Very interesting reading [Archive] - Net54baseball.com Forums

Archive

01-06-2007, 12:33 PM

Posted By: leonA couple points. I think JP Cohen is one of the owners of Memory Lane, if it's the same person. I got a call a few minutes ago from another board member about this article and he asked if he should post it. I told him I didn't think so though I would allow it. Honestly, for the most part, I would prefer to leave personal issues out of the board. If this was hobby related it would be different. I won't censor, delete or ban for it but really....do all of us want our personal lives brought up on the board? I have said publicly that I was convicted of drug charges in 1986. I went to prison for 5 1/2 months on a 3 yr sentence. I got what I deserved and paid the price. I think I do a lot of good stuff and know I made huge mistakes before. It's what people do after those mistakes that make the person, imho. I would prefer to leave our personal lives off of the board....thanks much...

Archive

01-06-2007, 12:37 PM

Posted By: warshawlawI can hardly think of anything more material than finding out that an auctioneer had a past life as a swindler.

Archive

01-06-2007, 12:37 PM

Posted By: Peter SpaethWith due respect, IF this is the same J.P. Cohen affiliated with Memory Lane, I would think a guilty plea by a person now running a major auction house to charges of telemarketing fraud (including fraudulently collecting moneys from people under pretenses that they were charitable contributions for sick kids) might be relevant to people's decisions whether or not to do business with said auction house. Just my opinion, confined to the relevance of the post and not expressing any views on the underlying facts.

Archive

01-06-2007, 12:41 PM

Posted By: DaveHe is also a regular board member here....I would imagine you'll hear exactly how he feels.

Archive

01-06-2007, 12:42 PM

Posted By: Hal LewisAssuming this is the same J.P. Cohen... then I would certainly feel as if I had been "shilled" if I had ever won anything in their auctions. <img src="/images/sad.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

01-06-2007, 12:47 PM

Posted By: paulstrattonIt makes me wonder what else this guy might do to make a few extra $.

Archive

01-06-2007, 12:54 PM

Posted By: barrysloateLeon- what you did 20 years ago is long in the past and has nothing to do with who you are today. If the person cited is the part owner of Memory Lane, then that is in the present and is worth making known.

Archive

01-06-2007, 12:57 PM

Posted By: leonLike I said...it's only my opinion.....I have been lone person out many times.... It's "our" forum so, so be it.....

Archive

01-06-2007, 12:58 PM

Posted By: Jim CrandellDave, Is he really? Under another name? He certainly did not post when I asked him to post on the practices of his company. If I was advising him, I would tell him to be honest. Alternative is not good. Jim

Archive

01-06-2007, 12:59 PM

Posted By: BobLeon- I acknowledge your point but see a world of difference between your situation and JP's. Your actions harmed only yourself and constituted, in my eyes at least, a victimless crime, I don't have much sympathy for anyone who preys on others, if this is indeed the same J.P. Cohen. I think I am a very non-judgmental person, at least I hope I am, and try to find something good in everyone in life but it is harder for me to be compassionate about something Enronish than about a person who makes a bad decision which results in a victimless crime. tbob

Archive

01-06-2007, 01:00 PM

Posted By: DaveI maybe wrong....I could have sworn I've seen him posting here in the past...I was actually just trying to run back through old threads a few minutes ago....maybe somebody can either confirm or rule out that...

Archive

01-06-2007, 01:03 PM

Posted By: Bottom of the NinthJim, I think that Dave is mistaken. It would be unlike JP to post on here or any other message board even on an infrequent basis. There are very few dealers who are active participants on this board. Kind of like being a rat in a snake cage. Greg

Archive

01-06-2007, 01:05 PM

Posted By: Jim CrandellHe is certainly not a regular here and I never recall reading a post buy him in the time I have been on Net 54.

Archive

01-06-2007, 01:06 PM

Posted By: leonSo be it...and I do see ya'lls points. My issue (20 yrs ago) and his are 2 very different ones. There is a JP that posts on the board but it's not Cohen. Stealing is dispicable and if from a charity it's that much worse...so I am with ya'll on that. Even us "druggies" have a code of ethics.... <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

01-06-2007, 01:11 PM

Posted By: Bobby BinderSo Leon what was your drug of choice? Was it for personal use or did you distribute. Just wondering if that is how you financed your card addictions or just thinking about how many more cards you might of had instead:-)

Archive

01-06-2007, 01:14 PM

Posted By: DaveEither way...looks like we are off the topic of just good old cards for awhile again....ha ha

Archive

01-06-2007, 01:16 PM

Posted By: Eric EverettWhat I found interesting was the fact Mr. Gold hired his daughter's boyfriend, JP, at the age of 15 and he was soon his best employee. Meaning he was a great con at 15. I don't know about anyone here but if I was offered 5 figures at the age of 15 and had upside down priorities (which many 15 year olds do) I might just have done the same thing. Imagine the money and possessions and feeling of social superiority snowballing from that age (15!!). Now fast forward 10 years, and this guy now wants to use some obvious gifts legally to build his own business. Enter Memory Lane. He's done his time, hopefully learned a lot, and wants to move on with his life. All of the above is much speculation and conjecture, and I understand the risk people might be taking in putting their trust in such an individual. I don't have $10k items being sent to him so this is probably none of my business. Just wanted to point out the age thingie. -Eric Everett

Archive

01-06-2007, 01:18 PM

Posted By: Cobby33.

Archive

01-06-2007, 01:22 PM

Posted By: Jim CrandellEric, He was 15 20 yrs ago, right?

Archive

01-06-2007, 01:26 PM

Posted By: Eric EverettI stand corrected, 20 years not 10. Makes a bit of a difference in my little story doesn't it? <recedes back into lurk mode> lol -Eric Everett

Archive

01-06-2007, 01:28 PM

Posted By: E, Danieledited for being posted in wrong thread

Archive

01-06-2007, 01:33 PM

Posted By: Hal LewisI guess the obvious things someone could infer from all of this are: 1) Shill bidding 2) Card doctoring Neither are very good for us. <img src="/images/sad.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

01-06-2007, 01:41 PM

Posted By: Peter SpaethI think we should reserve judgment until we have heard (if we are going to hear) both sides of the story. I think the post is fair game for the reasons I previously stated in response to Leon, but at the same time it is too early to infer anything. Hal is right that those things certainly could be of potential concern, but let's not convict anyone yet of new charges.

Archive

01-06-2007, 01:45 PM

Posted By: Jeff LichtmanWell, if it's the same guy, what is the other side to the story? That he is innocent of all the allegations in the article? That he does not commit fraud in his present business? What else is he supposed to say other than, "that was me a long time ago, it's not me today."

Archive

01-06-2007, 02:18 PM

Posted By: Charlie BarokasGreg Schwartz is now my hero!

Archive

01-06-2007, 02:26 PM

Posted By: barrysloateIf you had made a lot of illegal money and needed to launder it, wouldn't rare baseball cards be a good place to put it? Seems like a possible connection here (I know I have no evidence, I am just speculating).

Archive

01-06-2007, 02:28 PM

Posted By: Bottom of the NinthCharlie, You are someone who works very closely with JP Cohen and Memory Lane, so how do you feel about this? Greg

Archive

01-06-2007, 02:36 PM

Posted By: Charlie BarokasGreg, I am shocked. My relationship with Memorylane Inc has been that we share a very good customer and consignor. Needless to stay, I think we are all taken back right now. I do applaud you for this information. I can assure. That nobody from Manontherock Inc has ever played pai gow poker! Charlie

Archive

01-06-2007, 02:48 PM

Posted By: James FeaginSo is this JP Cohen around 34-35 years of age?

Archive

01-06-2007, 02:53 PM

Posted By: JoannIf it's the same person, then the background is relevant to this forum given that Memory Lane is currently an active auctioneer and many forum readers do business there. If it's the same person. If not, what a terrbile disservice to the Memory Lane JP Cohen. This should have been confirmed or at least investigated before posting - short of that it's a little irresponsible. Just my opinion, but Lord knows I now hope that no one named Joann Kline ever gets in trouble anywhere or my name here could be Mud - no matter whether it's actually me or what I try to do to salvage my reputation. Such as it exists. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> Joann

Archive

01-06-2007, 02:54 PM

Posted By: RhysIF this is the same guy, we are not just talking about stuff that happened 20 years ago. The article says he was indicted on golf club telemarketing fraud AFTER 2001 which would make this fraud ongoing up until less than 5 years ago when he went to prison. I dont know him and am not making any comments about him personally, but IF it is him, this is really bad stuff.

Archive

01-06-2007, 03:14 PM

Posted By: David SmithWhat is the old saying about either a Leopard and it's spots or a Tiger and it's stripes??? David

Archive

01-06-2007, 03:15 PM

Posted By: Dan BrettaMemory lane is located in Tustin, CA and the telemarketing scam took place in Santa Ana, CA. Anyone know how close those cities are to each other?

