LOS ANGELES -- The wife of Church of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard has filed a $5 million lawsuit against her stepson, alleging him guilty of fraud and malice for claiming Hubbard dead and trying to become trustee of his father's estate.
The suit, filed Monday by Gary Bostwick, who represents Mary Sue Hubbard, names Hubbard's son, Ronald DeWolf, and his attorney, Michael Flynn of Massachusetts.
The court document states that DeWolf and Flynn 'attempted a massive hoax' and charges they are guilty of 'oppression, fraud and malice' in their unsuccessful 1982 probate bid.
DeWolf, 50, the manager of an apartment complex in Carson City, Nev., changed his name from L. Ron Hubbard Jr. after leaving the church 24 years ago.
In November 1982, he began legal action in Riverside County to have his elderly father declared missing, saying he was either dead or mentally incompetent. He argued his father's affairs were being handled by Church of Scientology officials and wanted the court to appoint him trustee of the estate.
In June 1983, a Riverside County Superior Court judge granted Mrs. Hubbard's request for a summary judgment, ruling against DeWolf and saying he was convinced Hubbard was living in seclusion.
The judge said he had been inclined to rule in DeWolf's favor until he received a letter from Hubbard bearing his signature and initials on all seven pages, verified by handwriting experts.
Hubbard denied DeWolf's claims that church officials have stolen millions of dollars, gems and securities from his estate and said he considers DeWolf 'neither a friend nor a family member' and has disinherited him.
Bostwick said Flynn and DeWolf had insufficient grounds to file the suit and only meant to harass and harm Mrs. Hubbard.
