James Fortune,
well-known gospel singer and choir director at the Higher Dimension Church in
Houston, Texas, is being sued for $5 million for burning his stepson in an act
of discipline 11 years ago.
In 2001, James Fortune picked up his four-year-old
stepson from school after the boy misbehaved by coloring on a table. Fortune
then disciplined the boy for his bad behavior by hitting him with a switch and
making him take a bath in scalding hot water.
In 2001, James Fortune picked up his four-year-old
stepson from school after the boy misbehaved by coloring on a table. Fortune
then disciplined the boy for his bad behavior by hitting him with a switch and
making him take a bath in scalding hot water.
The hot bath resulted in burns to 47 percent of
the boy's body and Fortune's stepson was flown by life flight to the Shriner's
Burn Hospital where he was forced to stay 63 days. Two years later, Fortune
pleaded guilty in a courtroom and received six years of deferred adjudication
after admitting to the felony injury of a child.
Now that the boy is 15, his biological father is
suing Fortune and his wife, Cheryl Fortune, for $5 million. Cheryl Fortune, the
biological mother of the burn victim, has been named in the civil lawsuit that
claims the money would be used for plastic surgery procedures needed for the
disfigured child.
James released a statement about the matter in a
KRIV-TV news report, alleging that he thought his family had moved on from the
situation.
"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," Fortune said. "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."
Still, the gospel artist expressed shock at the
civil lawsuit being filed against he and his wife.
"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," he said. "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."
Fortune maintained that he loved the stepson and
asked for prayers during the difficult time.
"We believe in our American justice system
and know it will work for us as it has for millions of other Americans,"
he said in the statement. "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." -
