Orange County Choppers' real-life drama now in court

Off the Wire News - General News By Meghan E. Murphy
Times Herald-Record
GOSHEN — A father-son drama that has played out on national television moved into the courtroom Thursday.
The Orange County Choppers' Paul Teutul Sr. filed a lawsuit in state Supreme Court in Goshen against his son, Paul Teutul Jr., for what could amount to millions in damages. The core argument is over how much Senior should pay Paulie for his share of the company, headquartered in the Town of Newburgh.
In an explosive episode that aired at the beginning of season six of TLC's "American Chopper," Paulie was fired from the company. In real life, as part of the termination, Paulie agreed to sell his 20 percent ownership to his father, according to the suit.
Since then, the two have been unable to compromise on how much that share is worth.
"It's sad it's come to this," Senior's lawyer, Richard Mahon II, said.
Because the two could not agree, Senior is asking the court to appoint an appraiser to value the company. The suit also asks for an injunction barring Paulie from engaging in competitive business activities and interfering with the company's relationship with suppliers.
Senior is asking for compensatory damages, as yet to be determined, but which the suit contends could be more than $1 million, and punitive damages of $1 million.
Paulie recently started his own company, called Paul Jr. Designs, where he now works instead of building motorcycles with his dad.
Paulie said Wednesday he hadn't yet been served with the lawsuit.
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