In 1994, I answered a newspaper advertisement regarding the construction of a "bus conversion". I met with the individual at his plant and after much conversation, (having researched the market), entered into a contract with Richard E. Slamp to build a double decker recreational bus.
I upgraded my purchase to a new chassis, paid a deposit and watched with interest as work began. Progress was slow and payment requests were frequent.
Slowly I became concerned whether the work was ever going to be completed. I began to investigate Mr. Slamp.
As it turned out, I learned Mr. Slamp, (through his own admissions), was building "Park Model" RV trailers for private individuals for use at a location in Wilmington, Illinois. I went to that location, (Shadow Lakes), and asked if anyone knew the name Richard E. Slamp. I was greatly alarmed at the response, (I was informed to contact the loca attorney generals office).
I personally visited with the AG and learned Mr. Slamp was under investigation after having threatened an elderly couple with their lives because they had filed a complaint against him. The AG also informed me they were surprised no one had put a bullet into this guy yet!
Now I was greatly alarmed. I was into this guy for $138,750.00 and was beginning to recognize my bus was never coming to fruition.
I confronted Mr. Slamp in the presence of my spouse. He admitted things weren't going well financially. I later learned he was taking my money and remodeling his own home.
I immediately filed a complaint with the local authorities, scheduled an appointment with an abritrator for which Mr. Slamp failed to show up. And, I learned he had filed for bankruptcy.
My next step was to contact other persons Mr. Slamp was supposedly building custom coaches for. I learned they had also been "ripped-off".
I then contacted the Department of Justice, FBI, Internal Revenue Service, Illinois Revenue Service, DuPage County Attorney Generals Office, and State's Attorney's office. This was interesting because they all informed me no one would take an interest in my case unless their was some publicity associated with it. That is, except the Illinois Revenue Service.
The interesting thing was, the Illinois Revenue Service, while informing me no one would take on the case unless there was at least $1,000, 000.00 in theft and associated publicity, they attempted to apease me by informing me there is nothing anyone could do about my situation simply because the guy was a bad businessman.
Following that remark, the representative informed me they were now investigating Mr. Slamp for fraud related to a "skylight" business he had operating. That, however, is not the frosting on the cake, the investigators now began investigating ME, wondering how a firefighter had acquired the amount of money I had been swindled out of! You can imagine my response prior to inviting these guys to leave. And, I did respond!
Regardless, my response got me no where and I ended up employing the services of an attorney. We "won" our lawsuit with a judgement in the amount of $138,750.00. Big deal, to date I haven't received a penny. And, I have to continue to refile the suit on an annual basis, all to no avail since Mr. Slamp has nothing in his own name.
Do yourself a favor, stay as far away from this guy as you can. And then some. Check the local courthouse for any litigious activity against him. I did, however, I was too late to save my hard earned dollars.
I invite anyone to contact me regarding avenues I have not researched or for whatever related ideas you may have.
Jeffrey r.
Bloomingdale, Illinois
U.S.A.
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