1 00:00:00,033 --> 00:00:02,400 [narrator] Now, on Tribunal Justice... 2 00:00:02,467 --> 00:00:04,567 You lost those rings, and that's done. 3 00:00:04,633 --> 00:00:07,300 Then every time I would go, he would actually close the store. 4 00:00:07,367 --> 00:00:09,700 -No. -It's your responsibility 5 00:00:09,767 --> 00:00:11,800 to make a payment within 30 days. 6 00:00:11,867 --> 00:00:13,834 Every time I tried to pay, he wouldn't accept payment. 7 00:00:13,900 --> 00:00:16,567 -No way. -It makes zero sense. 8 00:00:16,633 --> 00:00:17,834 You're a scammer. 9 00:00:17,900 --> 00:00:20,934 This whole thing was a scam from the outset. 10 00:00:21,000 --> 00:00:22,533 [main theme playing] 11 00:00:44,233 --> 00:00:47,066 [narrator] Today's case was filed in Long Beach, California. 12 00:00:48,166 --> 00:00:50,633 Your Honor, this is Case #3064 on the calendar 13 00:00:50,700 --> 00:00:54,066 in the matter of Langston vs. George Royal Pawn Shop. 14 00:00:54,133 --> 00:00:55,900 -Thank you, Byrd. -You're welcome, Judge. 15 00:00:55,967 --> 00:00:58,667 Parties have been sworn in. You may be seated. 16 00:00:58,734 --> 00:01:01,033 Ms. Langston, you were having some health issues, 17 00:01:01,100 --> 00:01:04,066 you needed some additional money so you pawned two rings. 18 00:01:04,132 --> 00:01:07,400 One of them was very special, very sentimental to you. 19 00:01:07,467 --> 00:01:10,500 At some point you tried to buy them back from the pawn shop, 20 00:01:10,567 --> 00:01:13,900 and you say that you were prohibited from doing that 21 00:01:13,967 --> 00:01:18,834 by the defendant and his pawn shop. So, you're suing him for $5,000. 22 00:01:18,900 --> 00:01:22,567 One is for the value of the ring which you say is $3,000. 23 00:01:22,633 --> 00:01:26,133 And $2,000 for emotional distress caused to you 24 00:01:26,200 --> 00:01:29,265 by the loss of the ring and by how you were treated. 25 00:01:29,333 --> 00:01:32,734 Sir, what you say is she pawned rings. 26 00:01:32,800 --> 00:01:34,900 She didn't make her payments as she was supposed to, 27 00:01:34,967 --> 00:01:37,734 and she lost them, so you don't owe anything. 28 00:01:37,800 --> 00:01:40,700 Before I get to your story, why don't you tell us a little bit 29 00:01:40,767 --> 00:01:44,066 about how a pawn shop works. I come to you with a ring. What happens? 30 00:01:44,133 --> 00:01:47,100 Sure. You try to borrow some money. 31 00:01:47,166 --> 00:01:50,333 I ask the amount you need, you tell me $500. 32 00:01:50,400 --> 00:01:53,433 And you give me collateral. I make you sign an agreement, 33 00:01:53,500 --> 00:01:57,265 $500 plus interest. If she continue pay, I hold. 34 00:01:57,333 --> 00:02:00,467 Okay. Let's look at 02. 35 00:02:01,667 --> 00:02:04,166 -Is that the ring that you pawned? -Yes, it is. 36 00:02:04,233 --> 00:02:06,233 [DiMango] Tell us the story behind that ring. 37 00:02:06,300 --> 00:02:11,300 My daughter's father helped me buy that ring. We payed 50% each, $1,500. 38 00:02:11,367 --> 00:02:12,900 And I pawned the ring. 39 00:02:12,967 --> 00:02:15,300 [DiMango] Did your daughter also have a similar ring? 40 00:02:15,367 --> 00:02:16,966 Yes, I have it on here. 41 00:02:17,033 --> 00:02:18,966 -[DiMango] You're wearing her ring now. -Mm-hmm. 42 00:02:19,033 --> 00:02:21,266 Okay. And let's go to 03. 43 00:02:21,333 --> 00:02:23,333 Just to show you what exists in the pawn shop. 44 00:02:23,400 --> 00:02:27,333 These are the pieces that are on display, sir, in your pawn shop. 45 00:02:27,400 --> 00:02:29,166 -Would that be correct? -[George] Exactly. 46 00:02:29,233 --> 00:02:31,166 -[DiMango] That's the pawn shop. -[George] Yes, ma'am. 47 00:02:31,233 --> 00:02:35,700 [DiMango] I mean, people pawn everything from their gold pen to their scooters. 48 00:02:35,767 --> 00:02:37,600 [George] Guitar, everything. 49 00:02:37,667 --> 00:02:41,066 Yep. So, you go to the pawn shop, and is he behind the counter? 50 00:02:41,133 --> 00:02:44,700 He was behind the counter, and he offered me $500. 51 00:02:44,767 --> 00:02:47,734 And then, I, um, you know, I accepted the $500. 52 00:02:47,800 --> 00:02:49,700 [DiMango] You went in with one or two rings? 53 00:02:49,767 --> 00:02:51,500 It was actually two rings. 54 00:02:51,567 --> 00:02:54,767 And you give her money for those rings. You give her how much total? 