Archive

01-06-2007, 03:16 PM

Posted By: Hal LewisAbout ONE MILE. <img src="/images/sad.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

01-06-2007, 03:22 PM

Posted By: Harry Wallace (HW)Are we sure that this is the same person. Has anyone called Memory Lane? It just seems weird that this would not come out until now. Those articles were written many years ago.

Archive

01-06-2007, 03:25 PM

Posted By: David SmithHenry, That might be true but many years ago cards were not selling for as much as they are now and auction company ethics weren't in the spotlight. David

Archive

01-06-2007, 03:26 PM

Posted By: Hal LewisTwo guys named "JP Cohen" within a mile of each other. Seems possible... but probably the same guy.

Archive

01-06-2007, 03:30 PM

Posted By: JimCrandellIf I'm not mistaken one of the articles referred to Adam Cohen--JP's brother. JP of Memory Lane has a brother named Adam.

Archive

01-06-2007, 03:41 PM

Posted By: barrysloateThen it's him. Too many coincidences.

Archive

01-06-2007, 03:42 PM

Posted By: Charlie BarokasIn November 1998, the FTC filed a complaint against the above-named defendants, J.P. Cohen (a defendant not part of the settlement package), and the corporate entities through which they did business, U.S. Marketing and North American Charitable Services, Inc. The FTC alleged that in telephone scripts, "thank you" letters, and brochures sent to donors, the defendants and their subcontractors misrepresented that consumers' donations would benefit local purposes - such as holiday parties for sick children in local hospitals - and misrepresented that consumers' donations would support particular programs - such as buying wheelchairs for veterans. According to the FTC, most donations did not support a charitable purpose but instead funded the nationwide telemarketing operation and lined the defendants' pockets. In some instances, the defendants never paid the nonprofits, but simply kept all the money raised in their names. edited to add: sick kids

Archive

01-06-2007, 03:44 PM

Posted By: barrysloateDespicable!!

Archive

01-06-2007, 03:53 PM

Posted By: leonI can barely imagine anything worse except some physical abuses. edited because I changed my mind. I would do as CMOKING and evaluate their auctions as I go...

Archive

01-06-2007, 03:59 PM

Posted By: Ryan ChristoffWe should probably suspend judgement until we know for sure this is the same JP Cohen, in spite of how obvious it appears that it is. Having said that, it certainly sounds like the JP Cohen I know. This is the one who never posted on the board until he made a post saying he needed me to contact him. He felt he was somehow trying to "out" me after he had not received auction items about 30 seconds after he paid for them. Of course, he failed to mention that he took over a month to pay for them and was bidding on behalf of a bidder who I had banned from my auctions. Think about the "code of ethics" involved when someone who runs an auction house is willing to bid in another auction for a banned bidder. This becomes more interesting due to how this story ended: Because of the dollar amount of his auction wins (nearly six figures) and the importance of the cards, I was not comfortable shipping the cards. I told him I'd prefer to hand-deliver them, if possible. He said he had a friend here in Colorado that would be set up at a show in two weeks and I could give the stuff to his friend so he could pick it up at that show. Well, we came to this agreement after two weeks had already passed since the end of the auction. Two weeks after that I received a personal check from JP Cohen. ONE DAY later he asked me to give the auction items to his friend who was leaving for the show the next day. I said there was no possible way I would ever consider doing this, especially considering who he was bidding on behalf of. I said I'd still be happy to personally deliver the items to his friend the following week or whenever his check cleared. He started threatening me with lawyers, etc. so I suggested an activity he could go do with his lawyer and told him he'd just have to wait until the National, which was about 6 weeks away at that point, to get his stuff. If he didn't like that he could come pick it up himself. From what I remember he even called Leon to complain about me. Anyway, he finally agreed to allow me to deliver his items to his friend in Colorado, which I did the following day. Any guess who his friend in the "Mile High" city was? -Ryan

Archive

01-06-2007, 04:13 PM

Posted By: paulstrattonUgh...from bad to worse.

Archive

01-06-2007, 04:18 PM

Posted By: Peter_SpaethGuilt by association is not fair. I don't think it's fair to drag the friend into this.

Archive

01-06-2007, 04:19 PM

Posted By: JimCrandellOh Oh Ryan--shouldn't have said that--it seems about the time that the great dealer apologist--Colt McClelland--weighs in on this issue.

Archive

01-06-2007, 04:21 PM

Posted By: James FeaginCharlie or anyone who personally knows JP Cohen, is he around 35-36 years old? James

Archive

01-06-2007, 04:22 PM

Posted By: Cobby33So does this mean we should throw away all the cards we've purchased from Memory Lane auctions? What's the point?

Archive

01-06-2007, 04:24 PM

Posted By: JimCrandellJames, I do--that is his approximate age. Cobby, You have got to be kidding.

Archive

01-06-2007, 04:27 PM

Posted By: Jeff LichtmanYes, that is exactly the point. Throw away all the cards won from Memory Lane auctions. Oops wait, here's a different point: don't buy from them in the future. Can't decide which one makes more sense or which more obviously follows the above posts. I'll have to think about this for a while.

Archive

01-06-2007, 04:30 PM

Posted By: Dan BrettaHere's a photo of the Memory lane JP: edited to remove huge photo. <img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1168044018.JPG">

Archive

01-06-2007, 04:30 PM

Posted By: JayWho is Ryan?

Archive

01-06-2007, 04:35 PM

Posted By: Bottom of the NinthCharlie, I had assumed since you and Andrew had bought things from me on several occasions and asked me to ship them directly to JP Cohen of Memory Lane Inc, that you were doing business with him. In addition when I had noticed you list<a target=_top HREF="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=133064&item=190060156394"> this card</A> only to have JP list <A HREF="http://cgi.ebay.com/1948-49-LEAF-1-JOE-DIMAGGIO-GRADED-SGC-88-PSA-8_W0QQitemZ290058894947QQihZ019QQcategoryZ133065QQ rdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem"> the same exact card</A> immediately after you ended your listing, I just assumed that you were doing business with him. Well it is at least good news to hear that you are not Pai Gow partners. Greg

Archive

01-06-2007, 04:37 PM

Posted By: E, Danielsimply that you can choose to not fatten his bank account further? So many places you can buy material from, if the scuttlebutt thus far is true - wouldn't you rather direct your monies somewhere else? I mean, telemarketing money out of people for good causes, and then keeping the vast majority yourself is kinda slimy, no? Daniel

Archive

01-06-2007, 04:39 PM

Posted By: JimBJim Crandall, While we are crucifying Colt McCelland and Brian Drent, why don't we crucify everybody that ever bought or sold a card through Memory Lane since they all must be equally guilty. Jim, your crusade is verging into the realm of slander. JimB

Archive

01-06-2007, 04:43 PM

Posted By: leonAgreed...this isn't about everybody that knows this dispicable person. It's about the person that did terrible things....Also, for the record, had I known everything I know now I certainly would have posted this myself. No way would I cover for this or ask it not to be posted. best regards

Archive

01-06-2007, 04:43 PM

Posted By: Charlie BarokasGreg, Let me say again. I am in total shock. J.P. has been nothing but a great guy to me personally and I have no reason to believe he is involved in any of this. However, the information provided seems to indicate it is the same guy. He may have been involved but to a much lesser degree. Personally, I hope these allegations are false for many reasons. But if he was involved in scamming charities, I will have to reevalute my position. Charlie

Archive

01-06-2007, 04:45 PM

Posted By: Dan BrettaI hate to show sympathy for anyone who would scam people out of money but 15 years old and mentored by a con artist is probably going to leave an impression hard to shake.

Archive

01-06-2007, 04:47 PM

Posted By: leonI am very empathetic to situations but did I miss something? Didn't some of this happen in the last 5 yrs or so?

Archive

01-06-2007, 04:51 PM

Posted By: Ryan ChristoffPeter, You're right. It isn't fair to lump Brian Drent in with JP Cohen, especially with what we now know about JP Cohen. I won't go back and edit my post, but only because I don't believe posts should be edited. I do regret posting it in this thread. The implication that it leads to isn't fair to Brian. It was JP that said they were friends, not Brian. Maybe they just knew each other because they both had similar sized auction houses. When I dropped the cards off, Brian wasn't even there and I'm not sure he ever even saw them. I disagree with you a bit about the "guilt by association" part, though. If some guy I know is a scumbag and you say you're friends with him, it doesn't necessarily mean you're a scumbag, but you have less credibility than someone else. Once I know you more, I can decide for myself, but until then, you're that guy that's friends with a scumbag. The problem here is that it was the scumbag that said he was friends with the other person, not the person who said he was friends with the scumbag. I'd like to apologize to Brian for what conclusions could be drawn from my post. I'd have no problem with it being deleted, either. Also, to clear it up, the JP Cohen I know is a scumbag whether it's the guy in these stories or not. -Ryan

Archive

01-06-2007, 04:53 PM

Posted By: Peter_SpaethI think Dan's point is that 15 yr. olds are very impressionable and if they are led into this type of activity by a father figure mentor (his mother's boyfriend apparently), it arguably is understandable how a person could go astray.

