Wow some People, I hope it turns out for the better

Laptew seems like a good guy and am willing to bet he feels some sort of peripheral accountability here being that he was the chaperon to this scumbag. I bet he is doing everything in his power to help the donators retrieve what was given and in turn help Anton. I certainly can't see how he wouldn't want to.

GG

I'd suggest everyone chill until some investigation is done.

Agree with the idea people should let the law take care of this, but wow, my stomach is knotted up about just how bad this is. I only fished with Tony twice, never met his son but know how proud he was of him. Its just sad....
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

I agree with Spence. Let the police do their job. When mental illness comes into play, things get complicated. I don't know his situation, but given the fact that he went on a spending spree, he may have been in a manic state.

I hope the money is recovered. This is very sad on a multitude of different levels...

Lets roll this back a little.

• I am sure CSA is on top of this as indicated elsewhere in this thread. If they need our help little s-b or BIG Fishing Community all they need to do is ask. I suspect they have a plan in place.
• I had seen Parker23 once or twice for brief periods of time before seeing him at the fundraiser. He was (beyond?) a little over the top that day. There is/was likely other issues going in with him at the time but not our orange to peel. As mentioned above Metal Illness is tough.
• Now is not the time to do the knee-jerk Social Innernets Justice Warrior schtick. If CSA needs help, if Tony's fund needs help, and there is an appropriate way to help, we as a community should. But grabbing our torches and pitchforks is not the way to go.

Toby and Rob,

For whatever the circumstances, if the bounced check goes
unresolved, please let the community know.

If the hat were passed for a collection to make up for the lost funds, I
for one would be interested in contributing. For the sake of Tony,
Anton, and those who donated items and services to the fundraiser.

It was a great event. I was amazed at the generosity and depth of
the donations and the participants. Its a shame that this small
incident can overshadow the spirit of that night. I really feel that
this situation is correctable.

Yup. Less Tog pictures.

How that guy could be taken seriously after those insurance claim posts is beyond me.

I don't think Laptew has any culpability in this. He gave the guy a ride. Not like Mike was the Getaway driver.

Mike, like Alberto, was offering time (I assume for free) to help with the Fundraiser. I do not think he did anything wrong, certainly I cannot see him being a collaborator on this.

Yesterday I posted on my fb page, has anyone seen that guy Bruce & that he's had 2 of my sculptures and other peoples donations for about 4+ months now. Didn't mean it to turn into a bash fest from guys not involved or never met him. Appreciate the friends that have tried searching. This goes back to April I think it was, I just had it with trying to make contact and not receiving one reply, email, phone call, or any hint of things working out. I've tried, I know Mike Has tried a lot and none of us knew him well enough to see this coming. I'm assuming long term treatment or worse? But I betcha one phone call in 4+ months is allowed unless he's passed. Yea I'm pissed off . And think that many months was long enough to get 1 reply or call about all the donations that are probably sitting in a storage unit or basement or driveway. I received a laundry list email of efforts attempting to reclaim the donations, and appreciate the efforts. Not sure where to go from here yet. I'll think about it over the week, try to speak with the family & my friends involved again & again. Would love more help, I really hate feeling burned especially it being from a charity for Tony's boy. I guess next years fundraiser or any future events will be cash or certified check. This is a tight knit fishing family & this sucks all around. For everyone. Would be great to see it resolved this year. We've been patient, really patient.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Fluke for president! (Walter for VP!) or vice versa :hihi:
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

I want to assure everyone that due to the immense generosity of lots of people here and in the surfcasting community, the fundraising event was a big success and the money raised is protected for Anton III.

We raised close to $6,000 even without the money still due. Toby did a great job on short notice to get great items donated.

I did not want to send the check until I was satisfied that the money would be held in a protected account for Anton's education as we promised. I drafted an education trust for Anton III which is being managed by a close family member of Anton's mother. The funds can only be used for Anton.

To give you some more insight to what we were dealing with, he bought hundreds of dollars of raffle tickets - maybe $500 or more and just handed out many of the tickets to people. He was the high bidder on a donated new Van Staal reel and asked who the youngest kid in the room was and he gave the reel to that kid. It was clear that he was in an extreme manic state but we did not expect the check to bounce.

Mike Laptew generously donated his time to make a presentation and some of his art to the fundraiser and could not feel worse about it. Yes I am sorry he brought him.

So let not loose sight of the fact that it was a great event and we did it for Tony and his son.

