This article was originally published in The Examiner on Oct. 6, 2016.
By Eleanor Skelton
Staff Writer
Seven protestors gathered outside the Jefferson County Courthouse on Thursday, Sept. 29, to demand justice, stating that they have been cheated by Quanell X, a Houston community activist.
The press conference began with a prayer circle led by Beaumont activist Ricky Jason, once a colleague of Quanell X.
Jason said he has gotten “numerous calls from people in Beaumont, Port Arthur, Houston and around the world” about what he calls Quanell X’s fraudulent practices. According to Jason, Quanell X “hasn’t just robbed families, he promised that he could get their loved ones out of prison.”
Jason said they plan to file a class action lawsuit.
Other protestors like Lesley Bradley are calling for a federal investigation of the activist. The flyers distributed at the event described him as “the serpent that God warned us about.”
Bradley states that Quanell promised media attention to help overturn her husband’s “wrongful conviction” for robbery and kidnapping. Her granddaughter De-Limana was with her when she met with Quanell to pay him.
Bradley said she paid him $3,500 on April 23, 2016.
“I’ve called him; he doesn’t return my calls,” Bradley said. She presented documentation that the check was cashed.
“He promised her he was going to bring her papa home. Now you’re gonna lie to a 4-year-old?” Bradley said, pointing to her granddaughter. “We want justice; we want a federal indictment.”
Harold Roberts, another local activist and Jason’s assistant, stated that he paid $3,500 for a friend in trouble. Roberts said Quanell told him, “I’m not giving you any money back; we don’t give refunds.”
Mary Wiltz requested Quanell’s help during a custody battle in Louisiana for a grandson. Wiltz said she paid Quanell X $14,000.
Jaymeka Harris said her brother was convicted of “something that he didn’t do.” Harris stated her mother Hilda Spradley paid Quanell X over $9,000, and only received $2,000 back.
Veronica Cooper, a coach and physical education teacher, filed a lawsuit against Goose Creek ISD for what she calls discrimination resulting in wrongful termination. Cooper said Quanell X promised to represent her in court, and she paid him $12,000.
Roberta Smith said she sought his help for her nephew and “gave him a lot of money.” The victims stated that they weren’t aware of similar complaints against Quanell X until they looked online and found others asking for over $50,000 back.
The group has not yet determined the total amount they will be suing Quanell X for. Jason explained that some of the victims are “meeting today for the first time.”
Jason was asked during the press conference if he also charges for his services. Jason responded that he actually does what he promises, and he charges less. He also claims he gives refunds. He said he “knows Quanell well” and told him to return the money before this group formed.
“I hope he gets 90 years and they cut his hands off for stealing,” Jason said. “What he did is rob this community. Some [other] people are afraid to come forward.”
Jason and Roberts both worked with Quanell X in community activism in the Dave Atwood and Gary Graham execution cases in the Houston area. They were both vocal during the case of James Byrd Jr., the black man dragged to his death in Jasper in 1998.
The group presented documentation like contracts, receipts and text message logs during the press conference.
Roberts said he started a Go Fund Me account called “Victims of Quanell X” to get proper representation for the court proceedings. The fundraiser, which started on Sept. 27, has raised $45 of its $50,000 goal at this time.
Quanell X Farrakhan could not be reached for comment.
Eleanor Skelton 