By the way they were never BBB accredited.
Coda Audio Video based in San Francisco is running a fraudulent operation
Buyer Beware...hopefully nobody else gets in with these people, this company or any new company involving the individuals below.
My story goes like this. I was searching Audiogon for some used Raidho speakers over the summer. I had seen a couple good deals that I just missed (my occupation keeps me from hovering on Audiogon and I tend to miss out). I came across an advertisement from the dealer Coda Audio Video (https://www.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-raidho-d-3-gorgeous-piano-black-finish-customer-trade-i...). Their feedback looked excellent on Audiogon, their website listed 3 California locations (https://codaaudiovideo.com/) and even non-audiogon reviews were good as was their BBB rating, and they seemed to have a lot of social media presence and a high rating on their Facebook page.
I started the dialog regarding the above advertisement here on Audiogon; the speakers in the ad had sold. I ended up calling and speaking to a knowledgeable person about the speakers and I eventually settled on getting a pair of Raidho D 3.1’s. I offered a payment plan, we discussed maybe me trading some of my equipment toward the price but we eventually settled on and agreed to a specific price and a payment plan (all of it documented as an audiogon email discussion). During this discussion period, Items were still being advertised and sold by Coda and there even appeared to be ongoing positive feedback (it took a few weeks for me to agree, based mostly on my own process of gathering enough information to make a good decision for the speakers I wanted).
My proposal was a down-payment of just over 1/2 of our mutually agreed total cost followed by about 9 monthly installments. Everything seemed to be going smoothly and on the right path. As I have done in the past for other equipment on Audiogon without a problem, I wired the down-payment. Again, at this time, I had no reason think anything was amiss as communication was quite good. I also made the (faulty) assumption that these high ticket items must be represented by reliable and respected dealers.
My payment was deposited around the end of July. I was first told:
"Everything is in place. The D-3.1 are currently on back order and will be ready to ship to us at the end of august if all goes to plan with Raidho Acoustics...
August 25, 2016 20:44
August 25, 2016 20:52
Then, unfortunately, everything went awry. Silence followed until I inquired in mid September. Coda responded by asking if I was going to Rocky Mountain Audio festival since we could meet there but I could not go. I called and spoke to a Justin Hutto and was told "we’re working on this as we speak." After RMAF ended I contacted them again here on Audiogon asking for updates of if the speakers shipped, if they had serial numbers or an invoice...for which there was no response. I called again and was told "we’re working on your speakers." When I would check, it appeared that Coda was selling and still getting positive feedback here on Audiogon. I didn’t send any additional payment (although none was "due") and I messaged them again in Mid October but by that time, the Coda Audio Video name was no longer available on the email string at Audiogon (the name had changed to "Standardsound" which appeared to be engaged in commerce and having good feedback).
Below is how it went will all telephone conversations between myself and Mr. Justin Hutto (who describes himself on his Facebook page as the speaker salesman for Coda Audio Video):
jgm (you)October 19, 2016 15:18
jgm (you)October 19, 2016 21:38
Of course, as of today, there is no evidence that a refund is in the works or that money has been sent to Raidho.
When I look closer at the review of Coda on facebook, it is by Justin Hutto (good thing he reviewed his own sham operation).
Obviously I should not have wired any money and I clearly will need to resort to legal action. I would NEVER due business with Mr. Justin Hutto or Ms. Kelly J Tessmer ever again and would recommend the same for my Audiophile brethren. It is such a shame. In all my years of being on Audiogon and buying/selling (I joined in 2001), despite a few transactions which were less then seemless, I have never been taken by a Dealer, much less a dealer with a long history of positive feedback on Audiogon...which makes me wonder about some of that feedback and it’s legitimacy.
My story goes like this. I was searching Audiogon for some used Raidho speakers over the summer. I had seen a couple good deals that I just missed (my occupation keeps me from hovering on Audiogon and I tend to miss out). I came across an advertisement from the dealer Coda Audio Video (https://www.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-raidho-d-3-gorgeous-piano-black-finish-customer-trade-i...). Their feedback looked excellent on Audiogon, their website listed 3 California locations (https://codaaudiovideo.com/) and even non-audiogon reviews were good as was their BBB rating, and they seemed to have a lot of social media presence and a high rating on their Facebook page.