Archive

01-06-2007, 04:54 PM

Posted By: Dan BrettaIf it is the same JP and we don't know if it is, but judging from the information in the article JP was only 15 when he was hired by a con artist to work for him. He evidently was in business with him for the next 14+ years. I know that I got my morals from my mother and father. It sounds like JP may not have had a father in his life since this con artist was his mother's boyfriend. I don't excuse any wrongdoing, but I can feel some sympathy for someone who was brought up in a life of crime. We should also state that there is ZERO evidence that Memory Lane's auctions haven't all been on the up and up.

Archive

01-06-2007, 04:57 PM

Posted By: Peter_SpaethRyan you have always seemed a fair-minded person and your follow-up post confirms that impression. Just on the theoretical subject though, bear in mind that we don't always know everything about our friends, so one might well be friends with someone who is a "scumbag" but have no idea about their past, or their secret activities, or whatever. Another reason not to presume people are guilty by association.

Archive

01-06-2007, 04:57 PM

Posted By: JimCrandellJimB, Oh Oh--hit a nerve--have not said anything bad about anyone here. I have asked a number of dealers to explain their policies---sorry if that was too much for you and Colt. Jim

Archive

01-06-2007, 05:03 PM

Posted By: JimBJim Crandall, Personally I like to have some evidence before I presume guilt. You go on doing things your way and I'll do mine my way. I would appreciate it if you could refrain from snide remarks, but of course that is up to you. JimB

Archive

01-06-2007, 05:05 PM

Posted By: leonI understand a 15 yr old can be impressionable. No doubt about that. When you are in your mid-late 20's and represent that you are collecting money for these worthwhile charities, and bankrolling it yourself, it's still very wrong. I can't imagine saying I am collecting money for disabled firefighters and kids in wheelchairs and then keeping the money myself.

Archive

01-06-2007, 05:07 PM

Posted By: Dan BrettaI can't either Leon, but you and I were not mentored by a con artist.

Archive

01-06-2007, 05:08 PM

Posted By: Cobby33Using the logic herein, we shouldn't buy from any auction house and forget eBay. I think we're talking ourselves out of a hobby while in search of (1) a nonexistent conspiracy theory; or (2) making much ado about nothing. Where there are clear shams, they are brought to everyone's attention and dealt with. There are plenty of those. Why hunt for ones that likely don't exist? This is almost as bad as those morons on the Beckett boards, making false statements about the authenticity of cards, except that the overall IQ on here is considerably higher. What a shame.

Archive

01-06-2007, 05:11 PM

Posted By: JimCrandellJimB, Who am I saying is guilty and where did I say it? I asked dealers to explain their policies. I don't think because they refused to means that they alter cards. Colt has come in like a bull in a china shop and been very aggressive and obnoxious in his comments. Then he got in an argument with another poster and deleted everything he said. Besides that have no idea what you are talking about? Would you like to join us in NYC in a couple weeks in our discussions to clean up the hobby or are you happy with the way things are? Jim

Archive

01-06-2007, 05:14 PM

Posted By: Sean CFrom the first linked article: =========================== According to the FTC, the defendants raised more than $24 million between 1995 and early 1999, but contrary to their representations, they provided only a small amount to the nonprofits. Steven Chinarian, another defendant, has agreed to refrain from fundraising and must post a bond before engaging in telemarketing activities, as part of this settlement In November 1998, the FTC filed a complaint against the above-named defendants, J.P. Cohen (a defendant not part of the settlement package), and the corporate entities through which they did business, U.S. Marketing and North American Charitable Services, Inc. ============================ If he's about 35 or so now as people are mentioning, he would have been about 23 in 1995 and about 26 when charged by the FTC, not 15. Interesting reading: <a href="http://www.bullyonline.org/workbully/serial.htm" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.bullyonline.org/workbully/serial.htm</a>

Archive

01-06-2007, 05:17 PM

Posted By: Peter_SpaethCobby what are you saying, that you don't think it's the same person, or that you think even if it is it is irrelevant to his activities as a dealer/auctioneer? Not challenging you at all, just trying to understand your point.

Archive

01-06-2007, 05:19 PM

Posted By: Peter_SpaethAccording to this link that Greg posted, he was hired in 1987 when he was 15. That squares up pretty well. <a href="http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/atoz/article_1031486.php" target="_new" rel="nofollow"><a href="http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/atoz/article_1031486.php</a" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/atoz/article_1031486.php</a</a>> Edited to add: "December 1987: Gold hires 15-year-old J.P. Cohen, the son of a girlfriend, as a telemarketer. Cohen quickly becomes Gold's top employee."

Archive

01-06-2007, 05:19 PM

Posted By: JimCrandellSean, One of the articles said he was 15 when he began working for Gold. Jim

Archive

01-06-2007, 05:21 PM

Posted By: Sean CNot that it makes the allegations any better. Interesting reading: <a href="http://www.bullyonline.org/workbully/serial.htm" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.bullyonline.org/workbully/serial.htm</a>

Archive

01-06-2007, 05:24 PM

Posted By: Cobby33Peter- Don't know whether it is the same person or not, but if it is, I ask: (a) Do we no longer purchase from Memory Lane?; (b) What do we do with cards (graded and raw) already purchased from Memory Lane?; and (c) Do we likewise blackball all auction houses subject to these allegations (this isn't the only one), because of the potential for some questionable cards?

Archive

01-06-2007, 05:31 PM

Posted By: Peter_SpaethCobby -- damned if I know. But as I stated in a prior post, I agree that at this point there is no evidence that any wrongdoing happened with respect to cards.

Archive

01-06-2007, 05:35 PM

Posted By: Cobby33Agreed!

Archive

01-06-2007, 05:36 PM

Posted By: barrysloateMost of the posts here are knee jerk reactions, so I wouldn't be throwing out any cards or boycotting anyone quite yet. I don't think running a telemarketing scam correlates to selling trimmed cards, but it might be fair to say the auction house could be financed with dirty money. It's easy to stock up on nice cards when the money used to buy them was stolen from old ladies and the disabled.

Archive

01-06-2007, 05:39 PM

Posted By: Brad<img src="/images/wink.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

01-06-2007, 05:41 PM

Posted By: robGuess I will throw out the wagner I just won in his auction.

Archive

01-06-2007, 05:41 PM

Posted By: Colt McClellandJim Crandall, You are what you are, and you continue to reinforce it through posts like those. I hope you keep it up so that you get kicked out of here. Peace be with you. Your friend, Colt McClelland edited to add Jim Crandall's last name so as not to be confused with JimB, one of the truly great guys in this hobby.

Archive

01-06-2007, 05:43 PM

Posted By: cmokingeveryone decides for themselves. There is no "we" when you are spending your own money. Nobody is going to decide how I spend mine, nor am I going to decide how someone spends their's. With that said, here are my personal thoughts for my money: (a) Do we no longer purchase from Memory Lane?; I won't say no, but I will be very careful. I'll probably only bid on cards that I know are consigned and that I know the consignor. In the latest auction, I won a card which I knew who the consignor was, and that made me more comfortable bidding on it. It really limits my choices, but I'm comfortable with that decision. (b) What do we do with cards (graded and raw) already purchased from Memory Lane? I personally will look through my records and review all the ones that I bought from them very very very very carefully. I'll have a friend of mine who is really good at spotting altered cards and ask him to please check them out for me. (c) Do we likewise blackball all auction houses subject to these allegations (this isn't the only one), because of the potential for some questionable cards? Every auction house is different since they are run by different people. I'll try to judge them individually and see how comfortable I am bidding on their stuff. I know there are some auction houses that I will be very comfortable with and others that I won't bother to bid at all. But for me personally, I'll make a case-by-case decision for myself.

Archive

01-06-2007, 05:49 PM

Posted By: Cobby33Very thoughtful answers. Thank you.

Archive

01-06-2007, 06:09 PM

Posted By: Scot ReaderDELETE

Archive

01-06-2007, 06:16 PM

Posted By: E, DanielIf you do as the Dalai Lama would do whilst wading through all this doo-doo predicament, I'll do it too - and I'll take your word on it!<img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

01-06-2007, 06:23 PM

Posted By: Hal LewisJust so everyone knows... I have been told by someone I trust very much that it is DEFINITELY the SAME guy. <img src="/images/sad.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

01-06-2007, 06:47 PM

Posted By: Dan Koteleswhat the eff is a Pai gow ?

Archive

01-06-2007, 06:55 PM

Posted By: Bottom of the NinthDan, I'm not sure but I know I would not ask JP as he does not seem to know either. Greg

Archive

01-06-2007, 06:57 PM

Posted By: Paul MossIt's a game of poker where you make the best two hands, one two card, one five card, that both must beat the dealer's in order to win.

Archive

01-06-2007, 06:57 PM

Posted By: Griffin's<<what the eff is a Pai gow ?>> Type of poker played at the Hollywood Park casino (where the card shows were until this year) that used dice along with cards.

