[chm804]

I loaned a coworker my laptop so he could finish a photoshop class he was taking. His laptop crashed two weeks before the class ended and I graciously volunteered to loan him my computer to finish the class.

He finished the class and subsequently moved across the country with my laptop. I have called him several times and left voice mail messages and sent him messages on Facebook asking for my laptop back. He does not return my calls and now has unfriended me on Facebook. I have his new address so I am going to send him a registered letter asking for my laptop back.

Meanwhile,I am going to file a police report and find out what my options are regarding small claims court.

What are my chances of recovering my laptop or money to replace the one he took.

Thanks

[ScottGem]

I would pursue the theft case. If you go to the police and tell them the circumstances, they may be able to send someone to arrest your "friend" and do a search for your property.

You can sue him, but you will find it harder to collect that way.

The main problem in pursuing the theft angle is twofold. He may have disposed of the laptop making it harder for you to prove you gave it to him. Also, even if the police do recover it, it may be held for evidence.

[Fr_Chuck]

And to add to Scott, you will have to provide proof that it was your lap top,

[JudyKayTee]

I don't see a theft. I see someone who borrowed a computer and moved. I suppose you could stretch that into a theft, but I very much doubt it.

I suspect the Police will not take the complaint.

I don't know what States are involved here, but I'd look into the ORIGINAL State's Small Claims jurisdiction. I also think that's a long shot, but perhaps the person who borrowed the computer hasn't actually changed his residency.

[chm804]

Re:JudyKayTee

I am sure my coworker has moved. I have the new address through a bit of luck and some Facebook sleuthing. Unfortunately he move across the country so it is not possible for me to even drive to his new location and confront him about my computer.

As far as the theft, he said he was moving on a certain date and instead left early and I only found out through some mutual acquaintances. I have someone who will testify to the conversation I had with my coworker about borrowing my computer for a few weeks so he could finish his class. This person will also testify that the coworker left earlier than was planned.

Thanks everyone for your help.

[JudyKayTee]

Let us know if the Police take your complaint, what they do and where it goes from here.

I'm very interested.

[chm804]

Just a quick update about my "loaned" laptop;I spoke with my local police department and the officer encouraged me to pursue this issue with small claims. In addition, the officer called my coworker and within an hour, my coworker called me and told me my laptop would be in the mail in less than a week. The coworker stated he didn't want any legal action taken against him and that he was sorry for not returning the laptop before he left. Hopefully I will get my laptop within the next few weeks, if not, I will continue this in small claims court.

Thanks for your interest in my question. I'll keep you posted and let you know if my laptop arrives.

[chm804]

I am happy to report that my "loaned" laptop arrived in the mail last week. I guess that phone call from the police department was just the motivation needed to get my coworker to return my laptop. Thank you everyone for your advice and help. Happy New Year!

[Fr_Chuck]

Glad it worked out, why not hang around and find a area you may be able to help others in.