I started the dialog regarding the above advertisement here on Audiogon; the speakers in the ad had sold. I ended up calling and speaking to a knowledgeable person about the speakers and I eventually settled on getting a pair of Raidho D 3.1’s. I offered a payment plan, we discussed maybe me trading some of my equipment toward the price but we eventually settled on and agreed to a specific price and a payment plan (all of it documented as an audiogon email discussion). During this discussion period, Items were still being advertised and sold by Coda and there even appeared to be ongoing positive feedback (it took a few weeks for me to agree, based mostly on my own process of gathering enough information to make a good decision for the speakers I wanted).
My proposal was a down-payment of just over 1/2 of our mutually agreed total cost followed by about 9 monthly installments. Everything seemed to be going smoothly and on the right path. As I have done in the past for other equipment on Audiogon without a problem, I wired the down-payment. Again, at this time, I had no reason think anything was amiss as communication was quite good. I also made the (faulty) assumption that these high ticket items must be represented by reliable and respected dealers.
My payment was deposited around the end of July. I was first told:
"Everything is in place. The D-3.1 are currently on back order and will be ready to ship to us at the end of august if all goes to plan with Raidho Acoustics...
Best,
Coda Audio Video"
August 25, 2016 20:44
Thanks John, I will email you the complete invoice once we have the serials numbers of the speakers!
Best,
Kelly
The shipping date for the 3.1 looks like it will be shipped starting on September 5th. Just FYI
jgm (you)August 25, 2016 20:50Thanks for the info Kelly, much appreciated.
August 25, 2016 20:52
You are very welcome. I will let you know once they are shipped out to us. Once we receive them, we will forward them to you.
Then, unfortunately, everything went awry. Silence followed until I inquired in mid September. Coda responded by asking if I was going to Rocky Mountain Audio festival since we could meet there but I could not go. I called and spoke to a Justin Hutto and was told "we’re working on this as we speak." After RMAF ended I contacted them again here on Audiogon asking for updates of if the speakers shipped, if they had serial numbers or an invoice...for which there was no response. I called again and was told "we’re working on your speakers." When I would check, it appeared that Coda was selling and still getting positive feedback here on Audiogon. I didn’t send any additional payment (although none was "due") and I messaged them again in Mid October but by that time, the Coda Audio Video name was no longer available on the email string at Audiogon (the name had changed to "Standardsound" which appeared to be engaged in commerce and having good feedback).
Below is how it went will all telephone conversations between myself and Mr. Justin Hutto (who describes himself on his Facebook page as the speaker salesman for Coda Audio Video):
jgm (you)October 19, 2016 15:18
I notice there’s been a name change from Coda Audio Video to standardsound but you appear to still be active here on Audiogon. Since I haven’t heard back I thought I would try calling. I called the number below (415-205-1053) but that lead me to a mailbox that was full and not taking any messages. I called Coda Audio Video’s direct number (415-966-2838) and left a message. I trust you are between audio shows and might be able to help me with where things stand. Your last comment below was a little vague (not sure what you meant by "working on things"). I have searched my email and don’t find any new update from Sept 22nd. Again, you initial thought was that they would ship to you on or about Sept 5th. Can you please provide an update with regard to the speakers? I was holding off and the next payment thinking that I might get an invoice with serial numbers as you mentioned previously. Appreciate your time.
Thanks, John
jgm (you)October 19, 2016 21:38
I called 415-205-1053 again this afternoon and now I get a message that this is a non-working number.
Thank you for calling me back just now [Justin Hutto]. Just to reiterate, you confirmed with me that I should be receiving an invoice and the speakers by the end of the month. I should expect tracking info in 7 days +/- obviously in order for that to happen.
I am sorry you have had a health issue. I hope it is resolving and that you are recovering. I am also sorry you have had some major company and personnel changes. Hopefully things will go smoother for you in the future.
Sincerely,
John M
jgm (you)October 25, 2016 19:44
I realize it has only been 6 days - do you have an update?
Response:standardsoundOctober 26, 2016 00:17Hello John,
Please contact Coda Audio Video at sales@codaaudiovideo.com or 415-966-2838. Thank you
I called Mr. Hutto again and wrote the following to document the conversation:
"I called you yesterday afternoon and when you answered, you stated, "We’re working on it". You said you would call or text me later, you did not. I called and left a message on your voice mail last night about 6pm California time, requesting that you call me either that night or today. Still haven’t heard from you. I called the Newport Beach number: 949-432-4920 and got the message "not taking any calls".
