Legal Question in Consumer Law in Massachusetts

I had an agreement with someone to build a cordwood processor for me, I supplied all the parts and it was just his labor. I signed a title over to a jeep, while he was doing the work for me, even though I probably should have waited until he was finished, I trusted him. I brought every part that was needed over to him, to get the job done. He then asked me to get the hydraulic fluid, which was $300 saying it was just about done. He told me it would be about 2 more weeks, this was back in June of this year. Almost 2 months passed, and he kept dragging his feet, and I started to get suspicious, it just didn't feel right because he kept making up excuses why he couldn't finish it. I finally told him I'd take it the way it is, and I'd try to have someone else finish it. I got a call from him, stating that someone has stolen some of his personal property from him, like nail guns, chain saws, even the chainsaw I brought over to be used on the machine he claims was stolen and other assorted property, and said I was the only one over there, and started to blame me. I told him, we should go to the police and report a robbery, since some of my property was stolen too, or so he said. And I said I was going to come and pick up the processor since things are being stolen from his property. He convinced me to leave it at his house, and said he promised to finish it, even though this happened. But I got a call the following day to come and get what he considered I was entitled to of this machine, he totally stripped the machine, leaving just the metal bars on wheels, and said if I wanted the rest of the parts, to return his stolen goods. I had nothing to do with this, I totally trusted this man to fulfill this obligation, and now he's calling me a thief, and is holding all the things I brought over to him, other than the shell of the processor. When I told him I wanted my jeep back his wife screamed that it was hers, it was in her name, and they had no idea what I was talking about, and to get off her property or she was going in the house to get her gun. I cannot believe that this is happening to me, and I feel that they are doing this to keep the jeep free and clear, and sold my parts for profit. Worse, is that they are telling people all over that I'm a thief! He wouldn't even give me the $300 worth of fluid, and I had a policeman with me when I went over there, and he told me to just take what he'll be willing to give me, and just go. Legally, what can I do to get my things back, not to mention my reputation, and worrying about him retaliating at my house for bringing a policeman to his house to try and collect my things? I am just in such shock, I don't know what to do. I know I was way too trusting, and am totally embarrassed. I just don't know where to go from here. Can you please advise me? Thank you for any help you can give me.

1 Answer from Attorneys

Related Questions & Answers

More Consumer Law questions and answers in Massachusetts

Looking for something else?