Still no money from Doug

He's served some time, but his victims have not got any money back.

We hope that there are no new victims!

Doug steals, back in jail

From our correspondent:

Doug has been sent back to jail (Central Detention Facility) to serve out the remainder of his time (80 days) because he violated his probation. His offender ID # is 323907. I found that information at:

https://www.vinelink.com/vinelink/detailsAction.do?siteId=9900&agency=1&id=323907&searchType=offender

You can also access;

https://www.dccourts.gov/pa/

This is the website which shows all of the cases brought against Doug in DC.

The case number is: 2008 CF2 024427 - United States Vs. KOHLER, DOUGLAS L

On 10/19/09 he was arrested in Fairfax County on a felony grand larceny charge which was dropped to petite larceny. He is now also on probation in Fairfax County for the next year, with the threat of 180 days in jail if he violates this probation. The case number is GC09262212-00 .

Information for this case can be found at:

http://epwsgdp1.courts.state.va.us/gdcourts/caseSearch.do

Apparently, shortly after being released from the half-way house Doug went to a Public Library in Fairfax County. He stole a laptop and took off running (literally), The owner of the laptop and another companion chased Doug for two blocks, they caught up with him, and called the cops.

When the cops arrived, Doug claimed that the laptop was his and that he could produce a receipt. The case went to court and Doug plead it down...BIG SURPRISE!!

After he serves his time in DC he will no longer be on probation in the District. However, Judge Mott has required him to continue to pay restitution to his victims and to pay money to the Crime Victims Compensation Fund, but you will have to contact Stephanie to find out the specifics concerning this information.

Doug released to halfway house

I got this today...

Just thought you would be interested to know that after a mere thirty days in jail Doug has been released to a half way house.

Hope Village
284-2912 Langston Pl SE
Washington, DC 20020

I found this information here.

Have you heard any news concerning the progress of any additional charges?

Thirty days...UNBELIEVABLE!!

Doug is Sentenced -- Observer Report 2

Here's what another wrote me:

In attendance at Doug's sentencing this morning, Friday, July 10th, in the D.C. Superior Court, before the Honorable John Mott, were:

• Doug's mother, Mrs. Kohler, a very pleasant, elderly woman;
• A woman named Pam (perhaps Doug's sister-in-law? [Yes, wife of the brother defrauded on the phone; see below.]); she was close with Mrs. Kohler; and
• Matthew R., a former "good," "close" friend of Doug, who lent Doug money obtained from "lines of credit against [his] home." I don't Mr. R's charges were among the charges on which Doug was being sentenced today.

Each of the individuals was cooperating with the prosecution. And at one point, in the vestibule just outside the courtroom, Doug stepped out of a conference room and hissed to his mother and Pam, "After today, if I never see either one of you again, it'll be too soon."

I heard a lot of information about Doug:

• People reported that he has been texting and emailing threatening messages to a variety of people, including his sister.
• In the past, Doug reportedly said that he and his ex-wife had "lost a child." In response, relatives remarked, "that never happened!"
• People agreed that Doug has "always lived extravagantly" and "high on the horse," and that "he traveled a lot," reportedly to Amsterdam and parts of Canada and England.
• They agreed that he had received hair transplants and undergone plastic surgery.
• Doug has frequently explained to others that his extravagant lifestyle (travel, accommodations, elective medical procedures), were provided for free in exchange for advertising he provided.
• On several instances, Doug has apparently told victims that he was overwhelmed because his ex-wife, Ms. Lynn Huggins-Kohler, had been in a serious car wreck and that, as a result, Doug would have to care for their children. However, Ms. Huggins-Kohler told the U.S. Attorney, "That's not true." Indeed, Ms. Huggins-Kohler had been in a wreck that severely damaged her car; but she "walked away from it" and she told the U.S. Attorney that there has never been any time at which she needed Doug to assume care of their children. (It is worth noting, for clarity's sake, that Ms. Huggins-Kohler was once seriously injured when she fell from the back of a Jeep or a truck in Kiawah Island, SC. However, that was many years ago, early in her and Doug's relationship, perhaps before they were married.)
• Despite his using her as an excuse, Ms. Huggins-Kohler is still very supportive of Doug. She initially insisted that she would not house Doug after his bond hearing in Fairfax County (for his most recent arrest), however, she eventually hosted him. She also wrote a letter to the D.C. Superior Court in support of Doug.
• The report for Doug's arrest in Fairfax County indicates that he obtained a cell phone and service using his brother's personal identification.
• Doug's father told the U.S. Attorney that after Doug stayed with him, his savings bonds worth $4,000 went missing.
• Doug has a prior conviction in Maryland for fraud and/or identity theft for which he owes approximately $7,000 in restitution. It seems this had something to do with a woman named Mary DeRosa (sp?).

The U.S. Attorney, Ms. Stephanie Miller, argued to the court for several minutes, fairly passionately. "The money in this case is not huge, but the number of people impacted is." "This is not the crime of the century, but the Mr. Kohler did affect a lot of people." "The Defendant is very likely to repeat [offend]." She primarily argued that Doug clearly had not taken responsibility for his actions and did not appear to feel remorse. Apparently, in his submissions to the court, Doug claimed that he was too sick to return money to his victims.

Doug's defense attorney, Ms. Elizabeth Sapperstein, took issue with the fact that the court was receiving several letters or impact statements, late in the case, without affording her opportunity to offer a written response. She also took issue with the fact that the U.S. Attorney discussed several allegations that were not among the present charges.

About your blog, Ms. Sapperstein commented, "His blog is full of slanderous accusations; it's a hateful blog." She asserted on Doug's behalf that "he's not a drug user; he's never been a drug user." She claimed that Doug "wants to make retribution to all these [victims]." She asked the court for a suspended sentence, reasoning that "now that [Doug]'s working and his health is such that he can work, the court should" give him a chance, albeit "on a short leash." She explained that "he's hoping to get a job at Mariott, at a fairly high level." (Huh?! What?! --Remind me not to stay at any Mariott properties.)