As evident from this email exchange, you have been "working on it" for over 1 month. Initially, I was told they would ship to you on or about Sept 5. As I stated in my voice mail, I am growing weary of the vague responses - I have no idea what "working on it" means and you have not been clear.
I need clarity and some kind of definitive answer:
Where are my Raidho D3.1’s?
I am going to email Raidho direct and inquire about any orders placed by your company for the speakers I requested."
SO, after emailing Raidho direct, I confirmed that no speakers had been ordered or were on order by Coda Audio Video (despite the months of ongoing assurances that the speakers had been ordered, as of the end of October NOTHING had been ordered). The actual owner of Standardsound called me and informed me that Justin and "Coda" were locked out of Standardsound (which was now a separate business entity).
I searched for and found Kelly Tessmer, the legal business owner of Coda Audio Video in San Francisco. I have contacted her now twice and have received no response (and it was into her account that my money was deposited). I have had several bizarre interactions with Mr. Hutto. Despite all of this, I offered to work out an arrangement with Raidho where I would send the remainder of what I committed toward the purchase directly to Raidho if Coda/Justin/Kelly were willing to send the remainder, or, just give me a refund.Of course, as of today, there is no evidence that a refund is in the works or that money has been sent to Raidho.
When I look closer at the review of Coda on facebook, it is by Justin Hutto (good thing he reviewed his own sham operation).
Obviously I should not have wired any money and I clearly will need to resort to legal action. I would NEVER due business with Mr. Justin Hutto or Ms. Kelly J Tessmer ever again and would recommend the same for my Audiophile brethren. It is such a shame. In all my years of being on Audiogon and buying/selling (I joined in 2001), despite a few transactions which were less then seemless, I have never been taken by a Dealer, much less a dealer with a long history of positive feedback on Audiogon...which makes me wonder about some of that feedback and it’s legitimacy.
85 responses Add your response
This will be my final update. Ms. Tessmer fulfilled her commitment and has now fully paid me back - although it has taken two years, I am satisfied with the way things worked out and I have no further complaints. I applaud her for doing so. I think my original post on this forum was one of the reasons we came to an agreement and ultimately I was repaid so I am very glad I went to the trouble to do so. I hope others learn form my mistakes so they do not end up in my situation. This was a very hard lesson to learn for everyone involved. Last comment regarding the now defunct Coda Audio Video: the very last correspondence I sent addressed to Ms. Tessmer via USPS was signed for by Mr. Hutto. A very cautionary tale indeed. I will let you be the judge of what all the above means. Final thoughts: Audiogon is expensive. We're paying for a lot of things we might not need but protection from the above saga is something we do need. I still think dealers who advertise on this expensive site should be vetted by Audiogon before allowing them to advertise. I think merges of feedback should not be allowed such that a new company can't be allowed to rely on the feedback of one of its members. Audiogon should require that any feedback for a new dealership or business be based upon feedback for that dealership or business only rather than allowing any feedback from individuals forming that company or business to essentially "prepopulate" that dealership's feedback (which happened in this case) - the feedback for the individuals forming that entity should remain entirely separate and the new entity or dealership feedback should stand on its own. Good luck to everyone out there...it's a strange cruel world. |
Thanks jafant mobileusa I am awaiting the final few repayments. I no longer see Coda Audio-Video on Naim's dealer list, nor do I see it on ELAC's dealer list. from this forum post in June of 2016: http://www.audioshark.org/introduce-yourself-6/introduction-coda-audio-video-san-francisco-orange-co... You can see the products they listed... |
Just a quick follow-up to this thread. Ms. Tessmer continues to make good on her commitment to pay me back. I have received monthly installments toward repayment and with less than 1/4 of the total left to repay, I have no concern she will not complete the repayment according to the terms were worked out shortly after I started this thread. Interestingly, I think it was this thread which got the repayment rolling (despite the insanity of Mr. Hutto). I am not sure where Dr. Franklin is in this fiasco but I think he is being repaid also (can't confirm but I have heard rumor). Ms. Tessmer has been communicating regularly, letting me know when payments are sent and providing tracking for those payments. She has asked for extensions when things were tight which I have granted and she made up for them readily. I am very pleased how things are going and I am so happy with my D 3.1's that I think about D 4.1's often. I find it so embarrassingly odd that any company could still list Coda Audio-Video as a dealer. That certainly gives one pause regarding their scrutiny of dealers around the globe. I wonder when NAIM went through their dealer list last? And unless they visited the dealership and spoke to a few customers, how would a company ever know if the dealer is providing good service? Frightening. I will provide one more update when payment has been completed in full to close out this nightmare story. |
