1 00:00:00,300 --> 00:00:03,934 {\an8}He says that you and his brother were never married, 2 00:00:05,000 --> 00:00:06,266 who is now deceased, 3 00:00:06,266 --> 00:00:08,333 - with you as the beneficiary. - That's correct. 4 00:00:08,333 --> 00:00:10,734 And he said, "We're not legally married." 5 00:00:10,734 --> 00:00:12,233 - Whoo! - All lies. 6 00:00:12,233 --> 00:00:14,000 It's gonna make a lot of sense in the end. 7 00:00:14,000 --> 00:00:15,734 It already makes a lot of sense to me. 8 00:00:15,734 --> 00:00:17,834 [narrator] This is Judy Justice. 9 00:00:17,834 --> 00:00:19,967 {\an8}[theme music playing] 10 00:00:34,166 --> 00:00:35,400 {\an8}[narrator] Romona Simpson 11 00:00:35,400 --> 00:00:39,633 {\an8}is suing her ex-boyfriend's brother, Cleaferse McCowen, Jr., 12 00:00:39,633 --> 00:00:43,066 for personal property and filing a false police report. 13 00:00:43,066 --> 00:00:46,000 [bailiff] Court, come to order. All rise. 14 00:00:46,000 --> 00:00:47,066 Have a seat, please. 15 00:00:48,667 --> 00:00:51,867 {\an8}Case #2143. Simpson vs. McCowen, Jr. 16 00:00:51,867 --> 00:00:53,533 - Thank you. - You're welcome. 17 00:00:53,533 --> 00:00:56,934 Ms. Simpson, you lived with Mr. McCowen 18 00:00:56,934 --> 00:00:59,934 for, looks like seven years, is what you said. 19 00:01:00,066 --> 00:01:02,300 Yeah... yes, ma'am. It was off and on. 20 00:01:02,300 --> 00:01:03,867 What do you mean, "off and on"? 21 00:01:03,867 --> 00:01:05,767 Well, I had another residence as well... 22 00:01:05,767 --> 00:01:06,867 [Judy] Okay. 23 00:01:06,867 --> 00:01:10,233 It's gonna get more complicated, I see, than less complicated. 24 00:01:10,233 --> 00:01:13,500 You lived off and on according... now, according to you, 25 00:01:13,500 --> 00:01:16,467 with the Defendant's brother, who is now deceased. 26 00:01:16,467 --> 00:01:18,066 - Yeah. - It is your claim, 27 00:01:18,066 --> 00:01:21,734 at one point in your papers, that you and the Defendant's brother were married. 28 00:01:21,734 --> 00:01:24,066 - Yes, ma'am. - He passed away... 29 00:01:24,066 --> 00:01:25,867 - Yes, ma'am. - and it is your claim 30 00:01:25,867 --> 00:01:30,600 that the Defendant owes you money, he was the executor of the estate, 31 00:01:30,600 --> 00:01:34,600 and he owes you money for property that he took from the house 32 00:01:34,600 --> 00:01:37,934 and for filing a false police report against you, 33 00:01:37,934 --> 00:01:40,900 {\an8}I assume indicating that you took things from the house. 34 00:01:40,900 --> 00:01:42,367 {\an8}- Yes, ma'am. - [Judy] Okay. 35 00:01:42,367 --> 00:01:46,734 Mr. McCowen says that you and his brother were never married, 36 00:01:46,734 --> 00:01:49,700 while he indicates in his papers, 37 00:01:49,700 --> 00:01:52,533 there might have been some sort of ceremony... 38 00:01:52,533 --> 00:01:54,633 - Yes... Yes. - of marriage... 39 00:01:54,633 --> 00:01:58,867 ...that his brother, somehow, must have told him 40 00:01:58,867 --> 00:02:04,233 {\an8}that he never filed the marriage license, so, the marriage was never valid. 41 00:02:04,233 --> 00:02:05,166 {\an8}That's correct. 42 00:02:05,166 --> 00:02:06,867 {\an8}- Is that correct? - That's correct. 43 00:02:06,867 --> 00:02:10,600 Okay, well, let's go to that for a moment. 44 00:02:10,600 --> 00:02:14,467 It's sort of curious, it takes me back to law school days. 45 00:02:15,367 --> 00:02:18,200 And believe me, that really tests my memory. 46 00:02:18,200 --> 00:02:22,400 Were you at the ceremony where your brother married the Plaintiff? 47 00:02:22,400 --> 00:02:23,800 No, ma'am, I was not. 48 00:02:23,800 --> 00:02:27,567 When did your brother tell you that there was a marriage ceremony? 49 00:02:27,567 --> 00:02:30,667 I probably heard it, uh, just throughout life. 50 00:02:30,667 --> 00:02:32,767 You mean throughout life for how long? 51 00:02:32,767 --> 00:02:35,367 From the time that he had any dealings with her. 52 00:02:35,367 --> 00:02:37,734 So, about seven years ago. 53 00:02:37,734 --> 00:02:39,233 Um, yes, ma'am. 54 00:02:39,233 --> 00:02:41,500 So, you asked your brother whether he was married? 55 00:02:41,500 --> 00:02:43,467 - Yes. - How long ago was this? 56 00:02:43,467 --> 00:02:45,300 I would say four years ago. 57 00:02:45,300 --> 00:02:46,934 Okay, so, four years ago 58 00:02:46,934 --> 00:02:49,767 you say to your brother, "I understand that you"... 59 00:02:49,767 --> 00:02:51,467 - and what's your first name? - Mona. 60 00:02:51,467 --> 00:02:53,000 [Judy] "...Mona got married." 61 00:02:53,000 --> 00:02:56,600 Well, so, he gave me an insurance document 62 00:02:56,600 --> 00:03:00,233 and I was like, "Wow. What's going on? What's... What about all this?" 63 00:03:00,233 --> 00:03:02,567 He gave you an insurance document that said what? 64 00:03:02,567 --> 00:03:05,834 From the VA indicating that I was 65 00:03:05,834 --> 00:03:09,166 going to be the, uh, person that gets the money 66 00:03:09,166 --> 00:03:11,367 upon if he... he demise. 67 00:03:11,367 --> 00:03:12,934 - If he died... - Right and... 68 00:03:12,934 --> 00:03:15,600 - you had a VA insurance policy - Yes, ma'am. 69 00:03:15,600 --> 00:03:17,400 - with you as the beneficiary. - Yes, ma'am. 70 00:03:17,400 --> 00:03:20,300 Okay, and, so he showed you the insurance policy... 