Miami-Dade County, FL — June 12, 2025
Eric Readon, a Miami Gardens pastor once celebrated for his anti-violence activism, could now spend the rest of his life behind bars after rejecting a plea deal on Wednesday in a case involving the alleged theft of an elderly man’s home. Readon, 49, declined the state’s offer of one year in prison followed by 10 years of probation, opting instead to take his chances at trial — a gamble that could result in a sentence ranging from six years to over 60.
“This is your life,” warned Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Christine Hernandez during a court hearing. “It’s a decision you have to make with the consultation of your lawyer.”
Readon, who remains out on bond after his February 2022 arrest, left the courtroom quickly following the hearing. His trial is now set to begin July 7.
Allegations: Deed-for-Loan Scheme
According to prosecutors, Readon swindled 76-year-old Edward Fuller out of his $267,000 home on NW 19th Avenue, offering a loan to refurbish the property. In exchange, Fuller signed over the deed and paid Readon a $15,000 fee. Prosecutors describe the transaction as part of a fraudulent scheme exploiting Fuller’s age and financial vulnerability.
Readon is facing a slate of felony charges, including:
- Exploitation of an elderly or disabled person
- Organized scheme to defraud
- Conspiracy to commit organized scheme to defraud
- Theft from a person 65 years or older
- Grand theft
The pastor, who previously served probation in the late 1990s for strong-armed robbery and grand theft, had built a reputation as a community figurehead. He was often seen comforting grieving families at anti-gun violence rallies and led the New Beginning Missionary Baptist Church in NW Miami-Dade — though a recent call to the church was met with a disconnected number.
Other Legal Entanglements
This isn’t Readon’s only legal trouble. Just last month, he reached a plea agreement with the Broward State Attorney’s Office in a separate case involving fraudulent property acquisitions in Davie and Lauderdale Lakes, including a $1.7 million property.
Though he didn’t admit guilt in that case, Readon agreed to:
- Pay $150,000 in restitution to one victim and $46,500 to another
- Serve two years of house arrest and ten years of probation
- Repay full restitution before applying for early termination
Both victims regained ownership of their properties after extensive legal efforts.
Readon was also briefly entangled in a vehicle fraud case in April involving the purchase of a Range Rover with falsified documents from Braman Motors in Miami. While that case was closed, prosecutors hinted Wednesday that if Readon doesn’t accept the plea deal, those charges could be refiled.
What Comes Next?
With a trial date now set, Readon’s decision places his fate in the hands of a jury. Legal analysts note that by rejecting a relatively lenient plea, he has exposed himself to significantly higher sentencing if found guilty.
In an era where elder fraud and property theft have surged across Florida — particularly among the vulnerable and underrepresented — this case is likely to reignite calls for stricter oversight of local property transactions and stronger protections for seniors.
Do you think Florida should impose stronger safeguards to prevent elder financial abuse?
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