Marilyn Rupard sued John David Crow and the John David Crow Evangelist Association on Nov. 13, in Brazoria County Court.
Rupard claims that Crow "represented himself as a pastor and investment advisor" when she met him. At the time, Rupard was pursuing a personal injury claim involving artificial hip implants that had disabled her.
When Crow learned about her personal injury claim, Rupard says, he "began to pressure her to reach a settlement as soon as possible."
Crow told her "that once she got a settlement he would assist her in investing her money and that he would take care of her personal needs," according to the complaint.
In September this year, when Crow learned she was about to get "a significant settlement" for her claim, he invited her to move into his home "on the pretext that he could assist her with her daily personal care, and assist her in investing her money," the complaint states.
Rupard says she moved into Crow's house on Sept. 20.
Crow "insisted on accompanying the plaintiff to her attorney's office to pick up the settlement check," which was for $270,000 Rupard says.
She claims that Rupard took the check from her attorney, "and kept it."
With her check in his hand, Rupard says, Crow told her that if she deposited the money in "her name only" she would lose her Social Security disability and Medicaid benefits.
He offered to deposit the $270,000 in his name and put the money under the control of his evangelistic association, Rupard says.
He could only do it, however, if Rupard wrote a letter giving him authorization - so she did, Rupard says.
She claims that Crow had the letter notarized - though she did not appear in front of the notary - and that on Oct. 2 Crow deposited the check into a new Wells Fargo account under both their names and Crow's evangelistic association.
When Rupard asked if she could have a debit card for the account, Crow "said she could not have a debit card and laughed at her," according to the lawsuit.
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The Saddest Story in the World
It is very sad and the saddest part of all is that it will continue to happen over and over until tough laws are put in place and those laws are enforced.
ReplyDeleteIt so sad. All it takes to reel a lonely elderly person in is a smile and a fake friendship.
ReplyDeleteWe need tough laws against these predators. I agree with you Anonymous.
What a heartbreaking story. This horrible man took advantage of her naivete and loneliness. Her lawyer should have spoken to her privately before handing over her check to this thief. I pray her lawyers and the judge od the right thing by her!
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