. Miss. filed Mar. 18, 2024).
ISSUES PROPERTY STATUS
Violation of RESPA and FDCPA, Fraud on Lot 49, Destiny by the Sea, Consolidated with S.D. the Court and Intentional Infliction of Destin, FL. Miss. No. 2:24-cv-00061- Emotional Distress regarding prepetition HSO-BWR.
commercial debt which is the subject of
First Bank's proof of claim. Order of Referral to
Bankr. Ct., Dkt. No. 43,
appealed to 5th Cir., No.
24-60273, dismissed, Dkt.
No. 50, mandate issued,
Dkt. No. 53 (Oct. 21,
2024).
Referred to Bankr. Ct., Adv. No. 24-06017-KMS.
12 Okorie v. PriorityOne Bank, Derek Henderson, No. 2:24-cv-00047-KS-MTP (S.D. Miss. filed Mar. 18, 2024).
ISSUES PROPERTY STATUS
Violation of RESPA and FDCPA, Fraud on 908 West Pine Street, Order of Referral to the Court and Intentional Infliction of Hattiesburg, MS. Bankr. Ct., Dkt. No. 17, Emotional Distress regarding prepetition appealed to 5th Cir., No. commercial debt which is the subject of 24-60472, dismissed, Dkt. PriorityOne's proof of claim. No. 27, mandate issued,
Dkt. No. 30 (Mar. 13,
2025).
Referred to Bankr. Ct., Adv. No. 24-06027-KMS.
11 Okorie v. Wells Fargo Bank, Erno D. Lindner, No. 2:24-cv-00061-HSO-BWR (S.D. Miss. filed Apr. 15, 2024).
ISSUES PROPERTY STATUS
Violation of RESPA and FDCPA, Fraud on Lot 49, Destiny by the Sea, Consolidated with S.D. the Court and Intentional Infliction of Destin, FL. Miss. No. 2:24-cv-00046. Emotional Distress regarding prepetition
commercial debt and judgment which is the Referred to Bankr. Ct., subject of Wells Fargo's proof of claim and Adv. No. 24-06018-KMS. a settlement with the Okories.
16 Okorie v. University Mall LLC, Joseph R. Tullos, James Poncho [Eric James], Robert T. Jackson, Sr., Jackson Tullos Rogers & Morgan PLLC, No. 2:24-cv-00063-TBM-RPM (S.D. Miss. filed Apr. 22, 2024).
ISSUES PROPERTY STATUS
Includes claims of violation of TILA, 3700 Hardy Street, Dismissed, Dkt. No. 37 RESPA, RICO, FDCPA and Due Process, Hattiesburg, MS. (Mar. 31, 2025), appealed regarding prepetition commercial debt to 5th Cir., No. 25-60185,
12
EXHIBIT "A" - OKORIE BANKRUPTCY RELATED LITIGATION which is the subject of Citizens Bank's aff'd, Dkt. No. 34, proof of claim. Asserts foreclosure violated mandate issued, Dkt. No. automatic stay. 37 (Sept. 30, 2025).
17 University Mall LLC v Okorie, Royal Oaks Rental Properties LLC, and Inland Family Practice LLC, No. 2:24-cv-00089-TBM-RPM (S.D. Miss. filed June 20, 2024).
ISSUES PROPERTY STATUS
Complaint to Quiet and Confirm Title 3700 Hardy Street, Default J. granted in favor removed from state court by Okorie. Hattiesburg, MS. of University Mall LLC, Notice of Removal alleges foreclosure (as to Royal Oaks and violated automatic stay, contests the Inland Family), Dkt. No. voluntariness of a reaffirmation agreement 32 (July 25, 2025), mot. with Citizens Bank in bankruptcy court, and to set aside filed, Dkt. No. asserts Citizens Bank violated RESPA and 33 (Aug. 1, 2025). FDCPA (claims are related to commercial
debt which is the subject of Citizens Bank's Mot. to am. answer and proof of claim). file countercl. filed, ECF
No. 35 (Aug. 6, 2025).
Originally filed in Forrest
Cnty. Chancery Ct.,
18CH1:24-cv-00308-SM.
18 University Mall LLC v. Okorie, Royal Oaks Rental Properties LLC and Inland Family Practice LLC, No. 2:24-cv-00091-KS-MTP (S.D. Miss. filed June 25, 2024).
ISSUES PROPERTY STATUS
Amended Complaint for Unlawful Entry 3700 Hardy Street, Order Den. Mot. for and Detainer removed from state court by Hattiesburg, MS. Recusal, Dkt. No. 34, Okorie. Notice of Removal alleges appealed to 5th Cir., No. foreclosure violated automatic stay, contests 24-60442, dismissed, Dkt. the voluntariness of a reaffirmation No. 52, mandate issued, agreement with Citizens Bank in Dkt. No. 55 (Oct. 7,
bankruptcy court, and asserts Citizens Bank 2024).
violated RESPA and FDCPA (claims are
related to commercial debt which is the Order and J. Granting subject of Citizens Bank's proof of claim). Possession to Pl. and Dismissing with
Prejudice, Dkt. Nos. 148,
149, appealed to 5th Cir.,
No. 24-60605, aff'd, Dkt.
