The defendant mentions bringing in a restoration company.
Judge Judy cuts him off.
She asks if they called the fire department.
She wants to know if they found out where it started.
The defendant says his insurance company sent a fire inspector.
Judge Judy declares, "Listen to me, this is a world-class scam."
She states that if the insurance company paid for damage, they were foolish.
She had suspected this before the case even began.
She thought the lady wouldn't have insurance until just before the damage.
Ms. Hankins confirms this is correct.
Judge Judy highlights the situation.
A lady with no money for rent.
She allegedly paid in cash from her tax return.
She was paid up for 2015 and 2016.
But in February 2017, she would need to pay another $5,000.
Or she would have to start paying rent.
Judge Judy concludes what happened.
Ms. Hankins took out renter's insurance.
A month before, she had thousands of dollars of smoke damage.
Judge Judy asks the defendant if that sounds right.
The defendant says no.
Judge Judy agrees it doesn't sound right.
She wants to see the exact date the insurance was taken out.
She also wants to see the reports filed with the insurance company.
Ms. Hankins says she has all of those.
The Insurance Payout and Judge Judy's Conclusion
Judge Judy asks how much money was received.
The defendant explains there were two claims.
The church has a policy covering its property and buildings.
Judge Judy asks if the church had damage.
The defendant says yes.
Judge Judy asks where.
The defendant explains the renter's policy covered Ms. Hankins' items.
This included furniture, appliances, dishes, and clothes.
The church's policy covered the structure.
Judge Judy questions how there was so much damage.
There was no report to the fire department.
She asks where the church suffered damage.
The defendant states it was in that apartment.
Only in her apartment.
The defendant confirms this.
Not anywhere else.
The defendant confirms this again.
Judge Judy has heard enough.
She tells them to fight elsewhere.
She does not believe it.
She calls it a huge scam.
She is unsure if both were involved.
But she knows the insurance company was taken for a ride.
She asks how much money they received.
The defendant states $12,000.
Judge Judy exclaims, "Ah!
Oh!
God, we're done."
Ms. Hankins protests.
She says she has to replace her stuff and has nowhere to live.
The defendant states the money claimed was for her personal items.
Ms. Hankins declares she is furious.
The defendant says they were looking for things to be worked out.
He adds that God knows the truth.
Watch the Full Judge Judy Case Below
This case is a masterclass in Judge Judy's sharp questioning.
See how she connects the dots.
Scroll down.
Press play.
FULL VIDEO
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FULL VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plowEFv0apI