Doug then addressed the court, saying that "I did plead guilty. ... It doesn't matter how sick I was. ... My life has changed a lot in the last two years ... from having a wife and kids, owning a company. ... [It was] very much due to health matters. ... I can't say that my decisions were the best ... [but] you get to a point with pain where you just don't care."

The Court indicated it's irritation with Doug "sandwiching" his statement between references to his health problems. "This was an organized plan to defraud [people]. ... You went to some effort to take money from people. ... You're lucky to [be charged with only] a misdemeanor." Explaining to Doug that his crimes will forever cast doubt on him, the court told Doug that "nothing you say to me is necessarily true." "I don't know if you had a drug problem; it doesn't matter. ... You can't expect [to deceive people], plead to it, pay back their money, and then move on with your life. ... Sure, one of the victims has a blog. I don't know what it says; but the reason I understand he wrote the blog was to warn people about you. Which is a good thing to do. ... Because of the fraud, the deceit, the lies, you need to spend some time in prison."

The court then sentenced Doug to 180 days in prison (the maximum possible) suspended, except for 100 days, followed by 18 months' probation. This means that Doug must serve 100 days, after which he will remain on probation with the threat of an additional 80 days hanging over his head. The court also ordered that he pay $6,100 of restitution within 24 months. The court ordered a full psychological evaluation and periodic drug testing. The court also ordered Doug to get a job upon release.

Finally, Doug asked to delay the start of his sentence over the weekend. The court declined that request ("I'm not going to allow that."), ordering that it begin immediately, at which point, a deputy escorted Doug from the courtroom.

Doug is Sentenced -- Observer Report 1

Here's what one person wrote me:

Small victory. 180 days in jail with 80 days suspended. So he will serve 100 days in DC Jail. Judge wanted to give him more time, but he couldn't. The judge said he cant trust a word that Doug says. He will be in jail for a psychiatric evaluation and Drug rehab. Doug told his lawyer that he got a job with Marriott. So his lawyer was trying to get the jail time suspended. Doug's sisters last name is Marriott. Sounds funny.

Pam and Mrs Kohler went to court. They said that Doug was in a holding room with his atty and the door was cracked. Pam wore one of Doug's leather coats. He saw Pam and Mrs Kohler and stormed out of the room and said, "If I never see you to again it will be too soon" and stormed back into the room and slammed the door. He said that this blog was slander and he no longer has access to it. Doug has 6 leather coats so, it anyone maybe missing a coat, Pam might have it at her house.

So now DC is working on Kevin Randall's case. Stephanie told Pam yesterday that it could take a year to get all this stuff processed for all that is in the black bag. His dad was missing some bonds and Doug had them in the black bag. They also found some bonds in his ex-wives name.

So post away on your blog! Doug cant access it. LOL.

Doug is Sentenced

From US Assistant Prosecutor:

I want to let you know that Doug Kohler was sentenced this morning. He was sentenced to 180 days. The Judge suspended execution of the sentence except for 100 days which means that he will serve 100 days in jail. Once released from jail, he is on probation for 18 months. If he violates his probation then the Judge may impose the remainder of the sentence which would be 80 days. He was ordered to pay restitution totaling $6,100 during his term of probation. He was ordered to pay $50 to the victims of violent crime fund which is mandated by statute. He requested to be released until Monday to turn himself in and the Judge denied that request.

It will be a while before anyone receives their money since he first needs to complete his jail sentence.

Some Notes from Doug's ex-Roomie

I got these on email. You will be interested in the details of how Doug operated.

First email

I don't really know how to introduce myself, so I'll just start. I also was scammed by Doug when I subletted a room in his apartment about a year ago, approximately from June 1 to September 30, 2009. Eventually, I discovered that for two months he had taken my money but not paid the landlord, and he lied to me when I asked him about it. A couple of days later, he received a notice from the Superior Court, which was the first step that the landlord took in the process of evicting him. I already had some ideas that he was a shady character, and based on this final straw, I moved out quickly and without informing him or leaving a forwarding address.

After I moved out, I periodically checked the court's website to follow the eviction proceeding and the eventual criminal fraud charge, and I was delighted when the upstairs neighbor, Michael, eventually informed me that Doug had moved out. I was friends with Michael before moving in with Doug (in fact, he introduced us), and I remained friends with him after moving out, frequently going to hang out at his place and feeling terrified that I might run into Doug as I entered or exited. I recently checked the court's website again, and I also decided to Google "doug kohler fraud washington," which led me to your writings.

Wow, this guy is a such a shmuck. I heard rumors that he had defrauded other people, and seeing what you wrote and and the timing of all the civil cases against him confirms for me that he's scum.

Anyway, would you grant me access to your blog, Doug Kohler the Thief? I'd really like to see what you have to say. Unfortunately, I don't think I have much of a way to prove what I wrote here. I have a scanned copy of the eviction notice I could send you, but I think that's it. I guess also I could describe the apartment or Doug himself, such as how he (claimed) that he used to be a bodybuilder, that he was shot, had cancer, and an ex-wife and two kids living in Fairfax. Oh, and he said his family was the Kohler family behind the plumbing fixtures, but they had blocked him from receiving his millions for reasons that he never made clear. Even though he (claimed) that he was a bodybuilder, all he ever ate was frozen TV dinners. Usually Hungry Man. Oh, and he drank like a fish. White wine, in large bottles with handles. How's that for proof?

Second email

I read every word of the blog, beginning with the oldest entry. It is astonishing. My losses were limited relative to other people's. I think that financially, all I lost was one month's rent. I don't completely remember. But what I do remember is one time when I was sitting at the table eating lunch, and someone rang the doorbell a million times. Doug ignored the person, told me to ignore the person and not to leave the apartment until the doorbell ringer left, and eventually picked up the intercom handset and said "the police have been called." When I asked him about it, he said something about the person being an unhappy former potential roommate.

[DZ: That was me.]

Wow, what a character. I guess I should take a look at my credit reports. It's about time for my free annual report, anyway.

Regarding the October 7, 2008 entry:

1. Doug said that the guy who just moved out smoked indoors. October 7 was right around when I moved out, but I never smoked. Doug, however, smoked like a chimney. He always did it outside, at least when I saw him smoking. He always threw his cigarette butts on the ground at the base of the back wooden staircase, which accumulated quite a mess. To his credit, he usually cleaned it up.
   
