No Subject

["Robert G. Brown" <bob@xxxxxxx>]

We have a situation that is difficult to write about, perhaps hard to handle.

After the meeting on Sunday, Chris Gidman realized he had left his coat at
Cyber-Tek, and when he called to make sure it would be there and to arrange 
pickup, Rick accused him of stealing a PC.

Earlier this afternoon, Chris returned to Cyber-Tek, along with a police
officer, to ensure that nothing untoward or inappropriate would be done or
said without a witness. He recovered his coat, and spoke with a detective.

Late this afternoon, I was called by a detective with the Kalamazoo Police 
Department. Apparently Rick has filed a formal complaint, indicating that a
computer was stolen on Sunday. This time, he did not accuse anyone. I answered
some questions, and got a description of the machine Rick claims was removed.

As described, the machine is nothing like either of the two machines I know of
as being brought to Cyber-Tek (and removed) in connection with our meeting.
I offered to produce documentation showing how one machine was purchased, and
I'm able to produce the other one on demand, since it's here.

While I've known about this for a couple of days, I've kept quiet, thinking
that it would be resolved, and that it was something between Rick and Chris.
However, the detective wishes to speak with those of us who were there last 
Sunday, and this makes it a KLUG matter. I suggest that we each be as truthful
and cooperative as possible, so we can put this matter behind us quickly.
The detective told me me that if the machine is returned soon, there will
be no questions asked and the complaint will be canceled.

I have already pointed out that there were other people in Cyber-Tek during
the meeting, and that Rick's claim to missing equipment would need to be
proven by showing his inventory as missing items as described. Nonetheless,
I got the distinct impression that police procedure was going to be followed 
on this case, and that was that.

Perhaps this is a fabrication of Ricks' anger, to give us trouble; I don't
know Rick well enough to say.  We can at least leave Rick in peace. No PC is
worth the breach of trust that can be suffered if this is not brought to a 
prompt conclusion.

We're all (by definition) computer owners, and I know many of you by now. I'd
like to think none of us are capable or even interested in such a deed, but
just in case you know something, or some hardware followed you home, you can
call and leave a message for Detective Pineda at 337-8178.  Dial #67 or use a
pay-phone if you really want to protect your anonymity, or send a fax to 
377-8887.

Thank you for your forbearance.  It's a pity that this message had to be writ-
ten at all.
                                                  ---> RGB <---