GEM COUNTY, Idaho — St. Luke’s Health System has filed a lawsuit against Ammon Bundy, the prominent anti-government activist, alleging fraudulent transfer of assets to avoid paying damages owed to the hospital. The damages, totaling over $52 million, were assigned by a jury following a prolonged protest led by Bundy in March 2022.
According to St. Luke’s attorneys, Bundy transferred the title of his estate, valued at over $1 million, to his friend Aaron Welling, who is the owner of White Barn Enterprises LLC. Welling’s LLC, along with Bundy’s wife and Bundy’s own organization, the People’s Rights Network, are all listed as defendants in the lawsuit. The lawsuit claims that the transfer was carried out in an attempt to evade payment of the damages owed to St. Luke’s.
One particular aspect that contributes to the complexity of the case is the involvement of Farmhouse Holdings LLC, the owner of White Barn Enterprises. Since the LLC is registered in Wyoming, which allows for anonymity of owners, the true beneficiaries of the LLC cannot be easily determined.
Erik Stidham, representing St. Luke’s, alleges that Welling obtained a bank note to reimburse himself for the amount spent on Bundy’s property and then entered into a lease agreement for the same value. Stidham argues that Bundy is currently residing in the property, paying rent below market value, and has transferred other assets, except for $50,000, to make it difficult for St. Luke’s to collect the damages.
Despite Bundy’s previous claims in a video that he sold his home and has no assets for St. Luke’s to recover, the hospital’s lawsuit suggests that he stands to gain significant revenue through the financial contributions from members of his organization. The lawsuit states that if each member were to pay an annual $50 fee, Bundy could pocket more than $3 million per year.
When approached for comment, Bundy responded by accusing St. Luke’s of attempting to harm his family and claimed that he is now a renter. St. Luke’s CEO Chris Roth, according to Bundy, “got his wish.”
In response to Bundy’s statements, Stidham emphasized the need for a fair legal process and challenged him to defend his actions in court, stating that the lawsuit aims to expose the alleged sham transactions carried out by Bundy and his associates.
FAQ:
Q: What is the lawsuit against Ammon Bundy about?
A: The lawsuit accuses Ammon Bundy of fraudulently transferring his assets to others in order to avoid paying damages owed to St. Luke’s Health System following a jury trial.
Q: How much does Ammon Bundy owe in damages?
A: The damages assigned to Bundy total over $52 million.
Q: Who are the defendants in the lawsuit?
A: The defendants in the lawsuit include Aaron Welling, owner of White Barn Enterprises LLC; Bundy’s wife; and Bundy’s organization, the People’s Rights Network.
Q: What is the role of Farmhouse Holdings LLC in the case?
A: Farmhouse Holdings LLC owns White Barn Enterprises, the company associated with Aaron Welling. The Wyoming-based LLC allows for anonymous ownership, complicating the determination of the true beneficiaries.
Q: What did Bundy claim regarding his assets?
A: Bundy claimed to have sold his home and stated that he has no assets for St. Luke’s to recover.
Q: How much could Bundy potentially earn through his organization?
A: The lawsuit suggests that if each member of Bundy’s organization paid an annual $50 fee, he could pocket over $3 million per year.
Q: What is St. Luke’s response to Bundy’s comments?
A: Stidham commented that Bundy should embrace the lawsuit and allow a judge and jury to rule on his claims instead of making false statements on social media.