Lawsuits/Settlement

Harry Peak was the main suspect in the arson of the Los Angeles Library Fire. Due to his reputation as a pathological liar, his hundreds of different “stories'' made him extremely suspicious. At one point, Peak admitted that he started the fire, and Harry Peak was set to be put on trial on Feb. 27, 1986. However, there wasn’t enough evidence pointing to his guilt when the trial came, so he was released with no charges. Exact to revenge, Harry decided to sue the city for slander, emotional distress, and false arrest. He demanded 15 million dollars and sued Dean Cathey individually for 5 million dollars, totaling the final price to 20 million dollars. During the slow-moving course of the case, Harry was diagnosed with AIDS and had a limited amount of time to live. The case was going nowhere and Peak couldn't continue anyway, so it was settled with the city offering Peak $35,000, which he used quickly to fund his medical bills. With the check drafted, the city drew a sigh of relief, and Harry spent his last days in Palm Springs before passing away on April 3, 1993. †