71 00:03:20,300 --> 00:03:22,800 {\an8}- Well, he sent it to me in the mail. - [Judy] Okay. 72 00:03:22,800 --> 00:03:25,934 {\an8}E-mail or, uh, electronic and so, I said, "Wow, what's going on?" 73 00:03:25,934 --> 00:03:28,166 So, then I started to ask different questions 74 00:03:28,166 --> 00:03:31,533 and he said, "Well, don't worry about that. We're not legally married." 75 00:03:31,533 --> 00:03:33,233 [Judy] No, you have to tell me, 76 00:03:33,233 --> 00:03:35,867 - "I said to him..." - I... I said to him, 77 00:03:35,867 --> 00:03:38,967 "So... doesn't your wife..." 78 00:03:38,967 --> 00:03:40,567 "Isn't she the beneficiary?" 79 00:03:40,567 --> 00:03:42,100 Yes, "I don't want to be involved in all this..." 80 00:03:42,100 --> 00:03:44,633 - Right. - And he said, "I am not married. 81 00:03:44,633 --> 00:03:46,500 We went through a ceremony 82 00:03:46,500 --> 00:03:50,867 - and you have 10 days to file the... - [Judy] Okay. 83 00:03:50,867 --> 00:03:54,133 - Marriage license. - ...the marriage license in Las Vegas, 84 00:03:54,133 --> 00:03:56,567 - Okay. - uh, to solidify the marriage." 85 00:03:56,567 --> 00:04:00,433 And then he said, "I never filed it. We are not married." 86 00:04:00,433 --> 00:04:02,467 - May I? - Did your... Just a second. 87 00:04:02,467 --> 00:04:04,233 Did your brother tell you 88 00:04:04,233 --> 00:04:08,467 that he had ever told Ms. Simpson that he never filed the marriage license? 89 00:04:08,467 --> 00:04:10,400 No, we never had that conversation. 90 00:04:10,400 --> 00:04:14,133 Okay. Well, because you say in your answer, sir, 91 00:04:14,133 --> 00:04:17,300 that, "My brother was too smart for that. 92 00:04:17,300 --> 00:04:20,300 {\an8}He never mailed in the license." 93 00:04:20,300 --> 00:04:23,500 {\an8}Well, he, he told me... because there was 94 00:04:23,500 --> 00:04:25,300 a problem between these two, 95 00:04:25,300 --> 00:04:29,133 and so, we talked about that and he said, "I'm not... I'm not married to her." 96 00:04:29,133 --> 00:04:32,133 And he said, "You have to file the document, 97 00:04:32,133 --> 00:04:35,767 and I never filed the document." And I have a copy of that right here. 98 00:04:35,767 --> 00:04:37,266 - Ms. Simpson. - Yes, ma'am. 99 00:04:37,266 --> 00:04:41,166 Tell me when this ceremony took place in Las Vegas. 100 00:04:41,166 --> 00:04:43,066 April, 2013. 101 00:04:43,066 --> 00:04:45,700 Did you travel there with Mr. McCowen? 102 00:04:45,700 --> 00:04:47,900 Yes, ma'am. We moved to Vegas together. 103 00:04:47,900 --> 00:04:49,300 Who was at the ceremony? 104 00:04:49,300 --> 00:04:52,367 {\an8}It was no ceremony. What happened was we... 105 00:04:52,367 --> 00:04:54,533 {\an8}I don't know what this is. What happened was 106 00:04:54,533 --> 00:04:57,033 we went to the justice of the peace 107 00:04:57,033 --> 00:04:59,967 - and the 10 days is not accurate... - No, no, now don't... 108 00:05:00,100 --> 00:05:01,767 - I apologize. - Don't tell me... don't tell me... 109 00:05:01,767 --> 00:05:03,333 We had one year 110 00:05:03,333 --> 00:05:06,900 to go to, like, a pastor or minister or something like that, 111 00:05:06,900 --> 00:05:09,133 because we just went to the Justice of the Peace in Vegas, 112 00:05:09,133 --> 00:05:13,633 they give you a year to do it, whereas it's... 113 00:05:13,633 --> 00:05:16,667 I guess with the... what... I think the term is officiant or something, 114 00:05:16,667 --> 00:05:20,133 an officiant has to do it so you can become married permanently. 115 00:05:20,133 --> 00:05:23,100 So, you knew that you were not legally married. 116 00:05:23,100 --> 00:05:25,867 Well, it was legal, but it would be official 117 00:05:25,867 --> 00:05:29,333 af... if you don't do another step within a year. 118 00:05:29,333 --> 00:05:31,567 I understand that, but you never did the other step. 119 00:05:31,567 --> 00:05:33,367 {\an8}We didn't only because he was sick, ma'am. 120 00:05:33,367 --> 00:05:34,800 {\an8}- I don't care what the reason was. - I understand. 121 00:05:34,800 --> 00:05:36,567 {\an8}I don't care if he was watching 122 00:05:36,567 --> 00:05:38,133 - Yellowstone, or if because... - Yes, ma'am. 123 00:05:38,133 --> 00:05:39,934 - It doesn't matter why. - I respect that. 124 00:05:39,934 --> 00:05:41,066 [audience laughs] 125 00:05:41,066 --> 00:05:42,066 [Judy] What? 126 00:05:42,066 --> 00:05:44,166 - You can get hooked on that. - [Sarah] Oh, yeah. 127 00:05:44,166 --> 00:05:46,867 - [Mona] I understand, and that's right. - So, I don't care what the reason is. 128 00:05:46,867 --> 00:05:51,734 You knew that your marriage, because it wasn't confirmed, 129 00:05:51,734 --> 00:05:53,500 - according to you, within a year - Yes, ma'am. 130 00:05:53,500 --> 00:05:55,667 - that you weren't legally married. - Yes, ma'am, 131 00:05:55,667 --> 00:05:56,934 - and that was... - Okay, just a second. 132 00:05:56,934 --> 00:05:59,100 That's all I want to know, that makes my life much easier 133 00:05:59,100 --> 00:06:01,100 - because, Mr. McCowen I want you - Okay, I respect that. 134 00:06:01,100 --> 00:06:02,800 to listen to me very carefully. 135 00:06:02,800 --> 00:06:06,433 Under what you told me, under the events that you told me, 136 00:06:06,433 --> 00:06:07,900 you see, you should've kept your mouth shut. 137 00:06:07,900 --> 00:06:09,934 - No, it's okay, it's gonna be... - No, no, listen... 