Legal troubles continue to mount for famed Myrtle Beach hypnotist
The man behind a popular Myrtle Beach hypnosis attraction has added to his legal trouble after filing for bankruptcy.
James Allen Fox, who performed as Hypno Jimbo, and his wife filed for bankruptcy in late December in North Carolina, according to court records. Fox also works as a technical assembly employee for Walmart, according to court records.
It’s at least the third time the couple filed for bankruptcy since 2000.
The filing notes that Fox operated Five Star Venue, though it doesn’t appear the company is part of the bankruptcy. Five Star Venue was an event company based at the Myrtle Beach area in the old Waccamaw Pottery complex.
Fox was criminally charged in May 2019 after he allegedly got into a fight with his Myrtle Beach business partner after a falling out. That case remains active, according to Horry County court records.
Weeks later, Coastal Outdoor Advertising sued Fox, claiming he owed more than $70,000. That case was put on hold since Fox filed for bankruptcy.
Fox filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection, a move that allows the couple to develop a repayment plan for the money they owe. Under their proposal, the couple — with an estimated $6,000 in monthly income — would pay $2,000 a month for 36 months.
The money would go to the various organizations and people that are owed money.
Part of the reason for the bankruptcy is because the IRS filed a $270,000 tax lien against the couple’s Conway area property.
Fox asked for court permission to sell the home and buy a more expensive home in North Carolina. However, the bankruptcy judge only allowed them to sell the home. The judge stated that it’s only been a month since the couple declared bankruptcy and they have only made one payment in the repayment plan.
Without more evidence of consistent payments under the plan, it’s too soon to OK the purchase of the new property, the judge ordered.
This story was originally published February 20, 2020 at 12:12 PM.
