Looks like I made a mistake....

[madhatter]

Too bad about this; Dirt bag contractors ****. I got burned by a contractor I hired to build my house; He did some work (crappy) and then quit doing anything; Sadly in Pennsylvania its nearly impossible to bring criminal charges against contractors who don't do their work; They basically just use the 'bad businessman' approach, declare bankruptcy, and start a new llc. In addition I got a lien I had to deal with because he didn't pay one of his suppliers.

 

[dcg9381]

Where I'm at in Texas, it's the same way. I've talked to the ADAs before and they say that it's very difficult to prove "fraud" with these guys as it involves proving intent. Therefore, they until they rip off an absolute ton of people, nothing gets done. It "feels" like they consider this an "avoidable crime" - meaning as a consumer, we can make sure we're not in a position to get screwed by not paying for things in advance..

The "bad business / bad reputation" thing is a tool, but here, it's nothing to start a new DBA and make all those pissed off client reviews un-associated.

What I've learned from my GC:
1) Never get ahead on payments. Always have a hold back
2) Have them sign a lien release when they pickup their last check
3) Some give you the story "need money for materials" - there is no guarantee that they'll pay for those materials (many are NET 30). Cut the check to their supplier directly. This often makes it more difficult for them to mark up their material costs without you being aware. It also prevents a "materials lien" from a supplier when your contractor decides not to pay their supplier.

 

[My Old Tools]

Yea, but in Texas somebody will beat the living **** out of them if they don't shoot them. They learn pretty quick.

 

[dcg9381]

If you can catch them or find them again... I know of at least one "career" guy who cleared at least $500k that I know about over a number of years. He ended up in jail last time I checked, but it sure looks like to me that they don't keep the white collar guys in jail for very long until they defraud someone important.

 

[383 240z]

Small update. The contractor was arrested last week, but the county he was in did not look for other warrants GRRRRR!!! so they cut him loose afterwards.

I was talking with a guy I used to work with yesterday, I mentioned the contractor by name, he calls another guy that we used to work with to see if it was the same guy who scammed him.

Indeed it was. This was at about the same time. We compared notes, same scam pretty much, same BS stories. Jamie (my buddy) at least got his posts set. However due to the wording of the Ohio laws it's a civil matter for him. Jamie is extremely happy that my state can go after him criminally. He turned over a ton of information that I forwarded to the detective who is working my case.

What really gets me, is if I was to accidently short some one $10, the police would be knocking down my door. Between Jamie and myself we have found 8 people the contractor have ran this scam on, yet he seems to get off scott free so far.

If I wasn't raised better and given a sense of decency, I could see how it would be so easy to slip over to the dark side.

 

[383 240z]

Since it is now part of the public record, I can now post this!

To those you said I was "jumping to conclusions" "being too passive" etc. I have a finely tuned ******** detector. I knew something was up. I know my text version of the events left out some of the more subtle details.

I did what I felt was right for my situation and from the attachment you can see just how seriously the police are taking this matter

 

[Git]

I can see you that you tried to attach something from outlook.com - but that is not going to work here, and no one can see it. Easiest thing to do is download the photo and then attach it to your post using the 'Go Advanced' button

 

[383 240z]

Yea, I thought that might happen. Pic attached now

Sorry that it is so small.

Its the warrant for arrest issued by Pennsylvania

3 class C felonies.

 

[383 240z]

Today I got a call the the ******* has been arrested and is in the extradition process now!

 

[dcg9381]

They basically just use the 'bad businessman' approach, declare bankruptcy, and start a new llc. In addition I got a lien I had to deal with because he didn't pay one of his suppliers.

That's how it goes here. They don't even bother with an LLC, they just get a new DBA (Doing Business As). Had a buddy that paid his contractor 100%. Contractor got NET 60 on the building materials and disappeared. Building materials supplier liened the building.. He paid for the building twice.

Until they screw a whole bunch of people (or screw someone politically important) I'm told that these usually prosecuted as people just claim "contract issues" - money was given willingingly.

 

[383 240z]

So he was being kept as a guest of the Allegheny Co. Jail for the last few days. I was surprised the extradition process went so quickly. He however was able to raise enough money to make bail

He was released yesterday, I'm very curious if he will show up to the preliminary hearing. That is scheduled for 4/26/21 at 10:00am.