138 00:06:09,934 --> 00:06:13,100 Okay, in the end, it's gonna make a lot of sense in the end. 139 00:06:13,100 --> 00:06:15,567 No, I understand that it's gonna make a lot of sense to me, 140 00:06:15,567 --> 00:06:17,033 but we're gonna follow the money. 141 00:06:17,033 --> 00:06:20,533 But I just want to tell you, and the people who are watching this, 142 00:06:20,533 --> 00:06:25,533 that when I thought about your answer that you said your brother was too smart 143 00:06:25,533 --> 00:06:29,100 and didn't file the necessary document within 10 days, 144 00:06:29,100 --> 00:06:31,934 my view of that scenario was 145 00:06:31,934 --> 00:06:35,834 that she could still consider herself his wife. 146 00:06:35,834 --> 00:06:40,266 Because if he fraudulently, and in an attempt to deceive her, 147 00:06:40,266 --> 00:06:45,367 didn't mail the marriage license in, she would be the beneficiary. 148 00:06:45,367 --> 00:06:47,900 I'm just letting you know that. You understand what I just said? 149 00:06:47,900 --> 00:06:51,066 - Yes, ma'am. - Because he committed a fraud, on her. 150 00:06:51,066 --> 00:06:54,400 He would have committed a fraud, your brother, on her 151 00:06:54,400 --> 00:06:58,100 into leading her to believe that they were a married couple 152 00:06:58,100 --> 00:07:02,967 and they had the responsibilities and the benefits of a married couple. 153 00:07:02,967 --> 00:07:04,533 But she says, [laughs] 154 00:07:04,533 --> 00:07:07,266 she volunteered, that she knew they weren't married. 155 00:07:07,266 --> 00:07:09,567 - Yeah. - So, I don't even have to address that. 156 00:07:09,567 --> 00:07:11,467 - [Romona] It's okay... - Just a second. 157 00:07:11,467 --> 00:07:13,400 - I know where I'm coming from. - Okay. 158 00:07:13,400 --> 00:07:17,734 So, Mr. McCowen, the person that you were involved in for a period of years, 159 00:07:17,734 --> 00:07:19,800 on and off, you had your own place, 160 00:07:19,800 --> 00:07:22,400 but he was ill for a certain period of time? 161 00:07:22,400 --> 00:07:24,066 - Was your brother ill? - No, ma'am. 162 00:07:24,066 --> 00:07:28,033 [Judy] No. Just a second. He says no. You say he was ill 163 00:07:28,033 --> 00:07:30,834 - for a great portion of that time... Shh! - When I first met him... 164 00:07:30,834 --> 00:07:33,333 Just a second. For a great portion of that time 165 00:07:33,333 --> 00:07:36,633 and that you were his caregiver. 166 00:07:36,633 --> 00:07:37,900 Yes, ma'am. 167 00:07:37,900 --> 00:07:41,767 And you were paid as his caregiver by the government. 168 00:07:41,767 --> 00:07:44,100 - The VA, yes, ma'am. - [Judy] By the VA. 169 00:07:44,100 --> 00:07:46,033 - To be his caregiver. - Yes, ma'am. 170 00:07:46,033 --> 00:07:50,333 Well, that would be inconsistent with being his wife, to be his caregiver. 171 00:07:50,333 --> 00:07:53,967 Because if you're a wife, you don't get benefits from the VA. 172 00:07:53,967 --> 00:07:57,500 If you are a non-relative and caring for somebody 173 00:07:57,500 --> 00:08:00,567 who's... requires assistance, you may get assistance. 174 00:08:00,567 --> 00:08:02,300 And how much was the VA... 175 00:08:02,300 --> 00:08:04,033 - Just answer my question. - Yes, ma'am. 176 00:08:04,033 --> 00:08:07,000 - This is not my first rodeo. - Okay, I understand. 177 00:08:07,000 --> 00:08:10,500 How much was the VA paying you, a month, to take care of... 178 00:08:10,500 --> 00:08:12,967 - What was your brother's first name? - Marcus. 179 00:08:12,967 --> 00:08:15,834 How much were you being paid to take care of Marcus? 180 00:08:15,834 --> 00:08:19,667 Because you say that one check you didn't get because of him, 181 00:08:19,667 --> 00:08:21,033 it's part of your lawsuit, so, 182 00:08:21,033 --> 00:08:23,400 - you know exactly how much you were paid. - Yes, ma'am. 183 00:08:23,400 --> 00:08:26,867 {\an8}- How much? - $2,057.55 184 00:08:26,867 --> 00:08:28,066 - A month. - Yes, ma'am. 185 00:08:28,066 --> 00:08:30,033 And when did you start collecting that? 186 00:08:30,033 --> 00:08:32,567 - 2014. - Whoo! 187 00:08:35,200 --> 00:08:38,033 You are a legal stranger. 188 00:08:38,033 --> 00:08:40,967 So, you must have filled out forms that say that you were married. 189 00:08:40,967 --> 00:08:44,734 No. I was considered a family member. I was no longer considered the wife, 190 00:08:44,734 --> 00:08:46,834 - but I was considered... - You're not "no longer", 191 00:08:46,834 --> 00:08:48,266 you were never his wife. 192 00:08:52,433 --> 00:08:53,734 [theme music playing] 193 00:08:58,967 --> 00:09:00,300 {\an8}[narrator] Romona Simpson 194 00:09:00,300 --> 00:09:04,333 {\an8}claims her ex-boyfriend's brother, Cleaferse McCowen, Jr., 195 00:09:04,333 --> 00:09:06,633 threw out her personal belongings. 196 00:09:06,633 --> 00:09:10,667 Cleaferse is countersuing for damage and stolen property, 197 00:09:10,667 --> 00:09:13,333 [Judy] Okay, so, there was a reason why 198 00:09:13,333 --> 00:09:17,600 you didn't continue to solemnize the marriage ceremony 199 00:09:17,600 --> 00:09:20,400 that you went through in 2013 200 00:09:20,400 --> 00:09:26,066 because you started to collect $2,000 a month from the VA in 2014 201 00:09:26,066 --> 00:09:28,867 that you couldn't have collected were you his wife. 202 00:09:28,867 --> 00:09:31,000 - That's a yes. - No, it isn't, ma'am. 203 00:09:31,000 --> 00:09:33,834 The... what... receiving the benefits from the VA, 204 00:09:33,834 --> 00:09:35,367 you have to be a family member. 