Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>An Open Letter To Christopher Morales and STAT Authentic<br /><br />Christopher, I was recently directed to your web site( www.moralesforensics.com) and since you state that you are willing to be involved in a Public Forum to assess your work efforts, I have created a few questions that I would like for you to publicly respond to in Forum form. I have also included a few questions for Ted Taylor and Jeff Stevens and I am hopeful that they can clarify a few things as well. I will also openly admit that I was the shadowed figure in the HBO Special known as “Eddie”.<br /><br />1) Chris, you state on your site: "As to the Marino family skill, one of the lead federal undercover agents has opined that the Marino's were so skilled and even had obtained vintage items so that absent very specialized analysis and other clues, he probably wouldn't have known the items were fake. The HBO analysis appears to be based on an assumption that all confiscated items were fake and that cursory examinations by a convicted felon supplants legitimate testing." <br /><br />First off, a federal undercover agent is NOT an autograph expert. You are the autograph expert. How would they know a good forgery from a bad forgery? Since you are supposedly the autograph expert, your skills were tested and you FAILED!<br /><br />Second, there was no assumption that the items may have been legitimate. ALL of the signatures sent to you were forgeries. The forgeries were plucked from the California FBI warehouse with the assistance of FBI Special Agent Tim Fitzsimmons and all done by Greg Marino. The warehouse was separated into two sections, one for forgeries and one for authentic items. I repeat, the signatures of which you were tested on, were NOT AUTHENTIC!<br /><br />2) You then state on your site: "It has been reported that the "star witness" has approached at least one of the parties who "failed" the HBO test seeking post-incarceration employment."<br /><br />I am not a "star witness" (or a witness for that matter), but simply a consultant or contributor to this HBO piece. I would also like to know who I approached for employment following my incarceration. I NEVER ASKED ANYONE FOR A JOB! Please tell me who I contacted as I would love to know this. <br /><br />3) You also state on your site: "At the same time, the "objective" witness and the HBO program recommended utilizing the services of one of the known felon's prior business associates."<br /><br />First off, HBO DID NOT recommend utilizing my services and if memory fails me, I don't remember them ever recommending any services. Please advice as to whom they recommended/<br /><br />4) You then state the following: "Forensic examiners" are highly skilled and while they cannot be perfect, a consumer's best protection is verification of any COA through such an examiner." <br /><br />WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? Forensics kept us in business! Donald Frangipani passed 100% of the items sent to him. Did you see that part on the HBO Real Sports special where FBI special agent Tim Fitzsimmons plucks from a box a dozen or so identical looking Babe Ruth signed album pages, all with Frangipani Loa’s and all authenticated on the same day? <br /><br />5) According to your site: "I am now and in the past been self employed since leaving the Federal government...I have never formed any partnerships. I have never had a business agreement or financial relationship with any other examiner(s)." <br /><br />According to an interview with "Sports Collectors Digest", Donald Frangipani contradicts (I think) that statement. <br />SCD Interview: <br /><br />SCD: Are you a partner with Christopher Morales?<br />DF: That is correct. Chris Morales worked with the Secret Service for a few years and has taken forensic courses. He has a double Masters degree; he's pretty bright.<br /><br />And then Donald states…<br /><br />SCD: Would you call him your protégé?<br />DF: Yes and no. We're not partners; we consult each other. Chris testifies in regular cases with me; we don't just do autographs. In fact, we just did two trials.<br /><br />And then there is the matter of your own personal web site resume where it states:<br /><br />Partner. Frangipani and Morales Forensic Investigations.<br /><br />Yes, I do have DISDAIN for Forensics. You have at least that correctly. <br /><br />Many of you may not be aware of this, but in 2003, Richard Simon, Steve Koschal and myself began working for Tracercode, an authenticating branch created by Bill Fleming. We were asked by Sports Collector’s Digest to authenticate some of the higher priced items in the monthly Coach’s Corner Sports Auctions. We were sent scans of about 200 autographs, of which, we passed 2-3 per month. We worked with Coach’s Corner Sports Auction for three months and then we were replaced.<br /><br />My questions are now directed to Stat Authentics Ted Taylor and Jeff Stevens, two individuals who appear to have replaced us as the prime authenticating firm for the premium items in all of Coach’s Corner Sports Auctions. <br /><br />1) My first question is for Ted Taylor. Ted, you worked for Scoreboard where you were surrounded by autographs of the three most popular Scoreboard subjects in Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams. How could you have gotten those three wrong when you were tested for the HBO Real Sports special? <br /><br />2) Now Jeff Stevens. When Coach's Corner Sports Auction uses STAT to authenticate their Babe Ruth items, often there is a mention on how one of the members of the STAT team authenticates for the Babe Ruth museum. I contacted the Executive Director of the Babe Ruth Museum Michael Gibbins who stated that Jeff Stevens authenticates in person items. How does simply overseeing a signing (which a monkey can do) give you the right to admit openly that you are an expert on that particular celebrity due simply to the fact that you have a small association with the Museum? Don’t you feel this is a misleading statement? <br /><br />In closing, the proof is in the pudding. Just look at the prices your pieces bring versus the known authenticators in hobby.<br /><br />Shelly Jaffe<br /><br />I would appreciate your posting a response . If you absolutely have to respond to me, you can do so at shellyj@cox.net<br /><br /><br />**************<br />