Archive

01-06-2007, 07:11 PM

Posted By: JimCrandellWow--Paul Moss posting--Hey Paul--long time no see. Got any 1970 Kellogg psa 10s for me(ha ha).

Archive

01-06-2007, 08:05 PM

Posted By: Frank Evanov"(a) Do we no longer purchase from Memory Lane?; I won't say no, but I will be very careful. I'll probably only bid on cards that I know are consigned and that I know the consignor. In the latest auction, I won a card which I knew who the consignor was, and that made me more comfortable bidding on it. It really limits my choices, but I'm comfortable with that decision" King, I can't see myself doing any business with a convicted felon who scammed charitable causes. I wouldn't buy a candy bar from him, much less a valuable collectible. Frank

Archive

01-06-2007, 08:11 PM

Posted By: MikeUMemoryLane is the only auction company that does not list a single employee profile on their website. Even further, not one single individuals name or e-mail address is noted on the website.

Archive

01-06-2007, 08:40 PM

Posted By: David VarghaI believe JP's e-mail addy is MemoryLaneInc@aol.com DavidVargha@hotmail.com

Archive

01-07-2007, 02:06 AM

Posted By: brianI've been a high end PSA set builder since 1996. I have easily spent over a million dollars on PSA cards(8 grade only)in an attempt to build my sets from the 40's and early 50's. I've easily consigned over a million dollars in vintage cards with Mastro, Goodwin, Memory Lane and all the top PSA dealers over the past 10 years. I've personally worked with J.P. Cohen of Memory Lane for the past ten years. J.P. Cohen is as respected within the hobby by the top collectors as much as any other dealer. How do I know this? Because the legends of our hobby like Charlie and Marshall have worked with J.P. Cohen for years and have trusted him with their personal collections. I have consigned hundreds of thousands with Memory Lane over the years and I have never ever come close to having one negative experince with J.P. Cohen. Over the years I have built a relationship with J.P. based on trust. I've certainly never spent one cent with Greg which is not to say that he's dishonest, just not close to being held in the regard that the top collectors regard J.P. Cohen and Memory Lane. Most collectors would be stunned to know some of the dealers still in the hobby that had reputations for carving up cards prior to PSA. That's the only reason I remained in the hobby, PSA at least gave me a sense of comfort versus some self serving dealer. I suggest every collector base their opinion on their personal experience, not someone's alledged background from years ago. As I mentioned, send Charlie or Marshall an email sometime.

Archive

01-07-2007, 02:27 AM

Posted By: Hal LewisBrian: I appreciate your input, and hope that you don't mind these questions as they are "hypothetical" and not meant to accuse: 1) As a consignor... wouldn't you benefit from a dealer or auction house who shill bids on the items for sale in their auction? I doubt the auctioneer would ever tell you he was doing this, and you as the consignor would never be harmed. In fact, you would profit and probably choose to consign with this auction house because he somehow gets consistent high results. 2) As a high end collector, wouldn't you be a perfect target for someone who "doctors" cards and then has a contact or reputation that allows him to get them slabbed in PSA holders? Won't you admit that if someone did this to a card and then sold it to you in a PSA holder, you would never know it? I think these are the fears that all of us have. If a person is doing either of these things... then they can afford to be as NICE and COOPERATIVE as possible with people such as yourself. They would know that acting professional is the BEST way to deflect attention away from themself. In other words... if you found out today that JP Cohen had sold you some PSA cards that were doctored... wouldn't your opinion of him change? But yet you will never bust these cards out to find out (and I don't blame you as I would never do this either).

Archive

01-07-2007, 03:14 AM

Posted By: brianHal, I think the smart collectors know that the best and safest way to maximize their sales is to consign them with a dealer to let them sell versus a "one shot" consignment in an auction.

Archive

01-07-2007, 04:20 AM

Posted By: Jeff LichtmanBrian, I appreicate your spin on the issue. My only comments are: a) are the allegations contained in Greg's article only "alleged" as you say or proven? Sounds like they were proven (following a guilty plea) to me. And b) has anyone here once claimed that Memory Lane has run a crooked auction? Or simply that they feel that such a possibility could exist considering one of the principals had plead guilty to defrauding innocent citizens in a particularly slimy manner? And lastly, regardless of Greg's motivation in posting this, how does JP Cohen's recent past as a fraudster reflect negatively on Greg Schwartz?

Archive

01-07-2007, 04:39 AM

Posted By: barrysloateBrian- I don't know who you are since you didn't include your last name, but something about your post concerns me. I will give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that all your experiences with Memory Lane, both buying and selling, have been positive. But now that this story has come to light, doesn't it make you feel just a little bit uncomfortable? Is it possible that J.P. Cohen is doing all these altruistic things because he already made all the money he will ever need and he is now doing major damage control? Wouldn't it be advantageous for him to come across as a model citizen as a way of covering up a very ugly past?

Archive

01-07-2007, 05:04 AM

Posted By: Martin NealIf these J. P. Cohens are on and the same, how could anyone consider doing business with him. If he profited from these illegal activities and I am making an assumption that he did, then what else does anyone have to know about him? I don't care if he is an exemplery businessman and model citizen, he should be stripped of all assets and made to work for his good fortune like the rest of us. About 10,000 hours of community service would do him good. Even this would not repay the harm he has done to the needy people of the world. Do we really need this type of individual in our hobby?

Archive

01-07-2007, 05:22 AM

Posted By: JimCrandellBrian, While I agree with some of your points, I disagree with some too: 1)I have bought a lot of cards from JP. He also provided an unbiased and I think accurate opinion on a very large bb card trade I did about 18 mos ago. All my experiences have been positive. 2)I have enormous respect for Greg Schwartz(BOTN). Noone has done more imo to bring to light some of the shady practices going on in the industry than Greg...undoubtedly at the expense of his business. Not many know more than Greg about where all the bodies are buried as well. Call Greg about who is doing what in the hobby--you will be surprised. 3)I think that a felony conviction of defrauding innocent civilians is relevant to the hobby. 4)Auction houses will split or give up part of the auction premium on high quality or expensive lots. 5)I too bought at auction a lot of psa cards in the mid-90s and I was not "run up" as I can remember. In fact when I looked back on the prices I paid for these cards it was nothing short of unbelievable in many cases. Jim

Archive

01-07-2007, 06:11 AM

Posted By: robFirst off, I have no experience with the people mentioned in this piece but i have one piece of advice for those who have. Most of us are honest, hard-working people who hang around honest hard-working people. I had the unfortunate experience of hanging around people who werent such, but I had no idea, nor did any of my co-workers. In other words, we take people at face value, believe what they say, and expect it to be true. The fact is, criminals dont care who they lie to and how much they lie. It is a slippery slope and becomes almost second nature, even when dealing with friends and family - especially when dealing with money. But as honest people, we often do see the clues or expect it because we dont have the experience of mingling with these individuals. Its white-collar crime and it is the most difficult to discover, but when it is, it is usually pretty broad-ranging. I am not sayng anyone is a criminal here, all I am saying is things arent always as they seem, and just because you believe someone has always been honest with you and you want to believe them, it doesnt make it so.

Archive

01-07-2007, 07:01 AM

Posted By: David VarghaI spoke with a good friend of mine this morning, Kaiser Soze, and you wouldn't believe some of the stuff he said that's going on in the hobby. DavidVargha@hotmail.com

Archive

01-07-2007, 07:33 AM

Posted By: barrysloateDavid- at this point I would pretty much believe anything. Would you care to share a few juicy morsels with us? Edited to say David made a reference to a movie I was not familiar with.

Archive

01-07-2007, 08:25 AM

Posted By: Al C.risafulliBarry, you really need to see that movie. -Al

Archive

01-07-2007, 08:36 AM

Posted By: Max WederGreat movie reference for this thread (although it did take me a while to get it) Max

Archive

01-07-2007, 10:17 AM

Posted By: BrianJeff - I stated that Greg's comments are allegations and obviuosly the articles speak for themselves factually. If you presume these articles are about the same J.P. Cohen then make a decision based on his past and choose never to do business with him or his company again. I'm focusing on my personal experince with J.P. Cohen over the last few years as a dealer in the hobby. Jim - I'm glad you had some great experiences with auctions in the past, so did I overwhelmingly. Everything I ever purchased from 1997-2001 was PSA "slabbed" and due to the demand at the time virtually every card appreciated. I did have a few purchases like paying $42,000 for an Eddy Mathews in an "8" in 1998 at the peak and then watching it sell for less than half of what I paid in an auction in 2001.

Archive

01-07-2007, 10:27 AM

Posted By: barrysloateBrian- I didn't mean "who are you" in any disrespectful way. I just didn't know who I was speaking to, that's all. Sorry if you took it the wrong way.

