On April 23, 2025, a Denton County, Texas, court issued a receivership order in Theresa Leilani Noel v. Michael Branden Rutherford, filed on April 15, 2025. The order, part of a final judgment, mandates Rutherford to pay $542,606, plus interest and costs, to plaintiff Theresa Leilani Noel. Due to non-payment, a receiver was appointed to seize Rutherford’s non-exempt assets, including his stake in Rutherford v. Pruvit Ventures, Inc.
Receivership Details
- Court Action: The court granted Noel’s application for post-judgment turnover and appointment of receiver, authorizing the receiver to take possession of Rutherford’s non-exempt property, sell it, and pay proceeds to Noel until the $542,606 judgment is satisfied.
- Scope: Non-exempt assets include Rutherford’s “rights, remedies, monetary claims, demands, choses in action, and causes of action” in the Pruvit lawsuit, now under the receiver’s control in custodia legis as of April 23, 2025.
- Filing: The Receivership Order was noted in the Rutherford v. Pruvit case docket on April 25, 2025.
Impact on Pruvit Lawsuit
The receiver’s control over Rutherford’s stake in Rutherford v. Pruvit could disrupt the litigation, with the receiver potentially directing or liquidating claims to satisfy the judgment. The lawsuit’s future hinges on the receiver’s actions.
Who Is Theresa Leilani Noel?
- Unknown Identity: Limited public access to Texas court records obscures Noel’s identity and claim basis. Speculation suggests a link to Keisha Leilani, Rutherford’s fiancée, but no evidence confirms this.
- Context Clues: Keisha Leilani’s January 2025 Facebook posts mention legal struggles and strained relationships, hinting at possible connections to the case.
Rutherford’s Response
- Motion Filed: On April 29, 2025, Rutherford moved to “stay enforcement” of the receivership.
- Hearing: Scheduled for June 11, 2025, to determine if the receivership will proceed.
Implications
The receivership complicates Rutherford’s legal and financial standing, potentially altering the Rutherford v. Pruvit case’s trajectory. Limited access to Texas court records leaves key details unclear, but the case highlights the risks of unpaid judgments in high-stakes litigation.
Next Steps
The June 11, 2025, hearing will be critical. Investors and observers should watch for receiver filings in the Pruvit case to understand how asset control will affect the ongoing lawsuit.