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Cancer Scam: Chris Luker Charges To Be Dropped; Wife Sonja Faces Trial
February 23, 2012
Charges will be dropped in the next few days against the husband in the Molino couple accused of faking the wife’s cancer diagnosis for financial gain, according to prosecutors.
Gerald “Chris” Luker entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors under which he made restitution to each identifiable victim, and, in turn, charges against him were to be dismissed.
“The evidence indicated that he believed that his wife had cancer,” Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille said Wednesday, “and that he was not criminally involved.”
Sonja Luker is still facing trial next month and has no plea agreement available to her from prosecutors, Marcille said. Sonja Luker is charged with felony fraud; a previous grand theft charge against her was dropped in May 2011.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, numerous fundraisers were held between May 2004 and October 2010 that raised over $19,000. Sheriff’s investigators found 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, according to an arrest report.
Chris Luker provided the funds to make restitution to those that donated to the “Sonja Luker Kickin Cancer Fund” and checks were mailed to victims over the past week. Victims that made donations by check received the full amount of the original donation.
By tracing bank deposits, prosecutors found $8,506.81 in donations that were made in cash by unknown donors to Sonja Luker. Chris Luker agreed to make an equal donation of $8,506.81 to the American Cancer Society “with the intent of the original donors to support the cure for cancer,” according to a letter that known victims received from the State Attorney’s Office.
Under the plea agreement, Chris Luker will be unable to claim a tax deduction for his donation to the American Cancer Society.
Pictured top: 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
50 Responses to “Cancer Scam: Chris Luker Charges To Be Dropped; Wife Sonja Faces Trial”
The same exact thing is about to happen in Roberstdale Ala.
There is a woman who has told her family and friends that she has “kidney cancer” and is on chemo pills for time being.
She is doing this to get attention from her husband
She even makes facebook post saying I know I am going to be ok because GOD is in control, and is she brave or what? I dont think she has taken money from anyone so far she is only doing it to get attention from her husband and friends. but its bound to hit the fan sooner or later. and then she has the nerve to say GOD is in control. I would be scared to lie about such a thing.
To what degree must a lie be to render it “unforgiveable”? I dare say there is none, or very few, of us that have never told an untruth for our own advantage.
This is why we are commanded to forgive all trespassers and allow God to be
the judge in all sinful matters. When a person resorts to a lie, he or she, already
knows deep inside they are wrong. The actions of these people were wrong no
doubt about it. However, if restitution is made, and The falsehood told is known
to the public, why persue this any futher? The community will punish them by
their mistrust and, I’m sure if one of them does actually become ill, they will not
ask their neighbors for help. Put her in jail and she becomes ill the taxpayers
will pay for it.
I remember years back a friend of mines wife got hooked up on crack, just use your imagination and that is about how bad it was. My friend stood by his wife, which I thought at the time was insane. I have to say it is over 10 years later, she has been drug free for years and she has a career with the state, a beautiful home and a great marraige. We treat her with respect as she was strong and overcame her problems and got on track. My point is there may be hope for the Lukers yet. People can redeem themselves, it just takes hard work, prayer and time.
Were just waiting on apology….Oh by the way I got my check and donated it straight to American Cancer Association …. Thanks
well said becky…the hate needs to quit
Everyones getting their money back or it’s getting donated to the proper charity. Now everyone try to move on and quit holding hate in your heart.
Maybe she’s got that Munchinhouser?? disease except for making her children appear sick for the attention she did it for herself..definite mental issues..
REGARDING:
“I believe that all of us community people should keep put opinions to ourselves”
It is your opinion that people should not give their opinions? And you gave us your opinion that nobody should give their opinion?
Fascinating.
David thinking that should start with self
if at all
but that’s just my opinion
You may buy your way out of justice here on earth, but you, (like the rest of us), can’t avoid the ultimate judgement Booger.
I guess the family paid him out of this. He said his aunts and father would never let him go to prison.
It looks like a decision gate, or the old fork in the road if you like, for those two.