Who is taking bets?

 

[NUTTSGT]

If he doesn't show, that should be another charge. "Failure to Appear" and some judges don't take it nicely when their time is wasted.

 

[nadogail]

There’s a lesson for many of us in this thread, thanks for taking the time to share it with us.

 

[haugy]

Since it is now part of the public record, I can now post this!

To those you said I was "jumping to conclusions" "being too passive" etc. I have a finely tuned ******** detector. I knew something was up. I know my text version of the events left out some of the more subtle details.

I did what I felt was right for my situation and from the attachment you can see just how seriously the police are taking this matter

Hey man, after reading through this, I think you handled this well. There are a lot of keyboard warriors out there. Many times you have to look at this calmly.

I cracked up at people saying go and wait for him, or confront him. You're talking about a felon who clearly gives no shits, just lost a brother, and is generally a scumbag. Yeah nope. That's how bad **** ends up on YouTube and you get shot.

We have all been burned by people. All of us, that's why many of us are so salty about dealing with it. But to still handle it safely and legally sometimes takes time.

I know it ***** to have lost the money, I'd be pissed if I lost $20.00. But I think you handled it as best as you could under the circumstances. Good luck on you finishing your project.

 

[driftpin]

In Florida the notice of commencement protects you from liens by subcontractors or suppliers.

 

[Lassen Forge]

So he was being kept as a guest of the Allegheny Co. Jail for the last few days. I was surprised the extradition process went so quickly. He however was able to raise enough money to make bail

He was released yesterday, I'm very curious if he will show up to the preliminary hearing. That is scheduled for 4/26/21 at 10:00am.

Who is taking bets?

I'm betting he's already in Belieze, sitting on the beach and not giving two $#!ts about some FTA in PA. Usually in this level of repeated (and felonious) scumbaggery, the scofflaw really could care less how pissed a judge gets, as they think they can play everyone. Including the law.

That's my bet.

 

[PWC Repair]

What a POS......especially the past domestic violence ****. I'd be looking to trade my money owed in on 6k worth of new medical bills for him, lol!

 

[383 240z]

I'm betting he's already in Belieze, sitting on the beach and not giving two $#!ts about some FTA in PA. Usually in this level of repeated (and felonious) scumbaggery, the scofflaw really could care less how pissed a judge gets, as they think they can play everyone. Including the law.

That's my bet.

Felonious Scumbaggery. Love it I have a new favorite term. Cockwambeling twatwaffle might have just been taken off the throne!!


PWC Repair, he he is a real piece of work, total dirtbag waste of oxygen.

I'm just biding my time. I know (and have accepted) that I will never see the money. If he shows I am asking the judge for the money he put up as bond (wont get it but it will make a point). He will be found guilty, ordered to pay restitution. the defense will argue that he can not pay restitution from jail and will be released. He "might" make one or two payments, miss a bunch, a bench warrant will be issued and we will play this game again.

If I go after him (physically) I would get arrested and tossed away. I can see my belongings going up for Sheriffs sale to pay my debt in the meantime.

The system is broken. I want his truck sold, I want his (meager) belongings sold, any construction tools he has sold, I want his damn dog. Just to make his life miserable. Yea, I'm pissed.

 

[383 240z]

Well good news is he showed up for court today. Bad news he did it without an attorney.

Now why would someone do something that stupid you ask? Just another delay/stall tactic that bottom feeders like this like to employ. When the judge got started the first question was along the lines of "John, where is your legal council?" "I wasn't aware I needed one your honor" So a 2 week continuance was ordered so " The defendant has ample opportunity to seek and secure appropriate legal council".

My guess is he will get a public defender a day or two before the new court date, the PD will file a motion with the court stating that they need more time to review the case file and to prepare an adequate defense. More BS delays as he attempts to wait me out and hope that I give up pursuing this.

What he doesn't understand is that I don't quit when I get tired, I only quit when I finish what I start.

 

[toyotadriver]

Depending on your state laws, he probably won't be eligible for a public defender because he bonded out. That means he has money. Public defenders are for those who "can't afford an attorney". Unless his bond was very very low, he most likely isn't eligible for a public defender. Again, your state laws may specify something different.

Glad to hear you're going after the guy. People like this are scum.

 

[383 240z]

Depending on your state laws, he probably won't be eligible for a public defender because he bonded out. That means he has money. Public defenders are for those who "can't afford an attorney". Unless his bond was very very low, he most likely isn't eligible for a public defender. Again, your state laws may specify something different.

Glad to hear you're going after the guy. People like this are scum.

I did not know that. I'm not up on those kinds of things. He did post bail. It was like $10k I guess you only need to come up with about 10% of that to get out of jail. So he was able to raise a grand.

Not sure if that meets the minimum threshold for a PD or not.

If he can't afford (or chooses not to pay) for legal representation I wonder how long the judge will play this game and make him defend himself.

 

[Lassen Forge]

Well good news is he showed up for court today. Bad news he did it without an attorney.

Now why would someone do something that stupid you ask? Just another delay/stall tactic that bottom feeders like this like to employ. When the judge got started the first question was along the lines of "John, where is your legal council?" "I wasn't aware I needed one your honor" So a 2 week continuance was ordered so " The defendant has ample opportunity to seek and secure appropriate legal council".

My guess is he will get a public defender a day or two before the new court date, the PD will file a motion with the court stating that they need more time to review the case file and to prepare an adequate defense. More BS delays as he attempts to wait me out and hope that I give up pursuing this.

What he doesn't understand is that I don't quit when I get tired, I only quit when I finish what I start.

Stalling tactic, trying to wait you ou so you give up. These types of scumballs are expert in "playing the game". His attorney (I would bet you dimes to donuts he has one, probably named Saul Goodman ) probably told him to show up without one, play stupid, and at the next hearing in 2 weeks will say "Your honor, I JUST hired Mr. Goodman here to represent me", and Saul will tell hizzonor "Your honor, I was just hired 2 days ago, I need a continuance to review the particulars of the case"...

You gotta remember, this isn't this greasy punch-bowl-floater's first rodeo... He knows EXACTLY what he's doing... and if he can't slip out of your hands, he'll try to leave them as smelly as he can.

 

[toyotadriver]

I did not know that. I'm not up on those kinds of things. He did post bail. It was like $10k I guess you only need to come up with about 10% of that to get out of jail. So he was able to raise a grand.

Not sure if that meets the minimum threshold for a PD or not.

If he can't afford (or chooses not to pay) for legal representation I wonder how long the judge will play this game and make him defend himself.

In my area that would disqualify him for a public pretender. My county would give him a court date and he better show up with his attorney. If not, then he must be representing himself and case is going to go. Attorneys have a few dirty tricks they can pull to delay things (basically they are delaying the case till they get paid in full....they know better than to trust the “I’ll pay you later” promises of the scum they represent). County to the east of me would give him a few continuances to hire an attorney before the case moved forward. Expect the process to take a few years....but hope for the best...maybe it will move faster. Realistically, the best you can hope for is a conviction and restitution.....but unfortunately a lot of courts don’t aggressively enforce restitution. If he goes to prison, you probably won’t see a dime.

 

[frankd]

So sorry to hear that you're going through this. We had a similar situation several years ago. Contractor took $9,500 deposit. Dropped off some material, did about 2 days of work, and took off. Police told us it was a civil matter. We ended up paying an attorney another $4k to sue the guy, and we won the case. However the guy didnt have a pot to piss in so we just have $13k judgement against him which is pretty much useless.

Hoping that you have the best possible outcome given the situation.

 

[karoc]

I have to say that I for one and I believe that I can speak for others, we are cheering you on. I just don't understand that there are people that does not have a conscience, why sell your soul to devil for little money

 

[383 240z]

So I had the new hearing yesterday, or at least I had it scheduled. The scum bag didn't feel it was important enough for him to show up.
So he got hit with a failure to appear (not a big deal to him) he also has another warrant out for his arrest. Here is the part that really *****.

They are NOT going to try and arrest him. IF he gets picked up for something else while in Ohio, he will not be returned to PA to face these charges. The ADA has decided that they are not going to spend any more money prosecuting this case. My ONLY chance to see this creep face a judge for these crimes is if he happens to get picked up in PA for another offense.

In short, he got away with it. He stole $8000 from me, committed three felonies, and will probably NEVER face a judge for his crimes.

Now let me get pulled over for having tinted windows and I ASSURE you I will feel the full weight of the Pennsylvania legal system.

I am beyond pissed.

