Freshman Rep. Pierson in nasty dispute with former allies

Former friends and allies of state Rep. Paula Pierson, D-Arlington, allege the freshman lawmaker and her husband improperly gained control of their family's estate, touching off a bitter dispute that could reverberate in the November elections.

Pierson and her husband, longtime attorney Grey Pierson, expect to give sworn depositions in the case, scheduled for trial next month but possibly facing a delay.

At issue: Businessman Robert Arlington, who died last year, left his entire estate to his friend and attorney Grey Pierson, records show. Grey and Rep. Paula Pierson were named executor and successor executor, respectively, of the estate. Grey Pierson says he was also left a “substantial” amount of money from a bank account and life insurance proceeds that weren’t part of Arlington’s will.

Rep. Pierson told PoliTex the case is a “sad deal” involving two men who were bitterly estranged from their father. The deceased businessman had given Paula Pierson $500 for her successful 2006 race. And Greg Arlington, who named both Paula and Grey in his lawsuit (filed jointly with his brother, Grant), gave her $250. Pierson, running for a second term, faces Republican Bill Burch in November.

The freshman lawmaker said she doesn’t want to oversee Arlington’s estate and doesn't want her old friend's money. But after getting hit with an unexpected lawsuit, she said her husband would probably fight to keep the bank account and life insurance proceeds.

“They lied to us, then they filed the lawsuit,’’ she said. “And no, Grey probably will never give it to them.’’ 
      
-- Jay Root

Comments

[Lawrence]

Scummy

[JD Frazier]

Dear Rep. Pierson; If the FW Star Telegrams statements are even close to true you must resign now for the sake of the party. I can appreciate your hard work but any impropriety must be addressed before November. Please consider your district and act accordingly.

Respectfully Yours;
JD Frazier

[arlingtonnative]

Why is this NOT splattered all over the Star-Telegram?