'Keeping a Fellow in the Dark' & 'Throwing it All Away' & 'Driving a Guy Mad'

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[00:00:29]Here's your report.

[00:00:31]>> Oh, thanks, Jane. I wish I could hire someone just like you.

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[00:00:50]>> Let's do it. You're irreplaceable, Jane, but another you would be great.

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[00:01:01]>> Let me say first y it's a pleasure to be here. It's a pleasure just to watch you on TV. It's more a pleasure just to see you.

[00:01:07]>> Thank you.

[00:01:08]>> Okay.

[00:01:08]>> You feel the same way, right?

[00:01:10]>> Yes, ma'am. [laughter] [music] >> This is the plateiff, Douglas Brenson.

[00:01:18]He says he got into a fender bender, [music] brought his car to the defendant, and the guy ruined his headlight. He's currently riding around with tape on his headlight to hold it in place because the defendant [music] messed things up so badly. The defendant also trashed his factory bumper. He's very unsatisfied [music] with the work and is suing here and now for the $550 he's owed. [music] This is the defendant, Frank McGowan.

[00:01:47][music] He says he tried to help the plaintiff by making a quick and inexpensive repair because he claimed he had no money to pay for anything. In fact, he fixed the man's car for free because he was a fellow veteran. [music] Now, 2 years later, he's complaining about a messed up headlight. Come on, man. He's accused of keeping a fellow in [music] the dark.

[00:02:13]>> All parties, please raise your right hand. [music] What you are about to witness is real.

[00:02:19]The participants are not actors. They are actual litigants with a case pending in civil court. Both parties have agreed to drop their claims and have their cases settled here before Judge Marilyn Milan in our forum the people's court.

[00:02:37]>> You see it come to work, please.

[00:02:41]>> Lit your honor.

[00:02:42]>> Thank you, Douglas. Come in.

[00:02:44]>> Okay. Mr. Brinsson, you are suing Mr. McGawan for $550 for a damaged headlight and a lost factory bumper that you say happened at his hands. Tell me what's going on.

[00:02:57]>> Okay. Uh, let me say first, Y, it's a pleasure to be here.

[00:03:00]>> Thank you.

[00:03:01]>> It's a pleasure just to watch you on TV.

[00:03:02]It's more a pleasure just to see you.

[00:03:04]>> Thank you.

[00:03:04]>> Okay.

[00:03:05]>> You feel the same way, right?

[00:03:07]>> Yes, ma'am. [laughter] again.

[00:03:13]>> I knew Frank a long time ago, over five years, and uh he used to do side work for me on the side.

[00:03:19]>> What kind of side work?

[00:03:20]>> Mechanic work, >> right?

[00:03:22]>> And um Frank uh after about the last of the five years, about maybe two years, Frank started getting kind of shy with his work and uh moving away from people.

[00:03:34]Matter of fact, he fixed my headlight on my on my car and uh the headlight turned white from him putting uh crazy glue on or something. Elmo's glue or whatever glue he used.

[00:03:47]>> What happened to your bumper and headlight that you needed him to fix it?

[00:03:50]>> My bumper I got into an accident previous and it cracked the corner of my bumper, but it was just a crack. It was something that could be fixed.

[00:03:57]>> So, you hired him to fix it?

[00:03:58]>> Yeah, I hired him to replace the bumper from the guy. I went and bought an offmarket bumper.

[00:04:03]>> Okay. And so he replaced it. And I I left him there about maybe 11:00 p.m.

[00:04:08]that night. And I called him within the hour to tell him, "Yo, Frank, save my Frank factory bumper for me." And he told me, "Hey, Doug, that's gone already." And I'm saying within an hour, you gave away my bumper without calling me.

[00:04:21]>> Okay.

[00:04:21]>> And then the next day, I come to find out the light, the headlight that he put in there, my same headlight that came in my truck, it turned white. And he refused to do anything.

[00:04:30]>> When did all this happen? It happened at He did the work at night. It happened in 2009.

[00:04:36]>> Okay. Why did you wait 3 years?

[00:04:38]>> Because he was running. He was running because he was doing so much stuff and taking people's money and he got out of the neighborhood and I just could >> How did How much did you pay him to do the repair?

[00:04:51]>> I paid him $100.

[00:04:54]>> And when you picked up the car, why didn't you complain then?

[00:04:57]>> Because it was at night and I didn't see the white. Why didn't you complain the next day?

[00:05:01]>> I I did try to talk to Frank numerous of times about, "Hey, Frank, the headlight turned white. Can we do something about it?" He He blew me off, blew me off, and then he got out the area for years.

[00:05:12]>> And then what happened? How did you come to sue him now?

[00:05:15]>> Because I was at a mechanic shop. I needed some more work done. So, I went out of my area where I live at. I went to the mechanic shop to get the work done. And I was browsing around. I looked over and I seen Frank. [laughter] But he was running for a long time. And so I confronted him and I asked him, I said, >> "IT TURNS OUT HE was just in the next town over."

[00:05:34]>> Well, that even it's about almost a mile away.

[00:05:38]>> Oh, a mile away. Your car must not work a lot. [laughter] >> No, we don't you don't have to go in that area. Why should I go in that area?

[00:05:46]>> I understand, but it's not exactly running. It's not like he's a fugitive.

[00:05:49]>> Oh, no. He was running. He was ducking.

[00:05:51]>> Okay.

[00:05:51]>> He was ducking. He wouldn't he wouldn't get in touch with me.

[00:05:53]>> What's going on, >> your honor? Uh, first of all, I fixed this headlight about 2, three years ago.

