We keep coming back to this. Not keeping your word is not fraud, deceit, or a crime of any kind despite what the police suggest.
Let me explain "theft by deception":
That's where you provide proof that the person you contracted already knew in advance:
1. he is going to steal your parts
2. he knew what he told you to be false, intended to overcome any hesitation on your part, and without which you would not have given him the work
3. and keep the money
4. and reject any communication
Do you have this proof?
Yes, I have proof.
1) I found out that this has become a 3 year pattern, with dozens of customers, some right in his own town.
2) The flood that he said hit the shop neighborhood never happened. The tornado that took down half the building never happened.
3) Have plenty of names that paid upfront for machine work, engines, parts
4) Plenty of pages of texts that show no response for months at a time
Doesn't matter. Several locals decided to visit with Dustin today and have a play date. Yes, he's still alive and unharmed. I don't know why, though.
