Trial Postponed In Molino Couple Cancer Scam Case

January 24, 2012

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http://www.northescambia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/lukers11.jpgTrial was set to begin Monday for one member of the Molino couple accused of faking her cancer diagnosis to scam people out of thousands of dollars.

Jury selection had been scheduled for Monday in the case of Gerald “Chris” Luker, but a request for a continuance by his attorney was granted.

Both Chris and Sonja Luker are now set for trial in mid-March.

Felony grand theft charges were dropped against the couple back in May, but they both still face felony fraud charges in the alleged scheme.

According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, numerous fundraisers were held between May 2004 and October 2010 that raised over $19,000. Evidence shows that about $14,000 was used in 2009 to avoid foreclosure on their home in the 4700 block of Pine Circle Drive and about $4,000 in cash was used by Chris Luker to purchase a 1997 Harley motorcycle.

The Sheriff’s Office investigation found that Chris and Sonja Luker personally received money from friends, family, church members and co-workers under a “scheme” that Sonja Luker was being treated for cancer. Investigators believe both Chris and Sonja Luker are guilty of fraud in the scheme; witnesses said the couple was observed together at fundraisers talking about her cancer treatments.

They have each pleaded not guilty to the charge against them.

Pictured above: Sonja and Chris Luker (in black shirts) are seen in a 2009 NorthEscambia.com photo from a motorcycle ride fundraiser that benefited her alleged fight against cancer. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

15 Responses to “Trial Postponed In Molino Couple Cancer Scam Case”

  1. Darko Sladovic on January 25th, 2012 5:05 pm

    As part of their probation, they need to be made to care for terminal cancer patients at Covenant Hospice Residence.

  2. considerthis on January 25th, 2012 1:04 pm

    Consider that maybe it would be a good idea, considering they are found guilty, to
    require them to work in some kind of community service for a small pay until restitution to all “victoms” has been repaid in full. This would save taxpayer dollars on jail time and would remburse those kind people that thought they were
    doing a good turn helping someone in need.

    Then again, they could be required to sell the house and motor cycle and pay all
    these kind people and organizations with the proceeds. That would truely be JUSTICE!

  3. Betty on January 25th, 2012 5:48 am

    Well they are in for a shock because people do not forget being suckered and made a fool of…A trial delay just gives everyone time to become more bitter toward them…I hope they get the max punishment for being the low life bottom feeders they are…

  4. Jane on January 25th, 2012 4:16 am

    Postponed again? Do they think people here will forget what they did? There are some long memories here!

  5. Julia W. on January 24th, 2012 11:27 pm

    Well, All I can say is what goes around comes around!!!!!!

    As momma used to say “Nothing goes over the devils back that does not come under his belly and scratch”

  6. JESSICA on January 24th, 2012 8:14 pm

    This is awfull!!! There are so many people who actualy have cancer and really need help with there medicine and healthcare! terrible they should get the max!

  7. safebear on January 24th, 2012 4:10 pm

    Poetic justice will be if one of them does get cancer, or some other disease or situation, and they can’t get the money they need to deal with it. But then, taxpayers may end up paying for them too – especially if they are in jail.

  8. What tha on January 24th, 2012 2:34 pm

    This is crazy . The longer they wait the worse it will be for you. I guess they think the longer they wait that we will forget , but fakeing cancer to get money burns into your mind and we will never forget

  9. CHRISTINA on January 24th, 2012 11:57 am

    THIS IS REALLY SICK THESE PEOPLE NEED MENTAL HELP WHO DOES SOME THING LIKE THIS AND CONTINUES THE SCHEME FOR THIS LONG?

  10. reneebrady@yahoo.com on January 24th, 2012 11:25 am

    when i first heard about these crooks , it made me sick i have been fighting breast cancer for 4 years its not been easy but i have a 13 year old daughter to live for i had cancer for 3 years that i found my self after 10 years of mamagrams at the same hospital, how does that make them feel.now my life is a guessing game, i would never make up someting like this i guess they have no heart shame on you .god bless

  11. o on January 24th, 2012 10:30 am

    How many times will they be allowed to postpone this? I understand they want to put if off. No one wants to face getting in trouble but come on why is the court system letting them keep pushing it back again, again, and again.

  12. darlene on January 24th, 2012 8:08 am

    this makes me so sick. I have a son that had cancer we almost lost him but praise God today he is cancer free. But to see people try and make money off a aweful diease as cancer and fake having it just makes me so very mad . i hope they never have to go though something like that. but i do hope they are punish to the fullest for what they did. God bless anyone that has had to deal with this aweful diease .

  13. burn on January 24th, 2012 8:03 am

    NEED TO DUST OFF OLD SPARKY FOR THESE 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  14. molino-anon on January 24th, 2012 7:01 am

    Keep pushing the date back, but in the end you can’t avoid your fate.

  15. Test on January 24th, 2012 3:42 am

    That is sad

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News