FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Pastor Eric Readon of New Beginning Missionary Baptist Church has reached a plea deal with the Broward State Attorney’s Office over allegations that he fraudulently took ownership of properties in Davie and Lauderdale Lakes.
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Readon, who was originally arrested in 2022, pleaded no contest, a legal plea known as nolo contendere, meaning he does not admit guilt but accepts punishment as if convicted.
As part of the deal, Readon must pay $150,000 in restitution to Jannette Spence and $46,500 to Nixon Belotte, both of whom say they were victims of property fraud. He must also complete community control, serve five years of probation, and repay all restitution before he can be considered for early termination of probation.
The Broward criminal case stems from allegations that Readon and another man, Joseph Riley, tried to illegally take ownership of Spence’s $1.75 million Davie property by altering a deed without her consent. Readon is also accused of convincing Belotte to sign over his property in Lauderdale Lakes under false pretenses, never paying as promised.
Spence later regained ownership through a civil court ruling. Belotte also won back his property after a legal battle.
Readon was arrested again on April 24, in Pembroke Pines, in connection with a grand theft auto investigation involving a Range Rover. Authorities said he used fraudulent wire transfer paperwork to obtain the vehicle from Braman Motors in Miami, and initially refused to return it when the dealership discovered the transfer was fake.
However, according to state records, the case has since been closed, and Readon was released on his own recognizance.
Readon still faces separate charges in Miami-Dade County, including organized fraud, grand theft, and exploitation of the elderly. Prosecutors allege he swindled a 76-year-old man, Edward Fuller, out of more than $267,000 and ownership of his home.
Court documents show Readon listed his former church address as his current residence during his most recent arrest, even though the property had already been foreclosed on and he was evicted.
Readon has called the incidents a “misunderstanding” and maintains his innocence.
Local 10 News will continue to follow developments in the ongoing Miami-Dade case.