Unreported / Non-Citable
Background
Centurion MPP Pte. Ltd. filed a Verified Complaint on July 1, 2026, seeking maritime attachment and garnishment against Parker Bush Logistics, Inc. under Supplemental Rule B. Centurion sought to attach assets held by garnishee JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. The plaintiff filed motions requesting issuance of process and appointment of service of process for maritime attachment and garnishment.
Centurion’s counsel, Attorney J. Stephen Simms, attested under penalty of perjury that the defendant Parker Bush Logistics cannot be found within the Northern District of Texas. The verified complaint adequately stated a claim against the defendant.
The Court’s Holding
The U.S. Magistrate Judge found that Centurion satisfied all requirements for maritime attachment and garnishment under Supplemental Rule B of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The court granted both the Motion for Order for Issue of Maritime Attachment and Garnishment and the Motion for Appointment for Service of Process of Maritime Attachment and Garnishment.
The court authorized the Clerk of Court to issue writs of maritime attachment and garnishment against all assets, funds, accounts, letters of credit, freights, charter hire, electronic fund transfers, and other tangible and intangible assets belonging to or claimed by the defendant that are in the possession or control of the garnishee within the district. The order permits issuance of additional writs against other garnishees without further court order. Service may be made by facsimile or email after initial service, and such service is deemed continuous from the time of transmission through the opening of the garnishee’s business the next business day.
Key Takeaways
- Maritime attachment and garnishment may be issued when the defendant cannot be located within the district and adequate verification is provided.
- The order covers all types of assets and property, both tangible and intangible, belonging to or benefiting the defendant.
- Subsequent writs and supplemental service may be issued by the Clerk without additional court orders.
- Parties claiming an interest in attached property have a right to prompt judicial hearing to challenge the garnishment.
Why It Matters
This order is significant for creditors and plaintiffs seeking to collect on maritime claims against defendants who have absconded or cannot be found in the jurisdiction. By authorizing broad attachment of assets held by third parties like banks, the court provides an important mechanism to preserve defendant assets pending resolution of the underlying dispute. The streamlined procedures for supplemental service and continued garnishment enhance the practical utility of maritime attachment remedies.
The order establishes that verified complaints with adequate factual allegations, combined with counsel’s sworn statement that the defendant cannot be located in the district, are sufficient to trigger the attachment and garnishment powers available under the Supplemental Rules for Admiralty and Maritime Claims.