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Thanks all and sorry Codatech. I have owned Coda amps and they are wonderful. It is a shame that there was a name similarity - fortunately that is where the similarity ended. Codatech aka Coda Technologies makes a great product with an outstanding warranty. I would buy your amps again in a heartbeat. Coda Audio Video as a business entity no longer exists. Mr. Hutto is the lowest of the low and Coda Audio Video was his debacle. Unfortunately, it is very difficult when there were instant long standing positive reviews (due to the merger of accounts). He drug everyone associated with his train wreck into the sewer. Me. Tessmer continues to make good on her commitment toward restitution and makes monthly payments, communicates freely and has been, overall, a pleasure to work with over the past year. Over half has been refunded. Nor certain what happened with Dr. Franklin but I hope he is also getting repaid. I have more and more just gone with well established entities or individuals with very long standing reputations. I have no dealer close and even the ones two hours away have limited selection of brands, many of which are not in my sights. Then there are crowd funding sights and I have been burned there too (check out LHLabs and their Indiegogo campaigns as well as their forums for an example of major problems in customer satisfaction and service). It is difficult to know how to stay safe if you can't actually meet the person with whom you are dealing |
I have empathy for your situation. I feel many people are victims of scams, lying sales people with nothing but financial gain or theft in mind. Even moreso we all can be led by hype, we can be led to believe what we are susceptable to believe. I know many people prey on those "who want something" and capitalize on that situation. I fell victim myself to this, when I bought over-hyped audio from a smaller brand. Bad equipment, bad deal, bad guy. He was arrogant, a liar and I lost my shirt. I was even banned from his forum on another site for telling the straight truth. I wish you luck with your case... |
I agree that it is important to call out those such as this retailer. However, it is at least as important to not lump Coda Technologies in with these thieves. A quality company does not deserve to take a hit to their hard earned reputation through an improper association. As codatech mentioned above, they are not affiliated with this retailer. |
I am a little late to the game here but We at "The real CODA" have also had a problem with this imbecile. We contacted him when we became aware of the use of our name as a retailer. In point of fact we saw he was Audiogon vetted and at first tried to work with him. Our rep provided them with an audition amp to check out at one point. What followed was quite bizarre. The amp ended up shipped to So Cal, then Illinois without our knowledge and after some time missing was returned to us. But only after some tense phone calls. At that point I instructed the moron to cease and desist using our name. It is registered. Despite that he threatened to sue and get this he attempted to 'patent' the name. His word. Recently I noticed that the USPTO rejected the effort to register CODA Audio Video because, Surprise! We are here in Sacramento for 32 years. I am writing this because we absolutely do not want any confusion with this individual. It makes me twitch when I see the references to Coda rather that Coda Audio Video in the form so please make sure that if you relate your problems you make sure everyone knows the difference. That said if there is anything CODA can do to further giving this guy a case of legal IBS contact me through our website. |
Well here is the update: PROS: Kelly Tessmer continues to make a good faith efforts on repayment - I have received 7 payments on a monthly payment plan that she and I both agreed to uphold. Although I would have preferred a full refund, that was never going to happen and as far as I know, Mr. Hutto is NOT involved with Ms. Tessmer's efforts and he appears to have never made ANY effort to resolve this matter. I applaud Ms. Tessmer for stepping up to the plate and doing her best to make things right. CONS: Mr. Hutto became so annoyingly belligerent with his bizarre irrationality during our communications via phone and text that I blocked his number and refused further interaction. He had a couple of court appearances in San Francisco for 2 separate arrests over the winter which I FOIA requested but couldn't obtain due to their being as yet unresolved (this is all available as public record). Astonishingly, in the ultimate douchy move, Mr. Hutto attempted to friend me on Facebook (WTF?!) - as far as I know he's