St. Louis Post-Dispatch from St. Louis, Missouri • Page 11

aBH ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH 11A July 20. 1980 Real-Estate Dealer Faces $220 Million Slander Suit All of the NEW COMPLETELY I vwaaiKH' ilk I i so. iMCTAIIFn! Includes: Carpet, wn I I DJ I 9V4. i v.

iciLMjr unu ruu What else is so nice for the price 9x12 CUSHION BACK rugs isriiAr Beautiful Colors Alfred W. Mueller, whose real-estate license was ordered revoked last year, has filed a $220 million slander suit against the employer of a real-estate agent who allegedly called Mueller "a crook." The suit was filed Friday in St. Louis County Circuit Court against real-estate dealer Gordon A. Gundaker. It was the second slander suit filed by Mueller, a South County dealer, in 18 months.

Mueller's license was revoked by the Missouri Real Estate Commission In April 1979 for fraudulent practices, but the revocation has been stayed by court order pending an appeal. In the new suit, Mueller alleges that an employee of Gundaker's, Joseph Fendler, called Mueller "a crook" in a restaurant on Aug. 2, 1978. Mueller contends that the alleged statement has damaged his business and reputation, and Mueller also contends that Fendler was speaking on behalf of Gundaker. In February 1979, Mueller sued L.K.

Wood, a real-estate dealer and chairman of the state commission while It was considering disciplinary action against Mueller. The suit, which seeks $4 million, alleges that Wood and his employees falsely said Mueller's license had been suspended for unfair practices. The suit is pending in Circuit Court at Clayton. Revocation of Mueller's license was upheld by county Circuit Judge Ninian M. Edwards last Aug.

29, but Mueller has asked the Court of Appeals at St. Louis to review the case. The commission found that Mueller, owner of AI Mueller Realty 4021 Union Road, violated Missouri's real-estate practices law by acting for more than one party in a transaction without the knowledge of all parties. In the process, it was reported, Mueller realized a $12,000 profit. FAMILY ROOM SPECIAL 100 NYLON SCULPTURED CUT A LOOP LEVEL LOOP PATTERNS AS LOW CUSHION BACK Values to $7.00 Sq.

Yd. GRASS CARPET Colors and Green $099 dm SQ.YD. ECONOMY VINYL 12-FT. For Basement, 49 Clubhouse I SQ. YD.

OlV)QVQl 067-5654 30-60-90 DAYS SAMI i lhAS CASH I CENTRAL CITY SHOPPINO CENTER HoOt ttrf HA. 1-770 Opm QaHy i3O-0 Sot. iS0-St30 Michael Sarnoff Carafiols Ethan Allen DrexelHeritage Henredon Century and many other fine names Wouldn't Admit Problem Before Killing Cyclist By Roy Malone Of the Post-Oitpatch Staff Copyright, 1 980, St. LouU Poat-Oiapatch At 21 years of age, Tod D. Minnigerode was drinking daily.

He would get drunk with his friends at night. On his job, at a St. Louis hospital, he and other employes would combine drinking with drugs but hide it from supervisors and security officers at the hospital. But he would not admit to himself that he had an alcohol problem. And although he knew of the penalties for drunken driving, it was never something he took seriously.

One day at work, a year ago, Minnigerode got so bombed on vodka and valium that he could hardly stand up. He was sent home by a well-meaning supervisor halfway through his 3-to-U p.m. shift. But on the way he hit a 16-year-old youth on a bike and killed him. The victim was Michael Sarnoff, a popular A-student at University City High School and a top chess player.

Sarnoff was returning home from a chess session and was hit from behind while going west in the 6200 block of Delmar Boulevard. "I'd never been that high in my life," said Minnigerode, who at that time lived in Bellefontaine Neighbors. He had decided to go to a friend's house because it was too early to be getting home from work and he didn't want to have to explain his condition to his wife. He said he never saw the Sarnoff youth in the glare of his windshield, which was ablaze with the setting sun. He heard a thud, saw a bike lying in the street behind him and stopped his car.

He then staggered back to discover what he had done. Minnigerode was willing to be interviewed because, "I owe something." He feels his story might help others, especially young persons, recognize the dangers of drug abuse and driving while intoxicated. He doesn't show his feelings much, but "they are there," he says stoically. After going through a three-week treatment program earlier this year, he has admitted his alcohol problem, has quit drinking and now is trying to recover from the nightmare so that he can support his wife and their 8-month-old child. "I don't want to hide anything anymore," he said.

But the nightmare continues for Phyllis Sarnoff, who lost her only son. She talks proudly of Michael's passion and genius for chess, how he battled Soviet chess grandmaster Viktor Korchnoi to a draw when Korchnoi took on 40 opponents at once in St. louis last year. The University of Pennsylvania had talked with Michael about college and the university's strong chess team. Daily she battles anger and frustration and sees Michael's death as part of a system that frees violators to take to the highways again.

As a legal secretary in Clayton she works for a law firm that, as part of its practice, defends drunken drivers. And the lawyer who defended Minnigerode was a grade school classmate of hers. She says of the lawyers: "That's their job. They are not supposed to judge. But how would you feel?" Minnigerode will never forget the icy stare of Mrs.

Sarnoff, who would show up at his court appearances. She has only contempt for drunken drivers and the young man who killed her son. But, she admits, "Putting him in jail would not bring my son back or make me feel better." What she wants is a law that would take a drunken driver's license, not for just a year or two, but for good. "I want to show drunk drivers that they'll never drive again," she says. A St.

