Self-described monk ordered to vacate Buchanan Abbey

Ryan St. Anne Scott has 72 hours to vacate what he calls the Buchanan Abbey and move what he calls a religious community.

Scott, a self-described monk, has been living in the former Buchanan County home with a small group of followers since about April. He agreed to pay the $125,000 for the property over two years and has made monthly $1,000 payments.

However, as of Monday, Scott had not insured the 16,950-square-foot building and surrounding acreage as the real estate contract required.

County supervisors voted 2-1 on the issue following a half-hour discussion Monday. Supervisor Ellen Gaffney felt Scott should have more time.

County Attorney Shawn Harden cited liability concerns. If an incident should happen on the site, such as a personal injury, Buchanan County's insurance would not kick in because it doesn't have possession, he said.

“I'm pretty sure our insurance company is going to tell us to take a hike,” Harden said.

Supervisor Gary Gissel expressed concern the county could be sued, however.

“We have the deep pockets,” he said. “(Scott) doesn't.”

Scott owes a judgment of $161,000 in Illinois to a former follower. In December, he filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection for a failed venture, the Holy Rosary Abbey in Galesburg, Ill. Scott also filed a personal Chapter 7 bankruptcy Dec. 21 in Iowa.

“I don't want to be the bad guy here, but I think he's had his time and we need to move on this thing before it's too late for us,” Gissel said.

Waiting could become a problem as bankruptcy proceedings get under way, according to Harden. In talking with a bankruptcy trustee, much of the property at the Buchanan Abbey seems to have been illegally transferred from Illinois to the new organization, officially known as the Congregatio Ordinis Sancti Benedicti, according to Harden.

Those items could soon be confiscated. Harden also speculated Scott could face fraud charges because he filed bankruptcy as Ryan Patrick Scott, though his real name is Randell Stocks.

“I don't know whether we're going to be frozen until the bankruptcy is concluded, which at this point could be quite a while,” Harden said.

Supervisor Ralph Kremer initially suggested giving Scott just 48 hours, but Gissel said moving the number of items inside the building and a llama herd would take longer.

Scott's attorney, Ben Lange, was notified of the decision by telephone after the meeting, and the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office served written notice on Scott, according to Harden. Forfeiture documents have been filed with the county recorder, according to Harden.

“The contract is officially forfeited and canceled,” Harden said.

Gaffney said she spoke with Scott by phone Saturday to ensure he knew about Monday's meeting. Scott followed up with an email to Gaffney.

“As explained to you during our telephone conversation Saturday evening, due to health issues the doctor has me on bedrest for a few days, therefore, I will not be able to attend the meeting on Monday and Ben cannot attend in my place due to previous schedule conflicts,” Scott wrote.

Harden described that as “usually his excuse when he needs to be in court, too.”

“What we get by email and letter from him, I don't think we should give much credibility,” Harden said.

Scott acknowledged difficulty getting insurance in the correspondence but assured supervisors “we are close.” He also invited county officials to tour the abbey and see firsthand the roadblocks Scott says prevent progress.

Scott was served notice of forfeiture Oct. 31 and allowed 30 days to get insurance. Lange reportedly contacted the county in mid-November requesting more time for Scott to line up coverage. Scott contacted two companies about possible policies toward the end of November, according to Harden.

“That was already after the original 30 days had passed,” Harden said. “Here we are now well into January and still no insurance on it.”

An agent at American Family Insurance told Harden on Monday the company denied Scott's request for a policy because of issues with asbestos and lead paint as well as a Iowa State Fire Marshal's Division report indicating numerous deficiencies.

Church Mutual Insurance acknowledged speaking to Scott but was unaware of the fire marshal's report, Harden said.

Much of the fire inspector's concern centered on outdated electrical wiring, and remodeling projects would require asbestos and lead paint abatement, according to Harden. The county's insurance agent estimated the project could cost $1 million.

“Ben Lange hasn't told me they can't do it but has indicated that it's just not feasible,” Harden said.

OTHER RELATED COVERAGE from The Courier:

Dec. 18, 2011: Leader of Buchanan Abbey not what he claims, investigation shows

Dec. 18, 2011: Documents from the Ryan Scott investigation

Dec. 19, 2011: Buchanan County checked out buyer of county home