Former trustees dispute decision

AIKEN --- Two former trustees in the estate of the late singer James Brown have filed a motion to reconsider an approved settlement involving the estate, a lawyer familiar with the case said Wednesday.

Robert Rosen, the attorney for Tomi Rae Hynie Brown, wrote in an e-mail that he had heard that a 75-page motion to reconsider was filed by former trustees Adele Pope and Robert Buchanan.

He said the motion doesn't constitute an appeal, adding that it "has no effect on anything" and that a new trustee is now overseeing the estate. That person is Columbia accountant Russell Bauknight.

The settlement, which was approved by Aiken Circuit Judge Jack Early on May 26, favors family members, including Mr. Brown's last wife, Mrs. Brown, and their young son. It also allows for the creation of a museum or other memorial to the soul singer.

The approved settlement ousted Ms. Pope and Mr. Buchanan from their roles, something Brown family members had sought.

In previous court testimony, Ms. Pope and Mr. Buchanan had argued that the settlement left out essential parties and that they planned to file an appeal if the settlement was approved.

Family members, though, said the settlement upholds Mr. Brown's legacy. The approval of the settlement gives nearly half of Mr. Brown's estate to his charitable trust; about a quarter to his wife and young son, James Brown II; and the rest to his adult children.

Reach Preston Sparks at (803) 648-1395 or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com.