Berry Settles Claims Against Two Defendants for $2.35 Million in Lawsuit Involving Former Employee Bob Parker

      Berry College has settled its civil case against two alleged co-conspirators of former employee Bob Parker. In the lawsuit, Berry College alleges that Robert Parker and co-defendants R. David Bain and his company, North Georgia Forest Products, engaged in a series of fraudulent real estate transactions involving Berry College property and stole the proceeds from timber cut off the college's land. Defendants Bain and North Georgia Forest Products have paid Berry $2.35 million to settle the claims against them. Berry College's claims against Parker continue and are ready for trial.
      "We have been seeking a resolution of this case as part of our responsibility as stewards of the natural and financial assets of the college," said Berry President Scott Colley. "We were motivated equally by our wish to see justice done."       
      The $2.35 million financial settlement announced today does not mark the end of the proceedings. The civil case against Parker continues, and law enforcement authorities are investigating Parker, Bain and Bain's company, among others.
      "Our goal is to ensure that no stone has been left unturned in our investigation and that all individuals who have defrauded the college are dealt with appropriately," said Berry Trustee L.P. Roberts. "Although we have reached a financial civil settlement agreement with some of the parties involved, we will continue to relentlessly move forward against others involved in any illegal activity. We remain committed to supporting law enforcement authorities in their investigation and prosecution of the individuals responsible for these acts."
      Berry College is represented by the law firm of Alston & Bird of Atlanta.

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