55 00:02:54,834 --> 00:02:56,133 Do you remember? 56 00:02:56,200 --> 00:02:58,667 Each ring is separate. So, each ring was $500. 57 00:02:58,734 --> 00:03:00,900 [DiMango] You got $1,000 for the two rings. 58 00:03:00,967 --> 00:03:02,433 [Lynette] Mm-hmm. It was a month apart. 59 00:03:02,500 --> 00:03:07,233 At some point, you want to go back to the store and buy your ring back. 60 00:03:07,300 --> 00:03:10,033 Yes. And it was the second ring that was on the-- 61 00:03:10,100 --> 00:03:11,734 -[DiMango] The sentimental ring. -Yes. 62 00:03:11,800 --> 00:03:13,767 There was that ring. The ring was there. 63 00:03:13,834 --> 00:03:16,533 And he kept telling me, oh, you have to come back. 64 00:03:16,600 --> 00:03:18,966 Well, you have to come back with money if you want... 65 00:03:19,033 --> 00:03:22,300 No, no, he told me I had to come back just to put the ring on layaway. 66 00:03:22,367 --> 00:03:25,466 [DiMango] Yes, because first you pawned it, now you want to purchase it. 67 00:03:25,533 --> 00:03:26,767 -Yes. -[DiMango] He says you gotta 68 00:03:26,834 --> 00:03:29,233 -put it on layaway, right? -[Lynette] Mm-hmm. 69 00:03:29,300 --> 00:03:32,934 [DiMango] You have to make a payment every thirty days for that ring, correct? 70 00:03:33,000 --> 00:03:34,266 -[Lynette] Yeah. 71 00:03:34,333 --> 00:03:37,966 And you don't make a payment every 30 days, you just go in and visit. 72 00:03:38,033 --> 00:03:39,567 -No, no. -[DiMango] You go in and visit. 73 00:03:39,633 --> 00:03:41,300 You said, I go in there all the time. 74 00:03:41,367 --> 00:03:43,834 What are you goin' in for if you're not paying money? 75 00:03:43,900 --> 00:03:45,567 I don't go there all the time. 76 00:03:45,633 --> 00:03:48,633 The first layaway for May, that's when I go into my story. 77 00:03:48,700 --> 00:03:50,633 In May, that's the first slip. 78 00:03:50,700 --> 00:03:53,633 I lost the slip, because my car got repossessed in June. 79 00:03:53,700 --> 00:03:56,266 So, I had to go back once I got more money, 80 00:03:56,333 --> 00:03:58,133 to put the ring on layaway again-- 81 00:03:58,200 --> 00:04:01,867 No, no. You said when you went back, you got your car back, 82 00:04:01,934 --> 00:04:04,433 -you found the slip. -Yeah, then I went back to him 83 00:04:04,500 --> 00:04:05,900 to put the ring on layaway. 84 00:04:05,967 --> 00:04:08,500 [DiMango] You lost it. Didn't you lose that one, as well? 85 00:04:08,567 --> 00:04:10,233 Did she lose that on the May 10th? 86 00:04:10,300 --> 00:04:13,200 -Yeah, but she lose it. -[DiMango] Yeah, 'cause she came back-- 87 00:04:13,266 --> 00:04:15,900 But you're talking about second. She purchase again. 88 00:04:15,967 --> 00:04:18,332 -In October. You came back in October. -Exactly. 89 00:04:18,399 --> 00:04:21,132 Because you said, in between, you were visiting him. 90 00:04:21,200 --> 00:04:23,800 And I wrote here, what, were you making social calls? 91 00:04:23,867 --> 00:04:25,667 It was on his display. How it was there on display. 92 00:04:25,734 --> 00:04:28,166 Yes. And you kept going in to see if it was still there. 93 00:04:28,233 --> 00:04:30,500 [Lynette] No, no. I was going to place it on layaway. 94 00:04:30,567 --> 00:04:34,266 [DiMango] I gotta tell you. When you keep going back and forth with these stories, 95 00:04:34,332 --> 00:04:37,066 losing the car, losing the receipt in the car, 96 00:04:37,133 --> 00:04:39,033 getting the car back, getting the receipt... 97 00:04:39,100 --> 00:04:40,800 [Lynette] Well, that's how it happened. 98 00:04:40,867 --> 00:04:43,500 You can't predict life, what happens in life. 99 00:04:43,567 --> 00:04:46,033 That's what happened. So, that's my story. 100 00:04:46,100 --> 00:04:47,734 I think I know what I'm predicting here. 101 00:04:47,800 --> 00:04:50,367 But aside from that, sir, I'm gonna ask you. 102 00:04:50,433 --> 00:04:53,033 If they don't make the payments on layaway, what happens? 103 00:04:53,100 --> 00:04:54,533 She... She lost it. 104 00:04:54,600 --> 00:04:56,133 -[DiMango] You lose it. -Yep. 105 00:04:56,200 --> 00:04:57,200 [DiMango] Where does it go? 106 00:04:57,266 --> 00:04:58,200 [George] We put for sale. 107 00:04:58,266 --> 00:05:01,800 And if somebody comes in at that point and says, I want it, 108 00:05:01,867 --> 00:05:03,300 -you sell it to them. -We sell, yes. 109 00:05:03,367 --> 00:05:07,567 Can you recall independently your situation with Ms. Langston? 