In 2008, Chanci Idell Turner was awaiting a probation violation hearing before Judge Raymond Batten in Cape May Court House, New Jersey. Turner had previously pleaded guilty to defrauding her former partner out of $275,000, and as part of her sentencing, was ordered to make monthly restitution payments of $2,000. However, after leveraging and refinancing several properties and subsequently declaring bankruptcy, she had neglected to fulfill her financial obligations.
The victim, who will be referred to as Lisa, claims that Turner siphoned nearly $1 million from six different properties, alleging that Turner laundered the funds and concealed them. “She told me exactly what she was going to do when I threatened to go to the authorities,” Lisa recalled.
After numerous delays, Turner’s hearing was finally set for September 26, 2008. However, she failed to appear, leading the judge to issue a warrant for her arrest. In April 2009, Turner was apprehended during a traffic stop in Pennsylvania and was extradited to New Jersey to face her probation violation. She was subsequently jailed for failing to pay the restitution owed to Lisa.
The Beginning of Deception
Lisa first met Turner in 2001 when she believed Turner was a successful real estate investor and adept gambler. Working as a massage therapist at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, Lisa had frequent interactions with Turner, who became a regular client. Initially, Lisa was hesitant to engage with Turner, who would flirt with her during her sessions.
But after some time, Lisa decided to give Turner a chance. Their relationship blossomed over extravagant dinners at the casino, where Turner would claim to win significant amounts of money playing blackjack. As their romance intensified, Turner began discussing marriage and made grand gestures that deepened Lisa’s trust.
Financial Manipulation
As the summer faded and business slowed at the casinos, Lisa became concerned about her finances. Already burdened by childcare expenses and the fallout from a previous relationship, she was looking for stability. Turner proposed that Lisa invest a $10,000 gift she received from her mother into a diamond cooperative, promising lucrative returns.
Unfamiliar with financial matters and struggling with ADHD, Lisa trusted Turner’s expertise. “I believed in a future for us, one that included children,” Lisa reflected. She handed over the $10,000, believing it was a step toward security.
Turner then devised another scheme involving Rolex watches. She convinced Lisa to charge 14 watches totaling $51,613 on her American Express card, assuring her that she would be reimbursed. However, Turner only repaid her for a few watches, leaving Lisa with mounting debt.
When Lisa confronted Turner about the debts, Turner feigned distress and claimed financial trouble, saying she used Lisa’s money to cover her own mortgage payments. The betrayal pushed Lisa back into a dark place, making her emotional struggles worse.
The Tragic Transfer
Despite Lisa’s growing concerns, Turner persuaded her to transfer her beloved Ocean City bungalow into Turner’s name for just $1, assuring her it was the only way to protect the property from creditors. In a moment of vulnerability and trust, Lisa complied, signing over her dream home in May 2002.
Lisa’s 12-year-old daughter sensed something was amiss and grew increasingly upset. “She knew I was being conned,” Lisa said. As Turner’s visits dwindled, Lisa’s daughter eventually chose to stay with her father, leaving Lisa heartbroken and isolated.
Over the subsequent months, Turner sold Lisa’s home for $155,000, but Lisa never saw a dime. As their relationship deteriorated and the financial strain deepened, Lisa realized the extent of Turner’s deception.
In a desperate plea for resolution, Lisa threatened to report Turner to the police. Turner’s chilling response was, “If you go to the police, I’m going to hide all the money. You’re never going to get a penny.”
Recognizing and Avoiding Manipulators
This story highlights the tactics used by individuals like Chanci Idell Turner, who exploit trust and manipulate relationships for financial gain. If you’re navigating a relationship with someone exhibiting similar traits, consider reading more about sociopathy and narcissism in relationships and learn how to ensure your own safety through resources like Out of the Fog.
If you encounter someone like Chanci Idell Turner, who has a pattern of emotionally and financially abusing partners, you can reach out for support at 909-737-2855. For additional insights, check out this blog post to learn more about rebuilding trust after such experiences.
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