De-licensed MD Stephen Barrett (www.quackwatch.com) is having trouble holding it all together lately. His ship is sinking… Even his personal attorney isn’t sticking around.
Christopher Grell, PROMINENTLY listed on Barrett’s website at http://www.quackwatch.com/02ConsumerProtection/victims.html, has formally WITHDRAWN (well, sort of…) from a Barrett-originated action – claiming “lack of cooperation.
Opinion by Tim Bolen
Barrett solicits Plaintiffs, using his questionable “quackwatch” website, against leading-edge health professionals who spurn the use of dangerous drugs, in favor of more natural approaches.
BUT THIS TIME BARRETT’S PLAN BACKFIRED…
The Figueroa vs. Clark case, originated by Barrett against health humanitarian Hulda Regehr Clark PhD, ND took on ominous highlights for Barrett and Grell, after famed California civil litigator Carlos F. Negrete, took over for Clark.. Negrete instantly mounted an aggressive campaign, demanding IMMEDIATE presentation of evidence from Grell’s office, backing their dubious claims against Clark.
Grell, attorney-wise, sort of a stumbling bumbler, was stunned by Negrete’s assault – and could not provide any evidence. His answers to Negrete’s court ordered questions were just an angry reiteration of the original poorly written lawsuit – all harangue, and feather-light on facts.
Grell, even before Negrete’s arrival, was fumbling through the case. The last time I looked at the court docket, there had been eighteen (18) OSC/sanction hearings scheduled by the Judge against Grell. An OSC (Order to Show Cause) hearing can carry severe penalties for errant attorneys. Grell just simply wasn’t doing what he was supposed to do in a timely manner – i.e.; proper performance in maintaining the case. The Judge, HIMSELF, forced Grell to drop FIVE defendants that weren’t within the court’s jurisdiction. Grell had also filed “proof of service” forms against FOUR MORE named defendants claiming that they “were served” at a private mail box company, although the owner of the business gave Grell a letter detailing the fact that he had never heard of these people, none of them were renting a mail box from him, nor had they ever rented a mail box from him.
It became obvious that there was, for all practical purposes, NO EVIDENCE. It was also obvious that attorney Grell had little, or no, substantive relationship with the alleged plaintiffs, Esther and Jose Figueroa.
Let’s see – no plaintiff, no evidence, no defendants – hmmm? A hard case to win (sarcasm intended)…
GRELL PANICS…
Next Negrete demanded his right to “depose” the Figueroas (physically interview them). That’s when the case began to fall apart. Grell would not, or could not, produce the Figueroas for a physical interview. Negrete went directly to the Judge who then ORDERED Grell to produce his plaintiffs for deposition by January 22, 2001.
Grell failed to produce the Figueroas. Failure to follow the DIRECT ORDERS of a Judge can have serious consequences for an attorney.
Negrete turned up the heat again demanding that a sort of bond be put up to cover Clark’s legal costs, in this obviously frivolous attack. The Judge has agreed, issuing orders to that effect.
BARRETT’S DIRTY FINGERPRINTS…
I have suspected, all along, that the entire Figueroa vs. Clark case was manufactured in a basement in Allentown, Pennsylvania by de-licensed MD Stephen Barrett, for the sole purpose of damaging Hulda Clark.
Barrett, and his minions, bandied this case all over the Internet, using the original unproven accusations to defame Clark’s books, her followers, and her work.
I also suspect that the Plaintiffs, Esther and Jose Figueroa, were recruited into the lawsuit with false statements, and promises, by Barrett and/or his minions.
I suspect that Grell was representing Barrett’s interest in the case, not the Figueroa’s. I suspect the Figueroas figured out they were being used, and were reluctant to continue the charade. Especially since the substituted much-lauded “conventional” cancer therapy wasn’t, and isn’t, working…
I also suspect that the Figueroas were horribly misled by Barrett, and perhaps other self-styled quackbusters, into believing that Clark’s theories were “fraud and quackery” and of no benefit.
CLARK, THE FIGUEROAS, AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, ARE THE VICTIMS HERE…
Although introduced to Clark’s work by members of her Church, Mrs. Figueroa abandoned the Clark protocol early in it’s inception, in favor of traditional treatment. The cancer has, of course, now spread to the rest of her body. This poor woman is not now expected to live. She has five children. I wonder if even Clark could save her at this point.
Barrett and Grell convinced the Figueroas to also SUE THEIR OWN CHURCH – for having given the Figueroas a copy of Clark’s book. Until the case is over Esther and Jose can’t even talk to their own Church, and get the solace they need, when they need it most.
Say a prayer for Esther Figueroa, and her family…
WELL, SORT OF…
Bumbling Grell filed a “Motion to Withdraw” and a hearing was set for April 27, 2001 – but the judge DENIED his motion – because Grell filed the Motion on the wrong form… Grell has to do it all over again. I’m considering filling out the “right” form for him, and sending it to him…
Tim Bolen