205 00:09:35,367 --> 00:09:38,767 You have to be related to that person in order to get the stipend pay, 206 00:09:38,767 --> 00:09:40,166 it wasn't a regular VA payment. 207 00:09:40,166 --> 00:09:43,734 And it's for relatives, you have to be a relative for that veteran. 208 00:09:43,734 --> 00:09:46,400 - [Judy] What are you getting... - Yes, it's true. 209 00:09:46,400 --> 00:09:49,934 - Check that, Sarah. - Pull up stipend pay for the VA. 210 00:09:49,934 --> 00:09:51,433 'Cause we're both disabled veterans. 211 00:09:51,433 --> 00:09:54,400 It's not like I just had to do this, I loved him. 212 00:09:54,400 --> 00:09:57,633 And I cared for him. And he was sick the day I met him. 213 00:09:57,633 --> 00:09:59,800 Just a minute, you're both disabled veterans? 214 00:09:59,800 --> 00:10:03,433 Well, my, my disability is not as... was not as crucial, 215 00:10:03,433 --> 00:10:04,967 is not as crucial as his was. 216 00:10:04,967 --> 00:10:06,567 [Judy] How much do you collect? 217 00:10:06,567 --> 00:10:08,133 I... I... very minimum because 30%... 218 00:10:08,133 --> 00:10:10,900 I asked a question. That's, "very minimum" is not a number. 219 00:10:10,900 --> 00:10:13,567 Yes. Yes. It's $300 and some change. 220 00:10:13,567 --> 00:10:16,734 But the thing is, Your Honor, may I... may I speak, please? 221 00:10:16,734 --> 00:10:18,867 He was sick from the day that I met him 222 00:10:18,867 --> 00:10:20,633 and I was taking care of him prior for that. 223 00:10:20,633 --> 00:10:24,867 This was his idea because he was familiar with the veterans and the system. 224 00:10:24,867 --> 00:10:28,000 This was his idea, that we can receive funds, 225 00:10:28,000 --> 00:10:29,400 and it stayed right in the household. 226 00:10:29,400 --> 00:10:31,767 We were living together, it was staying in the household 227 00:10:31,767 --> 00:10:35,066 Just... I thought you told me a moment ago you had your own place? 228 00:10:35,066 --> 00:10:38,467 No, no, not then, ma'am. Not then, when we moved back from Vegas, 229 00:10:38,467 --> 00:10:40,967 because we stayed in Vegas for approximately three years. 230 00:10:40,967 --> 00:10:44,300 When we moved back from Vegas he had purchased a home and everything, 231 00:10:44,300 --> 00:10:46,834 and it was supposed to be okay, we were going to be together, 232 00:10:46,834 --> 00:10:50,066 but he started living another, alternate life, 233 00:10:50,066 --> 00:10:53,734 which he was very familiar with because he's introduced him to so many people. 234 00:10:53,734 --> 00:10:57,266 {\an8}I don't even care about that. I still continued to take care of Marcus 235 00:10:57,266 --> 00:10:59,133 {\an8}- It was no longer a romantic situation. - Just a second. 236 00:10:59,133 --> 00:11:01,734 Now, you still continue... you had your own place... 237 00:11:01,734 --> 00:11:03,533 {\an8}We... I lived both places. 238 00:11:03,533 --> 00:11:07,000 {\an8}Because he needed me more there than he did when we was living together... 239 00:11:07,000 --> 00:11:09,734 What kind of alternative lifestyle was he doing that he 240 00:11:09,734 --> 00:11:12,667 - needed you there part-time? - He was seeing other people... 241 00:11:12,667 --> 00:11:14,200 [Judy] Other... He was seeing women. 242 00:11:14,200 --> 00:11:15,800 - Pardon me? - He was seeing other women. 243 00:11:15,800 --> 00:11:17,567 - He was seeing other people, yes, ma'am. - Okay. 244 00:11:17,567 --> 00:11:18,967 So, he was seeing other people. 245 00:11:18,967 --> 00:11:21,266 - But you... Let me finish. - Yes, ma'am. 246 00:11:21,266 --> 00:11:27,200 {\an8}But you continued to receive the $2,057, you knew you weren't married, 247 00:11:27,200 --> 00:11:30,734 that money was coming directly to you, it wasn't coming to him. 248 00:11:30,734 --> 00:11:33,734 - Well... - It was coming to you at what address? 249 00:11:33,734 --> 00:11:36,400 He was giving me a portion from his bank account, 250 00:11:36,400 --> 00:11:39,967 and then, when we discontinued every... everything, there was nothing physical, 251 00:11:39,967 --> 00:11:43,033 then I was receiving my full allotment... at that point, 252 00:11:43,033 --> 00:11:45,033 but I was still taking care of him, 253 00:11:45,033 --> 00:11:46,967 - taking him to the hospital... - [Judy] I don't care. 254 00:11:46,967 --> 00:11:48,400 Don't go like this and like this. 255 00:11:48,400 --> 00:11:52,033 He's a legal stranger to you and you're getting $2,000 a month 256 00:11:52,033 --> 00:11:53,367 - to take him to the VA. - He was not... 257 00:11:53,367 --> 00:11:55,000 - Ma'am, he was not a legal stranger. - Just a... 258 00:11:55,000 --> 00:11:58,166 He was a legal stranger to you. 259 00:11:58,166 --> 00:12:03,834 Legal. He was not your mother, father, brother, sister, or husband. 260 00:12:03,834 --> 00:12:05,934 - Ma'am he was a dear friend for me. - Okay. 261 00:12:05,934 --> 00:12:07,867 - He continued to be a friend, honestly. - Okay. 262 00:12:07,867 --> 00:12:09,467 - And he knows that. - Well, he's... 263 00:12:09,467 --> 00:12:12,500 - We went to several places together. - I don't care... I'm setting up 264 00:12:12,500 --> 00:12:16,867 for myself what is the actuality of the situation. 265 00:12:16,867 --> 00:12:21,033 Now, I understand that I was really not prepared for this scenario. 