[00:05:59]He had an accident. I It wasn't crazy glue. It was glue that we used in the body shop. And I did him a favor in front of my house. Wasn't at no shop or anything.

[00:06:07]>> Did he pay you 100 bucks?

[00:06:08]>> No, I never got any money from him.

[00:06:10]Matter of fact, he still owes me for the brakes. He paid me for that. He didn't pay me for.

[00:06:15]>> And it's his bumper that's on the vehicle. The vehicle's in the parking lot. And I'm sure I've seen the vehicle parking lot. YOU BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE PARKING LOT.

[00:06:23]THE SERIAL numbers on the parts will match the VIN number to the vehicle. So I want to know how that that's bringing it cuz the camera would take a clear picture cuz YOU CAN TELL.

[00:06:33]>> THAT'S AWESOME. Let's go look at it. But let me just ask you a Wait, wait, wait.

[00:06:36]Are you saying that you bought a bumper and gave it to him to put on?

[00:06:40]>> Yes. Off the market.

[00:06:41]>> Do you have the the the receipt from that bumper?

[00:06:44]>> No, I don't have the receipt for that.

[00:06:46]>> And obviously there's no paperwork between you two.

[00:06:49]>> No. No. And your honor, he I've seen him numerous occasions since this has happened. He came to my shop to sell me tools. He came to me to get his brakes done after this incident.

[00:06:58]>> DID YOU GO TO HIM TO GET YOUR BRAKES DONE AFTER THIS?

[00:07:01]>> The Yes, he did. He never paid me for them neither. No.

[00:07:04]>> And the discoloration of the lens is because he put tape on the lens on the light. There's scotch tape on the light and the heat of the bulb is what discolored the lens. Not the crazy glue that I It wasn't even crazy glue. It was body shop glue because the brackets were broke. The headlight fell out. So I put the glue for the brackets.

[00:07:24]>> You use your spit and chewing gum, too.

[00:07:26]LIKE WHY ARE YOU PUTTING IT?

[00:07:27]>> WHAT'S ON THE LENS NOW IS TAPE. The vehicle's outside and you see it. Wait, wait, WAIT, [laughter] WAIT. I WANT TO SEE THE VEHICLE. THIS IS WHAT THE SKULL.

[00:07:35]>> I WANT TO SEE THE VEHICLE.

[00:07:36]>> And I never put any tape on the lens.

[00:07:38]>> Stay right there. Just stay where you are.

[00:07:41]>> Let's go. You got the key?

[00:07:42]>> Yes.

[00:07:42]>> Follow me, gentlemen.

[00:07:44]>> Stay right there.

[00:07:46]Thank you.

[00:07:58]>> Oh my goodness.

[00:08:00]>> It was already like that before I put the tape on.

[00:08:02]>> Where'd you put the glue?

[00:08:04]>> If you open the hood, I'll show you where the glue was. Open the hood.

[00:08:08]>> The brackets that hold the headlight in place were broken. He needed a new headlight. He didn't have money for a new headlight. So, he had me repair that headlight.

[00:08:16]>> Did he? Did he?

[00:08:17]>> No, I did not. I did not.

[00:08:18]>> That's his original headlight. He didn't have money for a new headlight. Well, you did.

[00:08:22]>> He wanted me to repair that headlight the best I could.

[00:08:25]>> Where is it that you glued it?

[00:08:26]>> Behind the grill. And the tabs obviously are all the way down there. So, I don't see how any glue got on this lens.

[00:08:33]They're held in all the way inside.

[00:08:34]>> Why didn't you just use the hardware that you're supposed to use?

[00:08:37]>> Because, your honor, he never supplied me any hardware. And >> he did it. I did it in front of my house.

[00:08:41]>> I realize you're an alley mechanic, but can you get shop. I work at a very reputable shop.

[00:08:45]>> Oh, well then why didn't you just >> Because he didn't have the money for that. And he >> How much money could it cost to put the hardware?

[00:08:50]>> He needed to buy a whole new light. It was broken. I told him that was not broken.

[00:08:53]>> A whole new light.

[00:08:54]>> He needed a whole new headlight. The headlight was >> my light. You want to see my light come on right now? My light come on right now with no problem. Holds the headlight in place is why you need a new headlight.

[00:09:02]Gentlemen, hold on guys. Hold on.

[00:09:05]>> Okay, >> let's go back in.

[00:09:07]>> Okay.

[00:09:08]>> Welcome back to the people's court.

[00:09:10]Harvey 11 here. Is waiting 3 years in a situation like this too long?

[00:09:14]>> Yes, it is.

[00:09:15]>> It is. Well, I think 3 years is a tough case to try to prove for something of a case of this magnitude. Glue. I mean, 3 years later, most glues would probably have lost their adhesiveness by then.

[00:09:26]>> But what about the the whole notion that that created a milky film? Wouldn't that have shown up 3 years ago? Is 3 years too long? Well, definitely too long. I mean, anything could have happened. The guy could have messed with the lens on his own. Definitely too.

[00:09:35]>> That's a good point. And you're going to get the last word. He probably spilled the milk there. [laughter] >> Oh, you spilled milk on him. That's what happens going inside the courtroom.

[00:09:43]>> Did you skip town?

[00:09:45]>> Not at all, your honor. I moved I lived in the same house I fixed his car for for a year later and I I went to a different shop which was half a mile away and he's been there numerous occasions. He came to sell me tools. He came to get his brakes fixed.

[00:09:59]>> Never sold a tool in my life.

[00:10:01]>> He came with a whole car full of tools to sell me. He knew where to find me. Is I don't hide from nobody. I'm a veteran.

