There are a few people who would like to have a word with a Mr. Mike Duve. From the Columbus Ohio Dispatch:
Promoter accused of theft, fleeing
More than 200 people were turned away from Veterans Memorial yesterday after a gun show was canceled and the promoter accused of running off with the money.
The show's sponsor, the Columbus-based Peoples Rights Organization, said in a statement that the promoter, Mike Duve, took money that belonged to the group and left behind unpaid bills related to this show and others he promoted.
Neither Duve nor the Peoples Rights Organization could be reached for comment yesterday. The statement the group posted on its Web site March 30 said Duve has "fled the state."
"The gentleman decided to leave town rather quickly," is what Veterans Memorial General Manager John Loree said he was told.
DOH! If you are going to embezzle, don't do it to a bunch of gun owners... The People's Rights Organization website is here and their account of things is here:
Message From Peoples Rights Board of Trustees
Last week the Board of Trustees of Peoples Rights Organization (PRO) was alerted that Mr. Mike Duve, who promoted and operated various gun and recreational shows, including the PRO Gun Shows under a sponsorship agreement with Peoples Rights Organization for more than 15 years, has fled the state, leaving behind a dizzying trail of debts, many improperly incurred in the name of this organization.
Thousands of dollars and other property belonging to Peoples Rights Organization is missing. Additionally, he has communicated to several people that he is leaving behind numerous highly indebted business and family obligations. He stated that he intends to default on all of his debts.
He has not paid numerous financial obligations related to gun shows that he has operated as "Shirt Pocket Inc," "PRO Gun Shows," "P.R.O.," and other names we have learned he was using in his business via several different post office boxes and addresses in Columbus. A search of his residence reveals that he shredded any and all documentation relating to gun shows, other business interests, and personal financing. Furthermore, he has indicated that he believes the authorities will not be able to find him.
Hey Mike -- it's "when" not "if" -- hope you like what's coming to you...
