Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 02 no 3

Magazine Overview

Title: Tampa Bay Skeptics Report
Issue: Volume 2, Number 3
Date: Winter 1989-90
Publisher: Tampa Bay Skeptics, Inc.
Country: USA
Language: English

Feature Article: Skeptic Charges Orlando "Psychic" with Fraud and Perjury

The lead story details a legal battle initiated by John Merrell, a former Oregon resident and co-founder of the Northwest Skeptics, against Noreen Renier, an Orlando-based "psychic". Merrell filed a motion in federal bankruptcy court in Knoxville, Tennessee, charging Renier with "fraud, misrepresentation and other misconduct", including "perjury" during earlier court proceedings. This motion aims to dismiss Renier's $25,000 judgment against Merrell from a 1986 libel case in Oregon.

Merrell claims that during his bankruptcy hearing, Renier testified under oath that she was unaware of his investigation into her until she saw a copy of his October 10, 1985 letter to the Ashland Daily Tidings, which accused her of "fraudulent" claims. This letter had prompted Renier's libel action. However, Merrell's court motion alleges that Renier, using the alias "Nancy Uzdavinis", had actually prompted his investigation. A forensic handwriting expert concluded that Renier executed the questioned handwriting, including the "Nancy Uzdavinis" signatures. Merrell also discovered that the real Nancy Uzdavinis is Renier's sister-in-law, and her signature does not match the letters.

Merrell states he had never heard of Renier before receiving letters from "Uzdavinis", and that these letters, along with subsequent correspondence, demonstrated Renier's awareness of his investigation. He contends that Renier "entrapped" him through "fraud and misrepresentation" and then committed "perjury". The motion demands dismissal of the $25,000 judgment.

Merrell has been involved in litigation with Renier since the 1986 Oregon trial, where she claimed his 1985 accusations damaged her career, including the loss of a teaching opportunity with the Oregon State Police Academy. The jury awarded Renier "general damages" after a three-day trial.

Further details on page 5 reveal that Merrell's appeal of the bankruptcy court's ruling that the $25,000 award would stand was unsuccessful. Judge Richard Stair, Jr. found in Merrell's favor on six of ten specific charges of malice, but a favorable ruling in all ten was required for the debt to be excused. Merrell's attorney notified the judge of possible perjured testimony by Renier and potential fraud and misrepresentation in the original Oregon judgment. Merrell asserted his intention to appeal.

Renier, age 53, has received national media attention, appearing on programs like "Hour Magazine" and "Incredible Sunday", and was featured in a U.S. News & World Report article on government officials enlisting psychics. Her claims often involve working relationships with law enforcement agencies, including the F.B.I. However, Merrell states that Renier has exaggerated her association with the F.B.I. and was reproached by Robert Ressler, head of the F.B.I.'s National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime. Regarding Renier's claim of losing a teaching opportunity at the Oregon State Police Academy, Merrell states he wrote to the police before ever hearing of Renier, making no mention of her. Dr. Joan Straumanis, Dean of Faculty at Rollins College, informed TBS REPORT that Renier is not a faculty member there, though she teaches a non-credit course on the premises.

TBS Executive Council and Consultants Elected

The annual election of Executive Council members and Consultants took place on October 20. Pat Strong relinquished his role as Chairman due to time constraints, remaining as a Consultant. Terry Smiljanich was elected new Chairman. Miles Hardy was re-elected Vice-Chairman. Gary Posner was elected Secretary/Treasurer. Jim Lett was re-elected as an at-large member, and Vincent Parr was newly elected to that position.

James Randi Joins Consultant Ranks

James Randi, author of "The Magic World of the Amazing Randi", accepted an invitation to become a Consultant to TBS during his visit to Tampa Bay. Additional Consultants for the coming year include Melanie Banks, Rev. W. Thomas Leckrone, Richard Manny, Jack Robinson, Joseph L. Simon, and Wilse B. Webb.

Faith-Healer Investigated by Ch. 10

Leroy Jenkins, a former Tampa evangelist, was the subject of a three-part investigative series by WTSP-TV reporter Kevin Kalwary. The report, "Profit of God", used concealed videocameras to document Jenkins' tent revivals. Kalwary stated that Jenkins encouraged followers to defraud insurance companies and to ask God to punish his enemies. The report noted that Jenkins, a "convicted felon", was under federal criminal investigation by the IRS. Kalwary interviewed James Randi, and clips of Randi's commentary were included.

James Randi Visits Tampa Bay, Plugs TBS

James Randi appeared on Kathy Fountain's "Eye on Tampa Bay" program on WTVT-13 on December 11. He also taped a second show on the paranormal. Several TBS members attended the taping. Randi discussed his investigations of psychics and faith-healers and highlighted the role of CSICOP and local skeptics groups like TBS. A graphic with TBS's address was shown.

