The Oregon Supreme Court has reinstated a $3.2 million verdict against Josephine County Commissioner Chris Barnett and his company, Barnett Resorts, LLC, finding that their 2017 purchase of the Osprey Point RV Resort in Lakeside was built on premeditated deceit and elder financial abuse.
In a narrow 4–3 decision, the state's highest court held that Barnett and his wife, Stefani, were fully aware that more than 70 mostly retired residents held "lifetime" membership contracts -- many of whom lived at the park year-round -- but never disclosed any intent to honor those agreements.
After initially honoring a handful of memberships, the Barnetts abruptly notified all members that their contracts were void, enabling them to acquire the property for nearly $1 million below its $2.8 million appraised value.
Although the Oregon Court of Appeals previously reversed the elder abuse ruling, the Supreme Court reinstated it, emphasizing the deliberate and deceptive nature of the Barnetts' actions. A Coos County jury had awarded $500,000 for breach of contract and $2.7 million in triple damages under Oregon's elder abuse statute.
Justice Aruna Masih's majority opinion stressed that this was precisely the kind of malicious financial exploitation elder-abuse laws exist to prevent.
With interest accruing at 9% annually, the decision restores the full judgment against Barnett Resorts, LLC, and underscores that even companies can be held accountable for knowingly preying on vulnerable seniors.