[00:10:07]There's no reason for me to hide.

[00:10:08]>> Just cuz you're a veteran doesn't mean that you don't hide.

[00:10:10]>> Yeah. Yeah. Don't hide from anybody. He knew where to find me cuz he found me numerous times after that to get all the work done.

[00:10:17]>> Three years later, he came telling me that the headlight is fogged and he wants a headlight. And I even told him, "Doug, buy a headlight. I'll put it in for you free." He still didn't have the money to buy a headlight. And that's that's why we're here.

[00:10:30]>> So, but why would he sue you?

[00:10:31]>> I have no idea.

[00:10:34]Did he did he get all excited when he saw you at the at the gas station? Did he look like he had been looking for you?

[00:10:40]>> No, he I seen him a few times since then. He's been back and forth to the gas station.

[00:10:43]>> When was the last time you saw him before that? At the gas station. I mean, when was the last time you saw him before the time?

[00:10:48]>> Last year I did brakes for his vehicle.

[00:10:51]>> How'd you find him at his shop?

[00:10:53]>> I was at a mechanic shop doing some work on my front end and I had to look for somebody who specializ in that type of work. So, I had to go over all the way like the end of Forest Avenue and that's where he works at. That's why it's a mile away from where he used to be at.

[00:11:08]>> Did you change your number?

[00:11:09]>> Get out the area. Your honor, >> I have the same cell phone number for 10 years, your honor.

[00:11:12]>> Your honor, he >> did change his number.

[00:11:13]>> He he he had to get out.

[00:11:15]>> How is it you can't find him if his cell phone number happened?

[00:11:18]>> He called he talked to me at all the time, but he never would make up for what he did.

[00:11:22]>> He said he ran from you and it was all A BIG SURPRISE, >> RIGHT? HE was running. He was on the other side cuz he was running from this other lady that he took $300 from. He was running from her, too. And she had pictures of him going up and down the neighborhood where he was working at showing him, "Don't let Frank do this work. Here's his picture right there. He owes me money. He owes me money." And she ran him out of the neighborhood.

[00:11:43]>> She ran him out. Yeah. But she ran him out the neighborhood.

[00:11:47]>> And I told him, "Frankie, if you don't fix my headlight, I'm going to go get that crazy woman for YOU [laughter] >> and show."

[00:11:55]Yeah, she's crazy. And she'll know. And she'll know she got a she got a court case with him, too. Because Yes, she does.

[00:12:02]>> Okay.

[00:12:02]>> She She does. I got her paper in my car.

[00:12:04]>> What happened to that case?

[00:12:06]>> They go to court. They go to court when she calls.

[00:12:08]>> What happened to that?

[00:12:09]>> SHE BROUGHT HER CAR to the shop, not to me. And then she came in the night and stole the car back and never paid my boss. And then she seen me and she in the restaurant eating with my wife and SHE STOLE MY WIFE'S PURSE to the street.

[00:12:22]He took her money.

[00:12:24]>> She stole the purse. took her money.

[00:12:25]>> She stole my wife's purse. It's a money.

[00:12:26]It's an open warrant for her for stealing. No, it's not. The lady The lady from the lady is from Africa. The lady just didn't understand. She didn't understand.

[00:12:34]>> That wasn't her purse.

[00:12:36]>> Well, no, she didn't understand. If you take some from me, I can take it back from you. But she speaks English. She's been here for 30 years. But still, she she said, "You took mine, so I'm taking yours." She started wrong.

[00:12:49]>> Did your WIFE GET HER PURSE BACK?

[00:12:51]>> YES. I CHASED the lady down the block and he walked like this. He walks like this good. But you don't believe that he can run that fast.

[00:12:57]>> I RAN THAT. I CAUGHT HER. I GOT MY WIFE FIRST AND THE POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR >> DOUG FRANKIE. HE CAUGHT ME. I did not believe HE COULD RUN THAT FAST.

[00:13:06]>> You know, but still But still, uh, the fact is she ran him out of the neighborhood, your honor.

[00:13:12]>> All right, Mr. Bson, your case is just really, really thin. It's 3 years later.

[00:13:17]You have no paperwork. You have no proof you paid him for it. You have no proof of phone records to show that you're trying to track him down. He hasn't. You tell me it's because he left and town and he couldn't be found. He ends up a mile away. He ends up with the same cell phone number and you're coming here 3 years later to complain about a job when clearly something else has happened to your light or there it fell out and something because you have tape all over. Mr. Brson, it's just it's been a pleasure to meet you. I mean it. I could listen TO YOU FROM NOW TILL THE COWS COME HOME FROM DAY ONE. YOU ARE FASCINATING, BUT [laughter] YOU HAVE NO PROOF.

[00:13:51]>> Your honor, from day one, he ducked me.

[00:13:55]He would not do it. You didn't see this guy run. You heard that girl say she could run. He could run. And he was running away from me. EVERY TIME I CALLED HIM, he would never respond. He would never say, "Doug," he would never say, "Doug, okay, man, come over, man. I know I put the glue on the light. Let me straighten up the light for you." If he would have straightened up the light for me, honor, I wouldn't be here for the bumper. I would have let it ride. But he didn't do one thing which made me go into another thing. He did me wrong.

[00:14:21]>> I got you, Mr. Bronson. I got you. You feel he did you wrong. I know that. If there's anything I know right now is that you feel he did you wrong.

[00:14:27]>> 100%.

[00:14:28]>> But but your feeling that he did you wrong is not as good as proof. Okay. And when you wait 3 years, you've basically lost your proof. You have nothing. You have three years of passage where a million things could happen. And No, no, we're done, Mr. Princon. We're done. My verdict is for the defendant. Good luck.