Someone said "this is not the time" contact the police. I'm doubtful that would resolve anything. I think it is the time after 4+ months with no contact here. I'd rather try and get the stuff back or see the family square it. One more try with the family maybe. Then if all else fails after 6 months a court claim I assume. I don't think the police have a donation debt unit, or can even write him a ticket at this point. Maybe if you went to court first. Not sure I'll ask my neighbor. Will talk with Mike and club friends today and throughout the next couple weeks. If it wasn't for the kid I might just wash my hands of it. My nickname's not doormat its fluke...... There will be more fundraisers coming. I think I'll create a small opportunity at our seasons end BBQ gathering of the goats. This feels lousy I'll tell ya. It's not the burning me that feels so lousy it's anton's stuff. I spent a long time on just the whale carving , and it meant something to me, that's why I brought it.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Wader Dad, thank you for doing everything and thank you for listing the positives.
From my perspective as an artist who donates work to charities from time to time, I am a little sensitive to things like this and when I heard what happened I blew a gasket. If there is another fundraiser for Antone, count me in for a donation.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

This is troubling, sorry to say, since it puts some culpability on the organizers.

It is easy in retrospect (and if I had been running things my enthusiasm for the cause would probably have let me make the same mistake so I am not trying to be critical here) but even a charity should not profit from someone's mental illness.

If the items can not be recovered through the family or the man himself once he is treated (a very possible outcome) then I think legal action won't go very far in this case and it is best to live, learn, and move on.

All around a sad situation. I suspect Parker 22 is to be pitied rather than excoriated. His family is suffering as well.

So as a follow up, his account has not been accessed here since February.

To all of the CSA folks and everyone that participated, you all did a spectacular job - truly - with this event. It is hard to describe to all those that were not there how well organized and run this fundraiser was, especially for the pickup game it was.

Set aside parker23 for now and let it ride on the courts/po po handle it.
I would strongly suggest we turn this around and make it better than before.
How about we start a "go fund me" these seem to do really well for situations such as this.

I will gladly donate $100. For Tony's son.

5/0
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

A go fund me page was arranged when Tony Got sick not sure if it is still open or not.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Still open.

http://www.gofundme.com/hihqog
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Careful. That could be linked to Tony's bank account which would probably be a black hole. Go fund me will take the money but it might not end up in the right hands.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Thank you both for the info. I have a Buddy who was pretty close with Tony so I will be able to make a donation.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

I know it's easy for guys who Didn't lose 3weeks of artwork themselves to say forget it , or call the cops " who can't do a thing " I was very very close with Tony. Again if it wasn't my own work or for his son. I'd say give up or give it another 4/5months or 12 too. But some of us that got burned think it's been more than long enough to try any way possible at this point. Thanks Eb for getting it. The point was , if anyone see's or hears something break radio silence.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Mental problem? Drug problem? Too bad.....his problem! Piece of dog #^&#^&#^&#^& needs to be held accountable!

