Vegas stripper conned businessman out of millions, lawsuit claims
A businessman from Fayetteville, Arkansas, claims he was preyed upon by a Las Vegas stripper during a difficult divorce. Thus, resulting in a decade-long scam that cost him millions. Fred Michael Brunner, 61, alleges that Melanie Sterling, 47, exploited his vulnerability to con him out of $3.5 million. While pretending to be his girlfriend, he claims she did this.
According to Brunner’s lawsuit filed in the Circuit Court of Washington County, Arkansas, the ordeal began in June 2014. Brunner was emotionally distressed from his deteriorating marriage to Elizabeth Stensgaard. As a result, he visited a Las Vegas strip club to seek solace. It was there that Sterling, whose real name is Melanie Slutzky, spotted him sitting alone and decided to target him.
Brunner’s History with Sterling
Brunner’s legal complaint describes how Sterling approached him. She’s accused of recognizing his wealth and emotional state. As a result, he says she led him to a private room for a dance. She listened to his woes and began texting him, pretending to be a supportive confidante. Over time, their relationship appeared to become romantic. According to the suit, Sterling convinced Brunner that they were in an exclusive relationship.
Throughout their decade-long relationship, Sterling allegedly asked Brunner for money. He accused her of claiming she loved him. In addition, sending romantic messages to reinforce the illusion. Brunner frequently visited her in Las Vegas. Also, he funded extravagant vacations, believing Sterling was his soulmate.
Brunner’s Lawsuit Against Sterling
The lawsuit claims Sterling even met Brunner’s family. Thus, becoming a ‘grandmother figure’ to his grandchildren. Her convincing act led Brunner to give her money more than 100 times. As a result, totaling millions of dollars. Additionally, Brunner financed Sterling’s cosmetic surgeries and other expenses.
One significant financial decision involved purchasing a house together. Brunner bought a 4,980 square foot, six-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom house in Las Vegas for $720,000 in September 2019. Thus, Brunner had plans to live there with Sterling. However, Sterling allegedly transferred the house into a trust in her name shortly after the purchase. As a result, preventing Brunner from accessing it.
In January, Brunner discovered that Sterling had been in a relationship with another man throughout their entire time together. He claimed Sterling used the money he provided to support her boyfriend and other co-conspirators involved in the scam.
Feeling betrayed and deceived, Brunner filed a lawsuit demanding the return of the $3.5 million he gave Sterling, his share of the house, and $35 million in punitive damages from Sterling and 20 unnamed accomplices. The lawsuit alleges that Sterling ‘pilfered’ money from Brunner to send to her boyfriend and others involved in the scheme.
The lawsuit details Brunner’s heartbreak and financial ruin. Thus, stating that Brunner was forced to sell his thriving business. In addition, his four-bedroom family home to cover legal costs. The case has drawn significant attention. Thus, highlighting the potential vulnerabilities of individuals undergoing emotional distress and the lengths some may go to exploit them.
As of now, Sterling has not filed a defense. The outcome of Brunner’s high-profile case remains to be seen. However, it serves as a powerful reminder of the potential dangers lurking behind seemingly supportive relationships. Brunner’s story shows the importance of caution and due diligence in personal and financial matters. Especially, Brunner learned this lesson during emotionally challenging times.
Source: Dailymail
Vegas stripper conned businessman out of millions, lawsuit claims
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