I don't think anyone has answered this yet, so I thought I'd both (a) offer a suggestion, and (b) prod the interested parties to do so.

A:
The "balance in cash" is in question at this point. JD insists it's less than the $16k in labor + parts that JAP Works has actually expended on this job. I suspect at this point it's more realistically a combination of labor on the requested jobs, parts on same, storage fees, and time spent trying to recuperate from overdue expenses. At a minimum, I'd peg that at $18k. Can Joe & Company come up with that amount of money in cash? I suspect not... unless he's been particularly fruitful with his other scamming endeavors.

Still, if he were to show up with ~$18k in cash, I think it'd be fair to release the car to him, and assume that the retribution for the rest of his scamming history will come to him when or after he drives the car off the lot. This is no longer an anonymous vehicle.

B: Any response from the fine folks at JAP Works?

For the folks who've recently stepped up to the plate with 3-figure donations to the Bury Joe Dono Legal Fund, I commend you with the highest praise, and vow to toss my business your direction should I ever be in the market for services you offer.

For those who've pondered whether JD would commit suicide and, if so, how we'd feel as a community: I suspect his personality type would more likely commit homicide-then-suicide, so please folks: be on alert. If he's goin' out, he's goin' out with a bang, and not alone.

Be alert, be aware, and be well. Life life to its fullest today.

Joe, please consider cleaning up and turning your life around. I suspect your life hasn't been rosy to this point, but you can spend the remainder of your days doing good. It's up to you. Choices: be glad you have them, and be good to them.

/diatribe