Archive

01-07-2007, 10:30 AM

Posted By: E, DanielFair enough Brian. But what a person does to thousands upon thousands of other people in a negative way, is much more relevant to me as a human being. I'll take an honest man/woman every day over one who manages to ACT professionally. My advice, read the article again, think of your grandmother as being the one who was bilked out of $45,000, and then decide if that's a man who deserves your business. Sincerely Daniel Enright Ps. See, a last name isn't so hard to type <img src="/images/wink.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

01-07-2007, 10:31 AM

Posted By: leonSince you didn't put your email address would you please email me privately? Thanks a lot..... leonl@flash.net

Archive

01-07-2007, 10:39 AM

Posted By: Frank EvanovBrain...again no last name.... I take issue with several of your comments: "He [JP]....has done me countless favors" ....well then I guess you'd be returning the favor by posting in his defense here. "What is Greg trying to accomplish here?" ....Greg is supplying collectors with facts we need to have when we decide where to spend our collecting dollars. That info is very relevant here. "I suggest each collector and dealer look themselves in the mirror and decide if they'd like to cast a stone and also have their alledged history posted." ...absolutely yes. I am not a convicted felon and I have nothing to conceal in my history. Your assumption that everyone has something to hide might be the reason you are so willing to trust someone convicted of such serious charges. Frank

Archive

01-07-2007, 11:02 AM

Posted By: barrysloateBrian- to respond further I will tell you I have never done a nickel of business with Memory Lane, and must confess I didn't even know who J.P. Cohen was until I read the article posted on this site and went through the thread. So I am dealing here exclusively with first impressions. I do not have access to any facts, and I don't plan to convict him of any crimes. But we all make first impressions, and mine is: I don't like what little I know about him. If even a fraction of that article is true, he sounds like a real scumbag, and I don't think he and I will be getting together for a beer anytime soon. So I will repeat my question in that context: Despite whatever positive experiences you have had with him, do you feel any differently after reading that article? Do you think everything in it is false, and that he is in fact an eagle scout? Might at least some or most of it be true?

Archive

01-07-2007, 11:08 AM

Posted By: BrianFrank - You are correct, I am responding to all the negative posts based on the posted article. Am I defending anyone's history here? No, just conveying my experience with dealing with J.P. directly. Have you ever purchased or consigned with Memory Lane directly? Do you have any experience in dealing directly with J.P. Cohen in collecting cards? Did you have a bad/negative experience on any transactions? Would you regard this guy as honest in your dealings? Prior to this article would you have reccomended J.P. as a dealer? Would you answer these questions for me? At this point that's probably much more relevant and beneficial going forward.

Archive

01-07-2007, 11:08 AM

Posted By: Ryan ChristoffBrian, The least you can do is post who you are. Dropping names and claiming knowledge of lawsuits doesn't help us know who you are. Just post your name. Or don't post. I thought that was the rule, Leon. -Ryan (Ryan Christoff to be exact)

Archive

01-07-2007, 11:13 AM

Posted By: denniswe all liked OJ too.......<img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

01-07-2007, 11:18 AM

Posted By: E, Danielthe watchmaker down the road who turned out to be a nazi camp guard in Austria seemed like such a nice old man too! <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> And boy, could he really fix watches. Daniel

Archive

01-07-2007, 11:19 AM

Posted By: leon aka dictator or "dick" for shortI emailed Brian (hi Brian) and he emailed me right back with his contact info. I don't mind not putting the name on the board AS LONG as he's willing to email right back with his contact info etc.... If anyone emails Brian and he doesn't email you back let me know and I will give you his contact info, that's only fair. He seems ok to me from the email I got but that's all we have ever communicated, that I am aware of. Most anonymous people that blast folks won't email back and then I delete, censor, ban etc....best regards

Archive

01-07-2007, 11:24 AM

Posted By: BrianRyan and Frank, here you go.

Archive

01-07-2007, 11:32 AM

Posted By: Jeff LichtmanBrian, your postings are hilarious. You refuse to even acknowledge if the JP Cohen of Memory Lane is the same JP Cohen in Greg's articles -- yet you suggest that the conduct committed by Memory Lane's JP is "alleged" (despite the fact that he plead guilty to fraud) and that the very few handful of dealings that any one consumer might have had with Memory Lane or JP are more relevant than his incredibly sordid recent fraudster past? Dude, you're kidding, right? Since he's such a good friend of yours and he's done you so many favors, why not do him a solid now and call him up and find out whether or not he's the JP Cohen in Greg's articles? Wouldn't it be a shame for him to be taking such a beating out here unfairly? All that being said, JP paid his debt to society (though I'm certain he did not make full restitution back to his victims) and has moved on into a governmentallly-unregulated industry. Buyer beware, end of story.

Archive

01-07-2007, 11:41 AM

Posted By: barrysloateJeff- your key phrase is "governmentally unregulated industry." It's just for that reason that so many unethical hanger-ons have flocked to this business, because schemes and cons that wouldn't fly elsewhere work like a charm in the sports memorabilia industry.

Archive

01-07-2007, 11:43 AM

Posted By: Bottom of the NinthBrain The only allegation I have made is that JP must not be good at Pai Gow Poker if he was losing 50K a night. I cannot take credit for finding the articles posted above. They apparently have been up there for years and for some reason they only started to circulate yesterday. All I did was post them here as I felt they were relevant since they landed in my lap. I do not have the time or interest to go on a witch hunt. I leave that in more capable hands. None of the articles call into question the way in which JP Cohen runs his business today. I have not even made a comment about JP's conduct as outlined in these articles and I have not said anything negative about his current business practices. You admitted that you have never done business with me, which means we probably have never talked but you have been able to conclude my motive for posting this. In addition you stated that I know something about a situation involving Candiotti. You are wrong on both accounts. If mind reader is what you aspire to be, please do not quit your day job. Thanks to those who posted in an effort to show Brain the flaws in his logic. Greg

Archive

01-07-2007, 11:45 AM

Posted By: PaulMaybe it's a little off point, but I thought I'd offer my unique perspective on this -- the perspective of one of JP Cohen's (small time) victims. I live in Orange County, CA where the scam took place. I was young and naive the early 1990s, and making decent money for someone my age. I started receiving phone calls from various "charities" asking for donations. They all had "police", "fire dept.", or "veteran" in their name. At first, I made a few donations, always $25 a shot, which is what they asked for. After awhile, the calls became so frequent that it was a burden to even answer the phone, let alone write any more checks. So, I stopped the donations cold. One of the tactics used by the solicitors at this point was to remind me how "generous" I had been in the past. They were able to quote back to me exactly how much I had given. Since almost every call had been from a "different" organization, I wondered how the caller could have this information and became immediately concerned. I asked how they could possibly know how much I had given, and my concern only increased. He responded that he was actually a "representative" of a great number of charities. My concern moved to disguist with his answer to my next question. I asked him how much the "representative" agency keeps and how much goes to charity. After giving me a song and dance about how much goes to overhead, etc., he said that a "full 15%" goes to the charity. I nearly gagged. The calls kept coming for awhile, and just for fun, I always asked how much goes to the charity. The answer was almost invariably 15%. I've always been surprised I got a response, but I assume they were attempting to comply with some disclosure regulation. Anyhow, shortly thereafter, I learned from my co-workers that this was a scam that had been going on for awhile and that it was fairly common knowledge. Paul

Archive

01-07-2007, 11:46 AM

Posted By: Jeff LichtmanThe funniest parts of Brian's posts is that he takes a few swipes at Greg's morals and motives yet still won't even acknowledge that his good friend JP of Memory Lane is the guy in the articles Greg posted.

Archive

01-07-2007, 11:53 AM

Posted By: barrysloatePaul- what is astonishing about your story is that as long as they were scamming you, why not tell you that 95% of the donation goes to charity? Who would consider giving any money if one thought that only 15% would go to the cause? They sound like really dumb scammers. I never give anybody money for anything over the phone, because you just don't know who is at the other end.

Archive

01-07-2007, 11:54 AM

Posted By: BrianJeff- I'm not an idiot and I responded the same way earlier. Obviously these articles state conviction and plead guily. I used the word "allegations" in referencing these articles as factual to this being the same J.P. I met J.P. as a collector not some social circle. My own personal experiences are based on him as a dealer. Answer these questions please: 1. Have you ever worked with J.P. on a sale or a purchase? 2. If so what was your experience? 3. Would you reccomend him prior to this article? End of story for me. I'm not trying to defend these articles. I've never made it a practice to inquire into people's personal lives that I do business with. Bottom line on this: The collectors will speak with their actions. I have yet to see one NEGATIVE post on Cohen as a dealer. Please post your personal experience with him as a dealer. The articles are out and at this point we can make our own moral judgements. This is a sports collectible forum. Please tell me something relevant as a current dealer. Did he rip you off? Did he renege on you? Did you purchase altered/bogus cards from him? Is he a slow pay when buying or slow when delivering when you purchase? Give me something on him as a dealer over the past few years that you personally have experienced. Is that too much to request? That's all I did

Archive

01-07-2007, 12:01 PM

Posted By: Jeff LichtmanBrian, I hear you re JP's recent history at Memory Lane. But again, you still seem unwilling to at least confirm if it's the same JP in Greg's articles. I don't consider the public criminal record of a guy to be a 'private life' matter. And I think such an egregious, long-running, nasty fraud that he was involved in is something that any rational person who deals with Memory Lane or JP would at least be interested in. All of your points are well taken and my position is that the good - and the bad - should be thrown into the hopper when making a determination on going forward with him in business. To suggest that only the past few years matters, however, is really a bit short-sighted in my opinion.

