Judge rules court can't take on couple's dispute over Scientology debt

[Jquepublic]

Interesting article in the Tampa Bay Times. Though the judge ruled that the Schippers have to abide by the CoS "arbitration" for a repayment of money on account, he allowed their lawsuit to continue.

Schaefer did allow other parts of the couple's lawsuit to go forward.

He did not direct the couple to church arbitration for the $7,500 they placed on account at the church's cruise ship because no agreements were signed specifically for services on ship.

He also let stand another count he termed "a curious cause of action.''

Hoverson and Schippers asked the court to force the church to return $147,183 in "freeloader debt'' they paid in 2008, reimbursing the church for free training and services received by Hoverson's two children while serving as members of Scientology's religious order, the Sea Organization.

Danar Hoverson was a Sea Org member 15 years. Ximena Hoverson served nine years. When they left the order, the church billed them, as is customary for departing Sea Org members. The two remained Scientologists but could not take services until the bill was paid.

Calling it a "false debt,'' Hoverson and Schippers state in their suit that after paying the bill, the church directed the children not to communicate with them because the couple caused a stir after leaving the church.

If their suit goes forward, it could be the first time Scientology's commonly imposed "freeloader debt'' is contested in court.

[Infinite]

..

I'm sorry to hear this. I thought it had been made clear to the US judiciary that grievous "Church scripture" (such as, say, polygamy or stoning people to death) were okay to be believed but that it was not okay to carry them out. Especially when those Scripture prevent a citizen from access to basic rights like, say, consulting a lawyer. Still, its a fine line, I guess: at what stage does religion trump the law? And what's the deal with the IRS that some people cannot obtain refunds . . . sounds dodgy as hell to me.

Nice little snippet of good news at the end:

. . . Danar Hoverson was a Sea Org member 15 years. Ximena Hoverson served nine years. When they left the order, the church billed them, as is customary for departing Sea Org members. The two remained Scientologists but could not take services until the bill was paid.

Calling it a "false debt,'' Hoverson and Schippers state in their suit that after paying the bill, the church directed the children not to communicate with them because the couple caused a stir after leaving the church.

If their suit goes forward, it could be the first time Scientology's commonly imposed "freeloader debt'' is contested in court . . .

. . . more cult money being spent on lawyers and another idea for a prospective class action.

EDIT: Give your click-love here: http://www.tampabay.com/news/courts/...y-debt/1219054 <---

[Rene Descartes]

Quick someone forward that article to Spencer before the Church petitions that Summary Judgement should not allow evidence of former "freeloaders" paying to get screwed in uncharacteristic locations better left to be indiginous to waste matter disposal.

Rd00

[Waking up]

Is there anyone on ESMB that has recently been successful in getting either a repayment from CCI and/or getting a small claims court judgement for a repayment of funds on account in Los Angeles? Does anyone know what bank CCI and/or FSO dotheir business with?

[Ogsonofgroo]

Is there anyone on ESMB that has recently been successful in getting either a repayment from CCI and/or getting a small claims court judgement for a repayment of funds on account in Los Angeles? Does anyone know what bank CCI and/or FSO dotheir business with?

Great question & a big

Actually it'd be really noice for people requesting info on 'how to' threads etc. to keep the masses updated on their progress (or lack there-of) in regards to recovering any of the cult's ill-gotten gains (like its all ill-gotten, yeh yeh we know eh!).
It is an unfortunate though understandable thing, that many have asked for info's but don't take the time to keep the board updated on what's up, which would be a nice thing to do. Lots of threads on this too.





oh>>>>>>>>>>>>>

& FUCK YOU OSA AND THE LITTLE DICKTATER YA RODE IN ON!!!!

[Mark A. Baker]

Interesting article in the Tampa Bay Times. Though the judge ruled that the Schippers have to abide by the CoS "arbitration" for a repayment of money on account, he allowed their lawsuit to continue.

IANAL but it sounds to me like the church is being provided with rope and it only remains for them to hang themselves with it.


Mark A. Baker

[NoName]

Is there anyone on ESMB that has recently been successful in getting either a repayment from CCI and/or getting a small claims court judgement for a repayment of funds on account in Los Angeles? Does anyone know what bank CCI and/or FSO dotheir business with?

Could you please make another post or two - something impersonal and banal. So we can talk about this via private message.