Bad Guy problems with TOM CRUTCHFIELD

[treeboa]

I remember when all this happened. I think the lawyer was overseas too though? A FL attorney might make more of a dent, but at least that guy didn't just lay down and take it.

Agreed! When you're talking this much money, even if it cost a few thousand to do it it's worth it.

 

[bcr229]

It seems you both undervalued the animals for customs. This can be a problem for you as now if you seek legal help it could have bad repercussions for you both. Is it possible that is why Tom feels safe?

While this is possible I see a lot more risk for Mr. Crutchfield than for the OP if the OP decides to sue.

The case is well beyond small claims due to the amount of money involved ($14k plus attorney fees and any other damages he can find), which puts into a circuit court in Florida. At some point during discovery it's going to come out that the OP and Mr. Crutchfield conspired to undervalue the animals to avoid customs duties. I don't know if the OP's country will take any action since the animals were never shipped; it could very well be he has no risk here. In the US from what I've found during my (admittedly limited) research, violators aren't prosecuted. The penalties are civil, mainly fines ranging from 20-100% of the value of the shipment depending on the nature of the violation(s).

Violators also receive increased future scrutiny and/or inspections by US Customs. Granted, these animals were to be exported and not imported, but if Mr. Crutchfield is willing to play the "undervalue my shipment to avoid customs duties" with a customer, it stands to reason he would do it for anything he's importing.

So, suppose the OP finds an attorney and sues. Discovery progresses, in theory everything submitted is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth... and every document submitted becomes public information available to anyone who cares to look. I have no doubt there are people in the herp world who would happily drop the dime to Customs.

If OP sues, he merely risks throwing good money after bad to try to get a judgement and collect if he wins the case. Mr. Crutchfield is risking attorneys fees to defend against that suit, plus increased headaches over the long term from a government agency that will have proof positive the guy is trying to rip off FedGov. Those costs will be a lot higher than the $14k he owes the OP.

 

[j_dunlavy]

Mr. Crutchfield is risking attorneys fees to defend against that suit, plus increased headaches over the long term from a government agency that will have proof positive the guy is trying to rip off FedGov. Those costs will be a lot higher than the $14k he owes the OP.

his history may also come into play here too; I would think an alleged smuggler would likely be subject to far greater scrutiny.

 

[AbsoluteApril]

his history may also come into play here too; I would think an alleged smuggler would likely be subject to far greater scrutiny.

nothing 'alleged' about it as was already posted
http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/1999/April/140enr.htm?vm=r&s=1

more from the same deal:
United States v. Crutchfield:
http://www.kmf-law.com/files/2013/10/United-States-v-Crutchfield.pdf

he pleads guilty: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1999-01-12/news/9901120079_1_crutchfield-reptile-exotic-snakes

related
http://www.ca11.uscourts.gov/opinions/ops/19973486.MAN.pdf

He also spoke at my local reptile club in September (and donated a snake to give away), I did skip the meeting, didn't want to show support.

 

[j_dunlavy]

nothing 'alleged' about it as was already posted
http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/1999/April/140enr.htm?vm=r&s=1

more from the same deal:
United States v. Crutchfield:
http://www.kmf-law.com/files/2013/10/United-States-v-Crutchfield.pdf

he pleads guilty: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1999-01-12/news/9901120079_1_crutchfield-reptile-exotic-snakes

related
http://www.ca11.uscourts.gov/opinions/ops/19973486.MAN.pdf

He also spoke at my local reptile club in September (and donated a snake to give away), I did skip the meeting, didn't want to show support.

Yeah, I realized that after I posted

maybe that's why the snakes were not sent, he needed more time to get them? a zebra does not change it's stripes.
either way he was, is, and always will be a scumbag, based on his past and present behavior.
do business with him and you never know what you will get...

 

[Robert Walker]

He also spoke at my local reptile club in September (and donated a snake to give away), I did skip the meeting, didn't want to show support.