Archive

01-07-2007, 12:02 PM

Posted By: cmokingBrian, you are forgetting #4, which is the MOST important question for collectors: 4. Would you reccomend him after reading this article with your own money? Some may say no, some may say yes. Apparently, you would say yes. Good for you. I'll bet the majority that read this would answer in the negatory.

Archive

01-07-2007, 12:07 PM

Posted By: E, DanielAhh Brian, the almighty dollar! If that is your only guide it is going to drive you into some very dark, dark corners.......and the people you are going to have to hold hands with, well, lets' just say that soap and water won't always make you feel clean afterwards. If you're trying to suggest or recommend that the only way we judge people is on whether or not they can manage to palm a buck or two, that's better left to the boardrooms of top100 companies and the cells of our public jails. This board relfects the hobby as it is experienced on a very personal level by collectors, otherwise we could just post pics. and dollar amounts and skip the chit chat. Daniel

Archive

01-07-2007, 12:12 PM

Posted By: BrianJeff - I just sent you an email. Would one of you please answer the obvious question? What are your experiences with J.P. Cohen as a dealer over the past few years? Who can give us some feedback on this guy as a dealer and auction house? We can "beat" on the articles endlessly, and we all agree they are very negative. I suppose at some point the articles should be discuseed on another chatroom and anyone who has actually dealt with J.P. as a dealer as I have can post their opinions of him as a dealer along with their experiences. Aren't you at least glad to hear that I was "dumb" enough to hand him over $300,000 in PSA cards at one time and I was never cheated or dealt with unprofessionally? Aren't you glad that I'm not posting experiences of getting ripped off by Cohen? Would you like me to lie? I can't comment on his or any other collector's past because I met every dealer as a collector. Please tell me your thoughts on this guy as a dealer.

Archive

01-07-2007, 12:19 PM

Posted By: B.C.Daniels" Just so everyone knows... I have been told by someone I trust very much that it is DEFINITELY the SAME guy." quote from Hal (or do you already know?) <a href="http://sandiego.fbi.gov/bullpen/bullpen.htm" target="_new" rel="nofollow"><a href="http://sandiego.fbi.gov/bullpen/bullpen.htm</a" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://sandiego.fbi.gov/bullpen/bullpen.htm</a</a>> (hint:search result page*) <a href="http://www.sportsmemorabilia.com/bullpen-ebay.html" target="_new" rel="nofollow"><a href="http://www.sportsmemorabilia.com/bullpen-ebay.html</a" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.sportsmemorabilia.com/bullpen-ebay.html</a</a>> Dave, Is he really? Under another name? He certainly did not post when I asked him to post on the practices of his company. If I was advising him, I would tell him to be honest. Alternative is not good. Jim But Jim! smell the black roses* there are others! shock! surprise! And YES JIm,THEY use aliases!!!! <a href="http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/fc/ec/sm/smoverview.htm" target="_new" rel="nofollow"><a href="http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/fc/ec/sm/smoverview.htm</a" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/fc/ec/sm/smoverview.htm</a</a>> ( the dealer is presently active even with his tramendous negative feedback*) BcD <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

01-07-2007, 12:33 PM

Posted By: BrianE. Daniel - Nice post. Now tell us your experience with J.P. Cohen as a dealer. Have you ever worked with him? Any feedback regarding this guy as a dealer? As far as the almighty buck you idiot, it's not my job to police the hobby and make moral judgements for people like you. Now you are trying to parallel this with FORTUNE 100 CEO's? Where exactly is this going? I'm a scum bag because I report that I've had a positive experience in my dealings with J.P. Cohen? Again, give us collectors something relevant about this guy as a dealer. I think my experience helps collectors much more than your opinion of these articles. I'm not defending anyone's actions in these articles, just posting my experience in dealing with J.P Cohen and Memeory Lane. Please comment if you have any experience in dealing with Cohen directly. It's a simple yes or no, right?

Archive

01-07-2007, 12:44 PM

Posted By: Frank EvanovI have dealt with JP as a dealer and I really don't know if I have been ripped off. Many of my "maximum bids" in the Memory Lane auctions have indeed gone to that level. Was I cheated? I honestly don't know. I did not use to think so, but with these new revelations...NOW I AM NOT SO SURE. Frank

Archive

01-07-2007, 12:46 PM

Posted By: poorjackmanI have bought some lower-priced items from the company, and never had a problem. Nothing in the articles has influenced me in regard to where I would spend money on collectibles. The controversy would likely be rested if the person under discussion simply said: "This is the last time I am going to talk about this, but I want you all to know that I have made some mistakes in the past, and I have paid a heavy price for those mistakes. With the help of friends and family, I have turned my life around and intend to continue to make positive contributions to the sports-memorabilia community. I value your friendship and support, and I hope that you will continue to have confidence in me as a participant in the hobby that we all enjoy." For the folks who are not satisfied with that kind of statement, further words would have no resolving impact either.

Archive

01-07-2007, 12:54 PM

Posted By: E, DanielI love people who rant and froth in a 150 word diatribe, and then insist on the respondent restraining their reply to 1 word....... So, here goes; Seeing someone make an absolute fool of themselves - barely able to untangle themselves from the English language and cogently reply to a post or understand its point. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr - thump. Here's your one word: Priceless <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> Daniel Ps. Though I did hear that you stayed at a holiday inn last night <img src="/images/wink.gif" height=14 width=14> Edited to remove "and swear", I know Brian would have liked to have placed a verb before the word 'idiot', but he didn't nonetheless......

Archive

01-07-2007, 01:03 PM

Posted By: barrysloateTo say Mr. Cohen has made some mistakes in the past seems like a bit of an understatement. Sounds like he made the same mistake, over and over again, to thousands of people, with very little remorse and without learning much from them. Perhaps there are many in the hobby who have had positive dealings with him, but the things he did in the past sound really, really bad. And we are not talking penny ante stuff either. Again I will add I do not know him; I've just been following this thread over the last couple of days.

Archive

01-07-2007, 01:10 PM

Posted By: BrianDaniel - Just as I expected from you. You can't respond to my request regarding experience with Cohn as a dealer. Obviuosly proving my point that besides giving us your moral and ethical thoughts on these articles, you have zero first hand knowledge on this guy as a dealer. Like most self-rightous babblers, you just enjoy reading your words in print. As if your thoughts have now become the moral compass of this board. My very redundant point is what is your or anyone's on this board's experience with J.P. Coehn as a dealer. Any chance of giving me a 150 word plus response to Cohen as a dealer?

Archive

01-07-2007, 01:27 PM

Posted By: E, DanielBrian, your 150 words will be forthcoming as soon as you respond to all the other redundently asked follow up questions of you.......how does knowing that someone you deal with (and stand up for so very PASSIONATELY) STOLE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS from regular Joes and Jills, impact on your need to buy and sell cards from and through him? Daniel

Archive

01-07-2007, 01:52 PM

Posted By: BrianDaniel - Can't you get it through your "thick" head my point here? I don't get into Cohen's or any other dealer's personal business. Is it relevant if it's true? Yes, it is. At this point I'll assume it's all 100% true and give the guy the benefit of the doubt based on my personal experience until my next dealing with him. What is wrong with that?

Archive

01-07-2007, 02:04 PM

Posted By: Peter_SpaethOne hears what you are saying. On the other hand, just as a general matter not specifically related to this situation, there comes a point at which some people would not want to do business with someone who crossed a certain moral line in other business or personal dealings. For example, I might feel uncomfortable buying cards from a convicted child molester even though he was a perfect gentleman in card transactions. Similarly, others might feel uncomfortable buying cards from someone who (apparently allegedly whatever qualifier you want to use) swindled innocent folks out of money on pretenses of raising funds for charities including sick children. It's just a matter of personal judgment, so your point, while valid, is not the only relevant perspective.

Archive

01-07-2007, 02:04 PM

Posted By: poorjackmanDaniel asked, in part: "....how does knowing that someone you deal with ....STOLE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS from regular Joes and Jills, impact on your need to buy and sell cards from and through him?" It would make me have some negative thoughts. Then, the fact that the person was punished, pretty much gets rid of those thoughts. The system punished the person. The system represents US. If we are not satisfied with the process, we might as well just lock crime-doers away forever, or kill them all. Punishing people further, AFTER the system has already acted on OUR behalf, just is not the way it is done in America. WE give out lots of chances for people to do the right thing. Sometimes it works out well, sometimes not. As far as I can tell, from reading this thread, it seems to have worked out OK in this instance.

