I may have the option to get involved in a kind of complicated situation. My one friend's dad is storing an entire shop's worth of tools for his mechanic friend who turned crack head. The mechanic went bankrupt and lost everything in a messy divorce with his wife and then my friend's dad (who is a farmer and therefore has tons of storage) volunteered to store all of his tools including a custom made Macsimzer that is massive. It has to be at least 12' wide and over 6' tall. Since the mechanic was supposed to lose all his business in the bankruptcy I don't think he was legally allowed to take all the tools. In addition I have my doubts that the Mac dealer was ever paid in full for the Macsimizer. Does that mean that I should stay away even though I think it is a possibility to get the Macsimizer at about a tenth of the original price. It would need keys and probably locks replaced so would there be any issue getting parts since it is probably illegally held. It is a memorable box so it is doubtful that it would be possible to hide it from anyone. I don't want any trouble with it so is it more work then it is worth?
Potentially Stolen Toolbox Worth Buying?
- Thread starter J_Miller
- Start date
bobbycos
Well-known member
two words
STAY AWAY !!!!!!!!!
STAY AWAY !!!!!!!!!
kd3pc
Well-known member
It boils down to what kind of person you really are?
Asking your question, leads one to believe....but that is not what you asked.
Knowingly receiving stolen merchandise....can land you in jail, fairly quickly. Landing in jail, even one night, can screw up your job, your marriage and things down the road, you have never thought of.
Then there is the "bankruptcy" thing....that is usually a federal thing, and if you think local and state jail is a pain, just get involved with the Feds, and they have a very long memory.
Rationalize all you want. It is what it is, and you are aware of that going in.
You know the answer, but others will chime in, for sure.
Asking your question, leads one to believe....but that is not what you asked.
Knowingly receiving stolen merchandise....can land you in jail, fairly quickly. Landing in jail, even one night, can screw up your job, your marriage and things down the road, you have never thought of.
Then there is the "bankruptcy" thing....that is usually a federal thing, and if you think local and state jail is a pain, just get involved with the Feds, and they have a very long memory.
Rationalize all you want. It is what it is, and you are aware of that going in.
You know the answer, but others will chime in, for sure.
Dirty Diesels
Well-known member
Good advice, because you just don't know what kinda hassle your gonna get.
warmpancakes
Well-known member
how long ago did all this happen? Reason I ask depending on who ws owed money on the box, changes the answer, If it was truck financed NO, if it was finaced through MAC credit they might be looking for it, but doubtful odds are debt was discharged in the BK and box is free and clear
bobbycos
Well-known member
my fear is the original "owner" might come looking for it after all is said and done and since OP said that he turned into a crackhead he most likely has a new cast of "unsavory" characters as friends
still stay away
panknuckshovel
Well-known member
Let's see, a divorce, a bankruptcy, a crackhead, and a farmer hiding/storing the box. How could you possibly lose? Be sure to pay with a check.
Mohawk Dave
Well-known member
I would explore and exhaust every legal option you have.
IF, once again, IF every thing checks out and you are LEGALLY allowed to buy and own said toolbox, and you get it for a screaming deal, then go for it.
If crackhead comes around looking for it, have your Doberman outside and tell dude to kick rocks, otherwise he might get lead poisoning.
IF, once again, IF every thing checks out and you are LEGALLY allowed to buy and own said toolbox, and you get it for a screaming deal, then go for it.
If crackhead comes around looking for it, have your Doberman outside and tell dude to kick rocks, otherwise he might get lead poisoning.
jakemac
Well-known member
If he can provide paperwork from a Judge stating that he clearly owns the box, then go ahead. If he can't prove clear ownership, then run away.
If the box is a hidden asset, the guy storing it could be caught up in any legalities as an accessory.
If the box is a hidden asset, the guy storing it could be caught up in any legalities as an accessory.
bobbycos
Well-known member
what about said crackheads "friends" who he might owe money to
3baygarage
Well-known member
Even the cows are saying MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE ON!
Remember they are another guy's tools. Can you buy them with his consent? Or is he in jail?
Remember they are another guy's tools. Can you buy them with his consent? Or is he in jail?