   
2. He was just a neat freak, which was probably why the place looked so clean. I appreciated that he liked a clean apartment, but I didn't like that he would often enter my room without asking so that he could clean it. In light of what I later learned about him from my own interactions with him and from reading your blog, I am genuinely worried about identity theft.

Come to think of it, there was one time when I thought I had accidentally thrown away several important documents that I had used to get a new driver's license, including my social security card, passport, and car title. Accidentally putting them in the trash seemed like the best plausible answer, but now I wonder if Doug took them. Great. Another time, I was having trouble using my computer to open and print a PDF document related to my car insurance, so he offered to do it on his. Who knows what he did with that...?

From what you have written, it sounds like neither you nor anybody who contacted you ever moved into the apartment. Is that right? I lived with Doug for four months, and I observed some pretty shady behavior. First, I can 100% guarantee that he possessed and used drugs. Second, he frequently had "massage clients," who were usually middle-aged men. He would take them into his bedroom, put on new age music, and do whatever he did. He said massages. I wonder is he was hustling, because, to my knowledge, he didn't have a massage table in there. Just a bed. But, he did use fragrant oils that he heated in the microwave, and the music he played was more suitable for a massage than for sex.

I have thought about contacting the detective, but unless there is something wrong with my credit reports, I doubt I'll do it. There really hasn't been much harm done to me, aside from the intangible stress of living with him and needing to move out suddenly and fear, for a few weeks, his temper (which I had gotten a glimpse of during a typical roommate argument).

I see his sentencing is scheduled for this week. I can't wait to hear how that turns out.

Doug Pleads Guilty

From Stephanie Miller, Assistant U.S. Attorney:

Doug Kohler just pled guilty in court to first degree fraud misdemeanor relating to Mr. Zetland, Mr. Razavi and Mr. Vidwan. Mr. Bonnes and Ms. Chang were included in the written plea agreement with respect to restitution.

Mr. Kohler’s sentencing date is set for July 10th at 10:00 am, courtroom 301, before the Honorable John Mott, D.C. Superior Court, 500 Indiana Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001.

Our Office will be mailing victim impact statements to each of you. The victim impact statements are primarily geared toward victims of violent crimes. Therefore, in general, for financial crimes, most victims attach a letter to the paperwork rather than wading through all of the questions that are inapplicable to the case. Please email me your home address so that I can have the victim impact statements sent to you. You also may be present in court and speak at Mr. Kohler’s sentencing. Please advise me if you plan to submit a written statement or plan to speak at his sentencing. The written submissions should be received by our office no later than June 15th , in order to give the presentence report writer and the Judge time to read them. Please also understand that you are not required to complete the victim impact statement or to be present for his sentencing.

Doug Arrested AGAIN -- ID Theft, etc.

I just got off the phone with Pam, the wife of Brian (Doug's brother). She tells me that Doug had "an operation" for identity theft and fraud that he was running in the basement of his parent's house.

These further ("alleged") crimes were discovered after Doug was arrested [see email below] for opening a cell phone account in his brother's name. According to Pam, Doug has been taking advantage of his parents for many years.

The worst thing of all is that Doug appears to have been lying to his parents, his brother and his ex-wife (Lynn, who vouched for Doug when I needed a reference). After stealing from them (credit card accounts, etc.) for many years, Doug appears to have moved in on the general public. That's how he ran the rental scam on me and others.

The good news is that Doug -- after skipping DC -- appears to be back in custody. It's also good news that he has been thwarted in committing further crimes against others.

As much as I would have preferred to walk away from this rip-off guy, I am glad that I persisted in complaining. It appears that we (as a group of victims) are now better off. First, we realize that our notions of justice are indeed valid. Second, we have prevented further injustice from striking others.

Now all we need to do is try to make sure that Doug is tried for these crimes, and that the victims see justice (and perhaps some $$ back!).

I'll keep you posted.

Apparently Doug fraudulently opened an account in his brother's name. His brother, who lives in Alexandria, pressed charges which brought attention to the Extraditable Bench Warrant from the D.C. case. Six armed Fairfax County police officers busted into his parents house today and arrested Doug. In the process of his arrest the police found drugs and paraphernalia...

This had turn out to be a lot bigger than we thought. They found all kinds of birth certificates, drivers lics and credit cards that belong to other people in Doug's room.

He was taken to Alexandria and will be extradited to D.C. tomorrow.

The wheels of justice are slow, but they appear to gearing up!! I do feel for his parents, they had no idea any of this was going on. They are decent people...

Do you have the names and contacts for the other people so that we can go further on this?

Here's a correction/update/extension of details:

Actually it is the U.S. Marshals that arrested Doug yesterday. He is due in court on Monday where he will be extradited to DC.

He had other peoples mail in his bag to. The Fairfax County Police picked up the bag of mail, Driver lics, check books, and birth certificates. They did not want to take a report on this. They are turning this over to Det. Pavero. Hopefully the mail is enough to get him on a federal offense. Doug even stole mail from his wife's house and took his own sons birthday money. Shortly after they arrested Doug, his dad was called to the bank about a bad check that Doug had given to Mrs. Kohler. It was for $278.00.

The U.S. Marshals got Doug just in time. His bags were packed and he was ready to skip town. He told his parents that he was going to a play in D.C. at 5pm.

Did Pam tell you he had all of his dad's account numbers and passwords on his computer. Looks like Doug was ready to wipe is parents clean.

His parents are still in denial of everything. They think Doug's storage unit in DC just contains his furniture and books. Pam believes it contains much more.

Doug Takes a Trip....

From an Informant:

On Friday night I took the metro to Union Station to catch a train to BWI. While on the red line, our pal Doug happened to walk onto the same cart as I (we were facing each other about 10 feet apart). As soon as I saw him ( we made eye contact) I got up and moved to the other end. When the train arrived at Union Station I quickly walked upstairs to the Amtrak counter to buy my ticket. As I was walking away from the counter towards the train, I saw Doug again, this time buying his ticket with a suitcase and a large cardbox box. So....if you find that Doug's skipped town and you want to track him down -- this may be a good start?!

