Encounter at NEAR-Fest IV With a Notorious Radio Felon

[W1RC]

Got home from NEAR-Fest IV quite late last evening after three lovely days at Deerfield NH.  The wx was perfect and just about everybody seemed to have a great time.  I saw lots of good stuff but since we were pretty busy most of the time I was unable to score anything really great and rare which is unfortunate.  However I relinquished that when I signed on to doing NEAR-Fest and it is okay since I have more than enough "stuff", at least according to my wife.

Since I know the incident I am about to relate will be a subject of discussion and speculation I thought it might be wise for me to briefly outline the facts since I was there.

On Friday afternoon (October 10th) at approximately 3:00PM, NEAR-Fest Sergeant-at-Arms, Paul DePetrillo, W1PRA and I observed a dark blue Chevy Suburban with Connecticut license plates parked in the Tailgating area not displaying a flea market pass on the dashboard.  The owner, an individual well-known to many vintage radio enthusiasts for his dishonest dealings, was asked to present his flea market pass and admission ticket.  He was unable to do so, saying it's "somewhere in the truck".  We told him to look for them and even insisted he unload all the radios he purchased earlier in the day to facilitate this task.  Regardless, he was unable to find either the admission ticket, the flea market pass he claimed to have purchased or even the handout events program that he would have received had he entered the Fairgrounds legitimately.

Paul and I explained our options to him: we could either ask him to leave; contact local law enforcement, kick his thieving ass out or be nice guys and simply ask him to buy a ticket and flea market pass, leaving it at that.  Since involving local law enforcement would have been very embarrassing for him since he is a known felon with numerous convictions we decided to give him a break and sent him off to purchase a ticket and vehicle pass. 

When we revisited the vehicle shortly thereafter we observed a somewhat wrinkled flea market pass on his dashboard.  He returned and produced his ticket on demand.  However the number on the ticket didn't coincide with the numbers being sold at the gate at that time of day.  When asked, the Shriners at the gate told us that no one had come from inside the hamfest to purchase a ticket so we concluded that he had borrowed them from a friend in an unsuccessful attempt to deceive us once again.

While the matter was being discussed our NEAR-Fest Treasurer, Ed Anderson, walked by and told us that earlier he had observed this vehicle entering the Fairgrounds by opening a gate that was not used by NEAR-Fest but by Fairground employees.  He said he challenged the driver who told him that he was "with one of the food vendors".  This was later substantiated by a Fairgrounds employee who had witnessed the event.

At this point we were faced with making a decision on what to do with him.  Had we chosen to refer the Deerfield (NH) Police he could have been arrested and charged with trying to defraud NEAR-Fest of $20.00 and possibly faced very severe penalties which may have included incarceration (since he may possibly be on probation).

Tempting as this was, we decided that even this individual is a known felon with several convictions (Burglary and Larceny) in CT it would not have served the best interests of the hamfest or the hobby's image in the Deerfield community to pursue this avenue.  After some discussion and deliberation it was decided that perhaps it was time that he should head home since it is a long drive back to Guilford Connecticut and he was summarily escorted to the gate.  Once at the gate the Shriners on duty said that they did not recognize him as having purchased a ticket within the past few hours. 

He was advised that should he choose to return to NEAR-Fest (and should we choose to admit him) he would be required to do what is expected of all attendees, ie:

A. Purchase a ticket and a flea market pass if applicable.
B. Making sure that his ticket and pass were available if asked to present same by any NEAR-Fest Staff member.
C. Park his vehicle in one spot in the tailgating area, moving it only to leave or with permission to pick up heavy purchases.

After this discussion he was pointed in the general direction towards Connecticut and sent on his way.

It should be noted that his departure was strictly of his own volition.   It was apparent that any time local law enforcement was mentioned he paled and was obviously scared shitless.  It seemed somewhat excessive (although tempting) for us to have him detained and investigated by the police for sneaking into NEAR-Fest and trying to con us into thinking he bought a ticket when asked.  He certainly would have been taken into custody and investigated.  So the above course of action seemed the best under the circumstances.

It makes us (and the large number of people who either witnessed these events or who learned of them later why anyone except a pathological criminal and thief would drive a couple of hundred miles to attend a hamfest then stoop to lying and deceit to avoid paying the $20.00 for the privilege of entering and availing himself of all the treasures contained therein. 

I refrain from actually providing this individual's name and call since most reading these lines already know who he is or have a very good idea of his identity.  This person is just the type who would come at us with lawyers, expressing innocence, indignation and outrage.  Frankly, although this would prove highly amusing to me personally it would not be in the best interests of the hamfest and so I am not about to provide any basis on which he may seize an opportunity.  All are, of course, free to engage in speculation and discussion as to this person's identity since this is what this forum is for.

Go for it!

73,

MisterMike, W1RC
 
 

[W4EWH]

Mike,

Please tell us how to access his criminal record: IANALB, I don't think disclosing a public record is actionable.