CwazyWabbit
Well-known member
Sounds to me like this would make a good reality tv episode ....
CobraChevelle
Banned
why even ask this question online? or to anyone? Now they will have inevidence you knew it was "stolen" if you went this route. My advise is do what you can live with. And the less people that know the less chance of getting fcked. I wouldn't do it. I would stay away
Bill Ramsey
Well-known member
If your Little Voice is saying, "Hmmm...this doesn't seem like an idea that check-marks all the "good outcome" boxes," then you have your answer.
Todd.Brock
Well-known member
I'll bite. Buy it and take some pics!
Hey,
Thanks but no thanks walk away and know nothing of it. Now as for the loosing the tools in the bankruptcy I do not know the laws now but a long time ago I almost had to do bankruptcy in Austin, Texas when they closed the base and I could not sell my house. What I was told then was they could not touch my tools as even though I was in the Air Force those were how I made my living . So possession of the tools may not be illegal however, if any of the creditors wanted their stuff back then it could be . The tangle of legal issues scream run ..AWAY.
Cypher
Thanks but no thanks walk away and know nothing of it. Now as for the loosing the tools in the bankruptcy I do not know the laws now but a long time ago I almost had to do bankruptcy in Austin, Texas when they closed the base and I could not sell my house. What I was told then was they could not touch my tools as even though I was in the Air Force those were how I made my living . So possession of the tools may not be illegal however, if any of the creditors wanted their stuff back then it could be . The tangle of legal issues scream run ..AWAY.
Cypher
bwringer
Well-known member
Not sure why you think the tools were "stolen".
If he bought the tools on credit and then couldn't pay for them due to crackheadedness, that's a very different matter than if he actually stole them from someone. If the debt was discharged in a bankruptcy, he may legitimately be able to keep the tools (unless Mac wanted them back and he hid them, but that's another question.)
Or do you feel that the person storing the tools "stole" them from the crackhead? If you abandon stuff in storage, it eventually belongs to the property owner. (Local laws vary...)
Is the property owner selling the tools on behalf of the crackhead? Or did the crackhead give him the tools as payment for storage or money for crack?
Probably not stolen, but it is a tangle and a potential rabbit hole.
Personally, I'd pass just on the grounds that I don't want a crackhead knowing I've got a valuable chunk of his former property.
If he bought the tools on credit and then couldn't pay for them due to crackheadedness, that's a very different matter than if he actually stole them from someone. If the debt was discharged in a bankruptcy, he may legitimately be able to keep the tools (unless Mac wanted them back and he hid them, but that's another question.)
Or do you feel that the person storing the tools "stole" them from the crackhead? If you abandon stuff in storage, it eventually belongs to the property owner. (Local laws vary...)
Is the property owner selling the tools on behalf of the crackhead? Or did the crackhead give him the tools as payment for storage or money for crack?
Probably not stolen, but it is a tangle and a potential rabbit hole.
Personally, I'd pass just on the grounds that I don't want a crackhead knowing I've got a valuable chunk of his former property.
jlh92
Well-known member
Would you be buying everything from the farmer or the "crackhead"? If from the farmer, what makes him the owner of the tools? Were the tools abandoned with the farmer?
warmpancakes
Well-known member
depending on the state OP is in property could be considered abandoned, all farmers has to do is mail a letter to last know address, informing "crackhead" to come get items and pay reasonable storage within a time frame or he will dispose of property , thats how things work in michigan, unless it has a title and toolboxes dont
Tredeh
Well-known member
nope.avi
nopenopenope
Imagine this guy gets his life together (it can happen) and wants his tools back. They're his. Not yours. Unless he gave permission for them to be sold then you have no business buying them. Not to mention the possible legal trouble...
That being said, if the dudes going to be in jail for 20 years or something and you feel confident that you wont get into trouble, go for it. And post pics
nopenopenope
Imagine this guy gets his life together (it can happen) and wants his tools back. They're his. Not yours. Unless he gave permission for them to be sold then you have no business buying them. Not to mention the possible legal trouble...
That being said, if the dudes going to be in jail for 20 years or something and you feel confident that you wont get into trouble, go for it. And post pics
MG11068
Well-known member
With what you know and the questions you have, I would pass on this deal. Either way you will probably regret it. But I would rather regret missing a good deal than to regret being a part of something illegal.