Doug's Case Goes to the Grand Jury

From an Informant:

Doug Kohler's preliminary hearing in his criminal matter was re-scheduled for today. A preliminary hearing is an opportunity for the prosecution to establish (and for the defendant to challenge) whether the state had probable cause to arrest the defendant. Doug appeared, but chose to waive the hearing (i.e., he chose not to challenge his arrest), so not much happened. He was again released on his personal recognizance.

The prosecutors will next present the facts of Doug's case to the Grand Jury, which will decide whether to indict him (i.e., move onto trial). It is not clear what the time line is for that.

If you'd like to check on the status of his case, you can call the D.C. Superior Court's Criminal Division clerk's office at (202) 879-1373 and reference "CCN" ("criminal case number" or "case control number") 127663, criminal docket number 2008 CF2 024427, Doug's full name -- Douglas L. Kohler -- and his birthdate, 11-14-1961.

Where Doug Spends His Stolen $$

This story is from 2006:

"I didn't want that deer-in-the-headlights look, or anything radical," said Douglas L. Kohler, 44, a Northern Virginia advertising executive who was back at work the morning after undergoing an afternoon thread lift in the office of Washington plastic surgeon Paul G. Ruff.

...and an informant says:

He told me he was 38, but looks like Mr. Facelift turned 47 yesterday. Maybe he isn't a coke junkie - even worse, maybe he's a cosmetic surgery queen. Feel free to blog that one - I can't make him sorry for stealing my money, but maybe I can attack his vanity by highlighting how pathetic he is.

Doug Kohler's Hearing Rescheduled

From an Informant:

Today, Thursday, November 13th, I attended the second take of Doug Kohler's preliminary hearing (rescheduled from last Wednesday, November 5th) on a count of felony fraud at the D.C. Superior Court this morning. (A preliminary hearing is not the trial, but rather is a brief hearing during which the court determines whether the police had probable cause to arrest the defendant.) It's still not clear exactly which one of our cases the U.S. Attorney is prosecuting.

Doug's attorney, Ms. Lisbeth Sapirstein (correct spelling), appeared, but, predictably, Doug did not. For the second time, his attorney cited his health as the reason for his absence. She asked the court for a continuance to next week, promising that Doug would "be here on Monday morning, guaranteed." ... The court responded, "Well, you can't guarantee that," and then rescheduled his hearing for next Tuesday, November 18th, presumably at 9:00 a.m. in Courtroom 201 of the Moultrie Courthouse at 500 Indiana Avenue, NW (near the Judiciary Square Metro Station).

If you're interested in attending and want to verify the date and time, you can call the court's Criminal Division clerk at (202) 879-1373. Also, you can verify the courtroom by checking with the information desk in the main lobby of the courthouse (you can't miss it when you enter the courthouse). When you speak to the clerk or approach the information desk, reference "CCN" ("criminal case number" or "case control number") 127663, criminal docket number 2008 CF2 024427, Doug's full name -- Douglas L. Kohler -- and his birthdate, 11-14-1961.

Doug is STILL Stealing!

I just got a call from a girl who is terribly upset: She gave Doug $2,000 towards renting a room, and THEN she found this blog. Too late -- he cashed the check.

Amazingly, Doug, who has been indicted for fraud and theft, is continuing to steal and lie without remorse or respect for the law he has violated so many times. He's out on his own recognizance, which appears to mean that he can just rip off more people.

If he was a killer, more people would be dead.

This guy has to be put in jail NOW. He's a menace to society.

Doug Kohler's Preliminary Hearing

From an informant:

I attempted to attend Doug's preliminary hearing today at the D.C. Superior Court, but arrived too late. Apparently I didn't miss much. I checked with the Criminal Division clerk and learned that Doug's attorney (whether a public defender or not, I don't know) appeared today without Doug and obtained a re-scheduling of the preliminary hearing to next Thursday, November 13th, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. in Courtroom 201 of the D.C. Superior Court. Doug's attorney apparently explained to the court that Doug was ill and in the hospital.

For your reference, Doug's case number is 2008 CF 24427.

Doug Kohler's Arraignment

From an informant:

To those of you who have also had run-ins with Doug Kohler, I just sat through Doug's arraignment at the DC Superior Court. He was brought into the courtroom in a prisoner uniform at about 3:45 pm and charged with one count of fraud. No specifics were read aloud, so it's not possible to know with which of our cases he has been charged. His next hearing (or trial? --I'm not sure) is set for Wednesday, November 5th, 2008 at 9:00 am (although in most routine criminal court matters that means that the court will hear a number of cases, beginning at 9, so Doug's matter could come up later in the morning). The matter should be open to the public at the DC Superior Court's Moultree Courthouse located at 500 Indiana Avenue, NW (Indiana Avenue is essentially D Street between 4th and 5th Streets Northwest) near the Judiciary Square Metro station.

He WILL BE RELEASED later today on his own recognizance, which means that he's promised to return to the court at the apponted date. If he fails to return, he will be subject to upto a $5,000 fine or 5 years in jail, or both.

He was also ordered subject to drug testing and any necessary, associated drug treatment while the case is pending. I'm not certain, but I think this indicates that he was either in the possession of and/or under the influence of drugs at the time of his arrest.

Doug Is Arrested

Detective Michael Pavero arrested Doug Kohler today. Woo hoo!

Det. Pavero arrested Doug on an outstanding warrant for his financial scams.

Doug is in jail now and will have a hearing tomorrow. (Let's hope that he gets a nice long term in prison.)

I just spoke to Det. Pavero, who is assembling evidence to give to the prosecutor.

If you have any information that can assist Det. Pavero, please contact him:

Detective Michael Pavero
Criminal Investigation Division
Special Investigation Branch
Metropolitan Police Department
Washington, D.C.
202-727-4159
202-727-4544 (fax)
michael.pavero@dc.gov

Lying and Stealing -- AGAIN!

I just got a call from a guy who gave Doug $2,000 against rent and deposit.

He then found this blog and canceled the checks (AWESOME!)

Doug is still ripping people off from the same place (1229 10th street NW Unit #1), using craigslist ads. (I flagged the current one, which is reproduced below.)

