ROCKLAND – The landlord of Contes, a Rockand restaurant, filed a civil suit Feb. 12 in Knox County Superior Court, alleging that the former tenant owes nearly $30,000 for back rent and damages.

Building owner Robert Wiggin evicted the restaurant’s owner, John Conte, from the property located on South Main Street in February, after a Rockland District Court judge ruled in Wiggins’ favor. The restaurant was then closed and Wiggin regained possession of the property.

Conte’s restaurant had occupied the building in Rockland’s south end since 2010.

According to the court document, Wiggin also asked the court to place an attachment on the property, which the defendant has partial ownership interest in. The defendant owns nearly 32 percent interest in The Waterfront Group Inc., according to court documents.

The Waterfront Group said in the court document that it has been attempting for some time to sell the real estate that became home to Conte’s, which was previously on the Rockland waterfront. If the property sells, Conte would be entitled to proceeds from the sale, and Wiggins alleges that this is the only asset the defendant has that could eliminate the debt he owes.

Documents said Wiggins claims that Conte damaged or destroyed equipment totaling more than $7,000, which Conte has denied.

A hearing has not yet been scheduled regarding Wiggin’s request for the property attachment.

Wiggins is represented by attorney Chad A. Cloutier of Rockland.

Sarah Shepherd can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com