Aside from the integrity issue, I look at it like this, I wouldn't want to be one of those guys I've heard about that buy a "stolen" thing (knowingly or not) and then have the rightful owner come and claim it. The last person in that line loses out. They NEVER get their money back.
Last edited:
AceofSpad3s
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 1, 2014
- Messages
- 1,808
I love cheap tools as much as the next guy, but I would not risk a crackhead trying to find me for their box, however, I would go and buy a bunch of the tools and not the box.
Moose364
Well-known member
Hell if it has been a couple of years then go for it. it would be a shame to let something like that sit out in a barn and let rust eat it away, I would not be worried about legal issues, there is a ton of ways around anything like that if it would come up. if it has been long enough you could always say you paid the storage fee's for it, I know you have watched storage wars on TV, that how they get all the stuff. so you would be in the clear on being in possession of it, and like it or not possession is 9/10 of the law,
bczygan
Well-known member
Due diligence.
You say the box will be seen by others once you get it. Well, word gets around, eventually to almost everyone. And each person in this scenario will have different responses and different rights.
Getting it for a small fraction of it's value, makes me think it isn't clear of taint. I would only get it if it was clean as a whistle, legally speaking.
First, find out the SN. Call the manufacturer and see if it is on their list of stolen boxes, and ask if they want it back.
Second, find out if any of the people in the possible chain of ownership has a legal interest in it that they want to pursue. This can be done by registered letter and a form letter your lawyer can draw up.
He can also tell you the laws of your location and how to clean up the chain of ownership so you can buy it with a clear conscience. For your time, money and effort, you may get a screaming deal, or find it isn't possible.
That's what I would do.
Or you can buy it, swear the seller to secrecy, and hide it from prying eyes, always fearing you will be found out by various people with different agendas that aren't to your benefit.
You say the box will be seen by others once you get it. Well, word gets around, eventually to almost everyone. And each person in this scenario will have different responses and different rights.
Getting it for a small fraction of it's value, makes me think it isn't clear of taint. I would only get it if it was clean as a whistle, legally speaking.
First, find out the SN. Call the manufacturer and see if it is on their list of stolen boxes, and ask if they want it back.
Second, find out if any of the people in the possible chain of ownership has a legal interest in it that they want to pursue. This can be done by registered letter and a form letter your lawyer can draw up.
He can also tell you the laws of your location and how to clean up the chain of ownership so you can buy it with a clear conscience. For your time, money and effort, you may get a screaming deal, or find it isn't possible.
That's what I would do.
Or you can buy it, swear the seller to secrecy, and hide it from prying eyes, always fearing you will be found out by various people with different agendas that aren't to your benefit.
Sal Bandini
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- Aug 30, 2012
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- 994
bri_man57
Well-known member
I think it depends on a few things. How long has the farm owner had it? Maybe the OP doesnt want to buy it, but what position is the farmer in? Are they now his tools because he has had them for so long with no form of storage payment? I would encourage the farmer to figure out the legality of it and pursue based on what those findings are.
damienga15de
Well-known member
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Buy it as long as it's not under finance, get the seller to write you a reciept stating that it was sold to you to cover storage costs.
If it is under finance find out how much try make a deal with them to clear the debt see if that cost+ the farmers cut makes a decent deal
If it is under finance find out how much try make a deal with them to clear the debt see if that cost+ the farmers cut makes a decent deal
DennisH2014
Well-known member
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- May 29, 2014
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Stay away, sounds like a messy situation coming to it's boiling point. Perhaps you could convince a Nigerian prince to offer a sum of money and appoint you to retrieve such merchandise as payment! 
wild cowboy
Banned
This.
stanleyrleonard
Well-known member
DO NOT ENGAGE this "option" as you term it. It involves conspriacy and numerous other legal ramifications. Protect your INTEGRITY and PASS!!!!
Short Round
Well-known member
If you're not getting the keys it doesn't sound like you're buying anything in a legit fashion.
If said crackhead was in on the sale, you'd get the keys.
Not sure who owns it legally now. If the farmer does have legal claim from abandonment laws, I'd probably only buy to sell them off and make a profit.