still floating around doing whatever the hell someone like that does. I have happily lost contact with that...well...insert expletive of choice here. Very shortly after Kelly started to pay me back, the Coda website was dismantled (https://www.codaaudiovideo.com/) as was their facebook page. Probably based upon my unanswered complaint to the Better Business Bureau, their BBB accreditation was revoked (https://www.bbb.org/greater-san-francisco/business-reviews/audio-visual-equipment-dealers/coda-audio...).There is still a twitter page (https://twitter.com/codaaudiovideo?lang=en) with no new posts since Sept of 2016. I can't see how ELAC (or any company) could list them as a dealer (never updated their website ?) given the events detailed here - maybe ELAC needs to hear from someone... SO, that's the situation as it currently stands. |
oleschool, you are right - can't squeeze blood from a turnip - or from someone who's in prison. Legal fees for a non-small claims court case would be prohibitive, even if just for the principle, and again, a judgement does not necessarily translate into repayment. Judge Judy would have a field day...highest rated show ever. Ms. Tessmer has remained in touch and seems eager to work out a payment plan. I just wish I knew how to translate this cautionary tale into a global audiophile warning so nobody ever gets bamboozled like we have. Mr. Hutto should be banned from any/all audio shows and there should be a banner at the top of audiogon, ticker tape fashion, mentioning his name over and over again right next to the work crook. Unfortunately, given the fact that he has used someone else's name to represent his actions, it may be impossible to stop him if he creates or reimagines another high-end audio store under another pseudonym. I am just lucky that this won't hurt me too badly. And of course then next big issue really is, how do you properly vet a new audio store? I have done business with Katli Audio. The owner, Fred Katli, runs his store out of his home in Chino Hills and is a complete gentleman and a great dealer. I once auditioned and purchased from a home based audio store in Verona Wisconsin - another gentleman audiophile and great dealer. So in my mind, just because you run a business form your home or apartment, that doesn't make you a de facto risk (at least, not in my mind) . I do think that any NEW entity or business should not be allowed to come into audiogon with pre-existing feedback due to a merger - that might have prevented at least some of the issues here. |
UPDATE: Mr. Hutto has disappeared from my standpoint. He is nothing more than a common thief. The plot is so thick it should be made into an Investigative Discovery episode. I finally got Mr. Hutto to sign and notarize a promissory which detailed a payment plan where I would be paid back money I sent to Coda...hard to believe, he did not make a single payment. Ms. Tessmer finally made contact with me. She seems to be making a good faith effort to refund my money. Of course this will take many months. I have proposed that she pay a one time ~4% "fee" since this money would in a brokerage account collecting on average ~ 6% if it were back in my pocket tomorrow (which it won't be). I felt this was fair and reasonable if I have to accept payments over 18-24 months. She states Mr. Hutto will never pay me back. I have yet to hear a response to my proposal. I would be curious to everyone's thoughts on my proposal of a one time "fee" (I consider this repayment plan to be the equivalent of an unsecured personal loan which she will be paying back. Based upon what I read about small claims court and California law, as long as there is some effort to repay, small claims court would be deferred. And of course a Judgement wouldn't equal payment unless wages were garnished (not even certain if this can be invoked through small claims court). I told her that as long as she is honest with me from this point going forward and makes a good faith effort to pay me back, I will accept some kind of payment plan. I received $500 at the end of November. I did a lot of digging around. Amazing what you can find out if you work at it. Mr. Hutto carries a Tennessee DL. He has been arrested twice in San Francisco for domestic assault, one of those arrests occurring in October (so when he said he was hospitalized with health problems, he was actually in Jail. He has a restraining order against him which I can confirm he violated (he signed for a package addressed to Ms. Tessmer at her home while this restraining order was in effect). Mr Hutto is due in San Francisco criminal court Jan 12, 2017 1:30pm (case 16013663 and case 16018029) for a pretrial hearing. Plot thickens... My best assessment of this entire mess: Mr Hutto desired to open the business (Coda Audio Video) which opened around March 2016. VCoda was opened by Ms. Tessmer for Mr. Hutto to operate (due to his lack of credit, he had not the capitol to open said business). He was left to operate the business. Mr. Hutto then acted as himself and as Ms. Tessmer (assuming her identity in communicating with customers), this implicating her in his scam. The individual operating Standard Sound joined Coda (and brought his antecedent