Steve Allen Escorted During Promotional Visit

Steve Allen, author of "dumbth", was escorted by TBS members during his promotional tour in Tampa Bay. Paul Kurtz, Allen's publisher and Chairman of CSICOP, invited TBS to assist. Allen appeared on "Eye on Tampa Bay" (WTVT-13) and WTSP's "Murphy in the Morning". His visit also included browsing at Haslam's Books, lunch, and a book-signing engagement at Waldenbooks/Tyrone Square. Allen thanked Jacques Musy, Terry Smiljanich, Gary Posner, and Tina Murders for their assistance.

TBS Media Requests

TBS continues to receive media requests. Bill Richards from The Wall Street Journal contacted TBS for information on "haunted houses" for a Halloween article. Gary Posner was a guest on the Sandy Payton Show (WNWS-AM 790, Miami), sharing the forum with Sebastian Sinclair of the British Psychic Research Foundation. Jeffrey Brock of the Astrological and Metaphysical Research Center protested the inclusion of a skeptic. The discussion touched upon Dr. Brian Weiss's work on past lives through hypnosis, and Weiss's refusal to cooperate with James Randi's challenge for proof of past lives.

Snippets

• A Christian Scientist couple in Santa Rosa, California, found guilty in the 1984 meningitis death of their daughter, was sentenced to probation, a fine, and community service. They must report any significant illnesses of their remaining children.
• Seventh-day Adventist parents were found guilty of third-degree murder, reckless endangerment, and endangering the welfare of children after their son starved to death.
• A retired NASA engineer who profited from the World Bible Society's "88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will be in 1988" book has retired from the prophecy business after his 1989 sequel also failed.
• Wilbur Tracy of Canyon Country, California, was convicted of prostitution charges related to his revived Church of the Most High Goddess, which he claimed dated back 5,000 years.
• William Simpson's study suggests Christian Scientists have a significantly higher death rate than the general public.
• A question about hurricanes in the Bermuda Triangle is answered by stating that "ghost stories" are usually manufactured mysteries, and The Bermuda Triangle Mystery - Solved by L. Kusche offers rational explanations.
• A Haitian-American mother in Lake Worth placed her 23-day-old infant in police custody before fleeing, fearing a voodoo curse.
• Broward County is cracking down on unlicensed fortune tellers, with four arrested and ten driven out of town in 1987-1988. One woman took $26,000, claiming she would drive away evil spirits by burying the money in Egyptian sands.
• The "Happy Hunters" faith-healing couple attempted to heal mayors of Pittsburg and Erie, Pa., who were suffering from potentially fatal cases of amyloidosis.

Tampa Bay Skeptics Membership and Activities

• Dues: Remain $10/yr. for now, despite a decline in membership. Donations and an honorarium have helped maintain finances. A $5 increase may be anticipated if activities broaden.
• Orlando-area members are urged to contribute by sending "SNIPPETS", holding local meetings, and potentially writing columns.
• 2nd Randi TV Special: On hold due to production problems, originally planned for November.
• Other Skeptical Sources: Lists The Skeptical Inquirer, Free Inquiry, Prometheus Books, and CompuServe Skeptics Teleconference.

Readers' Forum

• John Baird (Clearwater) thanks TBS for ordering T-shirts and donates an extra $10.
• Tim Weldon (Seminole) renews his membership and enjoyed the April CSICOP banquet.
• Charles Staniek (Lakeland) renews his membership and wishes TBS could include more content.
• Richard Preto-Rodas (Tampa) questions why newspapers haven't followed up on the "Icon story" and notes that TBS had to "discover" the facts.
• Ken Poulsen (Palm Harbor) praises an article on the Shrine in Tarpon Springs.
• Reggie L. Hudson (St. Petersburg), Associate Professor of Chemistry at Eckerd College, thanks Gary Posner for a presentation to Sigma Xi members.
• Steve Allen (Burbank, CA) writes to Willard Fuller, suggesting an opportunity for skeptics to authenticate miraculous occurrences related to Fuller's "psychic dentist" claims.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Tampa Bay Skeptics Report consistently promotes skepticism, critical thinking, and the scientific examination of paranormal and fringe-science claims. The publication actively debunks pseudoscience and highlights instances of fraud and misrepresentation within these fields. The editorial stance is one of objective inquiry, encouraging members and the public to question extraordinary claims and to seek evidence-based explanations. The magazine serves as a platform for disseminating factual information and fostering a community of critical thinkers, as evidenced by its "$1,000 Challenge" and its engagement with media requests for skeptical perspectives.