Schulz Stephenson Law Secures Over $5.5 Million Verdict in Carteret County Alienation of Affection Case

Sundee G. Stephenson and Bradley N. Schulz of the law firm of SCHULZ STEPHENSON LAW, Beaufort, North Carolina, are pleased to announce a significant recent jury verdict they obtained on behalf of their client, Jamie Richards, in the Carteret County Superior Court, Beaufort, North Carolina. Ms. Richards brought claims for compensatory and punitive damages against the Defendant, Erica Burkhart, relating to Plaintiff’s claims for alienation of affection and criminal conversation. Plaintiff’s claims involved her loss of love and affection, society, companionship, mental anguish, shame, humiliation, loss of support from husband, and injury to Plaintiff’s reputation. The Plaintiff also made claims based upon the willful and wanton conduct of the Defendant. The trial took place over approximately seven days, and was presided over by the Honorable Bob R. Cherry, Superior Court Judge. Plaintiff received a jury verdict in the amount of $2,562,000.00 in compensatory damages, and $3,000,000.00 in punitive damages. Interest was also awarded on both of these awards. The Plaintiff had been married 19 years to her husband, at which time the Defendant became romantically involved with Plaintiff’s husband. Plaintiff was able to discover the relationship through the use of a private investigator, and review of cell phone records. This verdict is believed to be one of the highest, if not the highest, in the Carteret County Superior Court for compensatory and punitive damages. The Judgment was entered on October 13, 2025. Since that time, Defendant’s Motion for a New Trial was denied by the Court.

Date of Judgment: October 13, 2025
Carteret County Court File Number: 24CVS000063-150
Submitted by: Bradley N. Schulz
Date of Submission: February 10, 2026