Attorney: Richard Poe bought planes and homes, yet reported $17 million in losses

The plaintiff and the defense both rested their cases Thursday in the legal battle over the estate of late El Paso car dealer Dick Poe, who died two years ago.

47-year-old Richard Poe II, the plaintiff, is suing to regain control of three of his father’s dealerships and millions in potential damages.

Dick Poe regained control of his estate with a $3 million stock transaction just 10 days before his death.

Thursday, the defense called local accountant Steve Lauderback, who reviewed Richard Poe II’s tax returns.

Documents presented in court revealed Poe II purchased multiple planes, several homes and owned many businesses between 2006 and 2015, yet told the government he lost more than $17 million during that time.

Poe II’s 23-year-old cousin, Cameron Harris, cried as she testified about her relationship with her other cousin, Poe II’s brother, Troy, who has cerebral palsy.

When asked about Poe II’s relationship with Troy, she said she hadn’t seen Richard in the two years since her great uncle’s death.

At one point, Poe II found himself back on the stand being questioned about his grandfather’s death.

Attorney Jim Martinez asked Poe II, “That’s a big fat lie isn’t it?”

“No. It’s true,” Poe II answered.

Earlier in the trial, Poe II testified his grandfather died while undergoing dental surgery. Poe said his family had dentral hygiene issues when asked about his own dental problems. The defense claims the elder Poe did not want Poe II to gain control of his estate because he feared Poe II was on drugs.

The defense even argued Poe II suffered from a condition known as “meth mouth.”

The defense then produced a death certificate for A.B. Poe, showing he died during cataract surgery, not dental surgery.

Closing arguments are scheduled to begin Friday morning at 9:30 am.