Raphael Holoman-Franklin (as many Cambridge residents learned in 2008) a multi-state scam artist and thief. See our victim's blog at: www.holoman-franklin.blogspot.com Holoman-Franklin uses religion and political involvement to ingratiate himself to people. He then "borrows" money or rents (then illegally sublets) apartments and houses from them, pockets the money, and flees. Holoman-Franklin was recently in Cambridge, and attempted to "move in" with a family on Essex Street, just a few doors down from the home of scamming victims from last year. This family asked him to leave after becoming suspicious of him and checking his back ground. ( Holoman-Franklin moves around a lot - understandably - yet manages to find victim after victim.)

After scamming Cambridge residents in 2008, Holoman-Franklkin fled to Illinois and "hid out" at St. Bede's Abbey on pretense of wanting to become a monk. (see victim's blog for details)The abbot of the monastery asked him to leave after victims contacted him. Holoman-Franklin left, went to another city, told people that he was a monk, and borrowed (read: "stole") money from them!

Long time Cambridge resident and scamming victim Clifford Truesdell has just received another letter from the abbot re: Holoman-Franklin:

"Dear Mr. Truesdell,

I have heard little about our friend Raphael since I last contacted you. The local police did not follow through on their promise to investigate further the Seattle matter, and the chief did not return
my phone call to inquire about it.

I have, however, had a couple of phone calls. One was from a Mormon bishop in Massachusetts, who inquired in September about Raphael's presence here. I answered his questions truthfully, but then heard nothing further. Now, however, I have received an e-mail asking me to confirm the contents of a letter that I wrote last June to you and which has been posted on an internet blog by you, I think, or by Mr. Jaegerstaetter. I confirmed that the letter is accurately quoted and does represent our experience.

I seized the opportunity to ask about Raphael's Mormon membership. Bishop Karl Haglund responded that Raphael was baptized at their temple in Manhattan in 2007, and then participated regularly in their services in Montreal. He came to their church in Cambridge only once before leaving for Illinois, presumably in 2008. In August of 2009 he contacted one of their members seeking help in finding a roommate and/or an apartment. After this they discovered your blog. The bishop says that he intends to call you.

Another phone call came some time ago, perhaps in October, from a Catholic lady (whose name I did not get) in Fort Dodge, IA. Raphael was there at the time, and was already known to them, as he had been there before. I think she said that he has a relative in the town. He told them that he was now a monk at St. Bede Abbey, and she wanted to verify that, as she was somewhat suspicious of him. This was at least partly because he had borrowed money from a couple of members of the parish, herself included. She did not expect that it would be repaid, especially after she heard what I told her.

Bishop Haglund had another bit of information. He had succeeded in talking on the phone to a detective in the Seattle police department, who confirmed orally that they have an outstanding warrant on Raphael
from 1999 for passing bad checks. They will not, however, confirm warrants in writing.

A few more tidbits for your dossier.

Abbot Claude (Peifer)"

(NOTE: see our victim's blog for an email from the Seattle PD confirming this warrant for passing bad checks, a criminal matter. Rent scamming on the other hand is treated as a civil matter. Complaints HAVE been made to police in New York City, Cambridge and elsewhere re: this, but they do not result in warrants being issued. This no doubt in part encourages Holoman-Franklin to continue his criminal activities. BE WARNED. Do not trust Raphael Holoman-Franklin. He lies about his work experience, education, and family history. His (bad) English accent is affected, his doctor-mothers "townhouse in New York" is non-existent, and his family in England is mythical. He passes himself off as an active and important "player" in President Obama's election and presidency, and his religious affiliations change when the prospect of new "friends" (VICTIMS) presents itself.)