About us

Exposing the Hidden Realities of Abuse and Fraud

 

 

 

At Spousal Fraud & Abuse

Our mission is to expose perpetrators and uncover the hidden realities of abuse, fraud, and manipulation. These crimes often remain concealed, enabling fraudsters and abusers to exploit their victims with little accountability. By shedding light on these injustices, we strive to prevent others from falling prey to similar tactics.

Through storytelling, expert insights, and educational resources, we aim to unmask those who take advantage of trust and vulnerability. Whether through individual cases or systemic patterns, our work highlights how exploitation infiltrates families, institutions, and communities, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness and prevention.

Our Purpose

Abuse and fraud are not confined to a single demographic or social class. From financial predators who exploit cultural icons to manipulative con artists who prey on the unsuspecting, these injustices impact individuals across all walks of life.

Our platform serves as a resource for survivors, advocates, and professionals to share their experiences and insights. By exposing perpetrators and their methods, we can break cycles of abuse, support victims, and advocate for meaningful change.

Case Spotlights: Unmasking the Perpetrators

The cases we spotlight go beyond individual stories—they reveal larger societal issues and patterns of exploitation. Each case demonstrates how predators use deception, manipulation, and coercion to abuse positions of trust.

Keya Morgan, a memorabilia dealer and former business associate of legendary Marvel Comics co-creator Stan Lee, was accused of financially exploiting the aging icon in his final years. Morgan allegedly isolated Lee from friends and family, mismanaged his finances, and attempted to control his assets for personal gain. Despite Lee’s fame and resources, his case underscores how even public figures can fall victim to fraudsters who infiltrate their inner circles. His story highlights the critical need for stronger safeguards and advocacy for elderly individuals, particularly those in positions of vulnerability.

Billionaire media mogul Sumner Redstone, the former chairman of Viacom and CBS, became the target of manipulation and exploitation in his final years by Manuela Herzer, a former companion who positioned herself as his caretaker and confidante. As Redstone’s health and cognitive abilities declined, Herzer allegedly exerted undue influence over him, isolating him from his trusted advisors and family members while seeking to control his estate.

Legal battles revealed that Herzer had been named a primary beneficiary in Redstone’s estate plans, standing to inherit millions, despite his family’s objections. Court proceedings uncovered disturbing details of Herzer’s involvement in Redstone’s personal and financial affairs, including allegations of coercion and financial exploitation. The lawsuits, ultimately settled, shed light on how even the wealthiest and most powerful individuals are vulnerable to abuse when their faculties diminish.

Redstone’s case underscores the critical need for stronger legal safeguards against elder abuse, particularly in high-net-worth circles where financial predators can manipulate estate planning and healthcare decisions to their advantage. His ordeal serves as a cautionary tale of how trust can be weaponized by those seeking personal gain at the expense of an elderly individual’s autonomy and well-being.

The case of Claudette Schwartz (also known by various aliases including Claudette Spinelli, Claudette Spinelli Schwartz, Claudette Rickett, and Claudette Rickett Schwartz) is a disturbing example of financial and emotional abuse within personal relationships.  Exhibiting what some would refer to as a clear pattern of manipulation and abuse, as evident with her first divorce and the documented abuse. Court documents from her latest divorce also detail allegations of financial manipulation, abandonment, infidelity, physical mistreatment, and neglect during her husband’s battle with cancer. Claims against her include administering THC to subdue him, exploiting his declining health for personal gain and abandonment in the hospital during a last –chance, life risking CAR-T procedure that was her husband’s last hope of survival.  Her case, with the accusations of banishing her husband to what she would refer to  (according to documents) as the dungeon, of his own home, during his long recovery, as well as including the alleged participation of her own family is a reminder of the countless instances where trust is weaponized in the most intimate of relationships.

Christopher Aber, Mickey Rooney’s stepson, was accused of systematically isolating the Hollywood legend while seizing control of his finances. Aber allegedly used threats and intimidation to keep Rooney compliant, stripping him of financial independence and access to loved ones. Rooney’s decision to testify before Congress about his ordeal helped bring national attention to the often-overlooked crime of elder abuse. His case serves as a warning about how those closest to an individual can become their worst exploiters.

A master of deception and notorious romance scammer, William Allen Jordan posed as a CIA agent to manipulate and defraud unsuspecting women. He deceived a New Jersey woman, convincing her to hand over large sums of money under the guise of classified government missions. His pattern of deceit spanned multiple victims, leaving them financially and emotionally devastated. Jordan’s case underscores the increasing prevalence of romance scams and the psychological tactics used by con artists to maintain control over their victims.

Abuse and Fraud: A Systemic Issue

The examples of horrific perpetrators like Keya Morgan, Michael L. Ramos, Claudette Schwartz, Christopher Aber, and William Allen Jordan reveal troubling patterns of exploitation, including:

  • Financial Exploitation: Misusing finances, coercing individuals into handing over money, or committing outright theft.
  • Emotional Manipulation: Isolating victims, fostering dependence, and using psychological tactics to maintain control.
  • Neglect and Physical Abuse: Withholding basic needs or using physical intimidation as a means of control.
  • Fraudulent Relationships: Entering romantic or personal relationships under false pretenses to gain access to money and resources.

These cases highlight the urgent need for increased awareness, stronger legal protections, and proactive measures to safeguard vulnerable individuals and prevent others from falling to their prey.

Our Commitment to Justice

At Spousal Fraud & Abuse, we are dedicated to:

  1. Unmasking Perpetrators: Shedding light on those who exploit trust and power for personal gain, helping others recognize the red flags of manipulation and fraud.
  2. Raising Awareness: By telling these stories, we bring visibility to the hidden dangers of abuse and financial exploitation.
  3. Empowering Action: Providing educational resources and expert insights to help individuals identify warning signs and take preventative measures.
  4. Advocating for Change: Supporting stronger policies, legal protections, and community programs to hold perpetrators accountable.

Whether you are here to learn, share your story, or seek support, we invite you to join us in our mission. Together, we can expose the hidden dangers of abuse and fraud, ensuring that justice prevails and those who exploit others are held accountable.

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