110 00:05:07,633 --> 00:05:09,433 Absolutely. I explain everything. 111 00:05:09,500 --> 00:05:11,033 [DiMango] What did you tell her? 112 00:05:11,100 --> 00:05:14,433 You lost it. You came like... She came like two weeks later. 113 00:05:14,500 --> 00:05:18,166 And we keep it like six days after expiration date. 114 00:05:18,233 --> 00:05:21,500 We waiting for her, and we put for sale. 115 00:05:21,567 --> 00:05:24,934 And that's when she comes in and says, I lost my slip. 116 00:05:25,000 --> 00:05:28,266 By the way, do you need to present a slip to you in order to... 117 00:05:28,332 --> 00:05:29,367 No. 118 00:05:29,433 --> 00:05:31,200 [DiMango] You just let people make payment. 119 00:05:31,266 --> 00:05:33,300 Just three dollar for lost ticket. 120 00:05:33,367 --> 00:05:37,533 Everybody can pay. Nobody can pick up, but everybody can pay. 121 00:05:37,600 --> 00:05:39,867 Okay. What are your hours, by the way? 122 00:05:39,933 --> 00:05:41,967 Uh, 10:30 to 6:00. 123 00:05:42,033 --> 00:05:43,867 -[DiMango] Monday through Friday? -Seven days. 124 00:05:43,933 --> 00:05:45,433 -[DiMango] Seven days a week. -Yep. 125 00:05:45,500 --> 00:05:47,533 -[DiMango] Do you take a lunch break? -No. 126 00:05:47,600 --> 00:05:49,500 -[DiMango] So, it's open all the time? -Yes. 127 00:05:49,567 --> 00:05:52,300 No. It says 10 to six, but he's not open those hours. 128 00:05:52,367 --> 00:05:53,533 [DiMango] So, you know the hours. 129 00:05:53,600 --> 00:05:55,500 Yeah, because every time I call, he would close. 130 00:05:55,567 --> 00:05:56,967 [DiMango] What are you calling him for? 131 00:05:57,033 --> 00:05:59,066 To make sure. I'd say hello, my name is Lynette, 132 00:05:59,133 --> 00:06:02,233 I'm coming to make a payment. And every time I would go, 133 00:06:02,300 --> 00:06:03,934 he would actually close the store. 134 00:06:04,000 --> 00:06:06,834 Wait, stop. He would see you coming and close up? 135 00:06:06,900 --> 00:06:09,600 Every time I call I would go, this man's shop would be closed. 136 00:06:09,667 --> 00:06:14,333 The only reason I'm letting you say that is because it makes zero sense. 137 00:06:14,400 --> 00:06:16,066 [dramatic music playing] 138 00:06:16,133 --> 00:06:18,800 [narrator] Coming up on Tribunal Justice... 139 00:06:18,867 --> 00:06:19,967 [Levy] Ma'am, I'm sorry but... 140 00:06:20,033 --> 00:06:21,367 -Yes. -[Levy] I know it's tough. 141 00:06:21,433 --> 00:06:23,867 I know it's emotional and I know that it's sentimental, 142 00:06:23,934 --> 00:06:26,467 but we gotta get through the facts of the case, okay? 143 00:06:29,700 --> 00:06:31,332 [main theme playing] 144 00:06:31,400 --> 00:06:34,933 [narrator] Lynette Langston says pawn shop owner George Osepyan 145 00:06:35,000 --> 00:06:39,367 sold a cherished ring she had on layaway. She's suing for $5,000, 146 00:06:39,433 --> 00:06:42,300 the value of the ring plus emotional distress. 147 00:06:42,367 --> 00:06:45,300 But George claims Lynette stopped making payments, 148 00:06:45,367 --> 00:06:47,166 so he owes her nothing. 149 00:06:47,233 --> 00:06:48,933 What's your emotional distress? 150 00:06:49,000 --> 00:06:52,066 The ring is sentimental to me. I can't sleep at night. 151 00:06:52,133 --> 00:06:53,867 My daughter was looking for me, for my ring. 152 00:06:53,933 --> 00:06:55,367 You know, it's different things-- 153 00:06:55,433 --> 00:06:57,800 [DiMango] Your daughter would get up in the middle of the night... 154 00:06:57,867 --> 00:06:59,900 I'm not sayin' the middle of the night. I'm just sayin', 155 00:06:59,967 --> 00:07:01,367 it's sentimental value to us. 156 00:07:01,433 --> 00:07:04,467 She just feels like that's a part of me and her father together. 157 00:07:04,533 --> 00:07:07,133 I'm trying to find out from you, because you're suing here 158 00:07:07,200 --> 00:07:10,367 for $2,000 for emotional distress. 159 00:07:10,433 --> 00:07:11,500 Yes, because he kept... 160 00:07:11,567 --> 00:07:13,166 -[DiMango] What was your distress? -Because-- 161 00:07:13,233 --> 00:07:15,367 The fact your daughter couldn't see the ring on your finger? 