Well some people are very judgemental and I beleive that all of us community people should keep put opinons to ourselves or at least that is what i learned from my mother. And if you cant do that write in in a journal and burn it. *Good or Bad* I think we should look over the past and just keep starring straight. Come on people just stop already. —
I don’t see how the husband could not have known his wife really didn’t have cancer…what a terrible and serious illness….how Mrs. Luker could have made up such a lie and carried it out, only shouts out loud…..there are some people who have no conscience….they are missing it from birth and go through life never feeling other peoples pain or holding themselves responsible for their actions and the grief they bring to people….all things come to light…they always do….I don’t know if there are children in this family but my heart would go out to them and what they are having to live with.
Can any one remember if they had their own lawyer or were they given a public defender? The neighbors love to hear Chris start his bike and wake up any one who has been working a night shift. Odd things can happen some times—- maybe on a foggy morning a deer will wipe out that nice bike and skin him up some. He does not need to die —just put down a little skin and get a good case of road rash.
KP~ I personally knew them both. Considered them friends, donated over $200 to one fundraiser, spent over $100 at another and my children spent their OWN money to help “Mrs. Sonja and Coach Chris”. So yeah I have a problem with all of this. By the way people there is a difference between judging them and judging their actions. Oh and acording to Sonja’s many comments to me and others about how caring, loving and helpful Chris was during her treatments, . . . he knew.
I’ve had several family member die cuz of cancer. These people are DISGUSTING. They will get what they deserve in the end!!
Do I know S&C? yes. I am one of the people who was scammed and received a check yesterday. I think they will pay for their sins. A friend of mine said yesterday for me to move out of the way and let GOD deal with them. Its not our battle to fight anymore. I, more than most, felt the hurt by their actions. I have grown since then and have found a peace within. In a way, it was good what they did to me. I found my family again and a new best friend. GOD bless!
chris luker is a good guy. i got to know him a couple of years ago. like one post said they did wrong they are paying back the money give them a break .if bashing them makes you feel better about yourself then do so but god said dont judge people and this is all you people are doing…im sure you have NEVER done anything wrong. oh chris how is the pool working out for you.talk to you later my brother
how can folks sit here and defend suck a sickening couple, come on this makes me sick to my stomach when there are people out there that would give anything for another day on this earth with loved ones!! have you ever seen anyone suffer and die from CANCER? you know for the six years she faked cancer the money she got from her scam could have been the money to help someone you love!! so that should give these people that want tro defend them something to think about!!! THERE IS A PLACE FOR THESE PEOPLE!!!!!
REGARDING:
“Ok..Its time every one of you take of your judgemental glasses. What friends y’all are to support them and know you are throwing them to the wolves. If it was not for the grace of God every one of you would be in their place.”
Please try to find it in your heart to forgive those who feel betrayed. Pity shouldn’t only be reserved for those who steal by deceit but rather some should be given to those who were robbed by cons.
The ones who chose to not trick their friends, neighbors and church members may have accepted the grace of God and DECIDED to not cheat others. Part of God‘s grace is that we sinners can choose to listen to his Word and follow Him or stray down the wide path that leads to destruction. Or maybe they cheat them in other ways but I‘m not going to accuse, certainly not to justify wrongdoing.
David for cures for all diseases
and pity for the betrayed
I believe every person with a negative comment needs to take a look at them selves and realize how childish they’re being. You have nothin better to do with your life so you go on this website look for someone to look down upon. You that say things like its in God’s hand now; if it’s in Gods hand let it be, you don’t have to comment with the rest of the rude people. I find it pathetic that adults gossip about as much as high schoolers these days.
And this is not real news. Can someone point me to some real news? Shouldnt people be more concerned about the safety of others or the weather or something? What did people say when a kid brought a gun to school today? They were like “poor kid probably had a hard life an blah blah” wheres the news about that?
Everyone just needs to lay off because Im sure their family is going through a hard time and those of you acting like children over this will only lead to more suffering these people have to go through.
So, do this town a favor please and stop the gossip.
I knew this couple would come away from this without any jail time. How can they live with themselves? Evidently they have NO consciense at all. How God can forgive people like this, I don’t I don’t know. I couldn’t. Jail or prison is too good for these people. Hope they get what’s due them.
