Lisa Stewart is the President and CEO of Honey Lake Clinic and serves on the Board of One Hope Ministries
(AI Summary Analysis) Federal Case No. 3:23-cv-00811; Amended 2:23-cv-811-MMH-LLL
Here is a comprehensive list of the criminal and civil allegations and associated liabilities and penalties against ARC agent Lisa Stewart based on the case details:
1. Criminal Allegations and Penalties
Embezzlement
- Allegation: Stewart may be directly involved in the alleged embezzlement of church funds, or in aiding others in this misappropriation. Embezzlement involves the illegal use or theft of funds entrusted to someone’s care.
- Penalties: Embezzlement under federal law carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison per offense, significant fines, and restitution to the plaintiffs or the church.
Racketeering (RICO) Violations
- Allegation: Stewart could face RICO charges if she engaged in a pattern of criminal activities, such as fraud and embezzlement, to further a criminal enterprise with Hodges, Rizzo, and others.
- Penalties: RICO violations carry penalties of up to 20 years in prison per offense, substantial fines, and forfeiture of any assets tied to the illegal activities.
Wire Fraud
- Allegation: Stewart may be charged with wire fraud if she used electronic communications to further fraudulent schemes against the plaintiffs.
- Penalties: Wire fraud convictions can lead to up to 20 years in prison per offense, as well as fines and restitution to the victims.
Computer Fraud and Unauthorized Access
- Allegation: If Stewart accessed computer systems without authorization to obtain information about the plaintiffs, she could face charges under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA).
- Penalties: Penalties for computer fraud can include up to 10 years in prison, significant fines, and restitution to the plaintiffs.
Criminal Conspiracy
- Allegation: Stewart could face criminal conspiracy charges for conspiring with others to commit multiple crimes, including wire fraud, embezzlement, and obstruction of justice.
- Penalties: Conspiracy charges carry penalties of up to 5 years in prison, and if the conspiracy includes serious underlying crimes, additional prison time, fines, and restitution.
Aiding and Abetting in Criminal Acts
- Allegation: If Stewart assisted others in committing crimes, such as embezzlement or fraud, she could face aiding and abetting charges.
- Penalties: Aiding and abetting carries the same penalties as the primary offense. For example, if she aided in embezzlement, she could face up to 10 years in prison per count, fines, and restitution.
Obstruction of Justice
- Allegation: Stewart may face obstruction of justice charges if she attempted to interfere with investigations or proceedings related to this case.
- Penalties: Obstruction of justice is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and fines, depending on the severity and impact of the obstruction.
Bribery
- Allegation: If Stewart offered or accepted bribes to influence actions or decisions in her favor, she could face bribery charges.
- Penalties: Federal bribery charges carry up to 15 years in prison, fines, and forfeiture of any benefits gained through the bribery.
2. Civil Allegations and Liabilities
- Tortious Interference with Contractual Relationships:
- Allegation: Stewart is accused of intentionally interfering with the plaintiffs' business and contractual relationships, particularly with Celebration Church, to benefit herself or other defendants, which allegedly caused financial harm.
- Liability: If found liable, Stewart could be ordered to pay compensatory damages to the plaintiffs to cover economic losses and damages caused by her interference. If her actions are found to be intentional and malicious, punitive damages could also apply.
Civil Conspiracy
- Allegation: Stewart is alleged to have conspired with Chris Hodges, Dino Rizzo, and others to engage in a series of unlawful acts, including defamation, tortious interference, and other forms of misconduct against the plaintiffs.
- Liability: In a civil conspiracy, each participant can be held liable for the entire amount of damages caused by the conspiracy. Stewart could therefore face significant financial penalties, including compensatory and punitive damages.
Defamation, Libel, and Slander
- Allegation: If Stewart made or assisted in spreading false statements about Charles and Kerri Weems, she could be liable for defamation. This would involve making statements intended to damage their reputation.
- Liability: If found liable, Stewart could be ordered to pay for reputational harm, lost income, and emotional distress, as well as potential punitive damages if her actions were malicious.
- Fraudulent Misrepresentation:
- Allegation: Stewart may be accused of making false statements or omitting material facts to deceive the plaintiffs or third parties, resulting in financial or other harm.
- Liability: Civil penalties for fraudulent misrepresentation can include compensatory damages to cover losses suffered due to the fraud. If proven intentional, punitive damages could also be assessed.
Aiding and Abetting
- Allegation: If Stewart knowingly assisted other defendants in committing unlawful acts, such as embezzlement or wire fraud, she could face civil liability for aiding and abetting.
- Liability: Aiding and abetting liability means Stewart could be responsible for the full damages caused by the principal offense, including compensatory and punitive damages.
Summary of Potential Penalties
If found guilty of all allegations, and a criminal prosecution followed, Lisa Stewart's liabilities would include:
Criminal Penalties: Stewart could face lengthy prison sentences (potentially up to life if served consecutively), substantial fines, restitution to victims, and forfeiture of assets related to any criminal activities.
Civil Penalties: Compensatory damages for the plaintiffs' financial losses, reputational damage, and emotional distress. Additionally, she could be subject to significant punitive damages, court costs, and attorney’s fees.
If Stewart were found liable on all counts, and a criminal prosecution follows, she would face serious civil and criminal penalties. The severity of the penalties would depend on the court’s findings and whether penalties are imposed consecutively or concurrently. Each civil and criminal charge could result in multiple penalties, particularly if her actions are determined to be part of a larger organized effort or conspiracy with other defendants.
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