TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Ocean County Republican Chairman George Gilmore and his wife were named in a New Jersey foreclosure lawsuit tied to a long-running $250,000 mortgage dispute involving a Toms River property, according to court filings in Ocean County Chancery Court. The lawsuit alleges the loan fell into default in 2018 and that more than $383,000 remained owed when the complaint was filed in March 2022.
The foreclosure action, filed by Helensburgh Ventures LLC, claims George R. Gilmore and Thomas E. Monahan signed a promissory note in September 2007 for $250,000 with a 12% annual interest rate. Joanne Gilmore later executed the mortgage tied to the property at 23 East Drive in Toms River, according to the complaint.
The lender alleges payments stopped in January 2018, triggering default provisions that allowed the company to demand immediate repayment of the full balance, unpaid interest, late fees, attorney fees, and costs. Court filings state the total amount owed had reached at least $383,875 by the time the complaint was submitted.
Loan Default Spanned Years, Court Records Show
The complaint filed in Ocean County Superior Court states the mortgage was recorded in October 2007 and secured the East Drive property in Toms River. Attorneys for Helensburgh Ventures alleged the defendants failed to make required monthly interest payments beginning Jan. 1, 2018.
According to the filing, the loan required monthly interest payments of $2,500 and included a 5% late charge for missed payments. The lender claimed unpaid interest totaled $127,500 and late fees exceeded $6,000.
The case also named Mary Evens, who court records say obtained a 50% ownership interest in the property in 2018 for $125,000 through a recorded deed transfer. The lawsuit sought to foreclose subordinate interests connected to the property.
Key Points
• Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore was named in a 2022 foreclosure lawsuit tied to a Toms River property.
• The lender alleged a $250,000 mortgage entered default in 2018 after missed monthly payments.
• Court filings claimed the debt grew to more than $383,000 including interest and fees.
Foreclosure Notices Demanded Immediate Payment
Documents attached to the lawsuit show attorneys for Helensburgh Ventures mailed notices of intent to foreclose to Joanne Gilmore and Mary Evens on Feb. 1, 2022. The notices warned foreclosure proceedings would begin unless the debt was cured by March 7, 2022.
The notices detailed years of alleged missed payments dating back to 2018 and stated the outstanding balance included the original principal, accumulated interest, and late charges.
The lender also informed the recipients they could seek legal assistance, apply for foreclosure mediation, or pursue financial aid programs available through New Jersey housing agencies before the foreclosure advanced.
George Gilmore, a longtime Ocean County political figure and influential Republican leader, has remained a prominent force in New Jersey GOP politics for decades. The foreclosure filing added another legal matter connected to the high-profile attorney and political strategist, who previously faced federal tax-related convictions before later receiving a presidential pardon.
Property Fight Added to Existing Legal Disputes
The foreclosure complaint referenced a separate pending Ocean County Superior Court matter connected to the broader dispute. The lender requested the court enter judgment fixing the amount due, authorize sale of the property, appoint a receiver for the premises, and bar the defendants from retaining ownership rights if the debt remained unpaid.
Court records also stated Rose Reehill, identified as an additional borrower tied to the mortgage, had died before the foreclosure filing.
This week, the plaintiff in the case asked the court for an adjournment, stating a settlement agreement has been reached between them and the Gilmores.