Man arrested for paying for service at Best Buy with $2 bill

[JohnnyCNote]

This was in the March 8th Baltimore Sun:

PUT YOURSELF in Mike Bolesta's place. On the morning of Feb. 20, he buys a new radio-CD player for his 17-year-old son Christopher's car. He pays the $114 installation charge with 57 crisp new $2 bills, which, when last observed, were still considered legitimate currency in the United States proper. The $2 bills are Bolesta's idea of payment, and his little comic protest, too.

For this, Bolesta, Baltimore County resident, innocent citizen, owner of Capital City Student Tours, finds himself under arrest.

Finds himself, in front of a store full of customers at the Best Buy on York Road in Lutherville, locked into handcuffs and leg irons.

Finds himself transported to the Baltimore County lockup in Cockeysville, where he's handcuffed to a pole for three hours while the U.S. Secret Service is called into the case.

Have a nice day, Mike.

"Humiliating," the 57-year old Bolesta was saying now. "I am 6 feet 5 inches tall, and I felt like 8 inches high. To be handcuffed, to have all those people looking on, to be cuffed to a pole -- and to know you haven't done anything wrong. And me, with a brother, Joe, who spent 33 years on the city police force. It was humiliating."

What we have here, besides humiliation, is a sense of caution resulting in screw-ups all around.

"When I bought the stereo player," Bolesta explains, "the technician said it'd fit perfectly into my son's dashboard. But it didn't. So they called back and said they had another model that would fit perfectly, and it was cheaper. We got a $67 refund, which was fine. As long as it fit, that's all.

"So we go back and pay for it, and they tell us to go around front with our receipt and pick up the difference in the cost. I ask about installation charges. They said, 'No installation charge, because of the mix-up. Our mistake, no charge.' Swell.

"But then, the next day, I get a call at home. They're telling me, 'If you don't come in and pay the installation fee, we're calling the police.' Jeez, where did we go from them admitting a mistake to suddenly calling the police? So I say, 'Fine, I'll be in tomorrow.' But, overnight, I'm starting to steam a little. It's not the money -- it's the threat. So I thought, I'll count out a few $2 bills."

He has lots and lots of them.

With his Capital City Student Tours, he arranges class trips for school kids around the country traveling to large East Coast cities, including Baltimore. He's been doing this for the last 18 years. He makes all the arrangements: hotels, meals, entertainment. And it's part of his schtick that, when Bolesta hands out meal money to students, he does it in $2 bills, which he picks up from his regular bank, Sun Trust.

"The kids don't see that many $2 bills, so they think this is the greatest thing in the world," Bolesta says. "They don't want to spend 'em. They want to save 'em. I've been doing this since I started the company. So I'm thinking, 'I'll stage my little comic protest. I'll pay the $114 with $2 bills.'"

At Best Buy, they may have perceived the protest -- but did not sense the comic aspect of 57 $2 bills.

"I'm just here to pay the bill," Bolesta says he told a cashier. "She looked at the $2 bills and told me, 'I don't have to take these if I don't want to.' I said, 'If you don't, I'm leaving. I've tried to pay my bill twice. You don't want these bills, you can sue me.' So she took the money. Like she's doing me a favor."

He remembers the cashier marking each bill with a pen. