The owner of the building Casa Maria's leases filed a petition in Boone County Wednesday alleging the restaurant owes more than $60,000 in rent, according to court documents.
The lawsuit, filed by Grindstone Plaza Development, names guarantors Crystal Umfress and Marion Spence. Umfress also faces criminal charges in two felony cases, one accusing her of arson , and another accusing her of forgery and filing false documents .
The new lawsuit says Grindstone Plaza Development issued a notice of default and a demand for payment to the Casa Maria's guarantors on June 18. The lawsuit says the development company issued a termination of lease to Umfress and Spence on July 24 and alleges that, as of Aug. 1, the guarantors owed $60,316.50 in unpaid base rent and other charges.
The lawsuit