Brittany Fortinberry Sued by Bank Over $2,125 Credit Card Debt Amid ‘Scream’ Mask Gangbang Case
Sage Matthews here, breaking down the latest twist in one of this year’s most shocking cases. The Indiana teacher at the center of an alleged ‘Scream’ mask gangbang scandal is now facing a new legal battle. Synchrony Bank filed suit on July 23 in an Indiana circuit court seeking to recover $2,125.50 in unpaid credit card charges that have piled up since the account opened in 2021. Court documents allege Brittany Fortinberry defaulted on payments and ignored repeated demands for settlement.
The 34-year-old educator has been held without bond since her arrest in February, accused of orchestrating sex crimes against minors. Prosecutors charged her with a total of 41 felonies, alleging she coerced underage students to participate in sexual acts while wearing masks inspired by the ‘Scream’ horror franchise. A judge set her bond at $1 million, which remains unpaid, keeping Fortinberry confined to an Indiana detention facility over the past five months.
According to legal filings, Fortinberry’s Synchrony credit card account accrued interest, late fees, and other charges over a two-year span. The bank contends she made no payments and failed to respond to collection notices. The suit demands repayment of the outstanding balance, plus attorneys fees and court costs typically allowed under the cardholder agreement. This civil claim runs in parallel with the criminal case, a rare example of a financial institution pursuing defaulted debt against an incarcerated defendant.
No attorney of record has appeared on Fortinberry’s behalf in the credit card lawsuit, suggesting the bank may seek a default judgment within weeks. If granted, the court could issue a writ of execution on any assets she might have, or arrange for wage garnishment should she ever secure employment. Legal experts note that civil judgments often outlast criminal verdicts, meaning any money owed could follow Fortinberry long after she has served any sentence or resolved her felony charges.
Banks generally press forward with collections regardless of a debtor’s criminal status, and the Synchrony action reflects standard industry practice. Still, the timing feels particularly unforgiving given Fortinberry’s lack of access to funds or legal counsel while detained. Past examples show some courts may grant minimal extensions or consider special circumstances, but there is no guarantee here. Fortinberry’s financial woes highlight the broader issue of how civil and criminal liabilities can collide for defendants held without release.
Looking ahead, Fortinberry faces an upcoming hearing on her criminal case later this year, where prosecutors are expected to present more evidence from their multi-agency investigation. Meanwhile, the credit card suit could move quickly, with a scheduling conference possible as soon as next month. Whether Fortinberry mounts a formal defense or allows the bank to secure a default judgment remains unclear.
That concludes this report. Stay tuned for further updates as the court filings unfold.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
