News Summary
Pastor Eric Readon of New Beginnings Missionary Baptist Church has been arrested in Pembroke Pines for driving a stolen luxury SUV. This incident adds to a series of legal troubles involving fraud and financial misconduct that Readon has faced in recent years. The community reacts to this shocking news amid ongoing legal battles. Follow the details as Readon’s complicated life continues to unfold in Miami.
Embattled Miami Pastor Eric Readon Arrested Over Stolen Luxury SUV
Miami Gardens is buzzing with news of an arrest that has sent shockwaves through the community. Pastor Eric Readon, who leads the New Beginnings Missionary Baptist Church, was apprehended on Thursday night in nearby Pembroke Pines for driving a luxury SUV that had been reported stolen. This arrest comes during a tumultuous time for Readon, who is already dealing with numerous legal complications.
Details of the Arrest
Readon was caught behind the wheel of a gray Land Rover, which had been flagged as stolen by local police. The vehicle’s Florida tag, DR99LP, was an easy clue that led to his arrest. Authorities discovered the SUV parked outside an Avis rental office located at 7944 Pines Blvd. It seems Readon had managed to drive off with the vehicle by presenting a false document; he showed a misleading photo of a completed wire transfer to Braman Motors, the dealership from which the vehicle was stolen.
However, it didn’t take long for the truth to come out. Braman Motors soon realized the wire transfer was never completed and raised the alarm about the missing SUV. When confronted, Readon reportedly refused to return the vehicle, leading to the police’s involvement and ultimately his arrest.
A Pattern of Legal Issues
This latest incident is just one in a long line of legal troubles for Readon. His problems began to surface a few years ago and escalated significantly in 2022 when he faced serious charges in Miami-Dade County. He was accused of organized fraud, exploitation of the elderly, and grand theft. In one shocking case, Readon allegedly swindled a 76-year-old man named Edward Fuller out of his home and over $267,000 by tricking him into transferring partial ownership of his property.
But that’s not all. Readon is currently embroiled in a lawsuit filed in Broward County by Jannett Spence, who claims he illegally claimed ownership of her home by altering the deed. With yet another case pending against him, Readon has a lot to answer for.
Financial Fiascos
Beyond allegations of fraud and real estate shenanigans, there are also multiple claims about financial misconduct involving bounced checks. Reports indicate that Readon issued checks totaling over $27,500 for roofing work that ended up bouncing due to closed accounts. He has reportedly faced similar issues with bounced rent checks for a property in Miami Lakes and has even failed to deliver a car after collecting a $3,000 deposit. Talk about adding fuel to the fire!
The Church and Property Issues
Readon’s legal woes extend to his church property as well. In late 2024, the property was foreclosed due to unpaid mortgage payments, selling at auction for $569,100, despite the debt being over $760,000 to City First Mortgage. As if that weren’t enough drama, a suspicious fire broke out at the church property, prompting an investigation into potential arson.
Pastor’s Public Image
In a rather unique twist, back in 2020, Readon even filed a $50 million defamation lawsuit against a local news outlet. He claimed that their reports about his business practices had a detrimental impact on his reputation, but the case was dismissed. Readon was left with a hefty legal bill, forced to pay over $70,000 in fees.
The Aftermath of the Arrest
After bonding out of jail on Friday, Readon’s future remains uncertain. Despite his ongoing troubles, he seemed to grasp for a positive spin by suggesting that just as challenges arose in the biblical narrative, there could be bright days ahead. However, questions linger about whether he has secured legal representation for his latest legal predicaments.
As Miami Gardens watches this unfolding saga, it will be interesting to see how Readon navigates this new twist in his already complicated life. One thing is for sure, with the community and legal systems focused on him, Pastor Readon’s next steps are crucial.
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