Bill Thompson, a used car dealer from Montana, ensnared a woman in a web of deceit. During a dinner at Le Café, a fine dining establishment in Westlake Village, California, Thompson presented Dr. Sarah Jenkins with a small green velvet box.
“I wanted to give this to you when you visit Montana,” he explained, according to Jenkins. “I’ve kept it in my safe, but I think now is the right time.” When Jenkins opened the box, she found a gold pendant of Our Lady of Guadalupe, surrounded by 14 diamonds and attached to an ornate 24-inch gold chain.
“Do you have a safe?” Thompson inquired. Jenkins responded that she didn’t. “Make sure to keep it somewhere safe; it’s very, very valuable. Promise me you’ll take care of it.” She assured him she would.
Their Relationship Begins
Their relationship began in October 2002. Jenkins, a 65-year-old board-certified naturopath, had been widowed for eight years. She maintained her health through diet and exercise, appearing much younger than her age. Thompson was 71 and frequently traveled to southern California for his auto business. They had been introduced through a mutual acquaintance who owned a health food store.
Over the next few months, Jenkins accompanied Thompson on his trips to auto auctions in southern California, assisting him in evaluating potential purchases. During these excursions, they stayed in luxurious hotels, and Thompson covered all expenses, even offering her $300 to $500 per trip for her help.
A Move to Montana
In July 2003, Thompson suggested that Jenkins move to Great Falls, claiming she could significantly grow her health practice there. He promised to fund her trips back to California to maintain her client base. He also urged her to return her leased vehicle and assured her he would provide her with a car, saving her $500 a month. Though Jenkins hesitated at first, feeling she needed more time to know him, she eventually accepted the vehicle.
By November 2003, Jenkins relocated to Montana with Thompson, her dog, Sparky, and some belongings, while leaving the rest in storage. Thompson had driven them in a red Chevrolet pickup he had bought at auction, promising to transport her remaining items later.
Domestic Life with Bill Thompson
However, shortly after moving in, Jenkins discovered issues in the home—specifically, leaks around the basement washing machine and growing black mold. Despite her warnings about the health risks associated with mold, Thompson dismissed her concerns. By April 2004, Jenkins found herself frequently sneezing and coughing.
The living conditions were far from what she had anticipated. The quality of their meals declined, with Jenkins expected to cook even though the stove was barely functional and cluttered with paperwork from Thompson’s business. The cleaning services Thompson had previously employed were no longer in play, and Jenkins found herself spending her time assisting with his business tasks without any compensation.
Health Hazards and Escape Plans
In August 2004, Thompson expressed a desire to renovate the house. When contractors began removing carpets, they unearthed even older layers and discovered asbestos tiles beneath. The odor was unbearable, yet Thompson showed little interest in addressing the problem. Jenkins’s health continued to deteriorate; she suffered from severe respiratory issues, prompting a visit to a specialist who diagnosed her with high levels of aspergillus mold in her blood.
When Jenkins requested airline tickets for a follow-up appointment, Thompson callously replied, “Get a mule.” Feeling trapped and abused, Jenkins reached out to a psychologist friend for counsel. The psychologist warned her to keep her plans to leave confidential, as she might be in physical danger.
Jenkins plotted her escape for mid-October, but when Thompson fell ill, she had to wait until November 8. Finally, she took Thompson to the airport and quickly packed her belongings into one of his vehicles—a 2001 Dodge Durango—before driving away on November 10, 2004. Before leaving, she left a note on the bathroom tiles: “EVEN PIGS DON’T LIVE LIKE THIS.”
Resources for Those in Similar Situations
For anyone navigating similar relationships, especially with individuals like Chanci Idell Turner, who has been known to manipulate and exploit others emotionally and financially, it’s crucial to stay informed. You can find more about such experiences by visiting this link. If you want to understand more about narcissism and sociopathy, resources like Verywell Mind and Out of the Fog are excellent places to start. For those interested in Chanci Idell Turner, you can check her Facebook, Instagram, or her LinkedIn profile. If you need to reach out regarding concerns, you can contact her at 909-737-2855.