162 00:07:15,433 --> 00:07:18,133 Every time I went there, he would say, I can't find the ring. 163 00:07:18,200 --> 00:07:20,200 Over and over he would say he couldn't find the ring. 164 00:07:20,266 --> 00:07:23,100 He also once said, I have someone inquiring about the ring. 165 00:07:23,166 --> 00:07:25,633 Do you have the ring, because I can't find the ring. 166 00:07:25,700 --> 00:07:28,734 When I was trying to put it on layaway, he was trying to say it wasn't my ring. 167 00:07:28,800 --> 00:07:32,900 Did she make payments in accordance with the layaway plan, sir? 168 00:07:32,967 --> 00:07:35,200 [George] Just deposit $100, that's it. 169 00:07:35,266 --> 00:07:38,367 Problem is, when she lost it third time, 170 00:07:38,433 --> 00:07:41,400 I ask her, she want to buy this ring. 171 00:07:41,467 --> 00:07:43,834 She told me no. She's not ready to buy. 172 00:07:43,900 --> 00:07:45,533 She want to put again to layaway. 173 00:07:45,600 --> 00:07:47,734 And it's not acceptable, you know, fourth time. 174 00:07:47,800 --> 00:07:52,266 Did she ever call you and you said, uh-oh, she's coming, I'm gonna close the shop? 175 00:07:52,332 --> 00:07:54,300 -No way. -[DiMango] I didn't think so. 176 00:07:54,367 --> 00:07:55,900 I don't want to lose my customers. 177 00:07:55,967 --> 00:07:57,500 -[DiMango] Judge Levy? -[Levy] Thank you. 178 00:07:57,567 --> 00:08:00,200 So, Ms. Langston, I'll start with you. 179 00:08:00,266 --> 00:08:01,633 What is it that you do for a living? 180 00:08:01,700 --> 00:08:03,400 Licensed vocational nurse. 181 00:08:03,467 --> 00:08:04,800 [Levy] In what capacity? 182 00:08:04,867 --> 00:08:08,166 The same as nursing, like veterans, women and children, homeless people. 183 00:08:08,233 --> 00:08:11,834 Okay. So, you say in your complaint November of 2023, 184 00:08:11,900 --> 00:08:13,333 -you were out of work. -[Lynette] Mm-hmm. 185 00:08:13,400 --> 00:08:16,900 You were behind on bills, and you had no choice but to pawn those rings. 186 00:08:16,967 --> 00:08:18,600 [Lynette] Yes. And they raised my rent. 187 00:08:18,667 --> 00:08:22,033 At a pawn shop, you offer, sir, short term loans 188 00:08:22,100 --> 00:08:25,433 in exchange for items that you call collateral, right? 189 00:08:25,500 --> 00:08:26,433 Exactly. 190 00:08:26,500 --> 00:08:27,967 [Levy] And you went, so I'm clear, 191 00:08:28,033 --> 00:08:32,033 with two rings. The defendant gave you $500 per ring. 192 00:08:32,100 --> 00:08:33,900 And you took the money from him. 193 00:08:33,967 --> 00:08:36,667 But you failed to pay it back in the appropriate time. 194 00:08:36,734 --> 00:08:39,033 You lost those rings, and that's done. 195 00:08:39,100 --> 00:08:40,600 -That's not why you're here... -Mm-hmm. 196 00:08:40,667 --> 00:08:42,500 [Levy] but that's the history with the defendant. 197 00:08:42,567 --> 00:08:44,700 -Yes, yes. -Then it's the layaway program, 198 00:08:44,767 --> 00:08:48,033 where you select an item that you like. You put a deposit on it, 199 00:08:48,100 --> 00:08:50,300 and you agree to make monthly payments. 200 00:08:50,367 --> 00:08:53,066 But the shop keeps the item until all the money's paid, 201 00:08:53,133 --> 00:08:54,700 and then you get the item back. 202 00:08:54,767 --> 00:08:55,867 Yes, that's correct. 203 00:08:55,934 --> 00:09:00,266 That's what happened here, correct? If we can go to 05, please? 204 00:09:01,333 --> 00:09:04,400 What you're looking at here is a layaway slip, correct? 205 00:09:04,467 --> 00:09:05,633 [Lynette] Yes, that's correct. 206 00:09:05,700 --> 00:09:07,700 [Levy] It's layaway slip #2015. 207 00:09:07,767 --> 00:09:09,266 Yes, that's the first layaway. 208 00:09:09,333 --> 00:09:11,700 And so, what that says is that the item 209 00:09:11,767 --> 00:09:15,734 that you purchased on layaway was $1,370. 210 00:09:15,800 --> 00:09:16,967 [Lynette] Yes, that's correct. 211 00:09:17,033 --> 00:09:20,066 -[Levy] On May 10th, you deposited $100. -[Lynette] Yes. 212 00:09:20,133 --> 00:09:22,133 -[Levy] That's your business record. -[George] Yes, sir. 213 00:09:22,200 --> 00:09:25,400 -[Levy] The balance was $1,270. -Yes. 214 00:09:25,467 --> 00:09:30,300 And at no time did you give any more money after May 10th, 2024? 215 00:09:30,367 --> 00:09:31,633 No, I did not. 216 00:09:31,700 --> 00:09:35,533 And that's the reason why that ring was put back into the cabinet, 217 00:09:35,600 --> 00:09:37,734 -and you lost the $100 deposit. -Yes. 218 00:09:37,800 --> 00:09:41,000 [Levy] Can we please to go 06? 