Archive

01-07-2007, 02:07 PM

Posted By: shane leonardI have done a few transactions with J.P. Cohen and all of the transactions have been great. Did he shine my shoes after I bought a card from him? No. I really don't understand why it is important how he treats you, what he does for you or even who he screwed 18 years ago. I am buying cards that I need for my collection. Regards if the dealer has a bad hair piece or the whore that he has set up with him has a cocaine issue- If I need the card I am buying it. Maybe I might be wrong here, but is it now important to not only have a card that is in perfect condition but also know the history of those who owned the card? This hobby has become more of a pain in my ass than a time of pleasure and relaxing get-away from the day to day operations of life.

Archive

01-07-2007, 02:14 PM

Posted By: E, DanielNo, in fact now that you have managed to admit that none of what Mr Cohen may have done in the past will affect your future dealings with him, I can very clearly state that I have never knowingly bought or sold an item to Memory Lane Inc. If the articles mentioned in this post are accurate, I will never do so in the future. My opinions about doing business with him are clearly based on character or lack of - and not proffessional, and I'm extremely comfortable including such criteria in my judgment processes. I assume you understand how strange your incredibly tenacious defense of JP Cohen at every turn may appear to others, not only those with a moral compass. It's near apoplectic, and suggests more than just a passing need for a fair hearing on Memory Lane practices. But, your motivations are your own and truly hard to judge based on what you have written thus far. Good luck with your collecting, just don't come on to a chat board and demand to tell people what they can and can't think, do, or say. I haven't done so in this thread, but am clearly incredulous at your outbursts and thinking. Fortunately for us all this is America, and you are free to mouth off as much as you like. Look forward to hearing something from you about sportscards in the future. Daniel

Archive

01-07-2007, 02:15 PM

Posted By: BrianPoorjack and Peter, After I hear more facts or speak with him directly I will make my own decisions going forward. It's simple, I will either continue working with someone that I have had a solid card buying/selling relationship over the years with or based on his history prior to the hobby choose not to work with him. Hopefully I'm answering your questions. Does someone's past influence my decision on working with them in the current? Absolutly it does, but I've worked with him for years and now we are addressing thse articles. I think this is going to play out rather quickly regardless of our opinions. I certainly respect your thoughts. Good luck!

Archive

01-07-2007, 02:23 PM

Posted By: BrianDaniel - It wasn't my intent to try and influence anyone's thinking on this subject. All I did was convey my personal experiences with Cohen as a dealer. I suppose you must be glad that I'm not saying I had a horrible experience with him? Do me a favor, and edit you comments about me learning the telemarketing from J.P. for my business. It's a very slanderous comment and unless you can support that statment I think it's best that you remove it. Is that a fair request? I appreciate your opinions and thoughts. Good Luck!

Archive

01-07-2007, 02:35 PM

Posted By: E, DanielCertainly fair enough. And I absolutely AM glad you have not had negative experiences dealing with him, I wish all fellow collectors only positive experiences (except where they outsnipe me on a really needed card <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>) Leon, how do i get back in to edit a message once the 'edit message' link has disappeared? Thanks Daniel

Archive

01-07-2007, 03:00 PM

Posted By: barrysloateDaniel- you need to log back in, and then you will get the "edit message" at the bottom.

Archive

01-07-2007, 03:02 PM

Posted By: leonYou need to email me privately with your contact info in the next few hours or I will be forced to delete your posts....thanks

Archive

01-07-2007, 03:05 PM

Posted By: warshawlawAt the National last year. I found ML to be charmingly old school in the sense of "my cards great, your cards bad" dealer approach to my offer of some vintage cards for sale. My response was basically "then don't friggin' buy them"; they bought them rather than let me walk. I did find it rather amusing when one of the sales reps (not JP) started to lecture me on the rarity and value of the British ciggie boxing cards they were auctioning off.

Archive

01-07-2007, 03:35 PM

Posted By: Ryan ChristoffI think most of you who are defending JP Cohen are missing the point here. I can understand and appreciate why someone who has had all positive experiences with him would want to defend him. I respect loyalty, but that loyalty seems to be blinding some to the real issue, at least as I see it. Go back and read Frank's post above. That is the real issue, if you ask me. It's not about whether or not a Memory Lane card has been trimmed or not. The fact is, how can anyone know they haven't been scammed in their auctions? How can anyone who has ever left a max bid at Memory Lane not wonder if they were bumped up a bid or two, even if it wasn't all the way to their max? Of course, one could wonder this with any auction house, but how can you possibly not see how there would be a greater chance of being scammed from the auction house run by someone convicted of defrauding thousands of people out of thousands of dollars over a number of years? The faithful JP Cohen supporters might still bid away in Memory Lane auctions, but I'll bet quite a few bidders no longer will. If you are a consignor and unaware of Cohen's fraudulent record, don't you think that might be pertinent information you'd like to have before deciding to consign your material to an auction house that will now be losing some portion of its registered bidders? Memory Lane auctions might have always been on the up and up, but I'd honestly be surpised if they can survive at all now. Maybe that's the price you pay for having an auction run by a convicted con artist. Some of the diehard JP Cohen fans remind me of Robin Williams in "The World According To Garp" when he and his wife are looking at houses to buy and a plane crashes into the one they happen to be looking at as they are standing there. Robin Williams says something like "We'll take it! The odds of another plane crashing into this house are astronomical!" This guy's been ripping people off his whole life. How could he possibly keep doing it now that he runs a major auction house, right? -Ryan

Archive

01-07-2007, 03:41 PM

Posted By: whitehseonce again its arguments like this that make me glad I dont have the money to participate in auction house auctions. When you have so much money at stake why are any of us surprised when a certain element of society gets involved.

Archive

01-07-2007, 03:41 PM

Posted By: Jeff LichtmanA person using an alias "poorjackman" (who I don't believe has ever posted here before - sound like anyone else supporting JP here today?) stated: "Daniel asked, in part: "....how does knowing that someone you deal with ....STOLE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS from regular Joes and Jills, impact on your need to buy and sell cards from and through him?" It would make me have some negative thoughts. Then, the fact that the person was punished, pretty much gets rid of those thoughts." So you're saying that just because JP was punished and sent to prison for his decades of defrauding innocent people that you have absolutely zero concern that he might still be defrauding people today in his unregulated auction house? Just a couple years after being released from prison? Seriously, you know you don't believe that and you know that you have a very thinly veiled bias wouldn't you say?

Archive

01-07-2007, 03:46 PM

Posted By: leonYou might want to keep asking those questions of Poorjack, quickly. His anonymity time is running out. I only wonder if it's only irony in the way the name sounds and the way "JP" sounds? PJ=Poorjack and backwards could be .....it's only a thought....

Archive

01-07-2007, 03:54 PM

Posted By: barrysloateYou might be right Leon. I don't understand someone making controversial posts anonymously. They have no meaning to me if they are not connected to an identifiable person.

Archive

01-07-2007, 04:04 PM

Posted By: Peter_SpaethPoorjackman's post did not strike me as either controversial or persuasive.

Archive

01-07-2007, 04:20 PM

Posted By: leonPoorjackman has politely contacted me via email. He is not JP. He has no axe to grind but does want to stay anonymous. I told him not in this thread but in others he can do that. If anyone "has" to know who he is email me and I will email him and we can see how we can do it. I do want to protect each person but within the forum rules. I would prefer no anonymity in this thread. Call it the dictator's priviledge but it is what it is.....Peter- I hear ya....I just don't want anonymity in this thread though...best regards

Archive

01-07-2007, 04:23 PM

Posted By: Frank EvanovPoorjackman, sure one pays their debt to society, but with certain crimes there are restrictions after incarceration. "The system" does not let child molesters live near a school, nor does it allow felons to to work in law enforcement. It does allow thieves to work in "retail", but seriously, would you buy a used car from this guy? How about a $5,000 sports card? Frank [edited for grammar]

Archive

01-07-2007, 04:25 PM

Posted By: barrysloateI don't think anybody "has" to know- I just feel if I had a strong opinion I wished to express I would want to attach my name to it, since I consider what I have to say a reflection of who I am (for better or worse). If you have something to say but are afraid to step forth, I just think that is kind of wimpy.

Archive

01-07-2007, 05:23 PM

Posted By: Dan Koteleswhy give more money to a guy who didnt earn it in an honest way. It doesnt matter if he did not rip off anyone of cards, but ..... why pay a cheater more money ? He simply doesnt deserve any kind acknowledgement.....PERIOD !

Archive

01-07-2007, 05:24 PM

Posted By: Peter_SpaethFrank, how about a used CARD??

Archive

01-07-2007, 05:35 PM

Posted By: Frank EvanovOuch!! Frank

Archive

01-07-2007, 07:02 PM

Posted By: B.C.Danielsisn't it? <a href="http://www.psacard.com/articles/article_view.chtml?artid=4852&universeid=314" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.psacard.com/articles/article_view.chtml?artid=4852&universeid=314</a> BcD <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

01-07-2007, 07:07 PM

Posted By: JimCrandellPrices were strong in the recent Memory Lane auction in contrast to the soft prices overall for Mastro.