I imagine that the majority of those bashing, don’t even know Chris and Sonja. And how much have y’all lost personally from this. Really? I have known this family over half of my life. And when I originally heard it was a lie, I was shocked.. Couldn’t believe it.. Like I’m sure everyone else was they knows them… It was wrong what they did. And I’m sure they are in their own personal hell.. We’re human.. We make mistakes. Some bigger than others but no one is perfect… Don’t throw stones. Pray for them. Our God is a forgiving one… I’ve always loved this family. And always will. I have countless memories growin up that involve them. And even tho this has all happened. Theyre still good people…
I think we are all disgusted by this couples actions. But look at it this way, If he had gone t trial it would have been at our expense, It would have been lengthy,and there may not have been any restitution ever paid by him to the victims. This way the money has been paid back (no matter where he got it from) and the State Attorney’s office will go after the big fish, the wife. I think the State Attorney’s office is doing the right thing. This couple will have to live with the shame in their own community. In some ways that’s worse than jail time.
Anybody ever check to see how much money donated to the American Cancer Society really goes to fight cancer and how much goes for “administration fees?”You would be shocked at the totals.Check all charitable organizations out before donating money.See what the actual figures are before handing over your hard earned money.some of the administrators of these organizations make a pretty wealthy living.
As far as the husband not knowing whether or not his wife had cancer,that’s pretty simple.Not all relationships are open and honest and have good communication lines!
I don’t know these people but didn’t anyone that donated have a clue she wasn’t sick? She looks as healty as a well feed horse.
I’d be scared to fake something like CANCER to scam for money! I’ve always been a firm believer that what goes around comes around and I’d sure hate for it to be CANCER. I won’t even fake a stomach virus to miss work cause I’m scared I may catch it a day later. Maybe a cold! LOL
I hope the heck they move out of the area…He BELIEVED she had cancer…OMG!!
Jeeperman,
You are so right. I expect all those things to happen, because the broken system as a whole makes things so predictable. These people just need “good” advisers how to proceed, and they will be just “fine.” I do not know what to say or what to do, because change of the situation seems to be so hopeless.
There is no room for them in the prisons which is occupied by pot smokers, animal abusers and auto thieves instead of these petty thieves.
She will get several years of probation and will be ordered to pay back known victims pennies on the dollar. Which wont be enforced.
Then the two of them will leave town and repeat the scam in another state.
Wait and see.
UNBELIEVABLE!!!!…
really? You could have kept my money if it would put him in prison. I don’t get it. How can you go to work everyday at Ascend and be there with people you know you lied to? How can you live in our community? Knowing everytime you are at the store we all feel disgusted. Do you think the friends you have on facebook really care about you? NO, they are keeping their enemies closer. This community is over you. We have cried with you, some of us have held you while you cried, we have prayed with you…only to be betrayed by you. You have broken our hearts and made people lose trust in others. I can not believe the charges are being dropped against him. He is definitely a simpleton, but he is not stupid!!!!! Anyone that intimately knows someone would know if that person was being treated for cancer. Uggghhhhhhh…. I am disgusted with both of you and the justice system at this point.
Ok..Its time every one of you take of your judgemental glasses. What friends yall are to support them and know you are throwing them to the wolves.. If it was not for the grace of God everyone of you would be in their place..Sin is destructive and the only diffirence between them and all of yall their sin is public… Its time this community sweep around its own door and let this take its course….
PURE SICK!!
This just makes me pure sick to my stomach, they both should have to go to Saint Judes Childrens Hospital and just see all these children that are just fighting to stay alive for just another day, I have a little cousin that passed away with cancer at the age of 11, My father also had cancer, so this hits home. If he didn’t know he played if very well, its funny how he knew all her Dr,’s names from here to Texas and all that they were suppose to be doing for her, and all about the kind of cancer she had, you can’t tell me he never went to a Dr.’s appointment nor took her for a so called treatment!! If she done this just so he wouldn’t leave her, well guess what hopefully if she some how goes to jail, do you think he will be waiting when you come home?