[00:14:48]>> All right.

[00:14:53]>> Well, the plaint of Mr. Britzen comes out here. Come on over here. Uh, the story was good, but the proof was lacking there. So, the judge can only rule one way.

[00:15:00]>> All right. Just never let a mechanic do work for you and work with Crazy Glue.

[00:15:04]That's all.

[00:15:05]>> All right. All right. Well, listen, you guys are oldtime friends from the neighborhood. What's What's the state of your friendship now?

[00:15:10]>> Because he know he messed my light up and he won't fess up to it.

[00:15:13]>> Why'd it take 3 years, though? because he can run.

[00:15:16]>> Oh, all right. Okay.

[00:15:17]>> He knows how to run.

[00:15:19]>> Okay. All right. All right. If you just head right down this way. Let's see what he has to say about this. All right. So, come on in here. Step up a little bit.

[00:15:25]What's your reaction to this?

[00:15:26]>> My reaction is the judge was perfectly right. I I told him in the beginning he needed a new headlight. He didn't want to purchase a new headlight.

[00:15:34]The headlight and that's the best I can do. I told him even he's a friend. I told him, "You want to buy a headlight?

[00:15:39]I'll put it in."

[00:15:40]>> I know. I know. Still a friend of yours.

[00:15:41]Do you still consider him a friend of >> Not at this moment? No. Sorry.

[00:15:44]>> No. No. Is it true that you can run as fast as he says you can?

[00:15:46]>> I can run fast, but I've been in the same place for 10 years, the same shop.

[00:15:49]I have the same cell phone number for 12 years. He found me when he wanted other work done, but he says he can't find me when he wanted something fixed. That he didn't want it fixed properly in the first place.

[00:16:00]>> Okay, Harvey. Okay, Kurt, you know, if somebody damages your property, the very first thing you should do is send an email and just make the statement, acknowledge it, lodge a complaint. That way you make you preserve your rights and you make it very clear at that moment you notice the damage. That will do it for this case litigance for the next case on the way into the courtroom right now.

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[00:17:08]>> Everything is just not enough. You're a little bit crazy.

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[00:17:21]>> This is the plaintiff, Kamisha Kelly.

[00:17:24]She says the defendant, her former boyfriend, took her very expensive computer and video camera and threw them out. That's right. Just put her stuff right into the garbage. Gone forever.

[00:17:36]Just because the defendant's [music] angry she broke up with him gives him no right to toss her stuff. She's suing for $1,55616, the amount she's owed.

[00:17:53]This is the defendant, James Sterling.

[00:17:56]He says the plaintiff up and moved out on him one day. [music] He came home from work and all her stuff was gone just like that. The things she left behind, she abandoned. She didn't want them, and he had every right to throw them out. He's accused of tossing a relationship. [music] >> All parties, please raise your right hands.

[00:18:20]>> Okay. Miss Kelly, you are suing Mr. Sterling for $1,556.16 in several of your items that you say um you left at his place when you two broke up. and he has destroyed uh because you two broke up. Tell me what's going on.

[00:18:38]>> Um I met Sterling on a dating site, mateone.com.

[00:18:43]>> Which one?

[00:18:43]>> mate mate1.com.

[00:18:45]>> Meet one.

[00:18:46]>> Mate m a t e >> mate one.

[00:18:49]>> Yes. Got it. All right, we'll get through this. All right. mateone.com.

[00:18:53]Yes. Okay.

[00:18:55]>> I called him.

[00:18:56]>> Is it Does it have some kind of specialty that you know? I've never heard of that one. Actually, I work a lot, so I don't get time to socialize.

[00:19:04]>> No, no. I I've heard of dating sites, girl. I think the whole thing's very efficient. I mean, I've been married for 20 years, but if I wasn't, that's how I would It's like internet shopping. It's fine. But, um, I have a question for you though. Does it It's just anybody anybody can be on it.

[00:19:21]>> You have to meet certain criteras to be on it.

[00:19:24]>> You do?

[00:19:25]>> Yes.

[00:19:25]>> What's the criteria?

[00:19:26]>> Um, >> yes. [laughter] All right. So, you meet him on what day?

[00:19:32]Valentine's Day.

[00:19:33]>> Yes. Yes, we did. We met on Valentine Day. It was real sweet. We talked. We met the Friday. We went out. We discussed what we want out of life. He was real straightforward and honest and I love that about him. So, it was like a flick at first sight.

[00:19:50]Then he was telling me about his plans, his dreams, and his aspiration. I really like that because he was like so honest doing that and I supported him right off the bat. So, >> and at some point what?

[00:20:04]>> I supported him right off.

[00:20:06]>> You supported him right off the bat?

[00:20:07]What does that mean? You like him?

[00:20:11]>> I Yes, I liked him.

[00:20:12]>> Or did you mean actually financially supported him?

[00:20:14]>> No, not >> Okay. I don't know what you're saying.

[00:20:17]Okay, that's all right. So, you liked him and then what?

[00:20:19]>> Yeah, we talked and he's saying >> get to the part where you move in a few weeks after you met him.

[00:20:24]>> Yes, I moved in.

[00:20:25]>> Okay. All right. So, you move in a few weeks after you met. A few weeks after you met on internet dating site, you move in, not you date >> and you date a few years and it's really working well. So, you want to take it to the next level. No, it's you move in to what? To your place.

[00:20:41]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:20:42]>> Okay. Do you have children?

[00:20:43]>> No, I don't.