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>Matt</b><p>oh boy.<br /><br />Shelly - you're going to need an email addy on that post.

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>Dave F</b><p>His email is at the bottom of his letter.

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>Steve Murray</b><p>shellyj@cox.net

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>I know of Shelly and have spoken with him several times on the phone. I am sure I have his email address somewhere if anyone needs it....but I am comfortable this is really Shelly asking these tough questions. I don't have much knowledge about autographs so won't comment otherwise....This is not an anonymously posted thread....best regards

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>Matt</b><p>He already added his email to the OP. I couldn't care either way, just trying to help.

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>Jodi Birkholm</b><p>This thread should be deleted. Too many glass houses; somebody might fall through a window and injure themselves.

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>PC</b><p>Synopsis of what follows ...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2jUYNimDnE" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2jUYNimDnE</a>

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>I know you haven't been on the board very long but I have an unwritten rule to not delete threads except under extraordinary circumstances or if the original poster is anonymous. I might lock some threads but deleting is a major no-no. I know Shelly has had issues in the past but these questions sound like legitimate questions....It would be nice to have them responded to by the folks they are pointed at. I will say that I don't want any anonymous posts in this thread. If you post anonymously in this thread I will delete it. Forewarned is fair warned....best regards

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>Richard Simon</b><p>Jodi - why do you think this thread should be deleted?<br />I think this thread will develop into a very interesting one.<br />PC- your post is very unclear, can you please explain what you mean?<br /><br />--<br><br>I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>1880nonsports</b><p>from the original post:<br />"We were sent scans of about 200 autographs, of which, we passed 2-3 per month." Forget the glaring %ages and that CC has been blasted about this on a nearly weekly basis here and about the authenticity of their items...*********Authenticating autographs from SCANS just points to the general absurdity of the industry. It can't be done. It can rule something OUT but not IN. Sad.******** That also suggests to me that the people who continue to do so for auction houses and those who did so in concert with Mr. Jaffe (examined from scans) aren't the people I want verifying the authenticity of an auto I might purchase. I don't collect autographs - and kind of happy about it as the inherent problems with buying an autograph appears quite risky and I'd always be losing sleep worrying that it wasn't real........

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>Al Simeone</b><p>Richard,<br />Im with you . I see no reason why this thread should be deleted. Shelly has asked some great questions and I would love to hear some of the answers.<br />Leon like you said it should definitely stay.

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>Richard Simon</b><p>When we authenticated for Tracer Code we examined mostly scans , but the better items were sent to us upon our request. We issued very few COA's but the items that we did issue COA's for were always examined in person.<br />The items that we did not see in person were not necessary to see in person. <br /><br />Two weeks ago three scans were posted here of Ruth, Johnson and Wagner autographs which were for sale on ebay, many people rendered worthwhile opinions on those items, by just viewing the scans. I had also written to several other highly respected people in the autograph business and sent them scanned copies of these autographs. All the opinions were unanimous in that the autographs were bad.<br /><br />In addition during the HBO series, Mr Jaffe came across the famous Upper Deck $85,000 card with four autographs on it. Ruth, Cobb, Wagner and Johnson.<br />Mr Jaffe determined that Ruth and Johnson were forgeries and proceeded to send scans of those two autographs (without showing that they were from the Upper Deck card) to Jimmy Spence, myself, PSA, Steve Koschal, Jim Stinson and Seth Boyd. All of these people, based only on the scan, agreed with Shelly. <br /><br />When something is obviously bad, a skilled authenticator can determine that the item is bad from a scan. When there is some doubt the item will then always be examined in person. We would never issue a COA without an in person examination.<br /><br />I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>Jodi Birkholm</b><p>Let's just say that Leon pointed out my greatest fear--that of a lot of anonymous pranksters throwing stones. Also, "finger-pointing" threads such as these can sometimes become so heated that they lose a great deal of objectivity. Those points now expressed, I will be happy to simply sit back and follow this thread from a casual standpoint.

