A gripping legal battle unfolds as a plaintiff accuses his siblings of malicious prosecution, defamation, and civil conspiracy in a bid to seize control over their father's estate. David G. Bylciw filed a complaint on November 27, 2024, in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, against his brothers Karl and Stephen Bylciw.
The case delves into a family dispute where David alleges that his brothers engaged in egregious misconduct to undermine his role as their father's financial advisor. According to the complaint, David had maintained a close relationship with his father Walter and managed his parents' substantial investment accounts since 2010. However, following their mother's passing in 2020, Karl and Stephen allegedly devised a plan to alienate Walter from David and gain control over the family’s wealth.
David claims that throughout 2023, Karl and Stephen frequently visited Florida to manipulate their father’s financial affairs without David's knowledge. They allegedly made false statements accusing David of theft and financial misconduct to damage his reputation. The situation escalated on November 14, 2023, when an altercation led to David's arrest based on what he describes as fabricated allegations by his brothers.
The complaint outlines how Karl and Stephen's actions resulted in criminal charges against David for domestic battery. Despite being offered deferred prosecution by the State Attorney contingent upon Karl's approval—which was rejected—the case proceeded to trial. In September 2024, a jury found David not guilty of all charges.
David seeks damages exceeding $50,000 for malicious prosecution and defamation per se due to the harm caused to his reputation and career. He also requests $10 million in general damages for emotional distress and economic losses stemming from lost business opportunities and inheritance.
Representing David is Jonathan B. Butler from Gordon & Partners P.A., The Case ID is: 502024CA011329XXXAMB.