Former Pastor Eric Readon has been taken into custody after accepting a plea deal in an elder exploitation and fraud case.
Readon served as the pastor of New Beginning Missionary Baptist Church and was charged with “organized fraud, organized scheme to defraud, exploitation of the elderly, theft, and grand theft” as reported by Local 10.
Local 10 also initially reported on Readon’s allegations in 2017 which claimed that the pastor defrauded “Edward Fuller, a retired 76-year-old postal worker, out of his home and more than $267,000.” Fuller claims that Readon was going to help him secure a loan which required a partial transfer of homeownership. Instead of securing the funds, Readon allegedly sold the property and stole all of the proceeds.
The Miami-Dade pastor originally rejected a plea deal which included 366 days in jail and ten years of probation. By rejecting the deal, he opened himself up to a potential life sentence if convicted by a jury. In a quick change of heart, “Readon agreed to serve 364 days in the Miami-Dade County Jail, followed by 15 years of probation and $180,000 in restitution” to Fuller.
On July 11th, Readon attempted to withdraw his guilty plea citing social pressure and the intricacies of a separate grand-theft auto case he is facing. Local 10 reports that “a hearing has been set for July 30 to decide whether Readon will be allowed to withdraw his guilty plea” and if granted, “his conviction would be vacated” and Readon would face trial, with up to 65 years behind bars on the table.
Religious leaders often hold positions of trust and influence within their communities. When allegations of financial exploitation or abuse arise, particularly involving vulnerable individuals, it can significantly impact public confidence in institutions that are traditionally seen as sources of support and guidance.
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