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>micah</b><p>I think Jafee should get off our pre war forum. I don't care to hear opinions from a scumbag who stole from children and grandmothers. He thinks he has been redeemed by spending a VERY short time in a federal jail? PLEASE! I have heard the theory that Shelly is good for the autograph community because he "knows forgeries". Can you imagine dropping off your little girl at daycare and being told a child molestor would be monitoring the class because he "knows other molestors and can sniff them out"? Give me a break. It surprises me that someone reputable like Simon would be associated with a scumbag and thief like Jafee. Go somewhere else

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>Dan Bretta</b><p>Micah, you need to put an email address with your posts in this thread.

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>Richard Simon</b><p>Micah - people change, as has Shelly. I would not be so quick to condemn without knowing all the facts.<br />--<br><br>I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>micah</b><p>read above. I don't want a felon contacting me personally

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>1880nonsports</b><p>as I guess you were included in my blanket statement. "...but the better items were sent to us upon our request. We issued very few COA's but the items that we did issue COA's for were always examined in person.". I essentially don't have a problem with this - although when an aution house says - these things were authenticated blah blah blah - it's discomforting to think it might have been viewed from a scan. The little buyer is just as concerned with their purchase as a high dollar collector is with their big money auto.. I understand time constraints and expense involved in authenticating big lots or more common elements don't leave much room to view everything all the time. I guess it is most important to know the reputation - experience - and diligence of the authenticator - which comes from experience and talking to other collectors/dealers.<br />BTW, I have only heard good things about you (Richard) and did purchase a Lekang auto when I was chasing the Sport King set. The transaction was quick and easy.......<br />

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>Richard Simon</b><p>Micah - ever see the movie, starring Tom Hanks & Leonardo De Caprio called Catch Me If You Can,,,, if not I suggest you give it a try.<br />--<br><br>I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>micah</b><p>You say "people change, as has Shelly". I agree with that. My problem with Shelly being in the autograph businss is that you and others associated with him and formed a partnership just a short time after he left prison. I would guess he was still on probation/parole at that point. I would like to think the autograph industry and any reputable dealer with half a brain would have waited a while. Lets see if he has really changed after several years, not several months. It just seemed ridiculous for anyone to accept him back in the hobby on such short notice. I think the public spoke their dissaproval by not untilizing Tracercodes services(they closed shop quickly) and no other reputable auction house or dealer has since employeed Jafee....thank God. I have a problem with these convicted Bullpen guys selling autographs again. tribetime! on ebay was a conviced bullpen felon and is now selling autograhs. Am I the only one who has an issue with this? When you are convicted of insurance fraud, you NEVER sell insurance again. It shoud apply to autographs as well. Richard-my grandmother used to have a saying "If you play with Sh*t, it is bound to get on you" I think your associaion with Jafee has kept you from entering the bigger auction houses as an authenticator. I have wondered why I don't see your name in Josh's auction, Mastro's, Hunts, Sothebys, or any other respected companies. It may be the company you are associated with, just my opinion.<br /><br />Dan-Leon has my email. I do not want a convicted felon having my home email address.

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>micah</b><p>Richard-I posted the last one before I read your suggestion of "Catch Me If You Can". Great movie but I hope you arent trying to compare Shelly with Frank Abagnale. The forger Abagnale spent over 7 years in various prisons in horrible conditions in France (He almost died there). Not only did he spend over 7 years but he also ONLY worked for the government and WITHOUT pay. Abagnale did not go into private consultation on fogeries for over 16 years after his release. He struggled as a grocercy store stock boy, unloaded trucks, etc for many years. He proved he was clean and redeemed after many, many YEARS, not months. Abagnale was on a much higher plane than anyone of the goons from Bullpen.

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>Cat (ret.)</b><p>editted so as not to get the thread off track.

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>micah</b><p>I know about leon's past and am not worried about him! Funny though.

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>1880nonsports</b><p>in and of itself DOES sound a bit like a shot that shouldn't have been fired. Don't know you or your relationship with the object of that remark - but sometimes I think it's best to chuckle at something to yourself rather than say it out loud.........

