Stripper Accused of Defrauding Wealthy Ex in Decade-Long Relationship

A Las Vegas stripper is accused of deceiving and defrauding her wealthy ex-partner out of a substantial sum of money during their decade-long relationship. The ex-partner has filed a lawsuit alleging this misconduct.

Melanie Beth Sterling has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. Her attorney argues that the ex-partner, Fred Brunner, has a history of making unsubstantiated claims that she stole millions from him. The attorney stated that the relationship should have ended amicably.

Brunner initiated the lawsuit last year, seeking $3.5 million in compensatory damages and $35 million in punitive damages. The case was initially slated for adjudication in Arkansas, where Brunner resides, but a judge has ruled it should be heard in Nevada. A hearing regarding the motion to dismiss is scheduled for October 21.

The couple met in 2014 at a club where Sterling worked as a dancer. Brunner was going through a divorce at the time. According to the lawsuit, Sterling learned that Brunner was significantly wealthy and pursued a relationship with him with the intention of defrauding him.

The lawsuit claims that Sterling repeatedly requested financial support from Brunner throughout their ten-year relationship. Brunner admitted to providing over $2.1 million in checks to Sterling during their time together. She reportedly used some of this money to purchase a home in Las Vegas.

In her motion to dismiss, Sterling describes Brunner as generous with his wealth. She also stated that she was aware from the beginning that Brunner was not the monogamous type.

Brunner's complaint alleges that Sterling was not truthful about her intentions in the relationship. The lawsuit cites a specific incident in 2020 where Sterling texted Brunner saying she was unwell, shortly after posting a photo with another man on social media.

Sterling's response indicates that she understood Brunner's wealth and that he was accustomed to getting what he wanted. She claims that Brunner pleaded for her to return to him in 2024, and when she refused, he filed the lawsuit.

Sterling and another individual, Shanta Cotright, are accused of being romantically involved while Sterling was dating Brunner for financial gain. The lawsuit alleges that they used the money Brunner provided for lavish expenses.

Sterling's motion to dismiss emphasizes that they were never married, engaged, or living together, and that she did not owe him anything. Her motion suggests that the ex-partner is simply upset that the relationship did not work out.