Scott Cooper, a current member of the Calistoga City Council, is being sued in a civil case for financial elder abuse. The Press Democrat reports the lawsuit, filed by Marla Faust, claims Cooper “preyed upon” her elderly, cognitively impaired mother-in-law, arranging a “predatory loan” that drained equity from her home and profited his business, Cal Green Lending.
Cooper, a real estate broker, denies the allegations, stating the woman was mentally competent and sought the reverse mortgage herself. He argues any actions were corporate, not personal.
This isn’t the first time a Calistoga council member has faced such accusations; in 2021, the vice mayor pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor elder abuse charge.
Faust is seeking at least $125,000 in damages and cancellation of the loan. A hearing is set for September.