Ronald Downey Modus Operandi-- Manipulation, Lies and Deceit? Buffalo, Missouri

In regards to Ronald Downey, the following is a compilation of my observations and opinions on a more personal level.

It is my observation that Ronald refuses to give information like social security numbers or federal identification necessary to establish business accounts. Ronald denies having a Social Security number but has two. He has admitted to several non-traceable bank accounts and contingency plans if an account is seized or frozen. Ronald has threatened to "skip town" if things become too complicated. He states he has run two times before and is prepared and willing to do it a third time while maintaining access to funds.

It is my impression that rather than invest his own money into his business Ronald borrows from others and he preys on the generosity of various people in every city for housing, workspace or other special favors. While he pretends to have money, he borrowed the gas money to get to the Extreme Health seminar, where he was a key presenter. He also borrowed all the costs associated with establishing Health Ascension, a company created just before his appearance at the event.  

He speaks of his "farm" as his future healing compound, but after ten years of ownership it consists of a dilapidated mobile home and a small unfinished cabin on unimproved land. The original home burned down eight years ago and he has been living in the trailer since that time. His business address is the apartment of one of his "female" friends.

Anyone dealing with him should watch for his MO, which entails some of the following:

Talks about his big vision. This vision involves a community of dedicated people. He will say everyone in this dedicated community should be passionate followers of his work which he is hesitant to describe and, of course, they must pay to learn. He may appeal to need for purpose, healing, desire to heal or the allure of his lifestyle. His vision usually is touted as being extremely profitable and encourages people to quit their day job, effectively, making them dependent upon him. Money will be expected to be contributed as a sign of commitment.

He is highly flattering and extremely attentive when asking for money. He may claim you to be a dear friend and confidant. He will try and find your "need" and exploit it. He has a tendency to poster people against one another as a means of motivating them. You will hear a long list of others who are willing to step up if you do not.

He will arrive late and have some "interesting" place to go to sound important and in demand. He keeps an intentionally fluid schedule so actual whereabouts is unpredictable. He will insist on money up front for services, but refuse to give refunds for any reason. He often behaves in a paranoid manner frequently seeking confirmation of commitment.

As a client or student, who questions anything, you will be told any number of catch phases such as: "You are not ready for healing"; "Your issue with... is blocking you from your higher self", "You are resistant to your healing", "You have issues with money". At the same time uses his own need for healing to justify his seemingly incongruent beliefs and behaviors.

Though he tends to prey on wealthy women, he often extorts from men as well. He refers to himself as "Dr." to add credibility. Ronald has friends who are real doctors and/or chiropractors and he refers to them as his colleagues. He drives rented, high-end cars to appear wealthy. To justify his high fees, Ronald says your fees allow him to help indigent children in South Africa and Los Angeles. In reality, his visits to these locations are usually to see any number of his female friends.

It is my impression that Ronald preys on the affections of women in exchange for free work or to retain them as clients. When confronted, he tells them, "There are so few spiritual men so, they are obligated to share." He says they must, Rise to their higher selves and not be bothered by monogamy. He tells then they need to set that stuff aside and work for the "higher vision". As an incentive for his male colleague, Michael Broeg, to participate in his vision, I have heard Ronald say: "I guarantee an abundance of women."

Ronald Downey speaks with absolute conviction. He is very believable, which is why I (and many others) believed in him wholeheartedly at first. But after a while the cracks start to show.

Ronald compares himself to Einstein and Jesus as being persecuted by lesser minds, a defense he uses when he is accused of being unethical and unprofessional.