In a complex legal battle that delves into the realms of alleged psychological manipulation and financial misconduct, Anthony J. Bruns, acting as guardian for Caroline Sue Bruns, alongside Janet Franz, has taken their grievances to the Ohio First District Court of Appeals. On November 19, 2025, the court issued a mixed ruling on their appeal against Carole Adlard and Healthy Visions (formerly known as Adoption Option, Inc.), partially affirming and reversing previous judgments from the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas.
The plaintiffs’ appeal arises from claims of conversion, intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED), conspiracy, and unjust enrichment levied against Carole Adlard and her organization. The case traces back to allegations that Adlard manipulated Caroline Sue Bruns through a religious group she orchestrated, purportedly exploiting her wealth under the guise of divine guidance. The plaintiffs argue that Adlard’s influence led to significant financial losses for Bruns, including cash withdrawals totaling $354,000 between 2020 and early 2021. They claim this money was stored in Bruns’ Kentucky property bedroom before being taken by prayer group members at Adlard’s direction.
The court’s decision acknowledged some merit in these accusations by sustaining parts of Anthony’s conversion claim regarding the removal of cash from Sue’s bedroom. Testimonies from involved parties like Jim Strotman revealed how cash was allegedly collected under Adlard’s orders and partially returned after being initially withheld. However, other claims such as those involving ownership interests in an LLC or personal property theft were dismissed due to insufficient evidence linking them directly to wrongful acts by Adlard or Healthy Visions.
Beyond financial exploitation claims, the plaintiffs also presented a narrative of emotional turmoil inflicted upon Caroline Sue Bruns through alleged cult-like practices within the prayer group led by Adlard. Expert testimony highlighted significant psychological manipulation impacting Bruns’ decision-making abilities—a point recognized when she was deemed incompetent by probate courts due to undue influence from what was described as a “cult.” Despite these findings supporting IIED claims for Caroline Sue Bruns, similar assertions made by Janet Franz were not upheld; her health issues were attributed more directly to stress from ongoing litigation rather than direct actions by Adlard.
Seeking justice beyond compensatory damages for converted assets or emotional distress suffered by both plaintiffs, punitive damages against Carole Adlard have been requested—to punish past misconduct while deterring future transgressions. The appellate court’s partial reversal opens avenues for further examination into specific aspects where factual disputes remain unresolved—particularly concerning conspiratorial actions tied closely with conversion incidents involving cash removals.
Representing the appellants are attorneys William H. Blessing and Angela L. Wallace from Blessing & Wallace Law LLC; meanwhile Michael L. Scheier along with Andrew B. Barras and Jacob D. Rhode stand for defendants-appellees under Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL banner—presided over judicially hereunder Judge Zayas bearing Case ID C-240636.
Source: C240636_Bruns_v_Adlard_Opinion_Ohio_Court_of_Appeals.pdf