In re: Thomas R. Merkel v. American Community Bank

UNITED STATES BANKRUPCY COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS EASTERN DIVISION In re: ) Case no. 24-14828 ) THOMAS R. MERKEL, ) Chapter 7 ) Debtor, ) Honorable Deborah L. Thorne a) AMERICAN COMMUNITY BANK, ) ) Plaintiff, ) Adv. no. 25-00257 V. ) ) THOMAS R. MERKEL, ) Defendant. ) MEMORANDUM OPINION Plaintiff American Community Bank (ACB) seeks an order finding its claim against Thomas Merkel nondischargeable under sections 523(a)(2)(A), (a)(2)(B), and (a)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code. The court held a trial on June 15, 2026, during which ACB presented exhibits and testimony. Because Thomas…