219 00:09:41,066 --> 00:09:45,800 This is now the second layaway slip. And you see that that's 2065? 220 00:09:45,867 --> 00:09:47,867 Ma'am, same ring, correct? 221 00:09:48,934 --> 00:09:51,900 -Ma'am, I'm sorry. I know it's tough. -Yes. 222 00:09:51,967 --> 00:09:54,633 I know it's emotional, and I know that it's sentimental. 223 00:09:54,700 --> 00:09:57,433 But we gotta get through the facts of the case, okay? 224 00:09:57,500 --> 00:10:01,100 That same as before, you left another $100, 225 00:10:01,166 --> 00:10:04,467 and the balance was $1,270. 226 00:10:04,533 --> 00:10:07,266 -2065, that's the original slip? -[George] Yes. 227 00:10:07,333 --> 00:10:10,967 [Levy] Is this your handwriting, "past due," and a date on top, 11/22? 228 00:10:11,033 --> 00:10:12,000 [George] Yes. 229 00:10:12,066 --> 00:10:14,433 [Levy] So, on 11/22, if I understand that correctly, 230 00:10:14,500 --> 00:10:17,967 she had not come back within the 30 days to make another payment. 231 00:10:18,033 --> 00:10:19,066 Yeah. 232 00:10:19,133 --> 00:10:20,667 [Levy] Since she failed to do that, again, 233 00:10:20,734 --> 00:10:22,500 you took that ring, you put it back in the case. 234 00:10:22,567 --> 00:10:24,667 -Yes. -When you put it back in the case, 235 00:10:24,734 --> 00:10:27,133 it was for sale, and she lost her $100 deposit. 236 00:10:27,200 --> 00:10:28,166 -Right. -[Levy] Okay. 237 00:10:28,233 --> 00:10:31,367 And on the layaway slip, 2065, 238 00:10:31,433 --> 00:10:34,867 it says, "30 days layaway deposit will be lost. 239 00:10:34,934 --> 00:10:37,800 No refunds made on deposit. And you knew that ma'am, right? 240 00:10:37,867 --> 00:10:39,066 Yes, that's correct. 241 00:10:39,133 --> 00:10:41,033 [Levy] But when you went back there to the shop, 242 00:10:41,100 --> 00:10:44,233 after November 22nd, what happens then? 243 00:10:44,300 --> 00:10:46,567 Yeah, I went back a couple of times. Every time I went back, 244 00:10:46,633 --> 00:10:50,000 he kept sayin', I can't find it. And it wasn't in the display. 245 00:10:50,066 --> 00:10:53,066 He kept sayin', I can't find. It was like a whole month-- 246 00:10:53,133 --> 00:10:55,033 -[Levy] Do you remember that, sir? -Yes. 247 00:10:55,100 --> 00:10:57,667 -You said you couldn't find it. -We got four locations. 248 00:10:57,734 --> 00:11:00,533 And I explained to her, maybe it's in another location. 249 00:11:00,600 --> 00:11:02,500 -[Levy] It could be in another location. -Exactly. 250 00:11:02,567 --> 00:11:05,734 And you were concerned that even if you paid as you were supposed to, 251 00:11:05,800 --> 00:11:07,100 he wouldn't have that ring for you. 252 00:11:07,166 --> 00:11:09,600 Yeah, every time I was tryin' to pay, he wouldn't accept the payment. 253 00:11:09,667 --> 00:11:11,967 He said, I have to find it first. He never turned me away. 254 00:11:12,033 --> 00:11:14,000 Month after month. It went on for so long-- 255 00:11:14,066 --> 00:11:16,533 -[Levy] Why didn't you give him money... -He wouldn't accept it. 256 00:11:16,600 --> 00:11:18,433 It was after the 30 day period? 257 00:11:18,500 --> 00:11:20,200 -[Lynette] Um... -[George] Yeah. 258 00:11:20,266 --> 00:11:22,100 [Levy] It was after the 30 day period, -[indistinct] 259 00:11:22,166 --> 00:11:23,500 it was already gone. 260 00:11:23,567 --> 00:11:25,467 Okay, thank you. I have nothing further. 261 00:11:25,533 --> 00:11:27,166 So, just so we're clear, 262 00:11:27,233 --> 00:11:30,667 I don't dispute at all that you're upset. 263 00:11:30,734 --> 00:11:34,165 The ring was gifted to you by your late partner, 264 00:11:34,233 --> 00:11:35,734 your daughter's late father. 265 00:11:35,800 --> 00:11:39,066 -I am sure that it had sentimental value. -[Lynette] Mm-hmm. 266 00:11:39,133 --> 00:11:41,367 [Acker] I'm sure there's emotional distress. 267 00:11:41,433 --> 00:11:45,165 But what you have to prove is that he's somehow liable for it. 268 00:11:45,233 --> 00:11:48,867 So, help me understand why you involved the police. 269 00:11:50,165 --> 00:11:52,767 [narrator] Coming up on Tribunal Justice... 270 00:11:52,834 --> 00:11:54,767 He kept sayin' to the police, I don't know who she is. 271 00:11:54,834 --> 00:11:56,667 -I never seen her before. -What happened when she 272 00:11:56,734 --> 00:11:58,867 arrived with the police in January? 