The police are doing nothing.

Is there no justice in this world?

Here's his story:

---

I contacted Doug via email on 10/5 with the following:

Hi,

Your place looks perfect for my needs. The only problem is that I'm looking to rent Jan 15 through the end of May. Is there any chance you would consider that? I'm a 24 year old student at Georgetown Law. Very clean, responsible, and outgoing.

Thanks!

I received a response (jagmanva1@aol.com) on 10/6 with the following (typos are his, not mine):

Actually thqat copuld work well. Please give me a call to discuss.

Doug 202-210-4340

I took a bus up from new york city on 10/7 and met Doug around 4:15pm at "his" "house" (1229 10th Street NW, #1, Washington DC, 20001).

He invited me in and showed me around. The place looked really great. We talked for about 20-30 minutes and he seemed like a very laid back and genuine person. There were a few things that were odd about our conversation:

1. The place smelled like smoke. When I asked him if he smoked he said that the guy who just moved out last week smoked inside the last few weeks he was there. He said he would have the air vents flushed and the filters changed to get the smell out.
   
2. The place was extremely clean as if no one had been living there. The only thing that wasn't clean was a desk that it appeared someone had been working off of.
   
3. He kept saying how perfect it was that I wanted to move in sometime in January (instead of November) so that he could have a break from having a roommate.
   
4. He had no lease and said it wasn't a big deal. That he would email me one so that we could do a month-to-month lease.
   
5. When I asked for his last name to write the check he said "Kohler, just like the appliance manufacturer." After asking if he was related, he told me his grandfather owns the company (probably BS).
   
6. He gave me this whole story about how he used to be a body builder and that he was Mr. DC and Mr. Maryland, blah blah blah.

Despite all of this, I was so excited I had found a good deal on such a great apartment that I handed him two checks, each for $1000.00 (first month's rent and security). I left the apartment and when I got to my car I decided to google his name on my blackberry. Low and behold, I found David's blog. I rushed to the nearest bank and put a stop payment on both of the checks. I have not contacted Doug nor do I plan to.

---

$1000 Room with Bath in Contemporary Urban Home - Flexible Lease. (nw/dc)[link]

Date: 2008-10-05, 5:23PM EDT

Furnished room (can be unfurnished) with large private bath available for rent in an upscale urban home. 2 bdr, 2.5 Baths, LR, DR, Large Kitchen, Den, Patio, Backyard.

Contemporary furnishings, all amenities and utilities included (Water, Gas, Power, Trash, Internet, Cable), great location and neighbors, security system.

Located in Northwest between Logan and Mt. Vernon. 1 block from the yellow/green Metro line and 4 blocks from the red line. Close to shopping, dining, entertainment and business.

Room Available Nov.1 (Small possibility of sooner). 1 month security deposit and first month rent required to hold the space.

Me: Single/divorced Male professional, late 30's.

Please contact me with questions, photos or to set an appointment to view.

Other Victim 4

I got this email today:

I was looking for a place and put a deposit of $1,000 down... I had given him [Doug] a deposit at end of March for a May 1st move in date. However, after I had placed a deposit. I continued to see his ads reposted on craigslist with slight changes to them. When I questioned him about it, he said that it was simply "auto-repost". However, sensing that there might be something. I started printing the ads because the ads were not the same (Figured that if it was "auto-post" that it would repost the old one and not newly written sentences). I contacted his land lord and was told that he does not actually own the place and was not allowed to "rent" another room.

Since then Ive been unsuccessfully trying to get my money back.

With this "fourth" other, Doug has ripped off five people for at least $5,000.

Other Victim 3

I have also been scammed by Doug Kohler and have a case in small claims court for $xxx rent and deposit he owes me plus extra expenses. I am very frustrated as you are. If there are more of us then we have a better case against him? Do you think we can go to the police and get him arrested?

I told him to go to the police, of course. It seems that Doug's felony grand theft (a criminal offence) can also be persecuted as fraud under civil tort law. We may have a group claim against him.

Anyone else? This sucks.

Criminal Prosecution

Given the fact that Doug has ripped off others (see this and this), I decided to go back to the police. I contacted:

Detective Etienne
Financial Crimes and Fraud Unit
300 Indiana Avenue, NW Room 3019
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 727-4159

I saw him this morning. He tried both of Doug's phones. Both lines were disconnected. He also called Lynn (his ex-wife) and left a message.

If you want to provide evidence for Det. Etienne, feel free to contact him.

Winning the Suit

I went to small claims court this morning. Doug did not show, so I won a "default judgment" for $500 plus costs (now $90 for court fees and process server charges).

Now all I have to do is collect.

Other Victim 2

Hi, David. My name is XX. I live in Washington, D.C., and, like you, had the misfortune of crossing paths with Doug Kohler, who leased me a parking space that he did not have the right to lease. From the sound of your blog (I only found it after you pulled down the details), it seems like you had contact with him relatively recently. --The last contact I had with him was over six months ago, but I'm still interested in finding him so I can file suit.

For what it's worth, and as you might already know, Doug has been sued personally and professionally (as the proprietor of the Virginia corporation "Dynamic Graphics & Printing") in Virginia and D.C. by a variety of creditors. There are judgements against him or the business ranging from $____ to over $____. Doug's former residential landlord claims that Doug skipped out on over $_____ rent (on a penthouse condominium). In other instances, Doug has been able to avoid judgement by simply evading service.

I'd be grateful for any information you might have about Doug; and I'm willing to share any information I dig up in the future.

Other Victim 1

i was forwarded me your contact info. did you ever collect your money? I am still owed money, and I want it to collect asap. Let me know what you did.

Served

Doug did not receive the certified letter for my lawsuit. He just ignored the "delivery notice." Since he neither accepted or denied service, he was not formally notified of the suit.

I turned to process servers, and they got him -- posing as a delivery company. That means that Doug cannot claim he did not know he was being sued.

Not the Way to Go...

The consensus is that this blog idea is unproductive. Everyone agrees that I have been robbed but they also agree that a blog is not the way to fight back.

Waiting...

