Oh dont worry I read the entire thread. It is still a matter of common sense. I mean come on. What kind of stupid business owner doesnt REQUIRE a substantial down payment in form of legal tender on a full body paint job. All I am saying is that the OP was setting himself up to be scammed like this.

I am not trying to defend the kid, I am just saying that this is getting way out of hand between the internet tough guys issuing threats, and the felating of the OP's ego. This kid deserves to be punished and he will be punished justly. But you need to think of the long term repercussions of all of this.

Say Hypotheticallly the kid goes away for 5 years. Serves his time, reforms, realizes the mistakes he has made and attempts to remedy them. He already would have a felony record just for this instance alone, and would never be able to seek any decent long term profession. He realizes he can never go into business for himself ever because everyone knows his name and rep, and no one will ever do any dealings with him even if he turned a new leaf and tried to go legit. People in the local area for sure will never hire him because he is a total liability in both trust for this incident, and security since so many of you internet tough guys want to kick the shit out of him. The best option for this kid is either to commit suicide, or never show his face ANYWHERE ever again. Even as a reformed felon the kid is completely fucked.

As I said I am not trying to defend this kid but he didnt deserve this national noteriety.

TL;DR - I feal sorry for this kid. Dispite his crime. And the OP set himself up to be scammed in this instance.