I'm asking because, although we all know that fleamarkets and swapfests have always been "Caveat Emptor" events, a professional criminal is so far outside the usual range of attendees that I feel hams are entitled to a warning. That is, after all, why there are "Wanted" posters at the Post Office and Sexual Predator registries.

Bill W1AC

[W1RC]

Mike,

Please tell us how to access his criminal record: IANALB, I don't think disclosing a public record is actionable.
Bill W1AC

IANALB?  What does this mean?

Anyways it would serve no useful purpose for me to do any such thing.  If you really want to know who this guy is do your homework.  There are two notorious such online radio thieves out there; one in CT and the other in KY.  This one's from CT. I am sure there will be plenty of discussion on this.

I'm asking because, although we all know that fleamarkets and swapfests have always been "Caveat Emptor" events, a professional criminal is so far outside the usual range of attendees that I feel hams are entitled to a warning. That is, after all, why there are "Wanted" posters at the Post Office and Sexual Predator registries.

You know that just about any segment of society can show up.  There are no qualification other than the price of admission (and some don't even want to meet this requirement).  Who knows how many felons, sexual offenders, perverts and and sickos are there?  How many are carrying guns?  Frankly, we don't want to know.

As far as "professional" criminals go - who knows and cares so long as they don't do anything criminal while they are at the 'Fester.  I don't know that this guy steals stuff but it has been alleged that he has fallen under suspicion more than once.  From the way he conducts himself I seriously doubt that he is a professional anything.

73,

MrMike

[WB3JOK]

IANALB?  What does this mean?

"I Am Not A Lawyer, But..."
 

You are far more restrained than I would have been. (I probably would also have allowed him the chance to buy a pass, but when he cheated on that, police would have been called immediately).

-Charles

[WU2D]

Mike,

I think that was a measured response - good stuff.

Speaking of that, on my flight over to JY1 land, I was in fancy business class with software girl who was travelling with me but seated on the other side of the plane. Everything was settling down after dinner and the dimmed the lights for the snooze over the ocean when all of the sudden I hear a commotion. This guy (US) is obviously drunk and is yelling. Flight attendants repeatedly warn him to sit down and quiet down. Next two large dude flight attendants show up and threaten to handcuff him if he does not stay seated. This happens twice and they keep him under close watch. All the time he is threatening that he is visiting some shiek or some BS. Everybody in business class was pissed off and some big guys were even changing seats to be right next to the guy. Finally he passes out and they actually had trouble waking him for landing.

What would a US carrier (Delta) on Star Alliance with Royal jordianian do? Was he drunk when he got onboard and how many drinks did they give him? Who wants to guess what the outcome was of this episode?

Mike WU2D

[W1UJR]

Not to change the subject but, this is one of my pet peeves.
Why do they even serve alcohol on flights?
Seems to every few months you hear about one of these knuckleheads getting drunk, threatening a flight crew or passengers. I just don't understand the logic, has to cost the airlines more in bad publicity and liability than they make off the booze.

In regards to your "encounter" with this fellow Mike, I'd say very well handled.
Such folks don't need to be present, but your posting reminds us that we do need to be careful, not everyone at a hamfest is trustworthy.

Let me also commend your staff.
I attended the NEARFest on Saturday with the YL, it was her first time attending a radio meet.
When Nancy got out of our car, she inadvertently knocked her purse out of the door pocket and onto the ground.
She was too taken with the wonderful fall foliage to notice, and we went about making the rounds.

When we arrived back at the car, we noticed a pocketbook on the windshield.
Seems one of your staff, Chris, HOD, was kind enough to spot it and place it there for her.
Both Nancy and I were pleasantly surprised, it was a good event, of which I am sure were many, that occurred during the hamfest.

-Bruce

[KB2WIG]

  " Not to change the subject but, this is one of my pet peeves.
 Why do they even serve alcohol on flights? "

I find it much more convienent to drink in the terminal. 


klc

[Bill, KD0HG]

Check this one out!

------------------

DENVER – A day after a woman appeared in court for allegedly smoking a cigarette and attacking a flight attendant while drunk on a cross-country flight, a local group announced it wants air travelers to have an alternative to alcohol.

Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER) plans to hold a press conference on Tuesday to call for the addition of marijuana lounges in airports nationwide to "address the growing number of in-flight problems involving drunk disorderly passengers."

The announcement comes a day after 35-year-old Christina Szele of Woodside, N.Y. appeared in a Denver federal court on charges of interference with a flight attendant and assault after being accused of lighting up on a JetBlue flight last week, then punching a male flight attendant in the face.

Szele told investigators she didn't remember smoking or attacking anyone because the flight attendants gave her too many vodka drinks.

"Adults should be allowed another option for relaxing when they fly," stated SAFER Executive Director Mason Tvert in a news release. "It is irrational and potentially dangerous policy to continue allowing passengers to get drunk before and during flights while prohibiting them from simply making the safer choice to use marijuana prior to boarding."

The group points to "scientific evidence that shows alcohol use contributes to the likelihood of violent and unruly behavior," adding that marijuana "actually makes such behavior less likely."

