SPRINGDALE, Ark. — A charge against Brandi Humphries, 48, accused of exploiting an elderly man with dementia, has been dropped, according to court documents. Humphries, who was arrested on October 18, 2024, by the Tontitown Police Department, was initially charged with soliciting money or property from an incompetent person. However, on January 15, 2025, prosecutors dismissed the charge, and the case was officially closed. Humphries’ trial had been scheduled to begin on January 21.
Humphries’ co-defendant, John Backus, 50, also faced the same charge. Backus was arrested a few days later, on October 21, 2024, and released after posting bond. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge, and his trial is set to begin on February 4, 2025.
The allegations against Humphries and Backus stem from an incident involving an 89-year-old man who had been diagnosed with dementia. The man’s grandson, who had been granted power of attorney over his grandfather’s health care and financial matters in February 2021, raised concerns after a property transaction was made under questionable circumstances. According to a probable cause affidavit from the Tontitown Police Department, the elderly man’s ability to make financial decisions had been compromised due to his condition.
In December 2021, a revocation of the power of attorney was signed by the elderly man, which was notarized by Humphries. The grandson subsequently filed for guardianship over his grandfather on December 22, 2021, which legally prevented any real estate transactions involving the elderly man. Despite this, the affidavit claims that Humphries and Backus proceeded with the sale of property to Backus at a significantly reduced price, even after being informed of the man’s condition.
The police report further details that Humphries and Backus were made aware of the grandfather’s inability to manage financial matters, yet continued with the transaction, prompting the legal action. In August 2024, warrants for the arrest of both individuals were issued.
“The actions of Mr. Backus and Ms. Humphries after being made aware that [the grandfather] was not capable of making real estate decisions are to the point of being criminal,” the affidavit stated.
With the charge against Humphries now dropped, attention turns to Backus, who continues to face charges related to the case. His trial is set for February 4, 2025, where he will have the opportunity to present his defense against the accusations.