List of items lost to King Neptune:
ITEM DESCRIPTION QUANTITY PRICE AGE
REELS
SHIMANO CORE 100MGFV (LEFT RETREIVE) 2 $ 380.00 6 MONTHS
SHIMANO CURADO CU301DSV (LEFT RETREIVE) 2 $ 199.00 6 MONTHS
SHIMANO CTE 401 (LEFT RETREIVE) 1 $ 389.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
SHIMANO TORSA CASTING REEL TS30 (LEFT RETREIVE) 1 $ 699.00 1 YEAR
TIBOR BILLY PATE FLY REEL EXTRA SPOOL (LEFT RETREIVE) TARPON SERIES 1 $ 735.00 2 YEARS OLD
EXTRA SPOOL FOR PATE REEL 2 $ 200.00 2 YEARS OLD
VAN STAAL VS250 (LEFT RETREIVE) 1 $ 750.00 1 YEAR
VAN STAAL VS200 (LEFT RETREIVE) 1 $ 750.00 1 YEAR
VAN STAAL VS150 (LEFT RETREIVE) 1 $ 700.00
ACCURATE TWIN SPIN 12 REEL -- (RIGHT RETREIVE) 2 $ 750.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
ACCURATE BOSS 2 SPEED REELS (RIGHT RETREIVE) 2 $ 525.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
AVET REEL (LEFT RETRIEVE) 2 $ 425.00 1 YEAR
VAN STAAL 11/12 FLY REELS 2 EXTRA SPOOLS (AUCTION CUSTOM) 2 $ 1,250.00 2 YEARS OLD
FISHING LINE 10,000 YARDS SUFFIX BRAID NA $ 800.00 LESS THAN 3 MONTHS
AIRFLO, SCIENTIFIC ANGLERS, RIO FLY LINES/BACKING 10 $ 55.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
FLY LEADERS/WIRE TIPPET 10 $ 25.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
INSHORE/OFFSHORE FLIES 100 $ 6.00 1 YEAR
FIN-NOR SANTIAGO TUNA REEL 1 $ 980.00 2 YEARS OLD
ZEEBASS SPIN REEL (LEFT RETRIEVE) (2 EXTRA SPOOLS) 1 $ 2,100.00 1 YEAR
S & K REEL TANK STORAGE BOX 2 $ 299.00 1 YEAR
SHIMANO CALCUTTA - ( 2 PIECE) INSHORE CASTING 2 $ 179.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
SAGE 9 FT 10 WT FLYROD 4 PIECE 1 $ 740.00 2 YEARS OLD
ROD LUGGAGE 2 $ 200.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
LOOMIS 11/12 4 PIECE TRAVEL 1 $ 750.00 2 YEARS OLD
LOOMIS 15WT (3 PIECE) 1 $ 800.00 2 YEARS OLD
ORVIS 9 FT 10WT FLYROD 4 PIECE 1 $ 750.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
MISC FISH GEAR
GEAR BAG WITH TERMINAL TACKLE, WOOD/PLASTIC PLUGS/JIGS/LINE 1 $ 1,500.00 LESS THAN 2 YEAR
VAN STAAL TITANIUM PLYERS (7") W/HOLDER AND CORD 1 $ 275.00 3 MONTHS OLD
HENKLES 2 PIECE FILET/BONE KNIVES 1 $ 99.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
CHEF CHOICE SHARPENER 1 $ 75.00 2 YEARS OLD
100 GALLON KEEP ALIVE LIVEWELL 1 $ 700.00 1 YEAR
NIGHT JAGUAR NIGHTVISION GOGLES 1 $ 450.00 1 YEAR
CABELA GUIDE FOUL WEATHER GEAR (BIB AND JACKET) 1 $ 700.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
SPERRY WETZONE FOUL WEATHER BOOTS 1 $ 150.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
AQUASKINS SURFTOP NEOPRENE 3XL 1 $ 550.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
AQUASKINS GUIDE GEAR BAG 1 $ 300.00 3 MONTHS OLD
SHIMANO BROADWAY REEL BAG 1 $ 99.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
ICON M72 HANDHELD VHF RADIO 1 $ 199.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
AQUASKINS SURF BAG W/PLUGS, GEAR, 2 $ 300.00 3 MONTHS OLD
AQUASKINS EEL BAG 2 $ 50.00 3 MONTHS OLD
EPIRB - ARC. ELEC. RAPIDFIX 1 $ 900.00 3 MONTHS OLD
INFLATABLE LIFE VEST 2 $ 199.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
MEDICAL KIT 1 $ 599.00 3 MONTHS OLD
OFFSHORE FLARE KIT 1 $ 299.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
CHALLENGER ANTI-EXPOSURE COLD WEATHER SUIT 2 $ 400.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
LORANCE SONAR-GPS CHAARTPLOT 1 $ 700.00 1 YEAR
DAVIS INSTRUMENTS WEATHER RADIO 1 $ 200.00 2 YEARS OLD
SPERRY TOPSIDER FIGAWI SHOE 2 $ 79.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
SHIMANO TUNA JIGS -SHALLOW WATER 2 $ 399.00 1 YEAR
SHIMANO TUNA JIGS -DEEP WATER 1 $ 399.00 1 YEAR
FOLDING CAMP HAMMOCK 2 $ 150.00 3 MONTHS OLD
SLEEPING BAG WITH NO-SEEUM NETTTING 2 $ 75.00 1 YEAR
BUG OUT PANTS/SHIRT 2 $ 325.00 1 YEAR
FLOUROCARBON LEADER MATERIAL (25-150LB) 20 $ 450.00 LESS THAN 3 MONTHS
HOOKS (GAMO 1/0-12/0) 1000 $ 1,500.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
