Aid James Sterling Pitt's Healing Journey

My name is Reed Bussey. My partner James Sterling Pitt, an artist based in Houston, was the victim of an advanced extortion scheme. James was targeted by a criminal organization on 9/5/2024. Through manipulation, coaching and threats of violence to his life and my life - the organization was able to extract a sum of $15,000 from James. The organization had all of James’ information including his social security number, his previous addresses, his business address, our current address, and my business address. They researched his instagram account and knew about his PTSD and disabilities. They cruelly used all of this information against him in order to extort money from him. While no physical harm was done, this event has been extremely traumatic for James and for me.

We have filed claims with the Houston Police Department, the DEA, and the bank. A media briefing was just released by the HPD on 9/12/2024 detailing a similar case. You can find it here.

We are asking for community aid while the case and bank claims are being investigated. We’re specifically asking for help with weekly therapy bills ($150/session for James & $100/session for me), art supplies (each canvas is $100 and he needs 8) so that James’ can continue working, and basic home needs to support James’ recovery from this attack.

We appreciate anything you can give. Please help us by sharing this story.