Archive

01-07-2007, 07:14 PM

Posted By: Peter_SpaethAlmost 5k with the juice for a 59 Koufax PSA 8, a card one can find almost any week on ebay in the 450-600 range. Nice card for sure, but to pay 10 times what it's worth? I wish the winner would make me some comparable offers. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> <a href="http://www.memorylaneinc.com/site/bid/bidplace.asp?itemid=5319&getauctionid=64" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.memorylaneinc.com/site/bid/bidplace.asp?itemid=5319&getauctionid=64</a>

Archive

01-07-2007, 07:16 PM

Posted By: ramramA reported scammer who has lost his source of income to support his lifestyle surely wouldn't turn to scamming some simple-minded card collectors, would he? Rob

Archive

01-07-2007, 07:29 PM

Posted By: B.C.DanielsProverbs 26:11 11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. BcD <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

01-07-2007, 07:50 PM

Posted By: joeKind of late in this posting, but Barry you are right that laundering money in this hobby would the place to do it. Also, how many of you read operation Bullpen about the fake autographs. Some of this stuff was going on long before the internet, and collectors talked. With the 24/7 internet and news we see it more often now. And we can speculate and discuss till days end. There were always collectors and dealers that we were suspicious about in the 70's and 80's too. Joe Ty Cobb, Spikes flying!

Archive

01-07-2007, 07:58 PM

Posted By: JKJust curious, anyone receive their cards won in the December auction from ML yet?

Archive

01-07-2007, 08:29 PM

Posted By: Jeff LichtmanNope.

Archive

01-07-2007, 08:29 PM

Posted By: Duncan Harveyyes , I received my cards a week after the auction ended. I have never had a problem with buying from Meory Lane and I have won several items well below my proxy bids but this information is disturbing. Not from a card buying perspective as I wil not bid more than I want to pay if he shills me or not , but from a human nature perspective. It will be tough for me to jsutify bidding with a guy who scammed charities and continued to find loopholes to continue scamming after they were caught and the fact that legally they did not have to give up much to the charities and they were still so greedy that they couldn't do that.

Archive

01-07-2007, 08:33 PM

Posted By: howard"Paying one's debt to society" is just a cliched term meaning that someone spent time in prison. When this JP fellow returns the money to everyone he ripped off I will agree that he has really repaid his debt. I still wouldn't trust him, though. Howard No criminal record, no arrests

Archive

01-07-2007, 08:52 PM

Posted By: cmoking"Just curious, anyone receive their cards won in the December auction from ML yet?" nope.

Archive

01-07-2007, 08:53 PM

Posted By: Peter_SpaethI looked at the FTC website in order to ascertain what presumably are the facts about this matter, and this seemed to be a pertinent excerpt. Link to the entire article below. The Settlement The stipulated order for permanent injunction announced today resolves the litigation against Cohen. The order bans him from further fundraising activities, and from engaging in future telemarketing, and it prohibits Cohen from making misrepresentations in connection with the sale of goods or services. Based on financial information submitted to the court in his criminal case, the order does not require Cohen to pay consumer redress. However, the order includes an avalanche clause that imposes a $10 million judgment against Cohen if it is found that he lied on his financial statements. The settlement also contains various recordkeeping requirements to assist the FTC in monitoring Cohen's compliance. <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/05/jpcohen.htm" target="_new" rel="nofollow"><a href="http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/05/jpcohen.htm</a" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/05/jpcohen.htm</a</a>>

Archive

01-07-2007, 08:55 PM

Posted By: David SmithLet's see; a convicted con artist is running a sports card and memorabilia business and auction (an unregulated business). His latest auction does gang buster business, setting "record" after "record". To me, this has shill written all over it. Why? To get great headlines and better consignments. That way, in a couple of years, JP can either sell the business for BIG bucks (the business will then fail unless the new owner also shills auctions) or JP will take the company public and again fleece an unknowing and unwary public. If you can steal money from people in the guise of helping injured and dead policemen, firemen and children, I see no reason why trimming a card or shilling an auction is out of bounds. David Smith No arrests or convictions but three speeding tickets.

Archive

01-07-2007, 09:01 PM

Posted By: David SmithPeter, So, if I am reading your post correctly, if just ONE item in his auctions is found to be misrepresented then he will have a judgemnet rendered against him?? If that is correct, then if I were JP, I would have NEVER gotten into the auction business to begin with. But, then again, a pathological criminal LIVES for the thrill. So, shilling an auction (stealing while practically looking at the victim) would psychologically fit in. David

Archive

01-07-2007, 09:08 PM

Posted By: Peter_SpaethI don't want to give an opinion as to the legal meaning of that part of the FTC order, as the excerpt on the website is only a description and not the full text and I don't know all the facts of the case or the context. My point in posting it was that someone had mentioned repayment and it appears that at least as of the entry of the order described in the excerpt, Mr. Cohen was not ordered to make restitution ("consumer redress")-- at least not by the FTC. EDITED FOR CLARITY

Archive

01-07-2007, 09:17 PM

Posted By: David SmithSo, he could have the money hidden in foreign accounts. Therefor, he could buy items from his own auctions or have someone else buy the items and pay for them out of those foreign accounts. Then, turn right around and sell the items and launder that money. All the while thumbing his nose at authorites and not paying back those he stole from. To quote the Guiness Beer commercials, "BRILLIANT!" David

Archive

01-08-2007, 09:28 AM

Posted By: dstudebaBrian - You have mentioned time and again that you are not concerned with someone's personal life. However I do not see how someone defrauding a client is personal. What JP did was business, and I think that many are therefore worried about what his current busines practices are. So when Michael Fanghella gets out of jail will there be a position for him at your firm since you aren't concerned with his personal life?

Archive

01-08-2007, 09:50 AM

Posted By: BrianI've said I don't know any of the dealers personal or past lives that I've dealt with. Do you? What someone's done in the past is very important and one could argue is a very good indicator of what one will do in the future. I'm not the only collector out there that has worked with JP over the past few years. Like everyone else, I'll base my opinions on my personal experience. Please understand that I'm not and will never defend these articles or anyone's past. All I've ever asked is what's your experience with J.P. as a dealer today? I know everyone's opinion of the articles. I assume you've never worked with him either? I think at this point most collectors would like to have some feedback on this guy as a dealer.

Archive

01-08-2007, 02:39 PM

Posted By: howardI, for one, don't give a rats ass about his reputation as a dealer. I would never do any kind of business with anyone with a record like his. If others want to give him a second chance that's fine with me but I'd rather give chances to people who earn them.

Archive

01-08-2007, 04:04 PM

Posted By: SteveSadly, I must concur with the guys that have basically stated that this guy does not deserve their money. For all i know the cards he peddles are ill gotten gains from his previous ilicit activities. Everyone deserves a second, and even a third chance. I would not have a problem if others buy and sell with him. I just won't. Those that only care what he has done for them as a dealer can do as they wish. I will not speculate as to how he runs his auctions, I do not care. Steve

Archive

01-08-2007, 04:25 PM

Posted By: TONYI know someone who know's mr Cohen personally & he told me that he indeed did go to prison for the crimes listed here.....I also prefer not to deal with people with his background, that's a personal choice we all have to make. I'm sure due to this thread he will lose some previous customers who probably prefer to longer deal with him.....anyone who can drop $50K a nite gambling is is obviously making toooo much $$$ & has no concept of what to do with it

Archive

01-08-2007, 10:11 PM

Posted By: B.C.Daniels"Memory Lane" how did he acquire that name for his business? What happened to the old Memory Lane of the 80's from LA that surely was not him? BcD <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

02-07-2007, 08:19 PM

Posted By: Jason JacobsI have had numerous dealings with JP. Once I bought a PSA 8 1963 Fleer Willie Mays and found out it had a giant crease in the card. He did take it back. Does anyone else remember that he closed down around 2001-2002 and just started back up a year or two ago? He told me that he was quiting the card buisness and was going into day trading. If the timeline for his jailtime is correct he would of been in jail during the time he was no longer in the card buisness.

Archive

02-07-2007, 08:25 PM

Posted By: Frank EvanovDoes anyone else remember that he closed down around 2001-2002 and just started back up a year or two ago? He told me that he was quiting the card buisness and was going into day trading. If the timeline for his jailtime is correct he would of been in jail during the time he was no longer in the card buisness. That has been the whole point of this thread, Jason. Mr. C. was incarcerated during that time, not day trading. Frank

Archive

02-08-2007, 05:39 AM

Posted By: Jason JacobsOk, I thought it was still up in the air whether the person in the articles is the same JP that runs Memory Lane. I used to buy cards in auctions dating back to WIWAG's in the late 90's but stopped after all the increases in buyers premiums, account set up fees, outrageous shipping charges, the practice of increasing the auction's alloted time to allow previous bidders more time to bid, not knowing when an auction is actually over, always having your bid be maxed out. I don't think it's just JP that was doing this but as a whole the auction buisness is like printing your own money.