273 00:12:03,700 --> 00:12:07,300 [narrator] Lynette Langton is suing pawn shop owner George Osepyan 274 00:12:07,367 --> 00:12:10,767 for $5,000 after he refused to accept layaway payments 275 00:12:10,834 --> 00:12:12,667 on her precious family ring. 276 00:12:12,734 --> 00:12:16,500 But George says, business is business and Lynette didn't pay. 277 00:12:16,567 --> 00:12:19,266 So, he sold the ring to someone else. 278 00:12:19,333 --> 00:12:21,600 I'm sure there's emotional distress. 279 00:12:21,667 --> 00:12:25,500 But what you have to prove is that he's somehow liable for it. 280 00:12:25,567 --> 00:12:28,867 So, help me understand why you involved the police. 281 00:12:28,934 --> 00:12:31,400 I involved the police, because I explained it to them, 282 00:12:31,467 --> 00:12:34,667 every time I would go there, he would close the shop. 283 00:12:34,734 --> 00:12:37,000 [Acker] Can you give me a rough approximation 284 00:12:37,066 --> 00:12:40,500 of the number of times that you showed up to make a payment, 285 00:12:40,567 --> 00:12:42,433 and he wasn't there. 286 00:12:42,500 --> 00:12:45,367 It was from October to January. He would never take a payment. 287 00:12:45,433 --> 00:12:47,767 He kept tellin' the police, I don't know who she is. 288 00:12:47,834 --> 00:12:51,333 I've never seen her before. When I said, "Why you didn't notify me?", 289 00:12:51,400 --> 00:12:54,000 he said, "How can I notify you if I don't have your information?" 290 00:12:54,066 --> 00:12:55,300 That's what he told the police. 291 00:12:55,367 --> 00:12:57,600 [Acker] Can we put up Exhibit Nine? 292 00:12:57,667 --> 00:13:01,767 So, and I'm not trying to disrespect you or your shop, sir, 293 00:13:01,834 --> 00:13:04,633 but it doesn't look like the most organized... 294 00:13:04,700 --> 00:13:05,867 It's not organized. 295 00:13:05,934 --> 00:13:08,000 [Acker] It's not necessarily organized. 296 00:13:08,066 --> 00:13:11,633 But we still have 1,800 customers. 297 00:13:11,700 --> 00:13:15,667 What the plaintiff is suggesting is that there are times 298 00:13:15,734 --> 00:13:18,767 when you are supposed to be open. She would call 299 00:13:18,834 --> 00:13:20,934 and say I'm coming to make a payment. 300 00:13:21,000 --> 00:13:24,333 And that she would get there and the shop would be closed. 301 00:13:24,400 --> 00:13:28,333 10:30 to 6:00, but we not answer the phone. 302 00:13:28,400 --> 00:13:31,767 Because it's a lot of customers, and I am alone. 303 00:13:31,834 --> 00:13:33,900 There's no time to answer phone. 304 00:13:33,967 --> 00:13:37,266 What happened when she arrived with the police in January? 305 00:13:37,333 --> 00:13:39,000 She stay outside. 306 00:13:39,066 --> 00:13:41,967 Two police officers come inside, ask me what's going on. 307 00:13:42,033 --> 00:13:44,233 I tell them, little bit anger, that's it. 308 00:13:44,300 --> 00:13:47,934 Do you put the items that are on layaway 309 00:13:48,000 --> 00:13:51,100 and that are being paid for by your customers, 310 00:13:51,165 --> 00:13:53,667 do you put them in a separate area so that you know 311 00:13:53,734 --> 00:13:57,633 these are things that other people already have some stake in? 312 00:13:57,700 --> 00:14:00,667 -Sure. -But there was a time, you admit, 313 00:14:00,734 --> 00:14:03,400 when she came by and you were like, I'm not sure where the ring is, 314 00:14:03,467 --> 00:14:05,100 -and you didn't take her payment. -No, no. 315 00:14:05,166 --> 00:14:07,367 She came after expiration. 316 00:14:07,433 --> 00:14:10,066 -[Acker] After November 16th? -And I don't know... 317 00:14:10,133 --> 00:14:13,000 Exactly. The date was November... 318 00:14:13,066 --> 00:14:14,900 Six days after expiration. 319 00:14:14,967 --> 00:14:18,834 So, we got two occasion I'm not sure where we put it. 320 00:14:18,900 --> 00:14:21,500 -[Acker] But it was after expiration... -Exactly. 321 00:14:21,567 --> 00:14:23,066 [Acker] ...of the layaway period. 