Content creators collaborating with the Whittaker family have refuted allegations of misappropriating funds from America’s ‘most inbred family’.
YouTubers Lawrence ‘Eric’ Carroll and John ‘Patrick’ Roark have been working with the Whittakers, a family facing economic hardship in Odd, West Virginia, to produce content and offer support.
The Whittaker family gained notoriety through Mark Laita’s YouTube channel, Soft White Underbelly. Laita first connected with the Whittakers in 2004, but their relationship has experienced ups and downs over the years.
Laita has organized fundraisers for the family and even contributed his own money after being falsely informed of Larry Whittaker’s death.
This turned out to be a deception orchestrated by the family, leading to a temporary estrangement between Laita and the Whittakers until they reconciled after offering an apology.
Carroll and Roark have been engaging with the family for just a few months, compared to Laita’s years of involvement.
The duo reportedly introduced subscription levels up to $9.99 a month and listed the Whittakers on Cameo, charging $50 for personal messages and $400 for corporate requests.
It is alleged that there was an agreement to divide the revenue evenly among Roark, Carroll, and the Whittakers.
However, Larry claims that both individuals have kept the proceeds meant for his family.
“Far as I know, Eric got it and took off then, that’s all I know,” Larry, the head of the family, told Daily Mail. He also mentioned: “Patrick got some of our money, I don’t know how much.”
According to the New York Post, the amount potentially taken by the pair could be as much as $100,000.
Following Larry’s accusations, the West Virginia State Police initiated an investigation into the matter, seeking public assistance as of September.
In a Facebook post, the authorities stated: “The Beckley Detachment of the West Virginia State Police is asking for the public’s help in an investigation involving the Whittaker Family.
“A fraudulent scheme that involves money and merchandise being sent to the Whittaker family is being investigated. The West Virginia State Police is asking anyone who made donations for the Whittaker family to Lawrence ‘Eric’ Carroll of Georgia, or John ‘Patrick’ Roark of Odd, to contact Corporal Gilkeson with the Beckley Detachment at (304) 256-6700.”
Both Roark and Carroll have denied the allegations.
Roark, speaking to The Post, asserted: “The only kind of fraud that has existed is the donations that went into a YouTube account that Eric Carroll owns.”
He emphasized that ‘not a dime’ from YouTube donations was received by him.
Carroll defended himself by claiming he received ‘standard platform monetization’ from YouTube and has ensured that the Whittaker family will get their rightful share of the earnings.
West Virginia State Police have been reached out to for a status update.