2 Growers’ Families Win $46.7 Million in Suit Against Bank

Two Sebastopol families of apple growers were awarded $46.7 million from Bank of America in one of the largest award settlements in Sonoma County history.

A 12-member Superior Court jury brought in the verdict late Friday after deliberating nine days.

The families originally sought $110 million from Bank of America, charging “unethical banking practices, which caused their apple businesses to fail resulting in the loss of millions” over the last few years.

George M. Jewell and his wife, Laura, were awarded $12 million in compensatory damages and $19 million in punitive damages. Their relative, George R. Jewell, was awarded $4.5 million in compensatory damages and $1 million in punitive damages.

Irene O’Connell was awarded $2.7 million in compensatory damages and $6.7 million in punitive damages from the bank. O’Connell was also awarded an additional $100,000 for emotional distress.

Witnesses said the plaintiffs appeared “positively stunned” at the verdict reached before Judge William Betinelli, who said the award may be the biggest settlement in Sonoma County history.