Unique Performance, FEDS opt to not prosecute!!!

[Ozark]

Prosecutors opt not to prosecute Unique Performance execs.

What a load of dung!

Link to article (http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/14/prosecutors-opt-not-to-prosecute-unique-performance-execs/)

[rich p]

Thats CRAZY !! I have talked to people that are out thousands of dollars and some over 200K. I just dont understand how people would give someone over 200K for work that wasnt even started.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[Canuck]

So the Feds storm in, close the place, sell off all the assets and equipment and then say thats enough! So how many lives are damaged here?

[ANDY M]

"Some sort of hope still exists for the ex-employees and customers that justice will be served, as the Dallas County District Attorney's office has investigations underway regarding criminal allegations that Unique Performance had destroyed or removed the vehicle identification numbers of at least 61 vehicles."
It's not over yet. The Feds passed, but that just leaves more room for the state and local authorities to proceed with the charges they have.
The Feds most likey think that the locals have a stronger case. Still, it sucks for all of the people that got screwed. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif

[COPO_Anders]

A Swedish soccer-player paid something like $120.000 for a piece of [censored]. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif

[Ozark]

Monday we reported that the feds weren't pursuing Unique Performance in the ongoing Unique Performance drama. We had some guesses for why federal prosecutors might pass on this particular case given the fact that a spokesperson said that federal crimes were obviously committed. Our best guess was that they looked at the 25 state felony charges against the company and decided it wasn't worth it. Our source sort of confirms this below the jump.

From what we have heard from the Dallas County D.A. they would much prefer to have Doug in a nasty state prison somewhere in west Texas in the 100+ degree sun than in some Federal country club where he can get visits from his girlfriend. Plus Governor Perry would surely prefer to have him under his control since he was made to look like an ass on TV by Stephanie Lucerio asking him why they were having his prisoners cutting VIN plates off cars inside the prison.

The source on this is someone with ties to the company. We're going to keep his or her name to ourselves because of issues with Doug Hasty, the owner of Unique Performance, allegedly hassling people who talk to the media.

[njsteve]

That sounds like the logical reason. Usually the venue for the prosecution is where the bad guy will get the most time. If that is in the State courts then that is most likely why the Feds deferred prosecution to the State. Theoretically, they could prosecute in both Fed and State courts as there is no double jeopardy under the Fed and State stautues (while similar crimes, they are not entirely the same in each venue) but that would be a waste of manpower and taxpayers' $$$.