audiogon reputation into what became Coda Audio Video, lending street cred to Coda before it even existed). Around the second arrest of Mr. Hutto in October, the individual operating Standard Sound severed ties with Mr. Hutto and Coda, hence the name change here on audiogon. Coda was, I am told, supposed to demo Radiho speakers at RMAF in October but obviously no showed to that event which hurt Raidho. I remained in contact with Raidho all along from the time of my initial contact (confirming that my speakers were never ordered by Coda). Mutliple emails were exchanged between myself, Raidho and Justin Hutto. I eventually worked out a deal with Raidho directly and have my D 3.1's but only $500 of my $17,500 back in my pocket. For the record, I am satisfied with how Raidho treated me. There is little they can do about Mr. Hutto. He never intended to obtain my product or return my money...I am certain he spent it either on his own attorney's fee or on expensive toys for himself. He is the lowest of low life crooks. Apparently, consideration was made to report this entire thing to the FBI and Mr. Hutto blames everyone else in a way only a classless individual could. I tell you, those speakers, even out of the box, are amazing. Fast as any panel I ever heard, great base, and tremendous clarity. The Acoustic Zen Crescendo's (which were replaced by the D 3.1's) were mighty fine speakers...the D 3.1's are just another level. It's hard to imagine how something so good can be improved upon. So I think Raidho got screwed, I got screwed, Dr. Franklin got screwed, Standard Sound got screwed, Ms. Tessmer, albeit partially to blame, also got screwed and many others through the acts of Justin Blake Hutto. Ms. Tessmer seems to be making an effort which will hopefully last. If it doesn't, I will keep you all posted.
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I understand contacting the manufacturer but my take from your original post is to come down on the manufacturer at shows. In this case Raidho doesn't have a presence in the USA and Danish law prevents Raidho from getting involved with Coda. I have a feeling Coda knows that too. They didn't pay Dynaudio for products either. Dynaudio has a distribution warehouse in the US. Not sure if you've read all the posts but Raidho has been in contact with jgm and doctorxx. I know the doctor got his upgrade at no additional cost beyond the money he wired to Coda. Again it isn't right to bash a manufacturer for an independent dealer not coming through with the paid sale of products or services. As far as your Porsche example what is Porsche going to do? Revoke the dealership? Doesn't help the consumer much. |
I don't agree with going after the manufacturer. It will only hurt Raidho who did nothing wrong. I don't think any manufacturer would knowingly authorize a shady dealer. Coda took the money from a couple of customers on big ticket items and the customers should go after the manufacturer??? Are you saying (as a dealer) if you rip someone off they should go after the manufacturer if they get nowhere with you? Doesn't make sense to me. |
jgm Time to play hardball. Call Raidho directly, Skype works for that. Tell them that you are going be at the next audio show, whichever one that is. CES is coming up. Tell them you will walk the halls and hand out flyers that tell exactly what happened. Blame Raidho for this, come down on them. With what you still owe that certainly covers the cost of the speaker. Say it like you mean it. Good luck |
Are they even a Raidho dealer? I can't find Coda Audio Video listed as a Raidho dealer. No. I believe Coda was terminated some time back. I further understand that Raidho has reached out to both of the affected parties (jgm & doctorxx) to assist with a resolution so far as their loudspeakers are concerned. The US is a very big and rapidly growing market for Raidho and the company has globally established a reputation for going way beyond their duty as a manufacturer to fulfill customer service. |
Are they even a Raidho dealer? I can't find Coda Audio Video listed as a Raidho dealer. https://raidho.dk/partners-in-usa-page/ |
I would end contact immediatley with him! get a lawyer and sue him for all legal and your refund( this can also be fasttracked by a letterhead from your lawyer ),contact any authorities that could shed light,.I strongly reccommend legal advice at this point..The gon reaches very far so he is backpeddling bigtime.I have seen this before in other realms ,i am in the custom car and bike world.Guys take deposits to keep afloat or pay bills then blow off and blow off because they can't order or pay for the product.It either ends with a refund or a chapter 11 and you get zippo ..Act fast my freind both of you may be able to aquire the same counsel .do it fast best of luck.. |
