The North Augusta woman who accused school board trustee-elect Tyrique Robinson of theft and asked him to resign just after his election has tried to make herself administrator of his estate.
In doing so, Melissa Oden spells out allegations she claimed at the time she was taking to law enforcement.
Robinson was 20 years old Nov. 15, a week after he was elected to represent District 6 on the Richmond County Board of Education, when authorities say he took his own life.
The day before, Oden, a successful small business owner, publicized claims Robinson had stolen from her while she was backing him in a van transport business.
Oden said at the time her intent was for Robinson to resign, so former Commissioner Ben Hasan could take the seat, which would require a special election.
Oden’s petition for letters of administration, filed in Richmond County Probate Court by attorney Randy Frails, is a common request when someone dies without a will, as Robinson did.
For a creditor to petition to be administrator is uncommon, but allowed – as payment for services rendered – if the person has no relatives or heirs, Richmond County Probate Judge Harry James said.
Robinson has two living parents, Kim Robinson Gowdy and James Dunbar, who have applied to be administrator. He also has an infant son, Noah Robinson. The child has been assigned a guardian ad litem, attorney Cynthia McDowell, to look out for his well-being.
His parents’ Jan. 13 petition lists his assets as valued as $55,700 for a Mercedes Sprinter Van and a Chevy Malibu.
Oden reported the van as being hers to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 13. But her application to be administrator of Robinson’s estate lists dozens of charges, not investigated by law enforcement, she claims Robinson made using her credit cards.
They include $110 to have a TV mounted in his Alexander Drive apartment. The address, where his body was found in bed, is not in District 6.
Other charges include $308 for an airline ticket for a girlfriend and $1,620 for Azalea Outdoor billboards. The signs ran in July and August 2022 at two locations on Peach Orchard Road, prior to school board candidate qualifying.
At the time, Oden backed Robinson for the seat and said she persuaded Hasan not to run, to ensure Robinson was unopposed.
The petition claims Robinson made a series of charges using her credit card for which he “created false invoices.” His largest expenditures were charges in July 2022 to a gas credit card for which she claims he changed the billing address. Those charges include 24 in amounts of $306, $356 or $386.
In addition, he still has the Mercedes van she wired him $50,000 to purchase, it states.
Including the van, she claims his estate owes her approximately $73,000.
In a statement, the family said it has retained an attorney and that Oden is misrepresenting the charges.
“We believe there is an attempt to hijack Mr. Robinson’s estate from the family. Mr. Robinson was the operating manager/dispatcher for the transportation company and 20% owner,” it said.
As a result of his death, Richmond County Board of Elections is holding a special election March 21 for the District 6 seat. Advance voting starts Monday, Feb. 27 at the Linda Beazley Community Road at Augusta Municipal Building, 535 Telfair St.
Hasan did not run for the seat. The candidates are Ed Lowery, a former school system employee and a funeral home employee, and Laura Green, who owns and runs a daycare.