266 00:12:21,033 --> 00:12:24,200 I was prepared for somebody, quite frankly, Ms. Simpson, 267 00:12:24,200 --> 00:12:26,900 who had been defrauded by his deceased brother 268 00:12:26,900 --> 00:12:28,633 - into believing... Shh! - And I can get to that. 269 00:12:28,633 --> 00:12:33,233 Into believing they were married, she took care of him when he was sick, 270 00:12:33,233 --> 00:12:36,166 and all of a sudden, now that he's deceased, 271 00:12:36,166 --> 00:12:38,867 his brother comes in, kicks her out of the house, 272 00:12:38,867 --> 00:12:40,667 and takes all of his property. 273 00:12:40,667 --> 00:12:44,667 That's the scenario, but now I understand that that is not the case. 274 00:12:44,667 --> 00:12:46,300 That you knew you weren't married, 275 00:12:46,300 --> 00:12:49,700 that for eight years you collected $2,000 a month 276 00:12:49,700 --> 00:12:51,800 for taking him to the doctors' offices, 277 00:12:51,800 --> 00:12:54,266 to the vet, to taking care of him in the house, 278 00:12:54,266 --> 00:12:57,100 but you understood that he was seeing other people, 279 00:12:57,100 --> 00:12:59,433 that you didn't have an exclusive relationship. 280 00:12:59,433 --> 00:13:01,400 Now I understand it. 281 00:13:01,400 --> 00:13:03,900 And you did receive a certain benefit from that, 282 00:13:03,900 --> 00:13:07,400 because when you moved back from Vegas, you went to your own place 283 00:13:07,400 --> 00:13:09,767 because he was having an alternative life 284 00:13:09,767 --> 00:13:12,300 - that had nothing to do with you. - Well... 285 00:13:12,300 --> 00:13:16,400 At that point, was the money going to his bank account or yours? 286 00:13:16,400 --> 00:13:19,066 - It was going to his bank account, ma'am. - [Judy] Okay. 287 00:13:19,066 --> 00:13:21,200 Well, you say that he notified the government, 288 00:13:21,200 --> 00:13:24,433 part of your lawsuit is for one month's check that you say... 289 00:13:24,433 --> 00:13:26,066 or two months that you didn't get. 290 00:13:26,066 --> 00:13:29,900 And you say you didn't get it because he notified the VA, 291 00:13:29,900 --> 00:13:31,934 - or somebody notified the VA... - I did. 292 00:13:31,934 --> 00:13:34,967 I don't care who notified the VA. What I want to know is, 293 00:13:34,967 --> 00:13:38,967 were those checks, immediately preceding Mr. McCowen's death, 294 00:13:38,967 --> 00:13:41,467 going into his bank account or yours, that he had... 295 00:13:41,467 --> 00:13:44,433 His. It was going into Marcus' bank account. 296 00:13:44,433 --> 00:13:47,433 Okay, and he was giving you money from that bank account. 297 00:13:47,433 --> 00:13:48,900 {\an8}Prior to his death, yes, ma'am. 298 00:13:48,900 --> 00:13:51,400 {\an8}Right up to the time he got sick and died. 299 00:13:51,400 --> 00:13:53,667 - Yeah. Yes, ma'am. - Okay, and how much would he give you? 300 00:13:53,667 --> 00:13:56,400 He would've given me $2,057. 301 00:13:56,400 --> 00:13:58,900 - $2,000... No, you mean total? - All right. Okay. 302 00:13:58,900 --> 00:14:01,500 - I'm sorry. - No, no, no, I get it. 303 00:14:01,500 --> 00:14:03,066 - It was not what I thought, - Yeah. 304 00:14:03,066 --> 00:14:07,000 but I get it. Okay. Money owed for the return of property. 305 00:14:07,000 --> 00:14:08,000 What property? 306 00:14:08,000 --> 00:14:11,200 {\an8}The property which is my funds, I have jewelry that was missing, 307 00:14:11,200 --> 00:14:14,533 {\an8}and clothing that I never received because he kicked out his niece 308 00:14:14,533 --> 00:14:15,934 and boarded up the house. 309 00:14:15,934 --> 00:14:18,734 Just a second. Was your brother taken to the hospital? 310 00:14:18,734 --> 00:14:20,734 - Yes, ma'am. - [Judy] On what date? 311 00:14:20,734 --> 00:14:25,367 28th of, uh, 28th of August, 2021. 312 00:14:25,367 --> 00:14:26,433 Okay. 313 00:14:26,433 --> 00:14:28,400 [Romona] 'Cause he was nowhere to be found. 314 00:14:28,400 --> 00:14:29,333 [Judy] What? 315 00:14:29,333 --> 00:14:31,467 - He wasn't around. I did that. - Just a second. 316 00:14:31,467 --> 00:14:33,734 Just a second. Did you take him to the hospital? 317 00:14:33,734 --> 00:14:36,600 I had his daughter call the ambulance, I got to Marcus' house, 318 00:14:36,600 --> 00:14:38,934 and I followed him to the hospital, yes, ma'am. 319 00:14:38,934 --> 00:14:43,100 Hey! You wanna just answer my question? I actually understand the whole scenario. 320 00:14:43,100 --> 00:14:44,800 - You understand that, - Yes, ma'am. 321 00:14:44,800 --> 00:14:47,233 that I do understand the, the money part. 322 00:14:47,233 --> 00:14:50,867 I get it. So, when you say his daughter called the ambulance 323 00:14:50,867 --> 00:14:53,734 and you got over there, you got over there from your house. 324 00:14:53,734 --> 00:14:56,500 - Yes, ma'am. - Okay, and who do you live with there? 325 00:14:56,500 --> 00:14:58,400 [Romona] My daughter and my son. 326 00:14:58,400 --> 00:15:00,533 And in whose name is the lease? 327 00:15:00,533 --> 00:15:02,300 My daughter's, my son, and myself. 328 00:15:02,300 --> 00:15:04,967 - [Judy] So, all three are on the lease. - Yes, ma'am. 329 00:15:04,967 --> 00:15:07,266 And how long have you had a lease at that address? 330 00:15:07,266 --> 00:15:10,100 Two thousand and seventeen. 