Another Fraud Done to Vets?

That was a headline on Page 30 of KTB #114 last month, and it told of a man who was arrested and charged with cheating decorated veterans out of the medals and awards they won with their blood and bravery. The Government has taken action as we see in this news release sent by MAJOR LOU MARI (536-1988):

'NEW FEDERAL LAW ABOUT MEDAL OF HONOR. Recently passed Federal legislation has made it illegal to sell or trade the United States MEDALS OF HONOR. Punishment is a prison sentence and fines of up to $250,000. The new law states that it is a crime to possess any MEDAL OF HONOR whatsoever unless the owner is the recipient of the MEDAL. MEDALS OF HONOR that are unengraved will be considered stolen property and appropriate legal action will be taken against the possessor. In addition, recipients of the MEDAL OF HONOR are now forbidden by law to sell, trade or otherwise dispose of their MEDALS in any manner. One legal interpretation of the law indicates that the legislation covers all variations without regard to time frame and also extends to rosettes, ribbons and any and all parts of the badge. Restrikes are also forbidden. LEGION OF VALOR Members should be on the lookout for 'phonies' who violate the law. The punishment has been stiffened.'

HARRY'S NOTE - It remains to be seen whether this is a good law, to protect the veterans who won their medals with great courage and honor, and to protect the heritage of the United States Military and these veterans - or whether this is the same kind of kneejerk reaction by which some liberal legislators think that taking guns away from law abiding citizens will stop the violent crime. Time will tell but one thing is sure - swindlers who take advantage of honored veterans with these scams will get a mighty tough penalty . . . and so they should.

More on SHUTT and KINGS CROWN GALLERY

We got a phone call a short while ago from BOB REINHART (3766-1994), the man who was swindled out of some $60,000 by Tom Shutt and his King's Crown Gallery. We reported in KTB #114 last month that Shutt had made the first three monthly payments of $150 per month toward restitution but he missed the 4th month, and BOB was helping the Tustin Police locate Shutt.

BOB drove to the last known address of Shutt and imagine his surprise when he found that this was a fenced, gated high security section, which cost residents a great deal of money. Shutt told the court he had no money, which is part of the reason he was ordered to pay only $150 per month to BOB to return the $60,000 he took. At that rate, it would take Shutt 400 months - MORE THAN 33 YEARS to pay BOB back; but he could afford to live in a very expensive home in a very expensive subdivision.

BOB defeated the security of this place (we are not at liberty to tell just how he did this) and he went to Shutt's home to confront him - but Shutt was not there; there was no furniture and most important - no Tom Shutt! He had moved out and, to the surprise of nobody - there was no forwarding address! So BOB hit upon another plan to locate Shutt, so he could send the police.

BOB telephoned to Shutt's mother-in-law, who lives in the Kansas City area, and just asked to speak with Mrs. Shutt. BOB knew that this lady owned a house that she rented out, and at one time Shutt and his wife lived in this house. The lady seemed to know that people would be looking for Shutt, and she said nothing.

While that turned out to be a 'dead' lead, another opened up soon after. BOB was contacted by another artifact collector living in the state of Indiana, who said that he had met with Tom Shutt and bought some items from him - in Indiana! That is quite a long way from California where the court thought Shutt was living.

According to BOB, Federal warrants will soon be issued for Tom Shutt for various crimes. There are several Federal agencies interested in Tom Shutt & KINGS CROWN GALLERY including the F.B.I. (for Federal crimes); the Postal Inspectors (for crimes committed using the U.S. Mail) as well as the Secret Service of the Treasury Department (for credit card crimes).

LET'S HELP FIND SHUTT so that Law Enforcement agencies can do their job - and put him behind bars where he cannot 'scam' collectors. If you know anything about the whereabouts of Tom Shutt, please call one of the following police agencies:

Detective Finney at the Tustin (Calif.) Police at (714) 573-3246;
Detective Gruen at the Ventura (Calif) Police at (805) 494-8221

or if you don't want to call these police, please call, FAX or write to us here at SHARKHUNTERS/EAGLEHUNTERS HQ with what information you know and we will pass it on to the proper police agencies. Your name will NOT be used.