Sat 3pm: I have taken down this website to give Doug a chance to repay my $500. If he does not repay me on Monday, I will repost our correspondence, file a police complaint, and contact his employer to tell them of his (mis) conduct.

Mon noon: I've been told that exposing Doug's shananigans is likely to cause more trouble for me and will not solve my problem. Even if the truth is a defense and he's being a basta

Getting Serious

Note to readers: I have decided that Doug is a scammer. (I have some inside information.)

I am so disappointed. I thought he was legit (and way too sloppy to be running a scam over $500), but his inability to repay me has reached legendary proportions.

I am setting up this blog, posting on craigslist, calling the newspapers, calling the police (financial crimes and fraud), and calling everyone I know.

I want my money back, and it pisses me off that Doug thinks he can keep it.

UPDATE: The craigslist post was flagged for removal. I am not sure why, but I will repost elsewhere on CL :)

UPDATE 2: Someone has pointed out that I am being a little harsh in calling Doug a thief. I don't know what else to call him. Perhaps a confused guy who cannot manage his affairs? What would you call him?

What would you do if someone had your money and refused to give it back to you (claiming "the check is in the mail" for weeks)? In this day and age of Paypal, certified mail, FedEx (instant and overnight) communication, he can hardly claim that he cannot give me my money back. That means he cannot or will not give me my money.

Some people think I may be in danger because Doug is upset about this blog. Why? Because I republish emails between us that document my desire to get repaid and his inability to repay me? If he thinks that's valid cause for retribution, then he really is crazy. What do you do with crazy people? Let them remake the world in their own distorted view? I think not -- probably because I still think it's good to have principles.

Check in the Mail 2

[I am just getting set to write a complaint on craigslist when I try to call Doug. Surprisingly, he picks up the phone...

He says that he sent me a certified check "a few weeks ago". Surprise! But I haven't received any check. I tell him that and say I want my money. He says that the power is out and that he has to wait to look into his computer to find out where the check is. He'll call me at noon.

No call by noon. I call him -- several times -- and there's no answer.

I go to his place and see him inside the unit. I ring the bell. nothing.

ring
ring
ring
ring
ring
I call him "Doug, I'm outside. I know you're in there. Open the door."
ring
ring

he says "the police have been called"

"great," I say "when are they coming?"

ring
ring
ring
ring

no police, so I go home....]

Check in the Mail?

Doug,

No check as of last night.

Since I cannot tell if you are sending it (good) or wasting my time (bad), I'm back to square one (court). So, I'll file a complaint if there's no check when I get back to DC tomorrow night.

David
ps/many people are telling me that I am being too polite, but I never want to say that I didn't give you fair warning...

Turning to the Courts

Doug,

You have not returned any of my calls/emails so I am going to assume that you are unwilling to return my money and I am going to sue you.

If this is wrong, please contact me before tomorrow at 5pm to arrange CASH payment of my 500$ by tomorrow at 8 pm

[Doug replies the next day:]

David - I have to say -- you are quite the case!

First - you have continued to contact me at numbers and emails that I have
told you that I do not use. My home phone and work phones have no messages from you. I had e-mailed you the correct info for myself and the accounts that I
use - and nothing.

When you first were coming here to DC you had suggested that we meet up in a couple of weeks and settle up. I had no problems. Last week I did check this e-mail account and you had said that you wanted to come by over the weekend. I replied that I was not going to be home until Monday night. Apparently without answer you decided that because you wanted to come by Monday night - you did - though I had not replied - hadn't received your communication and wasn't home. Somehow that's my fault.

Again this week you have contacted me via means that you are aware I do not check -- and now taken to calling Lynn - who has nothing to do with anything, is very suspect of you -- rightly, wont give a stranger any information -- and at this point believes you're a bit nuts.

It is amazing to me that there is now a "situation" and drama -- where there needed to be none. There is no great conspiracy here. No dodging or hiding from you. The simple fact is that between personal and business situations - I haven't been home and am not now. I wasn't aware of your e-mails and I do not have the phone with me that you have called, and I dont check it.

I am out of town - I am opening amphitheaters for Clearchannel for the summer season and will be back after the holiday weekend. If you want cash in your hand for something tonight - it's not going to happen as I am not there.

You do what you feel you need to. As I have said - I was under the premise of your words that we would meet up in a couple of weeks after you got here and things settled on both ends, and with all that was going on with me - really hadn't giving it much thought. I will be checking this account today as I have access but wont later this weekend. At this point I would prefer not to meet you at all -- but send you your funds to whatever address you wish as soon as I return.

[I reply immediately]

Please call me ASAP -- 530-848-9208.

We can discuss this, but I don't want to type a bunch of replies.

I am not going to address the nuts stuff, since you never send me your "real" contact information.

[No call. I send a longer email]

David - I have to say -- you are quite the case!

First - you have continued to contact me at numbers and emails that I have told you that I do not use.

You have not sent me or called me with ANY of the ones you do use!

My home phone and work phones have no messages from you.

I called your home phone and left msgs for "Doug press one"

I had e-mailed you the correct info for myself and the accounts that I use - and nothing.

Never got it?!?!

When you first were coming here to DC you had suggested that we meet up in a couple of weeks and settle up. I had no problems. Last week I did check this e-mail account and you had said that you wanted to come by over the weekend. I replied that I was not going to be home until Monday night.

You said Monday.

Apparently without answer you decided that because you wanted to come by Monday night - you did - though I had not replied - hadn't received your communication and wasn't home. Somehow that's my fault.
Your neighbor said you had just driven off (sometime before I arrived).

If you were not going to be there, why didn't you call or leave a note?

Why didn't you call when I left my card there?

Again this week you have contacted me via means that you are aware I do not check -- and now taken to calling Lynn - who has nothing to do with anything, is very suspect of you -- rightly, wont give a stranger any information -- and at this point believes you're a bit nuts.

Back to the above -- I know no other numbers....

Well -- I can't say I blame her -- I have not talked to you in two weeks -- why have you not called me? My phone/email have been on and working for the whole time. You also know that I send email to this account. (Why are you still NOT sending email from your "primary" account?)