331 00:15:10,100 --> 00:15:13,767 Okay, so, we're talking about five years that you've had an alternative address. 332 00:15:13,767 --> 00:15:15,367 You have an answer for me? 333 00:15:15,367 --> 00:15:17,467 There is a Veterans Affairs program 334 00:15:17,467 --> 00:15:20,200 of comprehensive assistance for family caregivers. 335 00:15:20,200 --> 00:15:24,500 It says $2,800 a month, but based on a fee schedule, that can change. 336 00:15:24,500 --> 00:15:28,333 - So, the $2,057 fits within the range. - And does it define family members? 337 00:15:28,333 --> 00:15:30,934 It doesn't... it doesn't define the family caregiver, 338 00:15:30,934 --> 00:15:33,033 only that the VA may appoint someone 339 00:15:33,033 --> 00:15:36,867 who is part of the primary family caregivers to the veteran, 340 00:15:36,867 --> 00:15:39,533 but it doesn't identify who qualifies 341 00:15:39,533 --> 00:15:42,433 - as a family caregiver. - As family. As a family caregiver. 342 00:15:42,433 --> 00:15:44,967 And that's the act that you were under. 343 00:15:44,967 --> 00:15:47,266 - Yes, ma'am. - But you were not a member of his family. 344 00:15:47,266 --> 00:15:49,900 - Yes, ma'am. - You were not a member of his family. 345 00:15:49,900 --> 00:15:51,967 - Well... it goes further than that. - Not a, "well"! 346 00:15:51,967 --> 00:15:54,033 Not a, "well"! This is not a, "well". 347 00:15:54,033 --> 00:15:58,800 You're living with your daughter, your son on a lease since 2017. 348 00:15:58,800 --> 00:16:01,233 You know he's got an alternative lifestyle 349 00:16:01,233 --> 00:16:04,000 that has absolutely nothing to do with you. 350 00:16:04,000 --> 00:16:07,100 He was giving you the $2,000 a month, I don't know why. 351 00:16:07,100 --> 00:16:08,967 - I don't have to get into that. - Right, ma'am... 352 00:16:08,967 --> 00:16:12,633 - But you were not a family member. - It's up to that individual, ma'am. 353 00:16:12,633 --> 00:16:16,300 - If this is for family... - It does go toward... to the veteran, 354 00:16:16,300 --> 00:16:18,233 to then give the family caregiver, though. 355 00:16:18,233 --> 00:16:23,433 [Judy] Okay, but you are a legal stranger to him, 356 00:16:23,433 --> 00:16:26,433 so you must have filled out forms that say that you were married. 357 00:16:26,433 --> 00:16:30,667 No. It's up to that... it's up to that individual, the veteran, and I'm... 358 00:16:30,667 --> 00:16:33,333 I know how the procedure goes, it's up to that individual. 359 00:16:33,333 --> 00:16:36,734 I was considered a family member, I was no longer considered the wife, 360 00:16:36,734 --> 00:16:39,000 - but I was considered... - Well, you're not "no longer", 361 00:16:39,000 --> 00:16:41,867 - you were never his wife. - I'm okay with that, 362 00:16:41,867 --> 00:16:43,133 - Okay. - because I could've... 363 00:16:43,133 --> 00:16:45,066 So, he had the right, you were never his wife, 364 00:16:45,066 --> 00:16:47,133 he had the right to board up the house 365 00:16:47,133 --> 00:16:50,900 whichever is, and you weren't living there for five years, you had a place. 366 00:16:50,900 --> 00:16:53,633 So, if you had clothes there and your jewelry... 367 00:16:53,633 --> 00:16:55,667 What were your clothes and your jewelry there... 368 00:16:55,667 --> 00:16:57,500 If he was fooling around with other women, 369 00:16:57,500 --> 00:17:00,734 why would you leave your clothes and your jewelry in the house? 370 00:17:00,734 --> 00:17:04,066 Okay, ma'am, the thing is, no one has came to the home 371 00:17:04,066 --> 00:17:06,600 as another woman in that home, I was always there. 372 00:17:06,600 --> 00:17:09,700 He has no proof or evidence that I was not there. 373 00:17:09,700 --> 00:17:12,266 So, basically, I had clothes there because I stayed there, 374 00:17:12,266 --> 00:17:14,066 - I lived there. - [Judy] Forget it. 375 00:17:14,066 --> 00:17:16,934 You were more than compensated with $2,000 a month. 376 00:17:16,934 --> 00:17:18,000 What's next? 377 00:17:20,633 --> 00:17:24,600 {\an8}I don't believe that you leave any valuable jewelry 378 00:17:24,600 --> 00:17:27,467 {\an8}- at his house. - I was there most of the time. 379 00:17:27,467 --> 00:17:29,633 {\an8}- Honestly. - You don't need valuable jewelry 380 00:17:29,633 --> 00:17:31,767 {\an8}if you're taking care of a sick person. 381 00:17:35,433 --> 00:17:36,867 [theme music playing] 382 00:17:42,100 --> 00:17:43,667 {\an8}[narrator] Romona Simpson 383 00:17:43,667 --> 00:17:46,967 {\an8}is accusing Defendant, Cleaferse McCowen, Jr., 384 00:17:46,967 --> 00:17:49,567 of throwing out her personal belongings. 385 00:17:49,567 --> 00:17:51,667 {\an8}[Judy] Do you have any of her property? 386 00:17:51,667 --> 00:17:52,633 {\an8}No, no, ma'am. 387 00:17:52,633 --> 00:17:54,867 {\an8}- Did you dispose of any of her property? - I didn't, 388 00:17:54,867 --> 00:17:57,100 - she had no property there. - Just a second. 389 00:17:57,100 --> 00:18:00,266 I don't believe she had any property there either, anything of value. 390 00:18:00,266 --> 00:18:02,300 - Okay, can I... - [Judy] Excuse me. 391 00:18:02,300 --> 00:18:04,500 I did find what the VA considers a caregiver. 392 00:18:04,500 --> 00:18:08,266 So, if you're a spouse, son, daughter, parent, step-family member, 393 00:18:08,266 --> 00:18:12,500 or extended family member of a veteran, or if you live full-time with them, 394 00:18:12,500 --> 00:18:14,767 or if you're willing to live full-time with them, 395 00:18:14,767 --> 00:18:17,600 if they designate you as the family caregiver. 