Approximately $400,000 in restitution is being sent to current and former residents of an Ilwaco mobile home park. This follows a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Bob Ferguson against the park's owners, Michael and Denise Werner, and their companies, including Deer Point Meadows Investments. The Werners are paying nearly $1.1 million as part of the resolution.
In 2022, eviction and utility shutoff notices were distributed at Beacon RV mobile home park by agents representing the Werners before they officially owned the property. Two agents were armed with firearms during this process. Denise Werner referred to residents as “filth” in written communication, while Michael Werner expressed disregard for their rights.
A Pacific County Superior Court judge previously ruled these actions unlawful. The settlement requires the Werners to compensate tenants and cover investigation costs. About 40 tenants will each receive $10,000 checks from the Attorney General’s Office.
“This resolution gives significant relief to tenants — many of whom are elderly, disabled, low-income or veterans — and provides accountability for the park owners’ illegal conduct,” Ferguson stated. “Washington law is clear: Mobile home landlords must deal fairly with their tenants.”
The Werners violated both the Consumer Protection Act and Manufactured/Mobile Housing Landlord-Tenant Act during their management of Beacon Charters and RV Park. They own several mobile home parks across Washington state.
On April 11, 2022, they purchased Beacon RV Park intending to convert it into short-term rentals but had issued eviction notices starting February 25, 2022. A utility shut-off notice followed on April 6, signed by “Management.” Attempts to cut off power were thwarted by the local utility provider.
Judge Katherine Svoboda deemed these notices unfair and deceptive under the Consumer Protection Act. Residents described conditions at the park as unsafe and unsanitary due to neglect by the Werners.
Many residents feared eviction or losing access to basic utilities, leading some to move out under duress. These actions caused stress-related physical harm requiring medical care for some individuals.
The Attorney General’s Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution Program received multiple complaints from Beacon tenants. Established in 2007, this program helps resolve disputes between landlords and manufactured home owners under Washington’s Manufactured/Mobile Housing Landlord-Tenant Act.
Assistant Attorney General Sebastian Miller led the case with support from investigator Scott Henderson, paralegal Emin Aliiasov, legal assistant Chris Kiefer, and former Assistant Attorney General Shidon Aflatooni.