Jan 11, 2007 - 08:27:51 CST
An Underwood woman has been charged with theft of property for allegedly collecting around $15,000 from a Florida man who believed she was a surrogate mother and pregnant with his child.According to a complaint filed in McLean County, Randi R. Backer, also known as Randi R. Linderman, "deceived Eduardo Martinez of approximately $15,000" by claiming to be a surrogate mother for hire. The complaint alleges that Backer claimed to be impregnated by Martinez's sperm but was actually pregnant by her husband.
The charge against Backer, 24, is a Class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines of $10,000, because the amount of alleged damage is more than $10,000.
Backer could not be reached for comment.
McLean County State's Attorney Ladd Erickson said the case was investigated after Martinez, of Miami Beach, Fla., complained to McLean County authorities.
According to an affidavit from McLean County Sheriff's Deputy J.R. Kerzmann, Martinez and Backer met on the Internet. They reached an agreement that Backer would carry a child for Martinez for monthly payments of $2,350, the affidavit said.
Martinez sent semen samples to Backer on April 6, and she e-mailed him on April 7 and 8 to tell him she had artificially inseminated herself at home. On April 19, Backer told Martinez via e-mail that she had a positive pregnancy test and requested the payment of $2,350. She sent him a copy of a pregnancy test on April 28.
Kerzmann said in the affidavit that the test appeared to have been conducted at the Underwood Family Clinic.
Kerzmann wrote that he had reviewed e-mails between Backer and Martinez in which Backer would request money for pregnancy-related costs, and Martinez would send the money.
On July 6, Backer e-mailed Martinez the results of an ultrasound that was conducted at Medcenter One. Kerzmann said the baby would have been approximately 11 to 12 weeks old if Backer had artificially inseminated herself on April 7 or 8. However, Kerzmann wrote in the affidavit that the baby in the ultrasound appeared to be about 4 to 5 months old, according to fetus growth charts.
On Aug. 21, Backer text-messaged Martinez that she had started bleeding, her doctor had to terminate the pregnancy and her tubes had been tied, the affidavit said. She e-mailed Martinez on Aug. 23 to tell her she was home from the hospital and having emotional problems over losing a child. She never returned money to Martinez, the affidavit said.
The affidavit said Kerzmann learned Backer had delivered a child in November. Erickson subpoenaed vital records in Bismarck to find out more.
A birth certificate said Backer gave birth to a girl on Nov. 30; the father is listed as Matthew Backer, Randi Backer's husband, the affidavit said.
Kerzmann wrote in the affidavit that it appeared Backer was pregnant with her husband's child before she allegedly claimed to artificially inseminate herself. Kerzmann wrote that there also was evidence that suggested Backer had attempted the same thing with prospective parents in New Jersey and Spain.
Erickson said he does not believe Backer has a criminal history.
South Central District Judge Bruce Romanick set bond for Backer at $5,000 cash or surety, which has been posted.
Backer is slated to make her next court appearance at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 21 in McLean County.
(Reach reporter Jenny Michael at 250-8225 or jenny.michael@;bismarcktribune.com.)
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