Springdale man faces jury trial for allegedly soliciting from an incompetent person

SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A jury trial is scheduled in February for a Springdale man accused of exploiting a vulnerable adult.

John Backus, 50, is charged with soliciting money or property from an individual deemed incompetent, according to court documents.

Backus pleaded not guilty on Wednesday, with his trial set to begin on Feb. 4.

Backus and Brandi Humphries, 48, also from Springdale, were arrested last month by Tontitown police. Humphries, who faces the same charge, previously entered a not guilty plea. Her trial is slated for Jan. 21.

Springdale police launched an investigation after receiving a complaint from Casey Bradford, the grandson of an 89-year-old man with dementia, according to a probable cause affidavit. Bradford alleged that property was sold to Backus while his grandfather was mentally incapable of making financial decisions.

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Bradford was granted power of attorney over his grandfather's finances, health care, and property in Feb. 2021, according to the affidavit. However, on Dec. 20, 2021, a document revoking the power of attorney was signed by the elderly man and notarized by Humphries.

Two days later, Bradford obtained guardianship of his grandfather through a court order that prohibited the sale or transfer of real estate. Despite this, property deeds related to the sale were filed on Dec. 22, 2021.

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The affidavit states both Backus and Humphries were aware of the elderly man's mental condition. The property was reportedly sold for significantly less than its appraised value.

Bradford initiated a civil lawsuit on Aug. 28, 2022. On Dec. 18, 2023, Washington County Circuit Judge John Threet ruled that the elderly man lacked the mental capacity to execute the contracts and deeds. The court found that Backus and Humphries knowingly exerted undue influence to finalize the sale.

Threet set aside the transaction and ordered the property to be returned to the family trust.