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>DJ</b><p>My favorite quote of this thread is: "I think Jafee should get off our pre war forum". OUR pre-war forum? It's yours? And it's spelled "Jaffe". <br /><br />The great part about the internet is that you can say what you want about anyone and never have to face them, which is what you are doing Micah.<br /><br />While Shelly had a checkered past, he has done right by the educated autograph community. He did his time and he's not a bad guy anymore. Bringing Richard's reputation into this for dealing with Shelly is a low blow and uncalled for as well. <br /><br />This is an interesting thread and I look forward to seeing how it concludes and whether anything good can come from it. So far, nothing good has come from it other than nonsense and character assasinations.<br /><br />DJ

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>micah</b><p>The great part about the internet is that you can say what you want about anyone and never have to face them, which is what you are doing Micah.<br /><br />I had the pleasure of meeting Shelly at the National at Tracercodes booth and told their crew the same feelings to their face as I am saying now. I also had the misfortune of purchasing a forged Ted Williams and Ripken signature from Shelly. I haven't stated anything here that is not 100% factual. He is a convicted thief and con man, period. I hope he is redeemed and I hope he is a good guy now. It doesn't translate into letting him back in the business. I work out with the nicest guy in the world, a true gentleman. He was convicted of bank fraud in he 80's and served time. Guess what? He will NEVER work in the banking business again. Still a heck of a nice guy!

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>Jeff Lichtman</b><p>My two cents: I'll take one Leon ahead of three guys that dress roosters up in outfits before sending them out to kill each other, anyday.....<br /><br />See? Sometimes the significance of a person's past is not all that it's cracked up to be.

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>Jeff Lichtman</b><p>Micah -- the reason your friend won't be back in the banking business is that it is governmentally regulated; therefore, if you're convicted of fraud, you're not working in the banking industry after. Unfortunately, the auction, card and autograph businesses are unregulated -- it's the Wild West out here.

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>Steve</b><p>Micah <br /><br />While I agree with much of what you said the bottom line is the judge that sentenced him did not make it a condition of his Parole/probation. Thus, he is entitled to make a living anyway he wishes. All you or anyone can do is not utilize his services.<br /><br />Steve<br /><br />

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>Richard Simon</b><p>Micah - I am not associated with big auction houses because the major authenticators who work for auction houses are all backed by million dollar advertising campaigns. This has created a hierarchy in the mind of the collecting public, which thinks that the leading authentication company is the be all and end all of the hobby. I am sure that many people on this board have read many of the stories about them. I am sure that many of the people on this board disagree with the public perception of this company.<br />I worked with Shelly , that is certainly true. We did not form a business partnership but we worked together. <br />But so has Tim Fitzsimmons. Does that name ring a bell? Tim was the head FBI agent in Operation Bullpen. He will vouch for Shelly to anyone in this hobby. That was why I worked with Shelly. If he was good enough for Tim Fitzsimmons then he was good enough for me.<br /><br />ps. Lelands does not use outside authenticators. Mike Hefner and Josh are two of the top people in the country regarding knowledge of autographs, and I would trust their opinion on autographs over anyone else.<br /><br /><br />I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>micah</b><p>Who is "this company" you refer to...enlighten me, please. If an FBI agent, Tim Fitzimmons, is recomending Shelly for employment in the autograph industry mere months after his release (Is this what you mean?) then the FBI higher ups should seriously be looking into this agents competency. As for recomending him several years after the fact, sure, why not. Several months after the fact? I don't think so.

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>Jeff Lichtman</b><p>Richard, I appreciate your position and have high regard for you; I also have no problem with Shelly as he has paid his debt to society and made some amends for his prior bad acts.<br /><br />That being said, the fact that an FBI agent would work with him is not necessarily a big deal; federal agents will work with anything and anyone to get a conviction in a case. Trust me, generally they don't think very highly of their cooperators. I can't speak of Shelly's specific situation but in my experience, some of the lowest, lyingest pieces of garbage are used by the feds to make cases.

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>micah</b><p>"I am not associated with big auction houses because the major authenticators who work for auction houses are all backed by million dollar advertising campaigns." I know for a fact that Jimmy Spence doesn't have a million dollar ad campaign.