396 00:18:17,600 --> 00:18:20,233 - So, technically... - If you're willing to live 397 00:18:20,233 --> 00:18:23,300 with the veteran full-time, you could be qualified as a family caregiver, 398 00:18:23,300 --> 00:18:25,967 but it's up to the veteran to declare their own 399 00:18:25,967 --> 00:18:27,467 - family caregiver... - [Judy] Caregiver. 400 00:18:27,467 --> 00:18:29,667 - Primary. Yeah. - If you live there full-time. 401 00:18:29,667 --> 00:18:33,533 Yeah, but she stated, "if you were willing to" and I was always willing to. 402 00:18:33,533 --> 00:18:34,600 Because... 403 00:18:34,600 --> 00:18:37,333 Good. I'm not... I don't feel as if you were short-changed, madam, 404 00:18:37,333 --> 00:18:40,834 at all, and I don't believe that you had anything of value in the house, 405 00:18:40,834 --> 00:18:44,000 so, your case is dismissed. Now, we're gonna get to the second part 406 00:18:44,000 --> 00:18:46,800 of your claim. You say she took property from the house? 407 00:18:46,800 --> 00:18:48,700 - Yes, ma'am. - What property? 408 00:18:48,700 --> 00:18:51,967 {\an8}- She took jewelry, guns... - What jewelry? 409 00:18:51,967 --> 00:18:55,400 {\an8}- [Romona] What?! - Uh, chains, rings, cufflinks... 410 00:18:55,400 --> 00:18:59,567 Show me. Show me. How am I gonna figure that out? 411 00:18:59,567 --> 00:19:02,533 - You have photographs of things... - Yes, I have some photographs here. 412 00:19:02,533 --> 00:19:04,200 [Romona] This is so sad. 413 00:19:04,200 --> 00:19:06,800 [Judy] So sad you have to put a period and end it. 414 00:19:06,800 --> 00:19:08,700 You had a good thing going for nine years. 415 00:19:08,700 --> 00:19:11,734 Ma'am, the money was paid in the arrears, first of all, 416 00:19:11,734 --> 00:19:16,000 so, me not getting paid for... and this is really not a big issue to me, 417 00:19:16,000 --> 00:19:19,000 what he's saying, because they're all lies and I'll tell you the truth. 418 00:19:19,000 --> 00:19:20,667 Just... I'm not saying... 419 00:19:20,667 --> 00:19:26,333 I'm not saying anything, madam, all I'm saying is, you have no case. 420 00:19:26,333 --> 00:19:28,467 Because I don't believe that somebody 421 00:19:28,467 --> 00:19:31,266 who lived in a lifestyle as you've described... 422 00:19:31,266 --> 00:19:35,066 - as you've described to me, - Can you talk to my witness, ma'am? 423 00:19:35,066 --> 00:19:40,066 which is, you have your own home, you're on a lease since 2017, 424 00:19:40,066 --> 00:19:43,567 where you said to me, "He had an alternative lifestyle, 425 00:19:43,567 --> 00:19:46,133 but I still took him to his VA appointments. 426 00:19:46,133 --> 00:19:51,600 I took him and I was his caregiver, but I lived with my daughter and my son." 427 00:19:51,600 --> 00:19:56,600 I don't believe that you leave any valuable jewelry at his house. 428 00:19:56,600 --> 00:19:58,467 I was there most of the time. 429 00:19:58,467 --> 00:20:00,700 - Well, you don't need valuable jewelry - Honestly. 430 00:20:00,700 --> 00:20:02,066 if you're taking care of a sick person. 431 00:20:02,066 --> 00:20:03,800 - But like I was stating, - Can I see? 432 00:20:03,800 --> 00:20:05,333 - we was also friends, ma'am. - [Judy] I've... 433 00:20:05,333 --> 00:20:08,233 - I've decided your case. - I respect that. 434 00:20:11,567 --> 00:20:16,100 This is just what had happened to looking for everything that was taken in there. 435 00:20:16,100 --> 00:20:18,266 - The... - [Judy] I don't care. Who cares? 436 00:20:18,266 --> 00:20:19,233 What are you showing me? 437 00:20:19,233 --> 00:20:21,967 You're showing me that the place is a mess that somebody went through it? 438 00:20:21,967 --> 00:20:23,400 [Cleaferse] I'm showing you... Okay. 439 00:20:23,400 --> 00:20:24,633 [Judy] I don't care. 440 00:20:24,633 --> 00:20:27,834 Prior to his death, when had you seen your brother last? 441 00:20:27,834 --> 00:20:30,934 I had seen him about five days prior to that. 442 00:20:30,934 --> 00:20:32,000 You live close by? 443 00:20:32,000 --> 00:20:37,133 I was living in San Diego at the time. And he lived in Highland which is... 444 00:20:37,133 --> 00:20:41,133 89, it's 79 miles up the 15 freeway. 445 00:20:41,133 --> 00:20:42,300 So, five days prior. 446 00:20:42,300 --> 00:20:45,600 Prior to the five days prior that you saw your brother, 447 00:20:45,600 --> 00:20:47,100 when had you seen him before? 448 00:20:47,100 --> 00:20:49,133 I... we see each other quite frequently. 449 00:20:49,133 --> 00:20:51,533 We have family barbecues... 450 00:20:51,533 --> 00:20:54,633 this, that, and the other. I'm retired, I... I go... 451 00:20:54,633 --> 00:20:57,133 Okay, would you return these to him? These don't show me any jewelry. 452 00:20:57,133 --> 00:20:58,967 - Okay. - Shows me that the house was... 453 00:20:58,967 --> 00:21:00,734 looked like it was picked through. 454 00:21:00,734 --> 00:21:01,834 [Cleaferse] Okay. 455 00:21:01,834 --> 00:21:02,967 - Thank you. - [Judy] What else? 456 00:21:02,967 --> 00:21:04,900 - So, quite frequently... - [Judy] That's it. 457 00:21:04,900 --> 00:21:07,700 Did you get a VA benefit from your brother 458 00:21:07,700 --> 00:21:10,500 - for his insurance policy? - From the life insurance... 