Does the justice system who came up with this proposal know where
Chris got this money, I don’t see how they even afforded a lawyer ? Why wouldn’t he turn on his wife, he has lied to the whole town? Some people don’t have any code of conduct with which they live.
I could see if a husband was working hard and she played sick and lied by having certain people cover for her where he may think in the beginning that she had cancer, But, I true loving husband would find out from doctors what’s the best options for treatment, and what can he do to help her. So, That leads me to beleive that he was a part of this scam the whole time. It is great he is paying restitution. He should also have to work with real cancer paitents for a good year to see how bad they really suffer.
Oh he knew, we all know that but here’s a thought . . . Where is he getting the money to pay restitution? Did they hold another fundraiser somewhere else? “Helping Chris Kick Prison”.
Sounds about right. That’s our justice system for ya. And I truly think she’ll get off with probation or some nonsense…that’s just the way it works. Sad, really. And Chris is paying/has paid the $8506.81 to the ACS? Agreed, that’s where it should go, but, I can help but think how many people needed it THEN! How many people did not get the treatment they needed because of these disgusting people? THAT, I hope weighs heavy on their hearts, as well as her parents, who I believe knew all the while. Though, if it didn’t before, it probably won’t now.
Here’s hoping for the maximum.
People here have long memories…he won’t get work here and he won’t have friends here. Maybe he will go somewhere else and run another scam!
I knew from the very beginning he was going to play dumb. There’s no way you live in the same house as your wife “dying” from cancer and not know if she’s faking it or not. Unless he just really could careless about his wife in the first place and ignores everything she says or does.
So Mr. Conman-sleep with anything that moves-home wrecking Luker gets off by paying any recognizable person back and he leaves his wife to sink with the ship.
Deal or no deal I don’t think I could do that to my wife. I’d stand right there with my wife and go down with her. But a rat is a rat…
Just make sure Chris looks after Chris, Mr Luker.
How can a husband believe she had cancer when she never had treatments.how did her family think that if she had no treatments? my family would have went with me and she would have lost her hair to.i guess maybe she shaved her head. shame on you both.its a shame he is cleared and she gets all the blame.he wasnt thinkig when he was riding the motorcycle that people bought.
Oh our wonderful states attorneys office. Once again this office allows a crook to go free to scam the people again. Eddins runs a poor office just like the guy that got him the job.
The good ole boy network strikes again!
Idiots!!
So where is Chris Luker getting all this money to pay all these people if their house was in foreclosure??? Seems quite fishy to me. And he didn’t know his wife was lying? So he makes a deal and gets off and she gets what? This whole thing has a bad smell!
I guess no matter what the crime is, you can always buy your way out. What kind of lesson will he learn from this. It’s really sad that you and your wife pull off a scam and lie to friends but not to mention your family but it’s okay bc your going to (make a donation). Great job justice system you really taught him a lesson.
I don’t trust anything him or her!
May the Lord take this man and wife in his hands and guide them in the right direction.
This so called MAN knew for a very long time that his wife didn’t have cancer. But yet he still took any and all money handed his way, what a shame! And to think all he has to do is pay the money back. Where I come from a man is only as good as his word! So let’s see Chris has told nothing but lies. So as far as I’m see’ing it this person is a man, they just left off the first 3 letters I think it should be spelled CONMAN! And one more thing. Mr ConMan should get just as long in prison as his wife the FAKE! Remember Free Speech
This is heartbreaking to me! Me and my husband ride and support any good cause. If there is a cause or a family in need I cut my grocery bill in half to support causes like this. Tell me a husband has no clue his wife is not sick bull crap. I have always been proud of our life and the things we do,however i feel ashamed I cut our family short to support trash. They should be real thankful that the bikers did not figue it out first. Please ride that harley in public now.BE ASHAMED BOTH OF YOU!
Trust me he knew the scam was going on for a long long time! And now all he has to do is give the money back. Sicking! He should go to prison just like I hope his wife does. They did a bad thing very bad. All I can say is a man is only as good as his word. And in this case all his words were lies!