Finally a end to engine builder scam !

Jim Wintz · #1 (**permalink**) 03-08-2007, 03:00 PM

Well it is finally coming to an end, or at least the beginning of the end. This is a follow up to my original post "Engine Bulider Scam"detailing a situation myself and many others fell into with "Dragboy" and "KHP", and the man behind the scam Kent Helseth.

Kents sentencing hearing was early this afternoon.
The final results are....................46 months in prison.
And he has to pay back a total of $383,000 of which $110,000 has already been, but not sure to who because I have not seen anything yet.

Not sure if I, or any of the other hundreds of folks will see anything but at least he won't be scamming anyone else for the next 46 months.

Its been a long 4 or so years, not as long as the next 4 years will seem for Kent. Sorry if that comes acrossed cold but I ran out of compassion for Kent several years and several thousands of dollars ago.

Thanks for all of the support !!!
Jim........

jdog · #2 (**permalink**) 03-08-2007, 03:25 PM

To bad this wasn't here in Cali, I'd find a really good job for him in Prison!

jdog
P.S. I had a doosy picked out for both OJ & MJ, DAMN jury's!

jwd · #3 (**permalink**) 03-08-2007, 03:30 PM

4 years isn't nearly long enough. While in prison, I hope he gets it in the end.

blykins · #4 (**permalink**) 03-08-2007, 04:04 PM

I guess Keith Craft might get his wish......

From the first post.....

"Man this guy is unbelievable. I just read this stuff and I can not believe so many people got taken by this guy. Sounds like he needs a good ass woppen. I have an engine with an oil leak or use a little oil and I am worried to death about it. I do not know how these people get by with this stuff for so long. Hell, I was probably loosing business to this guy because if you do not build the engine you can do it a lot cheaper than if you do. I believe that is why talking to people and getting referrals is so important in every kind of purchase. There are getting fewer and fewer straight people around and I see it from the other side with people trying to use stolen credit cards and hot checks.
I always said if you do a good job and treat people honestly you will have more than you can do because of Jask-asses like this. I hope evrybody gets a little satisfaction and this guy gets to be someones girl friend on the inside. Good Luck, Keith Craft
__________________
Keith C "

Excaliber · #5 (**permalink**) 03-08-2007, 04:29 PM

jdog can you offer any insight as to the actual estimated amount of 'time served'? I suspect a 1/3, or maybe 1/2 of the sentence behind bars? Frankly I'm surprised he even got 46 months, I envisioned a slap on the wrist and 30 days sort of thing. I guess the guy really was a crook!!!

jdog · #6 (**permalink**) 03-08-2007, 05:25 PM

I don't recall which state this took place in, but here in Cali, he would do 1/2 time. Less than 2 years!

jdog
P.S. But, we have ways of making the time seem longer!

Excaliber · #7 (**permalink**) 03-08-2007, 06:42 PM

Reminds me of the theory that married men live longer when in fact it just SEEMS that way...

Dangerous Doug · #8 (**permalink**) 03-08-2007, 06:45 PM

Somebody have his address? Perhaps we could pitch in and send him a "soap on a rope"...

Scott S · #9 (**permalink**) 03-08-2007, 07:51 PM

Or some ass-embly lube!

Scott S

jdog · #10 (**permalink**) 03-08-2007, 08:31 PM

Think of all the diseases the inmates have in prison. Everything imaginable!

And since homosexuality is a crime in prison, handing out condoms would be 'promoting crime', so they "do" without!

The down side is, we pay the medical for every thing they catch.

So it's a double edged sword!

jdog
P.S. Stay out of prison if you can.

Jim Wintz · #11 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 04:44 AM

This all happened in Iowa.

I understand he pleaded guilty with the expectations of getting a year max, but based on the evidence and his history the judge sent him away for 46 months. I am not sure what the soonest he can get out or the least amount of time he has to serve, I will see if I can find that out and post it as well.
Gotta admit I was shooting for 7 to 10 years but this sure is better then a slap on the hand. I heard through the grapevine that one of the individuals from his last set-up actually received an engine. The though is that it was an attwmpt to appear honest and like he was really trying to make a go of it. I am glad he got what he ordered, I hope it really is what he paid for, but I wonder how many others will find out today that they got took, I wonder if he left a forwarding address ??? Cell block -C-.

Jim Wintz · #12 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 09:08 AM

Well, just spoke with my contact on this case, the question came up with how soon he could get out of prision or what was the minimum time he had to serve.

I was told in the federal system there is not an early release program, he will be serving the 46 months. The only option he has to get out early is for what they call "Good Time" which they said at the most would reduce his time to serve by 4 to 6 months.

So it looks like the shortest amount of time he will spend behind bars will be 40 months.

Now all he needs is a high paying prision job so we can get our money back.

Jim

jdog · #13 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 09:13 AM

You can track his every career move right here:

http://www.doc.state.ia.us/OffenderInfo.asp

jdog
P.S. I think of our court system as a "catch & release" sustainable program!

Oh, and job security!

jdog · #14 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 09:34 AM

That's different. Fed's have no day-for-day. They do almost all of their sentence!

Most inmates hate Federal time, rather plead to a state charge that face Federal time! Unless your a 'white collar' criminal. For them, they have 'Country club' prisons on park like settings.

Different kind of prisoner in the Fed system. A lot of Tax evaders, & white collar offenders. On the other side, the really bad guys in Fed prison are from organized crime, terrorists, and bank robbers! Oh yeah & marijuana growers!

The state gets most of the violent criminals and all the child molesters, what a mix!

You'll have to look here to track his even longer, Federally funded, career:

http://inmate-finder.com/index2.htm

jdog

imagine2frolic · #15 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 12:12 PM

I give it to you JIM!!!!!!! You hung right in there. Are you sure about not getting the license plate TNACOUS, or TNACITY........Good luck in the future with the car.

Jim Wintz · #16 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 01:27 PM

Thanks Jdog, I will have to keep tabs on him. Maybe I can get an inside connection that can help keep him in line.

Imangine2frolic, thanks, its been a long road, I think I will stick with 427sn8k.
I have hoped to have my car done in time for London this year, but its going to be pushing it. I am affraid it will end up being later in the summer unless somthing changes, but you never know.

Just tried the old V-8 engineering phone number, (Kents last attempt) and he is still on the answering maching. I hope no one waits too long for a return call.

Jim