It is amazing to me that there is now a "situation" and drama -- where there needed to be none. There is no great conspiracy here. No dodging or hiding from you. The simple fact is that between personal and business situations - I haven't been home and am not now. I wasn't aware of your e-mails and I do not have the phone with me that you have called, and I dont check it.

Ok -- then let's fix this. Please give me my $500 back.

Pure and simple -- that's all I am looking for.

If you are able to see this in any different light, I can't understand why.

I am out of town - I am opening amphitheaters for Clearchannel for the summer season and will be back after the holiday weekend. If you want cash in your hand for something tonight - it's not going to happen as I am not there.

Well -- then call me.

You do what you feel you need to. As I have said - I was under the premise of your words that we would meet up in a couple of weeks after you got here and things settled on both ends, and with all that was going on with me - really hadn't giving it much thought. I will be checking this account today as I have access but wont later this weekend. At this point I would prefer not to meet you at all -- but send you your funds to whatever address you wish as soon as I return.

Good -- now we are where we need to be, i.e., repayment.

Of course there is no need to meet. I suggest that the easiest/cleanest way to finish this is for you to paypal funds to me. You do not need an account -- just a credit card -- and the transfer is VERY fast and documented on both sides.

You can send $500 to dzetland@gmail.com via paypal without even needing to tell me it's on the way. Instructions:

If you do not have a PayPal account:

Here's How:

1. Visit https://www.paypal.com.
2. Click Send Money at the top of the page.
3. Enter payment information and click Continue.
4. Enter your information to create a PayPal account and click Agree & Continue.
5. Review the details of your payment and click Send Money.

Thank you for replying. Your desire to repay me is helpful. Perhaps we are not seeing this in the same way in terms of timing/communication, but your desire to "take care of it after a few weeks" does not match my desire to get it over with. This -- combined with the fact that you have my money, you changed the "deal" (no room), and you are hard to get a hold of -- has led to my (to you) over-the-top behavior.

I expect to get an email/call from you later today confirming that you got this.

I am *sure* that paypal will work (it will take you 10 minutes) and we can be done with this by Tuesday...

I will delay filing the claim while we are making progress.

[and then, for emphasis]

Let me repeat one passage -- for emphasis -- since the other stuff is
not important:

> Of course there is no need to meet. I suggest that the
> easiest/cleanest way to finish this is for you to paypal funds to me.
> You do not need an account -- just a credit card -- and the transfer
> is VERY fast and documented on both sides.

[clipped]

[He replies]

David -

I am not doing this -- it's juvenile. Your 3 e-mails in a short time goes to my point about over the top behavior. I dont have time for this.

Simply - I owe your deposit back. I have offered to send it to you. If you do not wish to give me the information to do so, and resolve this in a reasonable business like manner -- then that is your decision. I do not have a paypal account, have limited computer access (this is being sent via cell phone), and will not be handling this in that manner.

You may either send me the mailing address, and I will send your refund upon my return or you may take whatever other action you feel you need to.

Doug

[I reply]

Doug,

Please mail the check to:

David Zetland
[address removed]

Thanks!

Trying to Get $$ Back 2

Doug,

I'll come by ~7:30 tonight, subject to Metro speed.

[I send this to friends (in case Doug is hostile)]

...I am going over to talk to him @ 19:30.

He's here: 1229 10th Street NW Unit #1. 202-289-5651

If you don't hear back from me by 21:00 (6 pm California time), try my cell phone...

[When I arrive he's not there. I call Lynn, trying to find out what's happening. She seems to be doing well "after the accident" (?) but has no idea of what Doug's up to. I write:]

I went by your place, but your upstairs neighbor (#2) said you had driven off.

I was hoping that you could give me cash or a check for the $500 deposit that I gave you (via K), but no Doug = no money :(

I think the easiest thing is for you to give me a check. I am only three metro stops away (Columbia Hts metro), and I can meet you there in the evening. Cash is, of course, acceptable.

I just had a nice chat with Lynn, who says she will fwd this email to your "primary" email account and contact your via your "primary" cell phone.

I hope to hear from you tomorrow on this matter. Please call me.

Thanks,

David
ps/I'd love to have a drink with you, but -- to be frank -- this deposit thing is starting to get annoying. My friends and family are very concerned that I am getting ripped off, and I am trying to be understanding, but the lack of communication from your end is REALLY driving me nuts and wasting my time.

Trying to Get $$ Back

Doug,

I opened a local bank account, so a check is fine. Hope I didn't put through any hassles over getting cash.

See you Monday!

Coming for the money

Doung,

As I said in my voicemail -- I'll be coming by @ 11 on Saturday to get my deposit back.

Let's have a coffee!

David

[I correct my typo]

Doug! Sorry....

[Doug replies]

HUH? Confused. Sorry about what?

I wont be in town this weekend. Am taking the boys to the beach (their grandparents live there). I am leaving tonight and will be home on Monday.

Doug

[I reply]

Sorry that I misspelled you name as Doung :)

I guess that I can come by Monday night ~7 or 8?

Wanna get a drink?

On the Way to DC

[I FINALLY talk to Doug from Denver on my way to DC. (I called him.) I tell him that I can find anther place. I don't want to make his life tougher after Lynn had the accident and the kids have to come over, etc. He says thanks. I suggest that we have a beer when he returns my $500 but we don't make a date.

He says that he's been hard to reach because the cell # Lynn gave me was "not his primary cell" -- it was an extra he bought once. He was not replying to emails to his AOL account "because I don't check that one that often. I have a primary email account". I ask him to send me his primary contacts, but see nothing when I get to DC. I then send this:]

primary email and mobile numbers?

[He's never sent me these "primary" numbers...]

See you tomorrow

[Besides the cryptic "auto" email, I have not heard from Doug. I try to be tolerant and press ahead.]

Hi Doug,

Hope the emergency is working out. I'll arrive ~11pm (via flight to National). If you wil lnot be there, please leave a key with the neighbor so I can get in.

I'm bringing queen sheets - hope they fit the bed.

Please call me if we need to discuss anything.

[He replies]

David -

OK. VERY unlike me not to get back to someone -- and not sure what to do here exactly.

First - I apologize for not having responded and now doing so last minute.

I have a dilemma...

