Criminal Trials, Hearings Stolen property vs. defamation

[kristenskats]

In 1997 I moved in with a "modeling agent" in Sherman Oaks, California who convinced me to use my credit cards for a little less than $7000 in furniture/electronics and almost $1500 on a cosigned apartment rental agreement. He promised to pay for everything (nothing in writing, the fool I was). Months later I moved out and found a huge hole in my credit because of his unpaid promises. When I tracked him down, he said he would pay me back, and typed up an agreement for payment. Unfortunately, he didn't sign it - his secretary did, presumably under a failed (possibly fictitious?) business name. He mailed one check for $100. I haven't seen nor heard from him since.

Here it is, years later, and I found him on the Internet, posing as a California politician! By the looks of some blogs, he has filed bankruptcy and is known for having a "failed small business". He also has one note of being criminally prosecuted for perjury.

Should I bother attempting a lawsuit against this man? I foresee myself spending money on attorneys while he simply refuses to pay me back. Is there a statute of limitations on this sort of thing? Of course I want my money back (plus interest!) but I also have a moral concern that this man is attempting to present a solid reputation of himself to the California voter base when, in fact, he is a criminal. Could he sue me for defamation if I created a website against him?

 

[presutin]

I think you are out of luck. There is a statue of limitation in CA - if I am not mistaken it is about 3 years in your case. As far as the defamation, I would take the high road and move on. Crooks like him don't deserve the time and attention you would have to spend creating and maintaining the website. Good Luck!

 

[kristenskats]

Bah, I was afraid of that. He hid himself long enough to get away with it. Lets hope he doesn't get voted into office.

 

[Sibee]

Sadly enough the bad aforementioned business transactions, with no formally signed documentations set you up for a long expensive uphill battle that would likely leave you in more debit then you are now and losing a lawsuit. Best advice you can get is cut your losses and move on -I have had best friends as roommates never thought to get anything in writing because of our friendship and it ended up coming back at me -always get it in writing and always make them in person sign it, for future advice. I fell for your loss but the best advice you can have it just let this one go, sorry.