RIGGING KIT (KRIMPS, SWAGGERS, CLIPS, SWIVELS) 1000 $ 850.00 1 YEAR
BAIT RIGGING KITS 3 $ 125.00 1 YEAR
MANNS JIG KIT 1 $ 350.00 1 YEAR
BAIT KNIVES 4 $ 50.00 2 YEARS OLD
HOOK SHARPENERS 3 $ 25.00 2 YEARS OLD
MARINCO FLOOD LIGHT 1 $ 350.00 1 YEAR
PRINCETON HEADLAMP 1 $ 85.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
MAGMA GUNNEL ROD HOLDERS 4 $ 55.00 1 YEAR
MAGMA T-TOP ROD HOLDERS 4 $ 75.00 1 YEAR
PARATECH DROGUE PARACHUTE ANCHOR 1 $ 275.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
NIKON D80 DIGITAL CAMERA/CASE/TRIPOD/DRYBAG 1 $ 1,500.00 1 YEAR
YAMAHA - EXTRA PROP KIT 1 $ 350.00 1 YEAR
SIMMS G4 GUIDE WADERS 1 $ 700.00 1 YEAR
SIMMS G3 GUIDE WADING BOOTS 1 $ 200.00 1 YEAR
SIMMS WADER CARRY BAG 1 $ 40.00 1 YEAR
SIMMS WET WADER SOCKS 6 $ 15.00 1 YEAR
SIMMS SOLAR HAT 1 $ 40.00 1 YEAR
SIMMS WADING BACK SUPPORT 1 $ 50.00 1 YEAR
SIMMS WADING STAFF 1 $ 100.00 1 YEAR
ROD SLEAVES 12 $ 10.00 1 YEAR
SIMMS UV PROTECTION SHIRTS 3 $ 70.00 1 YEAR
SIMMS DRY PANTS 2 $ 55.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
SIMMS FLEECE PANTS 2 $ 99.00 3 MONTHS
AFTCO FLYING GAFF SET 1 $ 310.00 1 YEAR
STOWMASTER OFFSHORE FOLDING NET 1 $ 150.00 1 YEAR
SKB LARGE TACKLE STORAGE SYSTEM 2 $ 170.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
LEWMAR WINLASS 1 $ 1,100.00 3 MONTHS
NAVIGATION KIT-CHARTS, TOOLS, HAND COMPASS ETC... 1 $ 250.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
BLUE-CHIP EXPLORER CHARTS DATA CARD, READER, BURNER 1 $ 850.00 3 MONTHS
LLBEAN DOME TENT-4 PERSON 1 $ 275.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
DESALINATION KIT 1 $ 550.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
SCUBA
HENDERSON DIVE SKIN 3XL 1 $ 83.99 3 MONTHS
CANON 12 X 36 IS II BINOCULAR 1 $ 621.15 1 YEAR
LOWERPRO DRYZONE BACKPACK 1 $ 229.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
APOLLO BIO METAL PRO MASK 1 $ 300.00 3 MONTHS
FORCEFINS 1 $ 225.00 3 MONTHS
JBL TRAVEL MAGNUM COMBO SPEAR GUN 1 $ 299.00 3 MONTHS
SCUBA TITANIUM DIVE KNIFE 2 $ 125.00 3 MONTHS
OCEANIC ATOM DIVE COMPUTER 1 $ 625.00 1 YEAR
CARTER BOULDER LIFT BAG BALLOON 1 $ 475.00 3 MONTHS
FISH/ARTIFACT COLLECTOR BAG 1 $ 99.00 3 MONTHS
DIVE BOOTS 3 MIL NEOPRENE 1 $ 90.00 3 MONTHS
GUARDIAN 1ST AID KIT 1 $ 140.00 3 MONTHS
HENDERSON COLDCORE DIVE GLOVES 1 $ 60.00 3 MONTHS
OCEANIC PROBE BC W/QUICKLOCK WEIGHT SYST. 1 $ 550.00 3 MONTHS
ZEAGLE PONY EXTRA AIR 1 $ 350.00 3 MONTHS
ITEM DESCRIPTION QUANTITY PRICE AGE
CLOTHES
MEPHESITO - SANDALS 1 $ 250.00 3 MONTHS
TOMMY BAHAMA SHIRTS 5 $ 125.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
TOMMY SANDALS 2 $ 225.00 3 MONTHS
TOMMY SHORTS 5 $ 75.00 3 MONTHS
SPERRY TOPSIDERS BILLFISH 3 EYE BOAT SHOE 1 $ 100.00 3 MONTHS
SPERRY TOPSIDERS SB70 GET WET SERIES 1 $ 90.00 3 MONTHS
MAUI JIM PERSCRIPTION SUN GLASSES 2 $ 600.00 2 YEARS OLD
MAUI JIM PERSCRIPTION SUN GLASSES (OLD) 2 $ 600.00 6 MONTHS
SILOUETTE PERSCRIPTION GLASSES 1 $ 500.00 6 MONTHS
SILOUETTE PERSCRIPTION GLASSES (old) 1 $ 500.00 2 YEARS OLD
ROLEX SUBMARINER 24K GOLD/STAINELSS 1 $ 9,000.00 5 YEARS
3 BOTTLES COLOGNE 3 $ 55.00 LESS THAN 24 HOURS OLD
SOCKS, UNDERWEAR,ELECTRIC SHAVER/TRIMMER/SHOWER BAG/GROOMING SUPPLIES 1 $ 350.00 LESS THAN 6 MONTHS
GOLD CHAIN W/FISH HOOK AND GOLD STRIPED BASS PENDANT 1 $ 425.00 1 MONTH OR LESS
MEDICAL DOGTAG NECKLACE - ASTHMA & DRUG ALERGIES 1 $ 1,000.00 1 YEAR OLD
GARMIN GPSMAP 478 1 $ 800.00 9 MONTHS
TRIO PALM PILOT 1 $ 400.00 1 YEAR
PERSCRIPTIONS, MEDICAL STUFF, SUN BLOCK ETC… NA $ 500.00 LESS THAN 3 MONTHS
APPLE IPOD 16GB 1 $ 399.00 3 MONTHS
BOSE SOUND DOCK FOR IPOD 1 $ 349.00 3 MONTHS
TOUGHBOOK CF-U1 PANASONIC LAPTOP 1 $3,000.00 LESS THAN 6 MONTHS
JW FISHER 8X HAND HELD METAL DETECTOR W/ACCESSORIES KIT 1 $ 3,500.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR
RAYMARINE C120 DISPLAY W/RADAR OVERLAY, CHARTPLOTTER, SONAR 1 $ 8,000.00 LESS THAN 1 YEAR