459 00:21:10,500 --> 00:21:12,200 - Yeah, that's from the VA. - Yes, ma'am. 460 00:21:12,200 --> 00:21:15,700 - And how much did you receive? - $2,600. 461 00:21:15,700 --> 00:21:17,100 [Judy] Who paid for his funeral? 462 00:21:17,100 --> 00:21:19,133 - I did. - How much was that? 463 00:21:19,133 --> 00:21:20,900 Uh, $1,100 or $1,200. 464 00:21:20,900 --> 00:21:23,400 So, you took some of the insurance money and paid for it? 465 00:21:23,400 --> 00:21:25,533 - Yes. - Did he have any other valuable asset? 466 00:21:25,533 --> 00:21:27,333 He had quite a bit of stuff, 467 00:21:27,333 --> 00:21:30,900 but we're in, uh, it's in probate as we speak. 468 00:21:30,900 --> 00:21:33,467 Oh, so, this is... case is in probate now? 469 00:21:33,467 --> 00:21:35,166 It's in probate right now as we speak. 470 00:21:35,166 --> 00:21:37,300 Oh, great, so I don't have to deal with it. 471 00:21:37,300 --> 00:21:39,467 Your case is dismissed. We're done. Thank you. 472 00:21:39,467 --> 00:21:40,967 [bailiff] This court is adjourned. 473 00:21:41,934 --> 00:21:44,800 {\an8}You know what, I have a lot of respect for the judge, 474 00:21:44,800 --> 00:21:46,533 {\an8}but she didn't listen to me. 475 00:21:46,533 --> 00:21:50,500 {\an8}Well, I'm... I'm happy that the judge made the decision that she made. 476 00:21:50,500 --> 00:21:51,800 {\an8}He's a habitual liar. 477 00:21:51,800 --> 00:21:55,300 {\an8}Thief. My brother died, and within a half a day 478 00:21:55,300 --> 00:21:56,900 {\an8}went over and burglarized the house. 479 00:21:56,900 --> 00:22:01,433 {\an8}This is something that he can laugh about and he's gonna go and tell the whole world 480 00:22:01,433 --> 00:22:04,867 {\an8}that I'm still a liar. I'm still a this, that, and the other. 481 00:22:04,867 --> 00:22:07,867 {\an8}There is quite a bit of items that belonged to me 482 00:22:07,867 --> 00:22:09,467 {\an8}that this person stole. 483 00:22:09,467 --> 00:22:13,066 {\an8}That you can love someone and not be married to them. 484 00:22:13,066 --> 00:22:17,934 {\an8}You can help someone and not be married to them and making love to them. 485 00:22:17,934 --> 00:22:22,000 {\an8}I was genuinely there to help Marcus because I love Marcus. 486 00:22:22,000 --> 00:22:24,900 {\an8}She's the devil and I don't... you don't want the devil... 487 00:22:24,900 --> 00:22:26,734 {\an8}You know? Who... the devil. 488 00:22:26,734 --> 00:22:30,133 {\an8}He barred me from the funeral and I didn't fight it because 489 00:22:30,133 --> 00:22:32,600 {\an8}the respect I have for his family and for Marcus. 490 00:22:32,600 --> 00:22:34,467 {\an8}I could've went there, "Uh..." No. 491 00:22:34,467 --> 00:22:36,200 {\an8}I said, "You know what, I won't be there." 492 00:22:36,200 --> 00:22:40,700 {\an8}I hope that she crawls back in the rat hole she came out of and... 493 00:22:40,700 --> 00:22:42,066 {\an8}does whatever she does. 494 00:22:43,333 --> 00:22:45,367 You know what was interesting in that case, Sarah? 495 00:22:45,367 --> 00:22:47,100 When I read the complaint in the answer, 496 00:22:47,100 --> 00:22:49,500 - I had a whole different vision - Yup. Me too. 497 00:22:49,500 --> 00:22:52,367 of what the arrangement was. 498 00:22:52,367 --> 00:22:57,166 And based upon what the Defendant wrote in his answer, that his brother, 499 00:22:57,166 --> 00:22:58,500 - with regard to the marriage, - Mm-hmm. 500 00:22:58,500 --> 00:23:00,400 to his brother telling him, "I'm too smart. 501 00:23:00,400 --> 00:23:01,967 - I didn't mail in the papers." - Mm-hmm. 502 00:23:01,967 --> 00:23:04,467 - Read like fraud, a little bit. - Right. 503 00:23:04,467 --> 00:23:05,567 - But she was in on it. - That... 504 00:23:05,567 --> 00:23:07,600 She knew she didn't complete the steps. 505 00:23:07,600 --> 00:23:08,734 - She didn't complete the step - She knew... 506 00:23:08,734 --> 00:23:10,066 - for a different reason, - Sure. 507 00:23:10,066 --> 00:23:11,333 but she knew... 508 00:23:11,333 --> 00:23:13,767 - That they weren't legally married. - they weren't... that they weren't 509 00:23:13,767 --> 00:23:15,233 - Which changes the whole game - legally married. 510 00:23:15,233 --> 00:23:16,934 - from a legal perspective. - Right. 511 00:23:16,934 --> 00:23:20,834 Certainly the fact that it's... the case is currently in probate 512 00:23:20,834 --> 00:23:22,200 - made my life... - A little easier? 513 00:23:22,200 --> 00:23:23,500 A lot easier. Anyway. 514 00:23:23,500 --> 00:23:26,533 It should be a warning signal when you get married out there, folks, 515 00:23:26,533 --> 00:23:28,500 and you have a marriage license, 516 00:23:28,500 --> 00:23:31,734 because I performed enough weddings to know you have to seal it, 517 00:23:31,734 --> 00:23:34,300 - sign it, put a stamp on it, - Yup. 518 00:23:34,300 --> 00:23:36,767 and usually put it in the mail 519 00:23:36,767 --> 00:23:39,400 - within three days of the ceremony. - Mm-hmm. 520 00:23:39,400 --> 00:23:42,033 - So, brides and grooms, - [chuckles] 521 00:23:42,033 --> 00:23:44,567 make sure you put it in the mail together. 522 00:23:44,567 --> 00:23:47,400 Or watch the officiant put it in the mail. 523 00:23:47,400 --> 00:23:49,600 - Can never be too sure. - [Judy laughs] Right. 524 00:23:51,367 --> 00:23:53,066 {\an8}[narrator] Are you having a family dispute? 525 00:23:53,066 --> 00:23:55,467 {\an8}Go to JudyJustice.tv.