BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard (search) has filed a complaint with the Birmingham police department accusing his ex-manager of identity theft and forgery.
Studdard, 26, said in the complaint filed Monday that Ronald W. Edwards (search) forged paperwork giving himself power of attorney over Studdard. According to the report, the forgery took place between Aug. 1, 2003, and Nov. 30, 2004.
Studdard also claims Edwards used his credit cards to take $105,000 and had written checks for $150,000. The report says $22,000 in checks were stolen and deposited in Edwards' account. Studdard sued Edwards and his marketing company, SEZ Inc. (search), in February, claiming Edwards misused more than $246,000 of Studdard's money.
Edwards denied the allegations and has indicated Studdard owes him money. Edwards filed a petition for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on June 17, prompting a stay in the lawsuit.
Vic Hayslip, a Studdard attorney, claimed that Edwards' filing of bankruptcy was an effort to avoid giving a deposition in the lawsuit. Edwards' attorney, Glennon Threatt, called the contention inaccurate.
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