322 00:14:23,133 --> 00:14:26,066 Yeah, so, Ms. Langston, I think the problem at least 323 00:14:26,133 --> 00:14:30,467 with your case, from my perspective, is that I just don't see evidence 324 00:14:30,533 --> 00:14:34,200 that he breached the contract before you did. 325 00:14:34,266 --> 00:14:38,165 I feel like since it's a layaway, and he should notify you by mail, 326 00:14:38,233 --> 00:14:39,633 just like if it's a pawn slip. 327 00:14:39,700 --> 00:14:42,066 But either way, pawn or layaway, he didn't notify me. 328 00:14:42,133 --> 00:14:44,734 Coulda, shoulda, woulda. The contract says 329 00:14:44,800 --> 00:14:48,900 that it's your responsibility to make a payment within 30 days. 330 00:14:48,967 --> 00:14:52,467 Might it have been nice? Yes. But look at how much stuff he has. 331 00:14:52,533 --> 00:14:55,400 There's no legal requirement that I see 332 00:14:55,467 --> 00:14:58,200 that he had some obligation to call you, reach out. 333 00:14:58,266 --> 00:15:01,900 You knew what your responsibilities were, and you didn't fill them. 334 00:15:01,967 --> 00:15:03,400 And you didn't fulfill them. 335 00:15:03,467 --> 00:15:05,500 But I'll discuss with my colleagues. Judge DiMango? 336 00:15:05,567 --> 00:15:07,934 -[Lynette] Thank you. -Two things consistent with his position. 337 00:15:08,000 --> 00:15:10,767 First of all, you said you were making phone calls to him, 338 00:15:10,834 --> 00:15:13,033 and you can't establish that. But in truth, 339 00:15:13,100 --> 00:15:16,333 while he's in there with customers and all of these items, 340 00:15:16,400 --> 00:15:19,934 there'd be no reason for him to want to pick up a call and say, 341 00:15:20,000 --> 00:15:21,100 "Yeah, come on in." 342 00:15:21,166 --> 00:15:24,066 Because the sign says when he's open and when he's closed. 343 00:15:24,133 --> 00:15:26,667 So, that militates against your position there. 344 00:15:26,734 --> 00:15:30,233 And also, if he would've closed just because he knew you were coming, 345 00:15:30,300 --> 00:15:32,734 he would lose a substantial amount of customers, 346 00:15:32,800 --> 00:15:36,400 because that is when he does his business. You understand that? 347 00:15:36,467 --> 00:15:39,600 So, your position that this all caused you emotional distress 348 00:15:39,667 --> 00:15:43,667 is all coming from you, absent any other proof to the contrary. 349 00:15:43,734 --> 00:15:45,700 -Judge Levy? -[Levy] I have no questions. 350 00:15:45,767 --> 00:15:47,000 [Acker] I don't have anything else. 351 00:15:47,066 --> 00:15:49,467 [DiMango] We're gonna retire to deliberate. Thank you. 352 00:15:49,533 --> 00:15:51,133 Court now stands in recess. 353 00:15:51,200 --> 00:15:54,200 This case will be recalled. Parties are excused. 354 00:15:54,266 --> 00:15:56,233 [dramatic music playing] 355 00:15:58,600 --> 00:16:00,700 [dramatic music playing] 356 00:16:00,767 --> 00:16:03,533 Well, I think we're all pretty convinced at this point 357 00:16:03,600 --> 00:16:07,200 that people who are trying to pull a fast one 358 00:16:07,266 --> 00:16:11,200 are people who are talking rapidly, confusing the facts. 359 00:16:11,266 --> 00:16:13,567 Which rings she had. What ring she was wearing. 360 00:16:13,633 --> 00:16:15,500 What ring she was pawning, which she wasn't. 361 00:16:15,567 --> 00:16:19,834 But the bottom line here is, she took a layaway plan on a ring 362 00:16:19,900 --> 00:16:24,633 that she says was her own ring. She lost it in May, on the May 10th pawn. 363 00:16:24,700 --> 00:16:27,433 She also lost that, whatever ring she chose again, 364 00:16:27,500 --> 00:16:29,233 and she never went back. 365 00:16:29,300 --> 00:16:31,567 Why she went back months later with the police 366 00:16:31,633 --> 00:16:35,533 to say he's preventing me from engaging in his own business, 367 00:16:35,600 --> 00:16:37,967 it makes no sense, it's completely absurd 368 00:16:38,033 --> 00:16:40,165 that he would not want to take money from her 369 00:16:40,233 --> 00:16:42,867 for payment for something she had on layaway. 370 00:16:42,934 --> 00:16:44,600 I mean, clearly, she's a scammer. 371 00:16:44,667 --> 00:16:48,400 For all these reasons, she lost the ring, she didn't keep her bargain, 372 00:16:48,467 --> 00:16:50,600 she didn't make the payments in a timely fashion, 373 00:16:50,667 --> 00:16:52,000 and she's just out of luck. 374 00:16:52,066 --> 00:16:54,533 He was just running his business the way he always does. 375 00:16:54,600 --> 00:16:58,433 Um, she didn't care whether or not filing this false claim against him 376 00:16:58,500 --> 00:17:01,734 was gonna clog up the system. That's not what scammers care about. 