Lisa had put this together after the fallout of the situation.
Judge Judy found this reason for bringing Lisa ridiculous.
She asked where they came from.
They came from San Diego, California.
Evidence of Rent Payments
Mr. Whitaker presented evidence of the rent payments.
His bank history showed two payments on June 18th.
One payment was for $3,000.
The other payment was for $1,900.
Both payments were made to A&S Realty.
The total amount paid was $4,900.
Mr. Whitaker also mentioned fees for processing the payments.
Ms. Rapp's Promises to Repay
Mr. Whitaker presented text messages from Ms. Rapp.
These texts indicated she would pay him back.
One text read, "I will reach out to you when I have money for you."
Ms. Rapp had also written about "trigger things" and "controls."
She mentioned that Mr. Whitaker triggered bad memories for her about control.
Ms. Rapp's Explanation for Repayment Texts
Ms. Rapp claimed her promises to pay back were a placation.
She said she wanted to get him off her back at that point.
Judge Judy disagreed with this explanation.
She stated Mr. Whitaker was not on her back.
Access to Ms. Rapp's Account
Mr. Whitaker stated Ms. Rapp gave him her account password.
This was so he could put money into her account for rent.
Ms. Rapp confirmed she gave him her account password for that purpose.
Judge Judy noted Ms. Rapp was now complaining about it.
Ms. Rapp's Financial Situation
Mr. Whitaker presented further bank history.
It showed Ms. Rapp was two and a half months behind on her rent again.
He also showed that Ms. Rapp made a $3,000 bulk payment a month before asking him for money.
Ms. Rapp questioned if he was still accessing her account.
Judge Judy's Final Questions
Judge Judy asked Ms. Rapp if she drove a car.
Ms. Rapp confirmed she did.
She drove a 2003 Chevy Blazer.
She paid insurance for it.
Judge Judy emphasized the need to pay rent.
The Verdict
Judge Judy ruled in favor of the plaintiff.
She awarded Mr. Whitaker the amount of $4,900.
Post-Verdict Reactions
Mr. Whitaker expressed satisfaction with the ruling.
He felt Judge Judy was fair.
He believed she saw through everything on the paperwork.
He stated they had developed a genuine friendship.
He described himself as a great human being and a very generous man.
He felt it was important to help a friend in a bad situation if one had the means.
Ms. Rapp stated she was doing the best she could.
She mentioned being laid off four times in 2017.
She was also going through a divorce.