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>Richard Simon</b><p>The company I am referring to is PSA, I assumed that was obvious to all.<br />And regarding Tim Fitzsimmons and Shelly, I don't know if it is possible for someone to communicate with Tim at this time, but Tim speaks highly of Shelly, feels he has paid his debt to society and Tim definitely trusts him.<br />Jimmy Spence had a million dollar ad campaign backing him when he spent five years with PSA.<br />--<br /><br />I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>Jeff Lichtman</b><p>Spence would have a million dollar ad campaign if only he hadn't blown all his loot on attending courses on how to spot a real Sal Bando autograph. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>micah</b><p>Touche

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>Please email me again...<br />thanks

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>Richard Simon</b><p>This thread has been running for 20 hours and we have yet to hear from Mr Morales or STAT.<br />Anybody want to venture a guess if they even will reply ?<br />--<br><br>I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>I wrote about Morales and STAT because of the many postings about CC in this forum. Morales and STAT have made statements on their respective websites that I felt needed questioning. <br /><br />Since some of you are making this thread about me I feel I have right to answer your questions and statements.<br /><br />To answer Micah, I have never sold a forged Ripken ball in my life.As to the Ted Williams balls they came from B and J collectibles or Score Board. The reason I bought from these companies is that Greg Moreno could not forge Ted Williams' signature very well. You claim to have bought these items from me, show me the receipt. I very rarely sold to the public. I sold mostly to dealers who knew what they where getting. I issued receipts for all the items I sold. Show me the receipt that I issued to you for Ripken. <br /><br />The court never asked me to pay back anyone I sold to. I did it anyway. Micah, if I sold you bogus items, why did you not attempt to obtain a refund from me?<br /><br />My relationship with Tim Fitzsimmons of the FBI was based on the fact that I went out of my way to make sure this would not happen again. I took full responsibility for my actions. I was not an FBI informant in Operation Bullpen. There was one informant involved and he was the only one that the FBI needed. <br /><br />Tim Fitzsimmons asked me if I would do a radio show. I said yes. He asked if I would answerer questions for people that got stuck from other companies selling bad merchandise. I said yes. He asked me if I would supply information to SCD. I said yes. <br /><br />The FBI returned most of the merchandise they confiscated from me because the merchandise was deemed to be authentic. Score Board, UDA, Mounted Memories and signings from shows.<br /><br />I was the one who contacted HBO and helped to bring all this to light. <br /><br />I am not a saint and never will be. I do know forgeries and that is something no one can deny. There is no time limit on knowledge. <br /><br />When I was asked if I could help Tracercode I said yes. Tracercode going out of business had nothing to do with the authenticating side of the business. <br /><br />Micah if you said you came up to me and talked to me then please tell me your real name. You know who I am, yet I don't know who you are. Hiding behind a made up name on a forum makes it easy to do what you do. Let us all know who you really are and where you are located. I feel that if you can call me names and know my history, I deserve to know who you are.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />Who's never won? Biggest Grammy Award surprises of

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>"Micah" did email me previously. It was a long time ago and is absolutely buried in hundreds of emails. I will try to find it and send you his name and contact info. He has not emailed me again. I have 0 tolerance for this particular kind of anonymity....regards

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>Thanks Leon.<br />As to the question about scans. Here is a perfect example of not needing this baseball in hand.<br /><br /> <a href="http://tinyurl.com/ywspc9" target="_new">http://tinyurl.com/ywspc9</a><br /><br />edited link<br />

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>Jeff Lichtman</b><p>Shelly, funny how the government doesn't always require restitution from its cooperators and even allowed you to have your merchandise back instead of liquidating it and giving the money to victims. I'm sure you'll agree that such a practice is wrong.<br /><br />

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>Al Simeone</b><p>Shelly has made some good points here. At least he has come clean here and stated his side ,which is more than I can say for alot of others.