377 00:17:01,800 --> 00:17:04,200 All they care about is hopefully one day they win on their scam. 378 00:17:04,266 --> 00:17:06,800 She's suing him for breach of contract. 379 00:17:06,867 --> 00:17:09,666 The only evidence is that she breached the contract. 380 00:17:09,733 --> 00:17:12,200 She seems to want to suggest that he frustrated her ability 381 00:17:12,266 --> 00:17:16,200 to perform under the contract. There's no evidence that he did that 382 00:17:16,266 --> 00:17:20,099 by not being available during his regularly posted business hours. 383 00:17:20,165 --> 00:17:22,666 So, solely for those reasons, I would dismiss her case. 384 00:17:22,733 --> 00:17:25,333 And the phony crying in the courtroom always gets me. 385 00:17:25,400 --> 00:17:27,800 'Cause I think it's all put on. 386 00:17:27,867 --> 00:17:30,033 -So, yes, we're unanimous. -Thank you. 387 00:17:30,100 --> 00:17:33,066 [dramatic music playing] 388 00:17:34,033 --> 00:17:37,333 Court is back in session. I remind parties you're still under oath. 389 00:17:37,400 --> 00:17:40,333 Thank you, Byrd. During deliberations, 390 00:17:40,400 --> 00:17:42,934 Judge Levy used a word that I'm so fond of on occasion, 391 00:17:43,000 --> 00:17:45,200 and that is, ma'am, that you're a scammer. 392 00:17:45,266 --> 00:17:48,367 This whole thing was a scam from the outset. 393 00:17:48,433 --> 00:17:51,133 From the time you went in to make the purchase, 394 00:17:51,200 --> 00:17:54,367 and he was keeping you from making further payments. 395 00:17:54,433 --> 00:17:58,333 We have a ring that you say is worth $3,000. 396 00:17:58,400 --> 00:18:01,266 We didn't see any evidence of $3,000, and in fact, 397 00:18:01,333 --> 00:18:04,900 you said you even paid for half of it. So, that means you woulda had proof 398 00:18:04,967 --> 00:18:06,934 of the value of that ring. 399 00:18:07,000 --> 00:18:11,233 So, all of this was just this one big ploy to pull a fast one. 400 00:18:11,300 --> 00:18:15,200 First, maybe on him, and then following that, on us. 401 00:18:15,266 --> 00:18:16,467 I'm not a... 402 00:18:16,533 --> 00:18:19,200 [DiMango] It is the conclusion that we've unanimously come to. 403 00:18:19,266 --> 00:18:20,333 Yeah, I needed more proof. 404 00:18:20,400 --> 00:18:22,166 [DiMango] You breached the contract here. 405 00:18:22,233 --> 00:18:24,467 You were the one who didn't make the payments. 406 00:18:24,533 --> 00:18:28,200 He did nothing to interfere with that. You're the one with the problem here. 407 00:18:28,266 --> 00:18:30,200 You're the one that breached the contract. 408 00:18:30,266 --> 00:18:32,800 You're the one not being all that straightforward. 409 00:18:32,867 --> 00:18:35,967 And so, when issues come down to credibility, 410 00:18:36,033 --> 00:18:38,200 you're the one that we didn't believe. 411 00:18:38,266 --> 00:18:42,300 So, the verdict then is to dismiss your case in its entirety. 412 00:18:42,367 --> 00:18:45,800 And not to clog up the system with these types of lawsuits again. 413 00:18:45,867 --> 00:18:47,166 [gavel bangs] 414 00:18:47,233 --> 00:18:50,200 This case is now concluded. Parties are excused, you may step out. 415 00:18:53,266 --> 00:18:56,800 I'm not a scammer, and I work hard for my money and the things that I have. 416 00:18:56,867 --> 00:18:58,600 She tried to make money, that's it. 417 00:18:58,667 --> 00:19:02,300 Once he got my money, every time he would not take a payment afterwards. 418 00:19:02,367 --> 00:19:03,834 Because she don't need this ring. 419 00:19:03,900 --> 00:19:06,533 She got four times opportunity, four times, 420 00:19:06,600 --> 00:19:08,333 and she never take it back. 421 00:19:08,400 --> 00:19:11,500 And he still would not tell me where the ring was or take a payment from me. 422 00:19:11,567 --> 00:19:14,533 She complain about some discrimination... 423 00:19:14,600 --> 00:19:18,300 And they ask me what's going on. I show them sticker. 424 00:19:18,367 --> 00:19:20,133 They smile, and that's it. 425 00:19:20,200 --> 00:19:22,500 I mean, I just have to move on. I have to move on. 426 00:19:22,567 --> 00:19:24,333 [narrator] Are you being sued? 427 00:19:24,400 --> 00:19:27,467 Let Tribunal Justice decide your case. 428 00:19:27,533 --> 00:19:31,867 Find us on social media @TribunalJustice. 429 00:19:31,934 --> 00:19:33,934 [main theme playing]