CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Speaker of Utah House and Senate candidate Brad Wilson, facing lawsuit

Oct 11, 2023, 4:00 PM

Image of Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson as he announces his candidacy for U.S. Senate at a kickoff ...

FILE: Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson announces his candidacy for U.S. Senate at a kickoff party in Draper on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)

(Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives and U.S. Senate candidate Brad Wilson is being sued for an alleged breach of contract.

In documents filed in the Third Judicial District Court for the state of Utah, plaintiff David Peterson, a former neighbor and co-worker of Wilson’s, alleged Wilson was in breach of contract and owed him a significant amount of money.

Neighbors become friends, then colleagues

The lawsuit said that Peterson and Wilson became friends while living in a Bountiful neighborhood and attending the same church. In 2006, Peterson said Wilson asked if he would join Wilson’s company, Destination Homes, as the Chief Financial Officer.

Peterson said he joined Wilson’s company, even though one of his conditions, that he would have an “ownership opportunity from day one,” had not yet been finalized.

The lawsuit alleged that the company had no equity and that Wilson, along with co-defendant David Bailey “were insolvent.” Despite the alleged money situation, Peterson claimed Wilson and Bailey “spent large amounts of company money,” with the purpose of making “Brad Wilson appear successful … as he wanted to run for the Utah House of Representatives.”

A loan, an expectation, a resignation

Despite the company’s alleged financial issues, the plaintiff claimed that he loaned $430,000 to Destination Homes. In exchange, he expected repayment of that money as well as the finalization of the original ownership agreement.

When the original ownership agreement was presented to the defendant, Peterson said it was for only 4.75% of the total common stock of Destination Homes. Despite the “lack of loyalty” by Wilson, Peterson said he signed the agreement anyway.

Not long after that, Peterson resigned from Destination Homes.

The suit claimed that Wilson is in breach of a signed agreement and owes Peterson funds agreed to in the agreement as well as lost interest on a loan Peterson paid to the company as well as attorney’s fees associated with the current lawsuit.

Brad Wilson responds to lawsuit

The Brad Wilson Campaign provided this statement from Wilson’s attorney in response to the lawsuit.

This lawsuit is baseless. David Peterson is a disgruntled former employee of a company that Brad Wilson co-founded. Peterson has sought to transform an unfounded, years-old dispute with his former employer into a groundless lawsuit against Brad Wilson with false allegations timed to smear Brad Wilson and hurt his political campaign. We intend to vigorously defend Mr. Wilson and pursue all available remedies.” – Chris Hogle, Partner at Holland & Hart, Counsel for Brad Wilson

Other reading:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Crime, Police + Courts

FILE - A police vehicle flashes its lights. (Getty)...

Michael Houck

Pedestrian killed after being hit by a vehicle, Santa Clara-Ivins police say

A woman was fatally hit by a vehicle Friday evening, Santa Clara-Ivins police say.

4 hours ago

Santa Clara murder charges...

Jacob Freeman

Charges brought against 15-year-old in Santa Clara murder case

A 15-year-old has been charged for killing a family member and wounding another in a Santa Clara home on Jan. 30.

15 hours ago

FILE: A United States District Court emblem is seen in a courtroom in the Salt Lake City Federal Co...

Simone Seikaly

Former gymnastics coach pleads guilty to new charges involving cameras, bathrooms

Gymnastics coach Adam Richard Jacobs has plead guilty to putting a camera in a minor's hotel room and bathroom.

1 day ago

On Wednesday a probation fugitive fled police leading to a high speed car chase involving several p...

Diana Jones

Multi-department car chase leads to capture of fugitive

On Wednesday a probation fugitive fled police leading to a high speed car chase involving several police departments. 

2 days ago

Unified and Murray police officers responding to a traffic stop by ICE agents on Jan. 26, 2025....

Michael Houck

Unified police say ICE agents made inaccurate claims about driver swerving toward them

A Utah police agency said ICE agents made false claims about a driver swerving toward them during a traffic stop last week.

3 days ago

student stabbed...

Mary Culbertson

1 student stabbed during fight at Weber County middle school

One student was taken to the hospital Tuesday after they were stabbed during a fight in the Weber School District.

4 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Speaker of Utah House and Senate candidate Brad Wilson, facing lawsuit