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>micah</b><p>"To answer Micah, I have never sold a forged Ripken ball in my life.As to the Ted Williams balls they came from B and J collectibles or Score Board. The reason I bought from these companies is that Greg Moreno could not forge Ted Williams' signature very well. You claim to have bought these items from me, show me the receipt. I very rarely sold to the public. I sold mostly to dealers who knew what they where getting. I issued receipts for all the items I sold. Show me the receipt that I issued to you for Ripken. "<br /><br />I absolutely purchased these items from you. I returned these items along with Tiger Woods golf balls from Stan's Sports as well as a Bulls team signed ball from them to the FBI. I dealt with a female agent in the Sand Diego office shortly after everything came down. Why would I have approached a man headed to prison for the refund? I did exactly what SCD instructed buyers to do. I have yet to receive a refund. Not only was I not refunded but I know of at least a half dozen other dealers who sent bad items back and received nothing. In defense of the FBI, I was told on the front end that I may not receive the iems back or a refund and that it would be part of evidence. <br /><br />"The court never asked me to pay back anyone I sold to. I did it anyway. Micah, if I sold you bogus items, why did you not attempt to obtain a refund from me?"<br />Give us some references. I and others would love to hear or see names of anyone who received a refund from you. <br /><br />"Micah if you said you came up to me and talked to me then please tell me your real name. You know who I am, yet I don't know who you are. Hiding behind a made up name on a forum makes it easy to do what you do. Let us all know who you really are and where you are located. I feel that if you can call me names and know my history, I deserve to know who you are."<br /><br />My real name is Micah. Leon has my full name and email. Not only did I come up to you at the National but there were others who witnessed it. I will contact them and ask permission to either use their names or have them post themselves regarding our conversation. You gave us a short version of events that made me, for the time, feel some empathy for you. You stated to me that you were caught up in this because you were tired of going to shows and competing against the guys selling forgeries. You regretted your actions, paid your time, etc. I have an issue with you claiming that you rarely dealt with the public. Were you not the same Shelly that would set up at the Frank and Sons warehouse show and others in the area from about 92 through 98? I was at these shows. At the National and through phone calls to Bill Flemming and to SCD I stated my beilief to you and others that you had no business being associated with autographs and you politely dissagreed. When Kevin Nelson's in depth, investigaive book was published which detailed many aspects of Operation Bullpen and your activities that the public was not aware of, I became aware that your version of events given to me by you at the National was at best sugar coated and bordered on out and out lies. While you looked me in the eye at the National and painted yourself as alomst a victim yourself, the book tells a different tale. Kevin Nelson reported that you actually auditioned these forgers. You called Marino to your home to see what he could do for you in terms of forgeries...you sought him out, not the other way. Is Kevin Nelson and the FBI signing off on this version wrong? That to me is much different than the version you have given to me and the readers of SCD. I believe Kevins account over your sugar coated version. The FBI had to sign off on every single fact that was printed before it could be published. I honestly believe that anyone who reads Kevins book and the facts will agree with me that you do not belong anywhere near the autograph business again. When you read the SCD article and your version of events and then read the book by Kevin Nelson, you are given completely different pictures. If anyone has the original interview or article from Krause, please read it, then go buy the book and compare.<br /><br />It amazes me that you would come on this forum and continue to defend yourself by stating you bought items from B and J and Scoreboard and that is why your buyers ended up with forgeries. You auditioned forgers for Gods sake! You willfully sought out Marino and employeed his services. This is not Scoreboards fault. This is not B and J's fault. It is yours and yours alone. It is sad to see that you are still trying to paint yourself as a victim by pointing to B and J and Scoreboard. I encourage everyone to buy Kevin Nelson book...it is a great read.

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>micah</b><p>Leon-Please provide your email once again, I will glady email you as I did before. Thanks

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>micah</b><p>Shelly-Feel free to email me anytime, I will tell you the same as I am here. I don't mind you having my info. I just don't feel comfortable posting it for the rest of the world. Thanks!

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>Al Simeone</b><p>Well Shelly,<br />Micah seems to know an awful lot about the whole story. It would be hard for me to believe that all he has said is just some made up pack of lies to make you look bad! I think its time you answer some of his statements.

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>micah</b><p>I will be out the rest of the day to a basketball game but will respond to anything else this evening. I still need Leons email

[Archive]

Posted By: <b>Sean</b><p>I was ripped off last year by a guy named carl meyer to the tune of $500 for a fake autograph of ty cobb on a 1960 fleer. After doing some investigating I found others who were victims of his mail fraud. One of them told me that he works directly with Christopher Morales.<br />If abyone ever gets anything form carl meyer or a Joe Butler through the mail throw it out! I had purchased something from carl on ebay that I found out later was fake. a few months later I get a catalog from a joe Butler with unbelievable autograph prices (shoudl abeen my first clue. He had me make my M.O. out to carl meyer and I didnt put it together until after he cashed it who he was. I found his ebay user name and sure enough, hes bought an unsigned 1960 ty cobb fleer. I end up getting the "autographed" card and low and behold----- SAME CARD. Same creasing, corner wear, etc.<br />Coaches corner and STAT authentic are bad news. Why they arent shut down is beyond me.