No. 197, mandate issued,
Dkt. No. 216 (Sept. 4,
2025).
Order Granting Pl's. Mot. for Contempt and Mot. for Pre-filing Injunction against Okorie, ECF No. 287 (Oct. 22, 2025), notice of appeal filed, ECF No. 288 (Oct. 27.
2025).
Originally filed in Forrest Cnty. Ct., 18CO1:24-cv-
13
EXHIBIT "A" - OKORIE BANKRUPTCY RELATED LITIGATION 00630, removed by
Okorie to S.D. Miss.
13 Okorie v. PriorityOne Bank, No. 2:24-cv-00181-HSO-BWR (S.D. Miss. filed Nov. 25,
2024).
ISSUES PROPERTY STATUS
Wrongful Foreclosure, Declaratory Relief. 908 West Pine Street, Referred to Bankr. Ct., Hattiesburg, MS. Adv. No. 25-06008-KMS
Order of Referral to
Bankr. Ct., Dkt. No. 21,
recons. denied, Dkt. No.
23 (May 12, 20235).
Order Den. Mot.
Withdraw Reference, Dkt.
No. 27, recons. denied,
Dkt. No. 32, recons.
denied, Dkt. No. 36 (Oct.
6, 2025).
Originally filed in Forrest Cnty. Chancery Ct.,
18CH1:24-cv-00623.
14 Okorie v. PriorityOne Bank, No. 2:25-cv-00065-KS-MTP (S.D. Miss. filed May 20,
2025).
ISSUES PROPERTY STATUS
Wrongful Foreclosure, Fraud, Breach of 908 West Pine Street, Referred to Bankr. Ct., Good Faith and Fair Dealing and Hattiesburg, MS. 25-06013-KMS. Declaratory Judgment asserting issues
regarding notice and the validity of the debt Originally filed in Forrest which is the subject of PriorityOne's proof Cnty. Chancery Ct., of claim. 18CH1:25-cv-243-SM.
MISSISSIPPI COURTS
| 19 |
Okorie v. Citizens Bank, Douglas Neal, R. Andrew Foxworth, Citizens Bank of Philadelphia, Wells Fargo Bank, No. 18CH1:23-cv-00509-SM (Forrest Cnty. Chancery filed Oct. 26, 2023). |
|
ISSUES |
PROPERTY |
STATUS |
| Quiet Title, Bankruptcy Abandonment. Chancery Court found that property was titled in Royal Oaks and that Citizens Bank had a valid lien on property. Chancery Court recognized that bankruptcy court granted relief from automatic stay and abandoned property from bankruptcy estate. |
3700 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS. |
Order Granting Mot. for Summ. J. in favor of Citizens Bank and Wells Fargo [and Andrew Foxworth] and dismissing with prejudice, Dkt. No. 36, appealed to Miss. Sup. Ct., 2024-CP-00166, dismissed, (Aug. 1, 2024), mandate issued, (Aug. 22, 2024). |
14
EXHIBIT "A" - OKORIE BANKRUPTCY RELATED LITIGATION
20 Okorie v. Citizens Bank, No. 18CH1:24-cv-00141-SM (Forrest Cnty. Chancery filed Mar.
1, 2024).
ISSUES PROPERTY STATUS
Includes claim for Declaratory Judgment 3700 Hardy Street, Order Dismissing with that automatic stay prohibits foreclosure Hattiesburg, MS. Prejudice, Dkt. No. 24 and seeks injunction to stop foreclosure. (Apr. 16, 2024), appealed to Miss. Ct. of Appeals,
No. 2024-CP-00462-
COA, aff'd, (June 10,
2025), reh'g denied, (Oct.
28, 2025).
13 Okorie v. PriorityOne Bank, No. 18CH1:24-cv-00623-SM (Forrest Cnty. Chancery filed Nov. 20, 2024).
ISSUES PROPERTY STATUS
Wrongful Foreclosure, Declarative Relief. 908 W. Pine Street, Removed to S.D. Miss., Hattiesburg, MS. No. 2:24-cv-00181-HSO-
BWR.
14 Okorie v. Priority One Bank, No. 18CH1:25-cv-00243-SM (Forrest Cnty. Chancery filed May 5, 2025).
ISSUES PROPERTY STATUS
Wrongful Foreclosure, Fraud, Breach of 908 W. Pine Street, Removed to S.D. Miss., Good Faith and Fair Dealing and Hattiesburg, MS. No. 2:25-cv-00065-KS- Declaratory Judgment asserting issues MTP.
regarding notice and the validity of the debt
which is the subject of PriorityOne's proof
of claim.
