Miami Gardens Pastor Rejects Plea Deal, Faces 65 Years in Prison for Fraud and Elder Exploitation

Pastor Eric Readon Rejects Plea Deal

• 👨‍⚖️ Pastor Eric Readon of Miami Gardens has rejected a plea deal offered by the State Attorney’s Office in a significant elder exploitation and fraud case.
• ⚠️ This decision means he now faces a potential sentence of up to 65 years in state prison if convicted at trial.
• ⚖️ The rejected plea deal would have resulted in a sentence of just one year and a day in prison, followed by 10 years of probation and restitution to victims.

Allegations of Fraud and Exploitation

• 🏠 Charges against Readon include organized fraud, exploitation of the elderly, theft, and grand theft, stemming from a 2017 Local 10 News investigation.
• 💰 In one alleged instance, Readon is accused of convincing Edward Fuller, a retired postal worker, to transfer part ownership of his home under the guise of securing a loan, then allegedly selling the home for $267,000 without Fuller's knowledge.
• 📈 A pattern of similar alleged offenses is emerging, with Readon recently accepting a no-contest plea in Broward County for similar accusations involving victims in Davie and Lauderdale Lakes.

Legal Proceedings and Future Trial

• 🗓️ Readon has chosen to take the case involving Edward Fuller to trial, with the trial currently set for July 7th.
• 🚨 An arrest warrant may also be drafted in the coming days regarding a previously dropped grand theft auto charge in Broward County, which could resurface in Dade.
• 🧑‍⚖️ The judge emphasized to Pastor Readon the gravity of his decision, ensuring he understood the risks involved in rejecting the plea deal and proceeding to trial.