Long enough

[ClayK]

If I was the shop owner, I would show the "thief" the police reports and hand him Rodney's phone number and say, "Take it up with them". Is the "thief" really going to pursue some sort of litigation over property he originally stole being returned to it's rightful owner? Doubtful. Is he going to hold the hobby shop owner liable? He can try, but then he opens himself up to criminal prosecution because he proves possession and intent to sell.

[DavidH]

Go back and read the thread from the beginning and you may understand the situation the shop owner is faced with. This has been going on since Dec 2004. In my opinion the shop owner is trying to cover his ass in any action he takes. I don't blame him for that.
The heli has already been at the shop for a year. Rodney was hoping to get it back when he attended the Black Sheep event last year.

As for the shop owner , I believe Rodney and him have spoke on several occassions.

David

[Hotshot Charlie]

Hey David, hope you and your family are doing well !!!!

Well the shop owner gets the benefit of the doubt.... but, I just think he should work to eliminate the problem.... at least try to solve it. If the thief comes to pick the bird up, he should say.... Wait a minute, I need to call the PD to come down and visit with you a few minutes..... before you take it. I would just tell the thief that this heli has been reported as stolen property and that the PD must clear it up. At that point, reach over and call E911. I bet that joker would RUN out the shop door.

Anyway, I don't have a dog in this fight.... other than Rodney is a good guy and I enjoyed getting to know him. I'll keep my opinions to myself, but Rodney, if I can be of any help, I am available !!!

Good luck !

[Rodney]

Well it has been along time. over 2 years now. Not sure what is going to happen. I can always stop by and give it a hug every now and then. Other than that doesnt look like it will ever leave Hobby Connection.

[ClayK]

If a report has been filed in FL and in SC, I believe the shop keeper can be released from liability. If that is not enough, I believe properly applied pressure, civil and perhaps a resulting criminal investigation may be the end solution.

There was talk earlier of possibly pursuing criminal charges, I'm curious why that wasn't completed? Witness testimony, police reports....

Does this have to go to Judge Judy? :glasses2:

[WayneBrown]

neither jurisdiction wants it..

[ClayK]

makes sense...

Burden of proof doesn't have to be overbearing in a civil trial, that can still be pursued.

[spork]

I have to wonder whether the shop owner could hand the heli over to the local authorities as a suspected stolen item. Perhaps this would relieve him of the liability of dealing with it either way. He could tell both parties that he's done this, and why. Then both parties could make thier case to the authorities. I suspect the rightful owner would walk away with the heli. But it wouldn't be without a fair amount of effort. The icing is the chance that the thief might even be prosecuted.

[WillJames]

VERY good idea Rick!!

[WayneBrown]

I'll mention it to him this coming week, I go past there twice a day..

[ClayK]

The problem might be that if ownership can't be established, it gets put on the auction block. But, the flip side to that would be the thief wouldn't ever see a dime from it.

Testimony from oodles of people should be enough to establish proof of ownership. Any documentation would be helpful of course.

[Rodney]

This is the only thing that I have left linking me to him.
Merry Christmas to you Rodney, and I call you when it comes in...
And the Pitts WILL be on it way soon.

Thanks Again,
Charles Jackson

[Rodney]

That is a pm that somhow never got deleted.

[Clintstone]

Where did it get shipped to?

[Finless]

How about paying for the heli with a person to person check! e.g. The real owner goes in and writes a check to the sellers name. Then walks out with the heli. When the seller comes in, the shop owner hands him the check BUT the seller cant cash it as it has been cancelled because the buyer called the bank and stopped payment. Then if the seller wants to take recourse he can TRY but the shop owner is now out of the loop as he sold it and it is off his hands!

Heck not to screw the shop owner but someone could even walk in and buy it with a credit card and then stop payment... I doubt the shop owner would do anything about it and claim the fraud.

Bob

[WayneBrown]

I am still looking

[Finless]

Man... I cant believe this guy has not got his heli back yet!

Bob

[scottsr]

I have found out one thing in my many years and the couple times I have went to court with family that was with overwhelming evidence that there should be a open and shut case the police agreed the lawyer agreed and guess what ??? WE LOST it was unbelievable when that judge said that we lost you could hear all the jaws hit the floor . I will never trust the courts ever again . And if I were you I wouldn't either ! Good Luck My Friend ! :)

[trucku]

Newbie to the site, just finished reading this thread. Sorry to hear that there are such crappy people always looking to make up their life by cheating others.


Good Luck Rodney on getting your machine back.


I say if you ever see that thief don't hesitate to talk, just smash his face then talk.

[LLB757]

Call the State Attorney General's office for the state they are in. They might have some advice, or possibly can help. The office in Washington state helped a friend’s small business recover money from a similar low life.

[bigrcr]

Actually, if I were the shop owner I would be more afraid of being in possession of stolen goods and to top it all off, retaining those goods once the situation and owner has been found.