Good job April!

 

[WebSlave]

Yeah, I realized that after I posted

maybe that's why the snakes were not sent, he needed more time to get them? a zebra does not change it's stripes.
either way he was, is, and always will be a scumbag, based on his past and present behavior.
do business with him and you never know what you will get...

Warning: Cease with the personally derogatory slurs, please.

 

[j_dunlavy]

Warning: Cease with the personally derogatory slurs, please.

I won't let it happen again.
My apologies to everyone for making the thread ugly with immature name calling, I was not thinking.

 

[Incredible Carpets]

I called Tom recently to inquire about some Diamond pythons he was selling. I just wanted a little more detail BEFORE shelling out $800 a pop for a juvi Diamond. The arrogant SOB pretty much told me to F off and that if I didn't know enough about the breed, I shouldn't be buying one???? Really? Does that make sense from a customer service stand point? He also bashed others that are well respected when it comes to Diamond pythons (i.e. Gary Valle) whom I also talked to before and unlike Tom, Gary was more than happy to educate me on the breed even though he had nothing to sell me and therefore no angle. That's the difference between people that are passionate and care about these animals and assholes like Tom Cruthfield. I would never buy anything from him and strongly encourage others to do the same.

 

[treeboa]

I dealt with Tom a lot back in the early 90's when it was mailed price lists and telephone deals. He was always pretty cool and I was able to buy animals no one else had available (now we know why, huh!) After he returned from his banishment I've heard a lot of stories about his arrogance. Paul's experience doesn't surprise me at all. Maybe if Arslan is successful we won't have him around any more!

 

[Incredible Carpets]

Thanks for the support Jeff. I was reprimanded for being so candid with that post from a Fauna moderator but its hard to sugar coat something that so many people have seen or experienced with this guy. I have never come across anyone in the biz that is like him. Oh well, at least this board of inquiry may help others avoid getting ripped off or sworn at for asking questions PRIOR to buying something.

 

[Incredible Carpets]

I called Tom recently to inquire about some Diamond pythons he was selling. I just wanted a little more detail BEFORE shelling out $800 a pop for a juvi Diamond. The arrogant !@#!!& pretty much told me to F off and that if I didn't know enough about the breed, I shouldn't be buying one???? Really? Does that make sense from a customer service stand point? He also bashed others that are well respected when it comes to Diamond pythons (i.e. Gary Valle) whom I also talked to before and unlike Tom, Gary was more than happy to educate me on the breed even though he had nothing to sell me and therefore no angle. That's the difference between people that are passionate and care about these animals and &!@#$ like Tom Cruthfield. I would never buy anything from him and strongly encourage others to do the same.

Ok I cleaned up the original post

 

[reptiler ron]

TOM ANSWER THIS POST

 

[Treasures]

TOM ANSWER THIS POST

Good luck with that.I once tried to have a normal conversation with the guy in a public forum. He didn't agree with my opinion so he blew up in typical tom crutchfield fashion telling me "the only thing you know is that I'm better then you" and then blocked me. He is a big talker in private but a real coward. He will never post on this thread. Sorry to anyone this guy has scammed.

 

[mankenstien]

Sad that happened to you but good to know about him. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[WebSlave]

TOM ANSWER THIS POST

Tom Crutchfield has never registered here as far as I can tell.

And based on some emails he sent me a while back in reference to an old thread here about him that he didn't much care for, and what he thought of this site in general, I seriously doubt you will ever see him post here.

 

[brd7666]

I seriously doubt you will ever see him post here.

You are correct.

 

[Big Time Reptiles]

Arslan,
Is there any updates to your situation with Tom?


Lynn Peterson
Big Time Reptiles

 

[Keith Northrop]

Arslan.......Americans are so funny with there justice system.......You would think they get
the picture? Much cheaper and efficient to fight fire with fire!! The Bounty on 14 Large might entice someone to collect! LOL