Accused ‘selfie scammer’ denied order of protection against man who criticized him on social media

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - In courtroom 4b on Wednesday morning, Todd Dean raised his hand and vowed to tell the truth.

Not about accusations that he deceived women into relationships in order to live off their money or that he hasn’t repaid many of the women who received judgments against him but is able to play poker, but that he is being harassed and defamed.

Dean, who filed for bankruptcy and admits to living off loans from women and other creditors, told Judge Allegra Walker that he wanted an order of protection against Gerry Messier II, a fellow poker player.

According to his order of protection request, on May 12, Dean was playing poker with Messier and others, when the two began arguing over chips. After the argument, Dean testified in court that Messier threatened him.

“‘He said, ‘You’re a loser, let’s go outside and fight,’” Dean said.

Dean also testified that Messier accused him of swindling the women in the WSMV4 Investigates stories.

“He said, ‘You stole millions from women, you’re a loser, you’re a sociopath,’” Dean said.

Dean said Messier called him late at night and sent between “70 and 100 texts” and shared WSMV4′s stories on social media as well as posting videos mocking Dean.

“Then Gerry posted a ton of social media, including some of some of Jeremy Finley’s stuff, which is incorrect,” Dean said.

Messier explained to the judge that he had gotten angry with Dean for breaking a rule in poker and only shared what had been reported about him.

In one post, Messier wrote, “What kind of scumbag lives off borrowing money from women with no intention to pay them back and has no job.”

“He’s known as the selfie scammer,” Messier said in court. “He was conning women out of money, taking pictures, ‘allegedly’ conning women out of money.”

Messier admitted he was being petty, but said he never intended to threaten Dean.

“I feel like it’s a waste of our time being here today,” Messier said.

Judge Walker agreed, saying Dean’s complaints didn’t meet the criteria for an order of protection. After court, WSMV4 Investigates tried to speak with Dean, but he continued to grab our microphone.

Below is the exchange:

WSMV4 Investigates: Mr. Dean I wanted to ask you -

(Grabbing microphone) Dean: Get your facts straight. Why don’t you do some investigations?

WSMV4 Investigates: That’s what I’m here to ask. These women say that you owe them money, but you say you’re being defamed. How are you being defamed?

(Grabbing microphone) Dean: Get your facts straight WSMV4 Investigates: Can you answer any of the questions? Are you saying you don’t owe those women money? Because there are judgments against you.

Dean: See you in court.

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