Owner of Va. plant leased to peanut processor sues

SUFFOLK, Va. (AP)—The owner of a plant leased to a Lynchburg-based peanut processor blamed for a nationwide salmonella outbreak is suing the company.

Charles Pond III filed a lawsuit earlier this month in Suffolk Circuit Court seeking $381,000 from Peanut Corp. of America officials that he says he is owed.

Pond says Peanut Corp. has failed to make its monthly payment of nearly $5,400 since January.

Peanut Corp. referred calls to its bankruptcy attorney, Andy Goldstein. Goldstein said the company’s bankruptcy speaks for itself.

Peanut Corp. also operated plants in Blakely, Ga., and Plainview, Texas.

The Suffolk plant was the only one not connected to the salmonella outbreak that sickened nearly 700 people and has been linked to at least nine deaths.