A $3,000 Computer Never Shipped.

[STemplin]

Hello,
I was honorably discharged from the Air force back in April of this year. Was on my way to Japan but didn’t know a good address to send my system to just yet so I asked a good friend of mine whom I’d known after being stationed together for over a year and a half if he could hang onto a new system of mine until I got things straightened out. First I left him about $300, about double the cost for shipping so the guy would have the money for shipping plus extra to make it worth his while. Two weeks later I sent him an address to ship it too. Well, to sum this up real quick, he never made good on the promise. It’s been almost five months now with us playing a constant game of him promising me to take care of it, or lying and saying its already on its way and never coming through for me. Finally, getting the hint that he’s chosen to screw me over – I contacted the first Sergeant. He said he’d take care of it immediately and shove his boot up this airman’s ass so far that he’d forget how to breathe – which after all this time was a great relief to me.
The Sergeant instructed me to send him an email with the details in it – afterwards, without hearing from him in 3 days I called him back kind of ticked off, asking if he had any intentions of helping. Said he had everything taken care of and it was almost finished. Ten days later I emailed him again, saying that a significant amount of time had passed and I was interested in what the current status was. The next day he sent a response that basically said, “I know what the problem is – now go away.” It’s been another 3 days since my reply, which was – “I’m just looking for a two line response from you such as, “It’s been sent, hasn’t been sent or – a problem came up” so I have a better idea of what to expect. And have not heard anything back from him. At this point, should I file a report with the UCMJ?
I would have done this sooner, except I’m hesitant as I currently reside in Japan, and seeing the Airman in court when he is stationed in Washington is going to be a very significant inconvenience for me.

Thanks for your help.

[cyberspook]

I am just spit balling here, but wouldn't involving the military police be appropriate here?

Or, would this be a civil matter, where the OP would have to sue?

[fozzy2]

It could possibly be a criminal matter, but law enforcement probably won't want to touch it. I would imagine you'll have to pursue a civil remedy. If "self help" is not an option (i.e. just snatch it back) then you will need to file what is known as a 'replevin.' Washington Revised Code RCW 7.64 would appear to be a good place to start;

[url]http://law.justia.com/washington/codes/title7/7.64.html[/url]

If you go to an attorney with proof of ownership and all the details, etc. they might be able to write you a good 'demand letter' that will get you results without having to go to court. It largely depends on how much of a deadbeat/crook your 'friend' is.
You can report a UCMJ violation to his command, and that might spur him to sending you your computer. Or it may just convince him to go ahead and lie, i.e. "He gave me this computer to cover a debt he owed me." In which case the preliminary investigation will conclude "Dispute over ownership, let the civil courts sort it out..."

[ElvisG]

Why don't you just contact the CO of the base or legal?