[00:20:44]>> Okay. You got that going, right? So, because half the time when that happens, I HAVE I HAVE PEOPLE MOVING THEIR CHILDREN IN, TOO, you know, to to somebody who could be a pedophile. Not to suggest that about you, but you know.

[00:20:54]All right. So, you at least it's only you who you were putting at risk. All right. So, you move in. How many weeks had you known him when you moved in?

[00:21:01]>> I think about 3 weeks. Two and a half, three weeks.

[00:21:04]>> Oh, you know all about a man by then.

[00:21:06]>> Yeah.

[00:21:06]>> Right. In 3 weeks, you're going to know everything. Everything there is to know.

[00:21:10]Yeah. How'd that work out for you?

[00:21:11]>> It was actually good for the first month. Everything was all right. We understand each other. We talk about what >> And then after a month, it wasn't so good.

[00:21:19]>> Right. Because >> so it didn't work out too well for you not to wait and get to know somebody before you moved in with them.

[00:21:24]>> Yes.

[00:21:25]>> Okay. Have you done that before?

[00:21:27]>> No, it was actually my first time.

[00:21:29]>> I realized I was getting old and I really needed to have a relationship. So [gasps] >> and that's fine and I understand that.

[00:21:40]All right. And I understand the loneliness. But if you want, sometimes you got to think long term. And if what you want is a relationship long term, then you want to get to know someone before you turn around and uproot your life because it usually doesn't work when it's like this.

[00:21:56]>> You know, you have to invest a little time in a relationship that's long lasting. And that if you can't wait 3 weeks before you move in with somebody, you don't know each other. You're going to fight non-stop. And it's going to turn out that you two maybe aren't compatible to live with each other, which is in fact what you found out.

[00:22:10]Because when you moved in, >> you two start fighting. And what are you fighting about?

[00:22:14]>> My job, my hours, that >> actually I'm a sales rep and I'm a nursing assistant.

[00:22:20]>> And you were working how many hours a day?

[00:22:23]>> Depending how I feel, I work like 14.

[00:22:25]>> And how long was he working a day?

[00:22:28]>> Oh, he's not working. He don't.

[00:22:29]>> Okay. All right. So, you were lonely.

[00:22:33]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:22:33]>> You were still lonely?

[00:22:34]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:22:35]>> You moved the woman in.

[00:22:36]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:22:36]>> You think your loneliness is over and then you're still lonely? Yes, ma'am.

[00:22:40]>> Right.

[00:22:41]>> Exactly.

[00:22:41]>> Exactly. Right. Of course, if you knew her a little bit beforehand, you'd say, "Well, maybe this isn't the woman for me because we don't we're not compatible in that respect." Because And why aren't you working?

[00:22:51]>> I'm retired. I'm military. I'm a veteran PTSD.

[00:22:56]>> Okay. You're going through some um psychological issues.

[00:23:00]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:23:01]>> Okay. You've handed me uh a uh report by a psychiatrist.

[00:23:05]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:23:06]>> All right. And um according to the report, you're suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

[00:23:11]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:23:12]>> All right. And dissociative disorder?

[00:23:13]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:23:14]>> All right. Um how long has it where did you serve? I'm sorry.

[00:23:19]>> I was on the USS Saratoga 1986 when we bombed Libya. Okay. Okay.

[00:23:24]>> And we had the uh we got the uh hostages off of the I mean the kidnappers that kidnapped the carriers Laurel the big >> and they pushed the man off the >> we got the that was our F-14s that made that 747 president.

[00:23:40]>> What was your role?

[00:23:41]>> I'm a um fireman. I uh I helped the jets take off.

[00:23:46]>> Right.

[00:23:48]>> Okay. Thank you for your service.

[00:23:49]>> Thank you ma'am.

[00:23:50]>> And I'm sorry that you're going through difficulty.

[00:23:53]All the more reason why you might want to know somebody before they move in.

[00:23:56]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:23:57]>> And at some point you break up. Whose idea was it? I take it was yours.

[00:24:01]>> Yes, it was.

[00:24:02]>> And then when you when you leave, why do you leave stuff behind?

[00:24:07]>> Actually, I founded the apartment and I came back the next day to get my stuff and he didn't want to let me in the apartment. They changed the lock because he know I was going to leave because I told him.

[00:24:17]>> But you had taken some stuff.

[00:24:19]>> You hadn't taken anything?

[00:24:20]>> Not really. only what I need for the day. I didn't take anything.

[00:24:25]>> So, you needed your stuff. So, what >> I went over there in a cab. I went upstairs. I knock on his door. He didn't want to let me in. And I say, "Okay, then put them outside. Pack up as much stuff as you can and put them outside."

[00:24:36]>> You're just shouting through the door?

[00:24:39]>> Yes.

[00:24:39]>> Like, how are you communicating with him on phone or?

[00:24:41]>> No, I was talking through the door because he closed the door. He didn't want to let me in.

[00:24:45]>> All right. And what does he say? Yes, I'll pack it and put it out.

[00:24:48]>> Yes. and he opened the door and he has the video camera on me and say I should just take up the stuff and leave. So I just took up everything and I said there's a lot more stuff I leave and he said just go go. I said okay.

[00:25:00]>> Do you have that video?

[00:25:02]>> No ma'am I didn't bring it because >> I don't think we was going.

[00:25:06]>> And so was there stuff that you wouldn't let her get?

[00:25:09]>> No, it that's not >> what do you say happen?

[00:25:14]>> So they move in a couple of weeks after meeting on a dating site. Is that ridiculous?

[00:25:19]>> You know what? The way uh communication is nowadays, I believe it is possible.