YES, I AM A COMPULSIVE SHOPPER. ADDICTION IS MY MIDDLE NAME



LOLOLLOLLOLOL.. I don't know why but the night vision goggles crack me up!

I wouldn't expect Larry to understand the difference between addiction and a mental health problem. But At this point he should get the concept that his problem has become others problem,but not Larry's.Unfortunate situation for all involved but tragic for a boy who lost his Dad. Regardless if the money is recovered,the generosity of some will be remembered by all and a man who lost his marbles will hopefully find a cure.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Then what are you waiting for?? Call the cops, as suggested in other posts in this thread. If the father, who I feel terrible for, can't come up with the money then getting the police involved is your only recourse short of taking matters into your own hands (which is not what I would suggest doing). It must be a chitty feeling to get burned in this way, but really, what else is there to do at this point?

Pretty sure I mentioned them each as their own entity so......pretty sure I know the difference Chris! Thanks for trying to toss stones though.....always a touch of class when Chris gets on board! He loves to make things personal!

The beast part about that insurance fraud list was that he justified it by saying that he had just picked up all of his belongings from his parents house in Jamestown before he went fishing. Then a few years goes by and he said his parents live in Swansea. :rtfm:
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

They shouldn't be mentioned as separate entities. In fact, they're usually one in the same. Substance abuse is considered a symptom of the mental health disease. People with mental health issues often self-medicate to ease the suffering their illness has brought upon them....

That's for another thread, though.

Oh so glad I am getting a lesson on mental health and addiction......so are we feeling bad for this guy?? Call the cops because he is a cheat or should you take him home, fluff up his pillow and make things better!! Its the choices we make in life and those 2 choices can be mutually exclusive! Mental health you don't have much of a choice there but addiction can be a life choice.....a path you choose!

Somebody get Larry some meds.seems the coffee isn't cutting it.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

I am addicted to coffee.:heybaby:

5 Tommy Bahama outfits!!! LOL

And cologne !
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

what you mean you guys don't use night vision googles? lol

Cologne is the kicker for me
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

There were Rolex watches too I think no??

The night vision goggles make me spit out my drink everytime. Love it!!

It's funny how everything is only 1 to 2 years old

This is a very sad thing that had happened and I feel really bed for all who was Involved

You couldnt fit that much gear on the #^&#^&#^&#^&ing helen h nevermind a 23 foot parker.

It blows that it didnt go right. suggestion from a former life as a dirty no good banker and trust account opening dude: Oh a check excellent, we'll call and verify funds.

If anything is done to correct the situation let me know I'm happy to make a donation.