I wouldn't want to be involved with any deal with a crackhead. Their logic bone is severely broken. They are sketchy and hang out with sketchier people. You're likely to find them as uninvited guests some day.
Pass.
If said crackhead was in on the sale, you'd get the keys.
Not sure who owns it legally now. If the farmer does have legal claim from abandonment laws, I'd probably only buy to sell them off and make a profit.
I wouldn't want to be involved with any deal with a crackhead. Their logic bone is severely broken. They are sketchy and hang out with sketchier people. You're likely to find them as uninvited guests some day.
Pass.
FMC1959
Well-known member
Plan A - The simple peace of mind answer is to avoid and forget this box existed.
Plan B - Plan B involves a lot of work. Asking on a forum board to clear your mind is not the work I had in mind
There have been many responses, some sounding like possible legal advice from lawyers? (I am sure we have some on GJ) Point is someone will get his box somewhere down the road, and legally. Why can't it be you?
If you want to pursue it, do the leg work. It is if I understood correctly about a $20k box & tools you can get for about $2k?
Check the timelines (abandonment), if you have any friend or family members in the legal profession, seek their advice on how you could possibly get this...legally. Check State laws.
If the crack head is in prison, is he there for 1-2 years, or 20....no ill will towards anyone, but he might not make it out alive. If he gets out, he may not have any legal recourse to claim this box or anything else he had, depending on many legal circumstances.
Too much to cover here, but it will become someone's box at some point, if you do the work and cover your bases, it could be you...but make sure you have checked everything, and only if everything looks to be free and clear, then go for it.
If at any point, you are getting info which does not sound good, walk away.
Only you can determine if it is worth your trouble for this box, if you aren't willing or hesitating on doing the work, go with Plan A
Plan B - Plan B involves a lot of work. Asking on a forum board to clear your mind is not the work I had in mind
There have been many responses, some sounding like possible legal advice from lawyers? (I am sure we have some on GJ) Point is someone will get his box somewhere down the road, and legally. Why can't it be you?
If you want to pursue it, do the leg work. It is if I understood correctly about a $20k box & tools you can get for about $2k?
Check the timelines (abandonment), if you have any friend or family members in the legal profession, seek their advice on how you could possibly get this...legally. Check State laws.
If the crack head is in prison, is he there for 1-2 years, or 20....no ill will towards anyone, but he might not make it out alive. If he gets out, he may not have any legal recourse to claim this box or anything else he had, depending on many legal circumstances.
Too much to cover here, but it will become someone's box at some point, if you do the work and cover your bases, it could be you...but make sure you have checked everything, and only if everything looks to be free and clear, then go for it.
If at any point, you are getting info which does not sound good, walk away.
Only you can determine if it is worth your trouble for this box, if you aren't willing or hesitating on doing the work, go with Plan A
Similar story in my small Iowa town. An honest guy moved back here from Maine. He brought with him a 1948 Harley that he purchased while living in Maine. He had a bill of sale and lots of documentation,but,no title.Several years later,our local police chief was reading an article in a police publication about a white 1948 Harley that had been stolen about 25 years before and how the owner was still looking for it.The local cop remembered hearing the young guy talking about his Harley at the local auto shop. One thing led to another and the young guy ended up losing the Harley. He didn't get in any trouble,but,could have if the rightful owner had wanted to press charges.The fellow that sold it to my pal did get in a heap of **** back in Maine.
If it smells like poop,it probably is poop. RUN AWAY FAST............
Mike
If it smells like poop,it probably is poop. RUN AWAY FAST............
Mike
I clearly worded this very badly to be getting answers like this. I would be buying it directly from the crackhead who is supposedly "sober" right now. He is very good friends with the farmer who is storing it for him. I want to know, if it is potentially not paid for completely if I would have trouble dealing with the Mac dealer or if it just an issue between the ex-mechanic (crackhead) and his Mac dealer. I definitely don't want to do anything illegal or morally wrong that is why I am asking this. So when a mechanic who owns his own shop goes bankrupt does he lose his own tools and are these supposed to be the banks right now? If so I doubt the farmer knows since he is a really nice guy.