21 Okorie v. Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America, Ann McWilliams, Re/Max Town & Country, T&M Pryor Properties LLC, Re/Max Real Estate Partners,
No. 18CH1:25-cv-00311-SM (Forrest Cnty. Chancery filed June 3, 2025).
ISSUES PROPERTY STATUS
Seeks damages allegedly arising from 363 912 W. Pine Street, Dismissed with prejudice sale of property. Names Trustee's bonding Hattiesburg, MS. as to Ann Williams, company and court appointed realtors RE/Max Real Estate
without obtaining leave of court under the Partners (improperly Barton doctrine. Asserts claims against the named as RE/MAX Town bankruptcy court approved purchaser at the & Country), Dkt. No. 23 363 sale. (Sept. 5, 2025), mot.
recons., Dkt. No. 25 (filed
Sept. 5, 2025).
22 Wells Fargo Bank NA v. Inland Family Practice Center LLC, Royal Oaks Rental Properties LLC, Ikechukwu H. Okorie, Vivian Okorie, Slocum-Radson Medical Laboratories, Inc., No. 18CI1:18-cv-00064 (Forrest Cnty. Circuit filed Apr. 17, 2018).
ISSUES PROPERTY STATUS
Debt collection action resulting in final N/A Final J. granted in favor judgment of $508,158.57 plus attorneys' of Pl. Wells Fargo Bank fees and interest at 8% per annum. Wells NA, Dkt. No. 20 (Oct. 9, Fargo also awarded costs of collecting 2018), appealed to Miss. judgment. Sup. Ct., No. 2018-CP-
01514, dismissed, (Apr.
15
EXHIBIT "A" - OKORIE BANKRUPTCY RELATED LITIGATION 22, 2019), mandate
issued, (May 9, 2019).
Order Den. Mot. to Set
Aside J. and Interrogs.,
Dkt. No. 49, appealed to
Miss. Ct. of Appeals, No.
2022-CT-00043-COA,
jointly dismissed, (Sept. 2,
2022), mandate issued,
(Sept. 23, 2022), Mot. to
Reopen Denied, (May 7,
2024), recons. denied,
(June 4, 2024), reh'g
denied, (June 26, 2024),
cert. denied, (Aug. 30,
2024), recons. denied,
(Dec. 19, 2024).
FLORIDA COURTS
| 23 |
Okorie v. Travelers Casualty & Surety Company of America, First Bank MS, Heather Williams, Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty, No. 2025 CA 001613 F (Okaloosa Cnty. Fla. Circuit Ct. filed May 30, 2025). |
|
ISSUES |
PROPERTY |
STATUS |
| Seeks damages allegedly arising from 363 Sale of property. Names Trustee’s bonding company and court appointed realtors without obtaining leave of court under the Barton doctrine. Asserts claims against the bankruptcy court approved purchaser at the 363 sale. Also asserts lender wrongfully collected rents during the pendency of the bankruptcy case. |
Lot 49, Destiny by the Sea, Destin, FL. |
Pending |
TEXAS COURTS
| 24 |
Okorie v. United States Fire Insurance Company, Don Van Tran, RE/MAX United, Gene Feigelson, No. 2025-38543 (Harris Cnty. District Ct. filed June 2, 2025). |
|
ISSUES |
PROPERTY |
STATUS |
| Seeks damages allegedly arising from 363 Sale of property. Names Trustee’s bonding company and court appointed realtors without obtaining leave of court under the Barton doctrine. Asserts claims against the bankruptcy court approved purchaser at the 363 sale. |
8806 Inglebrook Lane, Houston, TX. |
Removed to S.D. Tex., No. 4:25-cv-04220. Mot. to Transfer to S.D. Miss., Dkt. No. 9 (filed Sept. 15, 2025). |
NEW JERSEY COURTS
| 25 |
Okorie v. Travelers Casualty & Surety Company of America, Ceylandreit LLC, Hasan Ceylan, Ercan Ceylan, KW Premier Keller Williams, Nativita Warner, No. MER-C- 000051-25 (Mercer Cnty. New Jersey Superior Ct. filed May 30, 2025). |
|
ISSUES |
PROPERTY |
STATUS |
| Seeks damages allegedly arising from 363 Sale of property. Names Trustee’s bonding |
44 Miry Brook Road, Hamilton, NJ. |
Dismissed (June 6, 2025). |
16
EXHIBIT "A" - OKORIE BANKRUPTCY RELATED LITIGATION company and court appointed realtors without obtaining leave of court under the Barton doctrine. Asserts claims against the bankruptcy court approved purchaser at the 363 sale.
17