An Apple co-founder is suing an AI consultant who allegedly drew him into a months-long scheme involving false assurances, questionable business activity, among others.
Ronald G. Wayne, the Apple co-founder who sold 10% of his stake for $800 in 1976, accuses Joann Coffey and entities KGU International LLC and the JC Coffey Foundation Inc. of elder exploitation and fraud, reports Law.com.
According to a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court (District of Nevada), Wayne, now 91, alleges he was targeted after being approached during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas with a proposal to create an AI avatar capable of preserving his voice, memories and life story for future generations.
Joann Coffey and her affiliated entities allegedly lured Wayne with promises of advanced AI engineering, wealthy investors, NFT opportunities and legal support for restoring his historical legacy at Apple. According to the complaint, Coffey claimed access to engineers, coders, financiers and lawyers who would build and promote the avatar and related projects.
But Wayne says none of the promised breakthroughs materialized. Instead, he was shown demonstrations built on off-the-shelf software, given shifting explanations for delays and persuaded to fund travel for Coffey and her advisers to Nevada, New York and Florida with assurances that investor commitments were imminent.
Wayne also claims that Coffey allegedly used his home address without permission for business filings, brought unvetted individuals into his private residences and acquired a domain historically associated with his attorney to create the appearance of legal backing.
One of the most serious allegations centers on a trip to New York, where an associate of Coffey allegedly presented Wayne with power-of-attorney documents that, if signed, would have granted broad control over his personal, legal and financial life. Wayne says an adviser intervened before he signed.
Wayne seeks damages, restitution, declaratory relief and injunctions preventing any further use of his identity. He also seeks punitive and treble damages under Nevada’s elder exploitation statute. The federal docket lists a “demand” of $1 million.
In a declaration supporting his request for court intervention, Wayne said that Coffey’s conduct undermined his sense of safety and control.
“At my age, I am vulnerable to emotional distress and manipulation.”
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