In the city of Denver, SAFER initiated legislation that legalized the possession of less than one ounce of marijuana for people over the age of 21 and made personal marijuana usage the lowest possible police priority. Both items were approved by voters.

A call to the Denver district attorney's office was referred to the Denver city attorney's office. Calls to Assistant City Attorney Vince DiCroce were not immediately returned.

[w8khk]

Or maybe they should put vending machines in the airport lounge, dispensing valium and a variety of other popular mind-altering drugs.  After the ordeal of going through airport security, the machines would probably prove very profitable.  Is it a good time for an IPO?

[WA5VQM]

Check this one out!

------------------

DENVER – A day after a woman appeared in court for allegedly smoking a cigarette and attacking a flight attendant while drunk on a cross-country flight, a local group announced it wants air travelers to have an alternative to alcohol.

Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER) plans to hold a press conference on Tuesday to call for the addition of marijuana lounges in airports nationwide to "address the growing number of in-flight problems involving drunk disorderly passengers."

But do you want to be on a plane full of stoners once the galley runs out of Oreos?

73, Mark

[Bill, KD0HG]

But do you want to be on a plane full of stoners once the galley runs out of Oreos?

73, Mark

LOL

The big plus for the airlines would be they could charge $25 for a ham sandwich and get it.

[flintstone mop]

OK Mr Mike
Back to the thread
You picqued (?) our interest in this felon. Why did you post this thread if you weren't going to tell us. This is like an Alfred Hitchcock movie. Now we have to do homework to figure out who this mystery Ham radio thief is.
We'll find him/her by golly!!!

humour???
Fred

[Ed/KB1HYS]

hey, I think they were more than decent in their treatment of a piece of scum.

I think you should have Tarred and Feather him and ridden him out of town on a rail! 

Ahh for the good old days...

[Opcom]

"How many are carrying guns?"

In a free country like Texas, alot. You never see the handguns or know who's carrying. The carry laws are strict and fair. Good for Citizens. Bad for Criminals. Alot of thieves, burglars, and assailants get shot by victims here. Every summer when the burglaries climb, so do the news stories about the homeowner defending himself or another, or defending property; generally to the irrecoverable downfall of the criminal, sincerely may his poor soul find peace. Criminals can't sue (if surviving), nor can their survivors sue, but crime victims can sue. There is no duty to retreat here, so the criminal is not legally entitled to chase one throughout one's house before one can defend themselves. That's good because I can't move very fast any more. Woof! Take a bite out of crime. The safest place in the world is a place full of law abiding and peacable gun owners.

[WA1GFZ]

unlike CT. where Guys can marry Guys soon.

[W1UJR]

"How many are carrying guns?"
 There is no duty to retreat here, so the criminal is not legally entitled to chase one throughout one's house before one can defend themselves. That's good because I can't move very fast any more. Woof! Take a bite out of crime. The safest place in the world is a place full of law abiding and peacable gun owners.

Excellent post, and laws!
The way that it was, the way that it should be.

I'm also for neutering violent career criminals, prevents the problem at the source.
Of course, a certain group loves to cuddle criminals because of the way they vote....

[WA1GFZ]

Yes Bruce, I notice crooks vote for crooks

[W1UJR]

Yes Bruce, I notice crooks vote for crooks

I agree, which is why I plan to write in Thomas Jefferson for President, and Patrick Henry for the VP slot.

In closing, all I can say Frank is "Vote Early And Often", also know as the logo of ACORN. 

[WA1GFZ]

you are lucky all we get it dots to color in.
So in my case change them like underwear to avoid BA itch

[W1RKW]

I have no tolerance for that BS.  I would have called the police after strike one and put an end to it right then and there. If the guy is a known felon then I would have put an end to it once and for all and let them sort it out, however, I do respect your understanding to allow him a chance(s) but I'm almost sure I would have ended it after strike one.  It's not fair to everyone else who is legit and the sponsors of the event.  That's just me. That being said, you did a great job.

[W1UJR]

Frank,

A very wise man had this to say about government, three guesses of who he might he.


"Banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies."

"Dependence begets subservience and venality, suffocates the germ of virtue, and prepares fit tools for the designs of ambition. "

"Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves are its only safe depositories."

"Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny. "

"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them. "

"A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor and bread it has earned - this is the sum of good government."

and finally....

"I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever. "

[Bill, KD0HG]

BRUCE!

Get yer American priorities straight!!!

[W1UJR]

These are my American priorities OM...
Stars and stripes forever!

[Opcom]

To do service to the thread, I think I'd have also called the police if he did not pay when caught. I would not have warned him of the impending encounter either. Being caught and then having the chance to pay allows the benefit of the doubt to an idiot who is willing to comply. They need that much and their money's OK to take. Well if the fellow is a felon, then I suppose he has no ham license.

[W1UJR]

Here is the real solution -->> http://www.tv.com/video/15055/dances-with-wolves?o=tv&tag=show_summary;v