@jgm,We all appreciate you sharing your experience with Standardsound and with amount of money involved, I think you should speak with a lawyer specialized in wire fraud. Ditto - the suggestion that Agon confirm the credentials of dealers and perhaps sellers who list items over $10,000. And, perhaps, require or offer performance bonding for expensive items.l don't depend on Agon or anybody vetting anything and always use PayPal or CC on most, even LARGE purchases. I have a 2% cash back on my CC so negotiate final price in mind. It adds 3% on final price so only $100 per $10000 on my end but a piece of mind. I only use wire or check if I know the merchant. PS: For the record... I liked the one about "the 6'8" guy."On 2nd thought, I think the 6'8" guy accomplished his ultimate goal. Not convict and lose election with 2nd letter. |
So let me tell you now about a story of bizarre derangement. I am about ready to post the text message conversation I have had with Mr. Hutto for all to see and judge for themselves, however, I will resist for momment. This rabbit hole goes very deep. Mr. Hutto states that after Ms. Tessmer’s contact info was posted, she recieved "a death threat". Naturally, he claims I am responsible for the threat although from there it gets a bit fuzzy. He seems to imply that because I either created this thread or allowed the post or who knows, I caused this threat. Although he won’t accuse me directly, the it’s clear from his ramblings that he suspects I had something to do with whatever he is claiming has occurred. My first response to him was to report it to the authorities. Multiple other times i request he contact the polIce, the sherriffxs office, etc. Notwithstanding the obvious, that I have no control over who or what get’s posted here, I have recieved multiple text messages from Mr. Hutto all centering on yours truly as the perpetrator of said harrassment. Of course, this is all heresay, especially in the setting of multiple false statements, false claims and misrepresentations by my accuser who coincidently just so happens to owe me and Doctorxx a substantial amount of money back for goods and services not delivered. There are additional elements of the story which make it substantially more bizarre and ironically so (the details of which I am also withholding for the time being). Suffice to say I have not, do not, nor would I ever, perpetrate, endorse, support, advocate or condone threats of physical or emotional harm by any individual to anyone, including Ms. Tessmer or Mr. Hutto. There are legal avenues which I and everyone here have advocated, all of which are more than adequate means for restitution. What a nightmare... |
knghifi - Please!!! Keep your political views to yourself. This discussion is far too important to pollute with ridiculous attempts at political humor. I am sure most of us are completely unimpressed with the silliness of that comment, which was elementary school level at best. Take it elsewhere! What IS important is making sure people like this do not further sully our market. As a manufacturer this is very worrying to me, and others like me. We need to corner these rats and make sure they are trapped and led to prison. Thanks for all the posted information about these people too. Hopefully it will help spread the news and prevent them from scamming others. I very fortunately did not became involved with this business, but I almost did.... Now I know the "feeling" I had, was for a good reason. Usually I am not so good at detecting bad situations and as a result I have fallen for some. Please keep us all notified as to how this progresses. Looking on Facebook and other places, it looks as if these people may be partying a bit with the proceeds~! Going the legal route will be no party though. I’ve been there and it is nothing short of a long terrible experience. The best of luck to you Guys! |
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Thanks again to all. Many great suggestions, including the FBI. I wondered about interstate commerce and wire fraud. I still think there should be a new forum here for dealer reviews which are outside of the usual rating system. This is also a unique situation since the original Audiogon verified dealer (Coda Audio Video) was dismantled just before the you know what hit the fan. oregon572 posts11-11-2016 6:33pmVery sorry to hear this. Which guy in the photo is Hutto? I go to CES every year and I'd like to know if I see him. In the middle. After all of this (and including now seeing the above), Mr. Hutto has accused me of defamation (that's a both hands on the hips hearty guffaw knee slapper right there). He is now either trying to make amends, or, stringing me further along. If he/Coda/Tessmer provide a refund, I will update this thread. As many of you have noticed, the website is still up and advertising very high ticket items. What's even more amazing are the links at the bottom of the website to, my personal favorite, a "100% satisfaction 30-day money back guarantee"...Maybe it doesn't apply to me since I didn't actually have anything delivered...despite my 0% satisfaction. Obviously, this has not been honored. cbrehm5 posts11-12-2016 6:33amHifiman5, could not agree more. Not an appropriate place. I deal with attorneys all over the country every day and know many good ones in CA. Feel free to give me a call or text, 4104194319. Very sorry to hear about this ridiculousness. I may take you up on that, thank you for the offer. |
Yes Go to the FBI site they now have a fraud cyber crime division.Just make sure the 6'8" guy is not in charge of the investigation. Seriously, Best of luck! |