[00:25:23]20 years ago, I saw my wife in the hallway of our high school and I fell in love with her and >> I'm really touched. But how how how soon later did you move in with her?

[00:25:33]>> Uh I would say after we found out she was pregnant. [laughter] >> Okay. Is it too Oh, no. Okay. Is it Is it Is it Is it too long or ridiculous a couple of weeks moving in? Yeah, I think it's it's too soon to move in.

[00:25:47]>> Let's get a different perspective. What do you think?

[00:25:49]>> Um, I think it's ridiculous cuz you can actually Well, it can happen because people can meet each other and fall in love in sight.

[00:25:59]>> Fair enough. When Harry met Sally going inside the guard room, >> I went out I I go to see the psychiatrist uh once a week. And when I went to go see the psychiatrist when I came back, she was gone. You can visibly tell that she took her stuff out of the closet, stuff out of the drawers.

[00:26:16]>> So that was the first inkling you got that she was leaving.

[00:26:19]>> I was abandon the first thing I felt was abandoned.

[00:26:22]>> Abandoned.

[00:26:22]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:26:24]>> So um I uh imploded. You know, it hurt it because why would you leave like that? And uh so she wanted to call me back and talk it over. I don't want to talk about it. I didn't I didn't want to if when you left you should have took everything.

[00:26:42]>> Right. And then what happened? What happened to the rest of her stuff that she didn't take?

[00:26:46]>> Oh, the garbage got it.

[00:26:47]>> The garbage got it.

[00:26:48]>> How did the garbage get it? Did it come in and and put its hands inside of the stuff and make it suck it into the garbage?

[00:26:54]>> No, ma'am.

[00:26:54]>> You threw it out.

[00:26:56]>> Yeah. She came by like she said to get some stuff and uh I quickly put some stuff together and I videotaped because I didn't want her to say I open the door and hit her >> or anything like that.

[00:27:07]>> Right.

[00:27:07]>> So um >> that was smart.

[00:27:10]>> So when whatever she got and didn't she want to call back and say I missed stuff. I said well >> when did she say there's stuff missing?

[00:27:17]>> Probably a day or two later when she >> she said she said it on that video. She said right there then and there. Wait, this isn't all my stuff.

[00:27:22]>> Probably.

[00:27:23]>> Probably.

[00:27:24]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:27:24]>> Okay. So, what she says that you still had and refused to give her is a digital camera and a computer, six winter coats, two boots, six nursing uniforms, and some computer software. Let's talk about those. The digital camera and computer did that stay behind?

[00:27:43]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:27:44]>> Okay. And why?

[00:27:46]>> Ask her.

[00:27:47]>> Okay. Where is it now?

[00:27:48]>> In my house.

[00:27:49]>> Okay. So, you do and those things that belong to her?

[00:27:52]>> No.

[00:27:53]>> Who do they belong to? Well, we bought those while we were together and she left it.

[00:27:57]>> Okay. You bought them while you were together and she left them. But who paid for them?

[00:28:01]>> You're not working. She's working 14 hours. I think I know the answer.

[00:28:05]>> Yes, ma'am. She paid for them.

[00:28:06]>> Okay. So, you agree that she paid for them, but you feel like since it was during your time together that you co-own it?

[00:28:14]Not so much. All right. Um, but those [clears throat] two things are at your house. All right. And then the six winter coats. Did she really leave six winter coats behind? Yes, ma'am.

[00:28:24]>> Okay. Where did those go?

[00:28:26]>> I threw them away.

[00:28:27]>> And two boots?

[00:28:30]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:28:31]>> When did you throw out her stuff? And why did you throw out her stuff?

[00:28:34]>> Because I I I didn't want any more contact. I felt when she left, when I went to see my psych, I felt that when she left, she should have been smart enough to she made this plan. She should have been smart enough to take all of these things.

[00:28:47]>> But that doesn't mean that you have a what she should have done is one thing.

[00:28:51]And I agree with you. She should have.

[00:28:52]It would have been the smart thing to do. But what you have a right to do is another thing. And you apparently think that if she left it behind, you have a right to toss it. And you don't. You don't have a right to toss it.

[00:29:03]>> Your honor, >> can uh I just want to clarify one thing.

[00:29:07]I have PTSD. And I thought uh when I when she when she told me that there was more stuff left, it was being more depressing.

[00:29:16]>> I know, sweetie. And I I don't mean to sound insensitive.

[00:29:18]>> I was trying to say I was trying to be rude. I'm not trying to be rude to you nor her.

[00:29:22]>> I respect women, >> okay?

[00:29:23]>> But I had to look out for my >> psyche, too.

[00:29:26]>> I know, but I I I would like to propose something to you.

[00:29:33]>> Part and I, you know, maybe you can run this by the psychiatrist, but I think that part of your healing process is to be able to cope.

[00:29:43]And coping sometimes means you can't do what feels good at the moment. It means you have to have a little vision about where it's going to take you. And so if you don't want to see it anymore because it causes you pain, you know, all of us also, even people who have not gone through the horrible stuff you've gone through, all right, will feel depression and anger and sadness when a mate leaves us and here we think we're finally not going to be lonely. We have this person.

[00:30:08]We really like this person and then all of a sudden it's gone. Okay? But you have to be able to cope in a way that's inside the parameters of what societyy's going to mandate. And society doesn't let you or anybody else throw out people's stuff. So you're still going to have to pay for it. Now, um, there was an incident that I see a police report here for. What happened then in June?

[00:30:29]>> It's a couple months after you guys broke up. What was this?