 

[rustyjames]

You have every right to be totally disgusted. It's a shame what's going on in this country with law and order.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

Wow...unfreakingbelievable! That POS really knows how to work the system. I feel for you brother, losing 8k is no laughing matter.

 

[PWC Repair]

Well, time to drive around constantly looking for his truck. Casually walk by and bust out a headlight and taillight. Keep doing it until he gets pulled over and arrested again. Then while he's in jail go to his place and steal everything you can find.

 

[signcrafter]

Did you tell the DA that you are more then willing to drive to Ohio and get him and extradite him back to PA for them all free of charge?

Crazy how some guy can screw someone over and skip town and get away with it and they won't do anything because it's too much effort for them. But then if you go down there and try and get your money back then you are the bad guy. Even after trying to do things the right way failed you. I would have told the judge that you tried to do things the civilized way and since they don't want to play anymore you are going to do things the wild west way and take matters into your own hands.

 

[pennsylvaniaboy]

Yea, I thought that might happen. Pic attached now

Sorry that it is so small.

Its the warrant for arrest issued by Pennsylvania

3 class C felonies.

Do you have a bigger pic?

 

[txvwnut]

Pigs will eat and digest everything in the human body except teeth, and those get scattered in the poop making them hard to find. So if you know where wild pigs run and can find the scumbag to deliver his limp body to them.

 

[texasprd]

We often see on the news here how a city-owned utility isn't being responsive to problems until the citizen-customer contacts one of the TV "troubleshooters" and then the utility gets moving. DAs have to be part-politician, and I'm sure they don't like publicity that makes it look like they aren't doing their job - so get publicity on your side.

Write up the main points of your situation (money taken for work not performed - include the actual amount, time-line, exceeds felony threshold, DA not willing to extradite and/or prosecute, etc). Find all the email addresses for the "trouble-shooter"/investigative-reporter contacts at your nearby TV stations. Send individual emails or letters to these contacts and CC the DA. Or, write letters to the reporter contacts and send a paper copy of each letter to the DA. Email the "letters to the editor" for any newspapers in the area about how you've been ripped off and the DA isn't willing to help. Write the DA and let him know that you'll be bringing this back up at the next election cycle (though the newspapers, social media, etc) and sending it to his/her potential opponents.

Also consider contacting your state Attorney General, if you haven't already.

 

[383 240z]

UPDATE!!!!!

I got a call from the Detective working this case. It turns out my personal low life "contractor" is currently serving time in Portage Co. Ohio for a few small infractions. Upon his release he will be moved to stand trial in Mahoning Co. If found guilt he will serve time there. If not, or after he has served his time, the AG of Allegheny Co. (My AG) will have two Sheriffs deputes waiting to arrest him and bring him to Pennsylvania to face my felony counts. Either way, he will be facing the judge for his actions here in Pa.

 

[65ranchero]

This is a start to some justice
Now the problem is going to be will/how does he pay you back!

 

[nadogail]

Thanks for the update.

 

[383 240z]

This is a start to some justice
Now the problem is going to be will/how does he pay you back!

I am well aware that I will never see a dime from him. I am however going to ask the judge to order restitution, payable in very minor payments, I don't care if it is $1 a week, just so he has to think of me every time he writes the check, and if he misses a check, I want another court date. Just to make his life as miserable as he made mine.

 

[vavet]

I am well aware that I will never see a dime from him. I am however going to ask the judge to order restitution, payable in very minor payments, I don't care if it is $1 a week, just so he has to think of me every time he writes the check, and if he misses a check, I want another court date. Just to make his life as miserable as he made mine.

Not that my opinion really counts, but I agree with you. I think you're setting your expectations at a reasonable level.

 

[PWC Repair]

I am well aware that I will never see a dime from him. I am however going to ask the judge to order restitution, payable in very minor payments, I don't care if it is $1 a week, just so he has to think of me every time he writes the check, and if he misses a check, I want another court date. Just to make his life as miserable as he made mine.

I think this is a good idea.

 

[Bretny]

I am well aware that I will never see a dime from him. I am however going to ask the judge to order restitution, payable in very minor payments, I don't care if it is $1 a week, just so he has to think of me every time he writes the check, and if he misses a check, I want another court date. Just to make his life as miserable as he made mine.

Did you ever get your garage built?