Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Pennsylvania

Last year, there was a man that took thousands of dollars (<$10,000) from a group of about 15 people, and never rendered his service (this was a CSA). To make a long story sort, he made up all sorts of proven false excuses on how he had spent the money and refused to refund. The group did have him sign a contact agreeing to pay them back in monthly installments. He made the first couple of payments and then stopped. The group has considered filing a case in small claims court, but in all likeliness this person will not show up. If this information is relevant: a member of the group says they have evidence that he may have a criminal record.

Question 1: Besides small claims, are there any other legal avenues we can take? I can't believe we live in a system that allows these "small time" crooks to get away this this.

Question 2: Also, I have brainstormed other ideas to put community pressure on this person, since frankly they seem to have no regard for the law. If we were to post flyers around town and in the local papers with his picture and a plain factual description of what he did (similar to what I wrote in the 1st paragraph), would we be violating any laws?


Asked on 8/16/12, 5:42 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Solomon Weinstein Solomon Weinstein, Esquire

The behavior if the facts are true would possibly be criminal in nature. You would be advised to call the district attorney's office in the county you reside or where the man who took your money lives. there is strength in numbers so have all persons so affected call the office. Each one of you also has civil case against the person and small claims court would be appropriate however criminal prosecution would be the better route as the court as part of the sentence could order that defendant make restitution for the money he took.

Read more
Answered on 8/16/12, 8:28 am


Related Questions & Answers

More General Civil Litigation questions and answers in Pennsylvania