[00:30:32]>> Because I needed my stuff. He had promised he had given me a promisary note because he wasn't talking to me and I needed the rest of my stuff. So his birthday was the 30th of August. So I went over there >> and of what?

[00:30:47]>> 30th of April.

[00:30:47]>> April April. Okay.

[00:30:49]>> April. And I went over there and I made dinner for him and I let him write a promisary note so that I can get my stuff from him.

[00:30:56]>> Do you have that?

[00:30:57]>> Yes.

[00:30:57]>> May I see it?

[00:31:05]>> What does that say? 1500 or 1300? 1300 >> for the what things I threw out in money you gave me. Just stop hurting me. You will be paid in full by 615. Did that happen?

[00:31:19]>> No, ma'am.

[00:31:19]>> Did you sign this?

[00:31:20]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:31:21]>> Okay.

[00:31:23]If it was good enough for you then, it's good enough for me now. And if uh $1,300 is the value that both of you put on the items, then he didn't pay you anything on this, right?

[00:31:35]>> No, he did not.

[00:31:36]>> Okay. Um, I'm going to assess a value of 1300 so that we don't have to get you guys together to transfer cameras or computers or whatever else. I'm gonna order him to pay you $1,300 verdict for the pliff. Good luck to both of you.

[00:31:50]Okay. May there be happier times ahead.

[00:31:52]All right.

[00:31:58]>> Well, here comes the defendant out of the courtroom losing this case. First, thank you for your service. I echo the judge's sentiments there. I'm sure we all do. Well, what's your feeling on the outcome of the case here?

[00:32:07]>> I think the judge is right. Um, you make a mistake, you have to pay for it. I didn't see it that way at the time.

[00:32:13]>> Mhm. Why do you think she ended the relationship so quickly?

[00:32:18]>> I wanted to spend more time with her than she wanted to work. She She valued work. I value uh family contact.

[00:32:27]>> All right. Good luck to you. Right down this way. All right. Come on in here and tell me um you satisfied with how this comes out?

[00:32:33]>> Yes, I am. Definitely just as he served and I'm glad I won.

[00:32:39]I hope he has a nice life.

[00:32:42]>> What' you see in him at the time? You obviously felt strongly about him.

[00:32:46]>> Yeah, he was honest. He was straightforward, which I love. You don't find that in a lot of men.

[00:32:51]>> So that's basically it.

[00:32:54]>> You don't miss him?

[00:32:56]>> Even if I do, that's the past. I have to move to the future.

[00:33:00]>> Harvey.

[00:33:00]>> Okay. I'm going to give you my two cents here. It is insane. Insane to move in with somebody after a couple of weeks because on those couple of weeks, even couple of months, whatever, that you are looking at somebody on their best behavior and not what they're really like. That will do it for this case length for the next case on the way into the courtroom right now.

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[00:33:53]This is the place of Hamid Shagri. He says he worked for the defendant's car service as a driver, but [music] things didn't work out. He wants the security deposit he gave the defendant for the car he drove. The guy owes him for unpaid [music] wages and the louse has to be stopped because he's done this to other drivers he knows. Hey, sir, for >> [music] >> $1,4152, the amount HE'S This is the defendant Abraham Shen have.

[00:34:25]He says the plaintiff worked only nine jobs for him. [music] Then abruptly changed his mind and told totally wanted out. He's a businessman and is trying to make a living just like everyone else.

[00:34:35]In fact, he's the one who lost money on this guy and most definitely owes him nothing. He's accused of driving a guy mad.

[00:34:49]>> All parties, please raise your right hands.

[00:34:51]>> Okay. Hamid Shagri.

[00:34:53]>> Yes, ma'am. You are suing Abraham Shenna.

[00:34:56]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:34:57]>> For $1,41.52 that you say is owed to you uh as a result of an employment contract. Sort of not really independent contractor thing you had going on with him as a driver. Tell me what happened.

[00:35:12]>> Uh yes, ma'am. I'm a Hamemed Shri. I'm I was driving his car. I have a contract with him on February 3rd.

[00:35:20]>> And what was the contract? That's exhibit A and B. I have a copy of this.

[00:35:25]>> All right. I have a copy of it. What I want to know is your understanding of the agreement.

[00:35:29]>> Yes. The agreement was like I have to drive like a whole the week. If I drive the whole week, then I have to pay him the first two weeks. He said I have to pay like $400 a week. I have to pay.

[00:35:42]>> Now you >> but then I returned his car on February 7th on on Tuesday.

[00:35:48]>> He So just a second. It's your car. Yes, ma'am.

[00:35:51]>> You You actually own it or you lease it also? Okay. Then you rent it out to him.

[00:35:57]>> And according to him, he's supposed to pay you $400 a week.

[00:36:00]>> 450.

[00:36:01]>> 450. And that's what the >> Well, no, you're on a for 3 days, they told me that uh you can drive car to see how much you can make money like that, you know. And when I started, I feel like I can't make it the money. They they they they told me that that's the reason like a false misleading tell me that >> because they told you >> and I scared they told me that very easily you can make $250 or $300 a day >> and so [clears throat] you have it for 4 days they give you business you don't feel it's enough business and you decide this is for the birds I don't want to do this and so you return the car 4 days later >> right now >> okay now it's the weekend when you went through all right >> I feel the statement they are saying you can make $250 or $300 a day very easily.

[00:36:49]Right.

[00:36:49]>> I have scare myself.

[00:36:50]>> I got it. I think I have what you're saying. You're saying to me, judge, yes, I signed a contract and yes, my contract is for 6 months of rental of this car, but I you shouldn't keep me to that judge because they lied to me. They induced me to go into this contract claiming that I'd make $250 a day, and I am not making $250 a day. So, I want what? The $500 security deposit that you paid to them back. That's right.