Louis County grand jury heard witnesses but did not find enough evidence to charge Minnigerode with manslaughter. He pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated and in April was sentenced to six months in jail and fined $500. His jail sentence was suspended and he was placed on two years probation. His license is suspended for one year, but he recently was granted a hardship driving privilege so that he can get to work. One lawyer wanted $5,000 to defend him.

The one he hired charged $3,000. A pre-sentence investigation report by a private firm cost another $350. His auto insurance will be triple the normal cost. Minnigerode got fired from his hospital job after the accident. Last fall, he became a father.

He got laid off from a job in the construction industry last winter and expects to be called back soon. In defending himself, and to meet living expenses, he used up inheritance money he had gotten from a grandparent and which he hoped to use to continue his education. He had quit college when he got married more than two years ago. In 1975, Minnigerode's wife lost a brother, who was 18, in a fatal accident caused by a drunken driver in Granite City. Two other teen-agers, who had gone with him to Illinois to buy liquor before going to a party were also killed in that head-on collision.

Minnigerode's best friend, who he said had been arrested previously for drunken driving, killed himself in an auto accident just after Minnigerode's accident last year. The friend was coming back to St. Louis County from East St. Louis. "I know he had to be drinking," Minnigerode recalled.

"It was 4 a.m., he was alone, and ran into a parked car, injuring the people in it." Minnigerode said that whenever he went out partying, heavy drinking and use of marijuana was the norm. "I thought I was normal," he said. "I drank all the time. I couldn't admit to myself I had a problem." He said it was only after going through St. Louis State Hospital's 21-day alcoholism program, that "I finally admitted I was on my way to becoming an alcoholic, if I wasn't already." savings of 10 to 40 When it happens only once a year, you can't afford to miss it.

Its Carafiols biggest and most extensive sale of the year. Save on selected groups for every room in your home, with the most respected brand names in fine furniture. All accessories, lamps, pictures, etc. are 20 off during this sale. Ethan Allen Antiqued Pine Dining Room The casual comfort and hefty proportions of this dining room provides a friendly and warm atmosphere for your casual dining.

Just one of many Ethan Groups now on sale. 50 949 Table and 4 Chairs, reg. 1157.50 Pedestal Table, 48" round, opens to BuffetHutch, 59" wide, with a with two 15 aproned leaves. wealth of storage and display space. $499.50 Reg.

1079. $949.50 Reg. 619.50 00 Captains Chair, each, reg. 134.50 $114.50 3-- SUMMER SALE SAVINGS ON EASTMAN HOUSE If- EASTMAN HOIS: I mSSmmmmmm -I II HPW "I QUALITY BEDDING 5- VSTTf II I ill Restopose famous Eastman House Sleep Sets Twin size, ea. pc.

reg. 89.95 6995 Full Size, ea. pc. reg. 119.95.

9995 18th Century Classic Bedroom by Drexel ifjjs The Old South is recaptured in a bedroom, featuring the "Rice Carved" poster bed. In mahogany and pecan veneers with andiroba solids in a medium brown lightly distressed finish. Just one of many DrexelHeritage groups now on sale! Night Stands, 23W 16D 3OV2H, reg. 349.00 $302 Rice Carved Bed, tfooi queen size, reg. 1019.00 tpoOl 15D l5'zH, reg.

179.00 0)155 Bed Canopy (available) Reg. 129.00 $1 12 Colection includes many other bedroom pieces. Chest on chest, 39'2 wide, Reg. 939.00 Dresser (Available) 72" wide, Reg. 999.00 $812 $864 Pan Asian Dining Room by Henredon Oriental elegance is combined with contemporary function in the Pan Asian Collection.

Crafted in mahogany solids with walnut, mahogany and olive ash burl veneers, Pan Asians finish is deep, dark and lustrous. The modular units used in this dining room are just a few of the many pieces available. 4 1. 4-. ,1 i VH If '1, -1 Clear The Air! Hate( cigar and i cigarette smoke? Smoke Magnet clears the air.

Push the button and smoke and room Jr odors disappear. Non-aerosol. Works Xm'itii'-j for months. Dining Table. 68 40, extends to 100" with two 16" 1 aproned leaves.

Reg. 1359.00 5plOo7 Side Chairs, cane seat with reniov- able cushion.each, reg. 399.00 po 1 Matching Arm Chairs, reg. 475.00 $380 Door Deck, 30W 14D, Interior lights, glass doors, thick glass shelves. Reg.

915.00 5J732 Door Chest, 30W 18D, one adjustable shelf. Reg. 565.00 $452 Lighted Canopy, 60W 14D, Reg. 399.00 $319 Mirror, 31 x51V, Cfn polished edge, reg. 159.00 $127 Drawer Chest, 45Wxl8D, GtA' 6 drawers, reg.

427.00 $J42 Discount applies to purchase of $500 (5 Additional Discount on Cash Purchases or more Discount is not applicable to clearance items 13 to 12 off. Applies to current purchases only. On deliveries of less than $15. add $1 for handling. CLAYTON CKUTWOOO DOWNTOWN JAMHTOWN1 NORTHWEST CLAIM WT COUNTY WEST COUNTY Manchester 4 Weidman Rds.

394-7575 BRIDGETON 12100 St Charles Rd. 291-6330 SOUTH COUNTY 3177 Lemay Ferry Rd. 892-0203 Csiirafiois DISTINCTIVE HOME FURNISHINGS for 1 browsing Noon to 4 n.m. HOURS Mon. thru 9:30 a.m.

to 9:00 p.m., Sat. to 5:30 p.m. Convenient Terms Start your vacation plans by reading the travel pages of the Sunday St. Louis Post-Dispatch.