Metropolitan National Bank sues Jim Stafford

Metropolitan National Bank this month filed suit against Jim Stafford and Ann Stafford alleging the former owners of the Jim Stafford Theatre stopped making payments on loans they took out for their Branson theater.

In an Aug. 6 lawsuit filed in Taney County Circuit Court, the Springfield-based banking company claims the Staffords owe $1.6 million, plus 9 percent interest, on a $3.2 million loan taken out in March 2011, and nearly $90,000, as well as 9 percent interest, on a second $3 million loan issued in August 2008. The lawsuit also calls on the Staffords to pay $75,000 in attorneys' fees, according to court documents.

The lawsuit includes claims against the Staffords' company Strats Inc. Jim Stafford, who had lived in Taney County when the loans were taken out, now resides in Florida. Ann Stafford continues to live in Taney County, according to court documents.

The Jim Stafford Theatre, where the musician and comedian performed for some 20 years, closed in December. Metropolitan National Bank purchased the theater in May as part of a foreclosure sale, according to a Branson Tri-Lakes News report.[[In-content Ad]]