LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — An Arkansas judge has granted a default judgment against the former owners of Big Country Chateau, a controversial apartment complex in Little Rock.
The judgment was announced by Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, who said that judgment for the judge came after the former Big Country Chateau owners failed to show up to court on Wednesday.
“The former owners of Big Country Chateau continued their disregard for the court and its authority by failing to show up today," AG Griffin said in a statement. "Today’s default judgment allows my office to seek relief and hold them accountable for their detestable behavior against Arkansans. “I am grateful for the efforts of Assistant Attorney General Amanda Wentz and thank her for her diligence in seeking justice in this case.”
This comes after the former owner of the troubled apartment complex pleaded guilty last month to a conspiracy that defrauded lenders out of more than $50 million.
The charges came after years of health and safety issues at the apartment complex, ultimately leading to the city shutting it down last summer.
Following its shutdown, the apartment complex went up for sale beginning in March of 2024, with bidding starting at $3,317,577 and the property being sold as is.