A New York court has dismissed an appeal in a lease dispute case involving Tri Trekkers, LLC and defendants Saffi L. Rigberg and Daniel F. Russell. The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York ruled on October 2, 2026, affirming a lower court's decision that awarded money damages to Tri Trekkers. This ruling is significant for the parties involved, as it upholds the previous court's findings and emphasizes the importance of lease agreements in business operations.
The case, Tri Trekkers, LLC v. Rigberg, was filed under docket number 700 CA 25-01749. The dispute arose from a breach of lease action initiated by Tri Trekkers against Rigberg and Russell. The original ruling from the Erie County Court, presided over by Judge Kenneth F. Case, was issued on March 25, 2025. The court found that the defendants had failed to comply with the terms of the lease, leading to financial damages for the plaintiff.
Tri Trekkers, LLC is a business entity that likely relies on its lease for operational purposes. The defendants, Saffi L. Rigberg and Daniel F. Russell, were appealing the decision made by the lower court, which had ruled in favor of Tri Trekkers. The case reached the Appellate Division after the defendants sought to overturn the lower court's order.
The Appellate Division, consisting of Judges Whalen, Lindley, Bannister, Delconte, and Hannah, unanimously dismissed the appeal without costs. The court referenced prior cases to support its decision, stating, "It is hereby ORDERED that said appeal is unanimously dismissed without costs." This ruling indicates that the court found no merit in the defendants' arguments to challenge the lower court's findings.
By dismissing the appeal, the Appellate Division effectively upheld the lower court's ruling, which awarded monetary damages to Tri Trekkers. The decision reinforces the enforceability of lease agreements and the responsibilities of parties involved in such contracts. The court's ruling serves as a reminder that failing to adhere to lease terms can result in significant financial consequences.
The impact of this ruling extends beyond the immediate parties. It sets a precedent for future lease disputes, emphasizing the importance of honoring contractual obligations. Businesses entering lease agreements can take this ruling as a warning about the potential repercussions of breaches. It also highlights the judicial system's commitment to upholding contracts and protecting the rights of parties who fulfill their obligations.
Moving forward, this case illustrates the importance of understanding lease agreements and the legal implications of breaching such contracts. The dismissal of the appeal means that Tri Trekkers will receive the awarded damages, allowing them to continue their operations without the financial burden caused by the breach.
As for the defendants, Saffi L. Rigberg and Daniel F. Russell, they may have limited options left for recourse. The court's decision is final unless they can present new evidence or grounds for appeal that would warrant further review. Details were not available in the court filing regarding any potential next steps the defendants might take.