Elev8 has learned popular gospel singer James Fortune is being sued for alleged child abuse.
According to an article and news video from My Fox Houston, popular Houston gospel music artist James Fortune and his wife Cheryl Fortune have been named in a five million dollar lawsuit related to the abuse of James Fortune’s stepson and Cheryl Fortune’s son. Statements in lawsuit documents, in 2001 James Fortune burned his 4-year-old step son, leaving the boy disfigured with 2nd and 3rd degree burns on nearly half of his body. His wife Cheryl was also named in the lawsuit.
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The child is now 15-years old and the family has stated that the money from the lawsuit would be used to pay for plastic surgery to correct the disfigurement from the abuse. According to the civil lawsuit, James picked up his step son from pre-school and the teacher told James the boy had been acting up in class. Fortune then scolded the boy the entire ride home and continued to yell and be-raid the boy when they got home. He then prepared a scolding hot bath for the boy. The lawsuit also says James Fortune told the boy to take off his clothes and preceded to whip the boy before pushing the toddler in the scolding hot bath, holding him underwater causing 2nd and 3rd degree burns.
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In 2003 James Fortune plead guilty to felony injury to a child and received 6 years deferred adjudication.
The toddlers biological father is responsible for the lawsuit and is suing for $5 Million in order to take care of the boy’s continued plastic surgery.
A statement issued from James Fortune below:
I recently became aware of a civil suit pending against my wife, Cheryl Fortune and I, for an incident that occurred in 2001 involving my stepson. There was a criminal investigation and all matters were resolved in 2003. Since that time, my family and I, including my stepson, have continued with family traditions and always have a loving family environment. We are shocked by this lawsuit but understand people are free to use the court system to pursue claims, whether they contain merit or baseless matters. We are confident through this process, if it proceeds to a judge or jury, the ultimate decision maker will render a decision that is favorable to the circumstances and timing surrounding this situation. We believe in our American justice system and know it will work for us as it has for millions of other Americans.
I love all my children, including my stepson, and I ask for your prayers as we deal with this matter privately. Thank you for your continued support for me, my family, and ministry
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Gospel Artist James Fortune Issues Statement About Child Abuse Lawsuit was originally published on elev8.com