[00:37:16]>> You don't want to pay any rent for those three days, but you want to get your percentage of of the payment from those three days without paying rent.

[00:37:23]>> Without paying rent.

[00:37:24]>> Do you want to You want me to cook dinner for you, too? And And >> Yes, ma'am. Well, actually, [laughter] >> hold on. Stop. Respond to what he is saying that you guys defraed him and you guys told him that he'd make all this money and then he didn't make all this money. Go ahead.

[00:37:40]The first years he don't he work a week day only one day >> Friday >> half day in Friday and few hours in in Monday >> our our weekend >> how exactly he know if can make the money or not I don't know what indication now I tell you what the reason what he tell me why he leave >> why >> this is not the reason this is the reason nice to put it here I don't have money >> to run the car or the easy pass because you need gas and easy pass. And you know what I advise him? No problem. We can figure out I can give you I have all time his voucher. I can I can take money from there. I'm not worried about this.

[00:38:24]The problem is he say okay I want to think about this. I let you know in few days. In the end from the day the guy signed the contract and he want me to be a volunteer to give you all the money.

[00:38:36]>> Well that's I mean that and that's interesting because he's suing you. He wants the only money that ever went from here to there is the $500, right?

[00:38:43]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:38:43]>> And then the contract that you have with him says you're going to get 67% of the fairs, right?

[00:38:50]>> The contract with partners executive says you will get What percentage of the fairs does he get?

[00:38:56]>> He gets 67%.

[00:38:57]>> 67. Okay. Why do you look at me like I'm from Mars when I just said that and you looked at >> No, no, no, no. That depends. They have they have percentage. If you look if you read all the demands at the same day, it's 53%. So he did for they have they have 26% whatever. Okay.

[00:39:12]>> In his case because he hasn't been paid in his case it's the larger 67%. So and he in his demand letter is asking for 100%. Right. I got it. So he wants you to pay him the 67%. No he wants you to pay him 100%. Plus, he wants you to return the security deposit of 500. Even though you drove the car for 4 days, and your only entitlement to get a percentage of the fees is if you pay rent. You can't not pay rent for the car. I'm talking.

[00:39:42]>> You can't not pay rent for the car and and then get the percentage of the fees.

[00:39:45]So, I don't know. You sound a little greedy.

[00:39:49]>> If the guy who runs the car [music] service says, "Oh, you'll make a certain amount of money." And he doesn't, can the guy bail?

[00:39:53]>> No, he can't bail. I mean, why >> contract's a contract? You know, I there are certain stipulations that may have been discussed. However, >> I get your point going inside the courtroom.

[00:40:03]>> Your answer to this is judge, I don't want to pay him anything, not even the 67%.

[00:40:07]>> I don't say this.

[00:40:07]>> What are you saying?

[00:40:09]>> If I own him, I own him maybe $100. Even not this.

[00:40:12]>> But why?

[00:40:13]>> I waste time. I pay $6,000 insurance a year. 20,000 $22,000 cost me this car.

[00:40:22]And somebody sign a contract like it's nothing.

[00:40:26]I can keep going. I can pick get.

[00:40:28]>> Did you do you guys promise the drivers that they're going to make a certain amount a day?

[00:40:32]>> We not promise nothing.

[00:40:33]>> Is there anything in the contract guaranteeing you that you're going to make? Of course not. Listen to my question. Is there anything in you sign like how many contracts?

[00:40:42]>> Like two or three different contracts?

[00:40:43]Is there anything in any of those contracts that say you you're going to make a minimum of two $250 to $300 a day? Nothing.

[00:40:51]>> No. Not in any contract, man.

[00:40:53]The only way he's wrong, because you clearly have stopped the contract, is if you are allowed to stop the contract.

[00:41:01]And the only way that can happen is if you're able to prove to me that someone, despite the three contracts you sign where they don't guarantee you something, >> that someone guaranteed you something. I mean, at what point is there a little personal responsibility in this life where sometimes it's just a bad business decision? You may, you know, you may have done this for four days and you may decide this isn't for me. I'm not making enough money. It's fine. But is there ever a consequence for people for signing something and then making a business decision like that? Why does somebody else have to pay for that business decision? Why isn't it just something that all right, I'm going to cut my losses and move on?

[00:41:40]>> You know, you were supposed to drive that car for six months and pay 450 every week for six months. He's not he's not chasing you for that.

[00:41:48]I find it even complainive sign a contract and he's got to stick to it. Step on in here. What's your feeling about the verdict now?

[00:42:00]>> Uh actually I feel like maybe I didn't uh convince uh judge like uh what happened but look like I lose all my money. Uh >> why didn't you stick with the job and try it for a little bit longer?

[00:42:13]>> No, but if they make a promise you can make it. That's a That's a there's not That's the main thing. So, yeah.

[00:42:18]>> All right. Right down right down around the corner. Okay. Sign your documents around right this way. Okay. So, so come on in here and tell me um so what what do you what do you think happened here?

[00:42:28]>> I think it's great. It's supposed to what's supposed to happen? You cannot sign a contract and nothing not happen.

[00:42:34]It's like no, you're not responsible nothing and you walk away. You can do whatever you want.

[00:42:40]>> Isn't it Isn't it hard for the driver who signs? Isn't it hard for those guys to make a buck? If you put the 12 hours and you're hard worker and you know the job, you make your money. Harvey, >> if there was a guarantee the guy would make a certain amount, that's one thing.

[00:42:54]But no guarantee here.