Lynn was hit dead on. Hard enough to total a 4 door Mercedes in an instant. I have been with her and the kids all week. Needless to say for me, when my family is involved or hurt. Nothing else matters and all goes to the background.

We can talk about it all later.

Here's my situation - I know you are coming in this weekend. And I can accommodate that -- though not as prepared as I would like to be. But - I cannot at this point say that I can fulfill the rental agreement we spoke of.

I believe -- to be very up front -- that I will be taking my kids for at least the first half of the summer and having them here with me as of Memorial Day weekend which is in two weeks.

I hate to tell you this -- and have been working around options in my head -- but I have to be truthful about it. I feel horrible in regard to you -- but as a father and actually STILL a husband my priorities are again -- my family.

I am sure this is not what you want to hear. I have no problem refunding your money if need be. I understand if you want to bow out even for the short term -- it all just plain sucks.

Anyhow - IM beat -- and painting the spare room now - I will actually be available tomorrow if you want to chat before you get here via the home or cell phone.

I am not sure if I will be here tomorrow night or not but will try to be. If not. On the stoop out front are three mailboxes. The top one is mine. I will leave keys in it if I am not here. Make yourself at home. The first room in the back hall on the right is yours. Hopefully I will have it painted at least and the sheets -- dont worry -- I have fresh ones on the bed and sorry but it's a double.

Sure this e-mail makes half sense... Emotionally and physically exhausted.

I will talk with you tomorrow.

Doug.

[I reply]

Doug,

I am very sorry to hear about this disaster, and it puts many things in context.

I think I will be able to find another place (assuming one in all my panicked back-up plans comes together), but we can discuss that in person. I realize that you will probably need the space -- let alone the privacy -- to take care of your family.

I have a place to stay tomorrow night, and I will stop by on Sun morning. (I'll call first.) Let's talk then about details.

(BTW, I am happy to hear from you -- the surreal silence did not make sense.)

Best wishes for you and your family. (Is Lynn ok? In the hospital?)

I'll call you from the airport on my way tomorrow.

David

Questions!

Doug,

Hope the ermergency has settled down. Please call me ASAP to discuss logistics. Only 2 days and I have many things on hold, waiting to talk to you.

Thanks! (and see you soon!)

Panic

Doug,

No idea if you are out of town/communication but please reply ASAP.

David (doesn't want to be homeless) Zetland

[I get this email one hour later. Note the delay (not an auto-reply) and date "written" -- I didn't get this after my Sat email]

from Jagmanva1@aol.com
to dzetland@gmail.com
date Mon, May 5, 2008 at 12:38 PM
subject Out of Office Auto Reply: Re: SECOMD REQUEST ... moving questions (1 o ?)

Due to a family emergency I will not be available today, Thursday, May 30,
through Wed. May 7. I will respond to e-mail and messages upon my return.

Doug

Disconnected phone?

[I tried to call Doug, but the phone was disconnected. I had no other number (and no email reply), so I called Lynn. She gave me a cell number with the default answering voice. I left a message, worried.]

I'll be there in a week, and I am making plans...

I called your house -- disconnect -- and then called Lynn, who gave me your cell ph# (202-210-4340, right?)

1) I am thinking of biking to work. Do you have any hints/ideas on bikes? I will probably bring my bike, but if you know of a bike I can use/buy for two months, that may save me $100 in shipping costs (R/T) for my own. I can always go to Craigslist.

2) Can I start re-directing some mail to you place?

3) What's the bed size? I can bring sheets for queen.

4) Do you have a moka coffee maker? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moka_Express) If not, I'll bring mine.

More later -- feel free to email or call me.

I buy my ticket

I just bought my tickets. Arriving May 10 (Sat 10 pm) to DCA and leaving July 21 (Mon 6pm). I hope that we can pro-rate the rent for the extra time...

I hate to ruin your sat night/weekend by making you stay in, so please let me know if we need to arrange for a key drop/pick-up.

See you in about a month!

After K visited

Doug,

K says that I am in for a treat (both you and place are cool), and I am looking forward to it.

I will be arranging my air transport tomorrow, and it looks like I will come in -- after 10pm -- between Sat, May 10 and Wed, May 14 (not sure if I am starting Monday or Thursday....) and leaving July 16-19.

I hope that those days work for you -- let me know if they are troublesome. (I am also trying to get cheap flights :)

As we discussed, I can pay pro-rated rent of $250/week to cover these odd days.

If you have any suggestions of swimming pools/clubs in the area, I'd be grateful.

[Doug wrote]

Hey there - On my way for a day of meetings and only have a sec...

It was nice meeting K as well. The dates are fine with me, just keep me posted so I know when to have the DC Homeless Marching Band and Parade of Drag Queens ready to roll.

I can fill you in on the pool/clubs later. Ill catch up with you when I get back tonight or in the morning.

[I wrote]

Thanks Doug. No rush.

I'm always impressed with drag queens that can keep up the pace in 12 inch platforms... :)

[Doug wrote]

Well, then you would love the DC Annual High Heel Race. Its a blast... google it!

I tell K about the place

[I asked my friend K to drop by with her personal check for $500. I wanted to limit how much I paid in advance -- and reduce the inconvenience to her. I reimbursed her within a week. I sent this to her:]

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/roo/632152534.html

1229 10th street NW Unit #1

[She wrote]

Wow, it looks really nice! Let me know what he says....

Security Depost

[I spoke to Doug on the phone. I was happy to send a deposit, but I was worried about sending $1,000 to a stranger. Here's his reply:]

Hey David -

A pleasure talking with you and I look forward to meeting you. Please let me know in the interim if there is anything you need or need me to do for you before you get here.

Lets see...

Doug Kohler
1229 10th Street NW
Unit #1

Reference:
Lynn Kohler
703-906-3799

Credit Card #VISA
XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-2567
(I'll wait for all the porn site charges and infomercial items to show up on this...)

Just overnight me the deposit - and we are good! I am going to investigate your blogs a bit more so I get a better sense of you but seems to me it will be a great fit.

Doug

PS - let me know you received this and that we are good to go.

Getting Started

I saw Doug's ad for a room on craigslist (Washington DC) and said I was interested. (I never made a copy of that ad :(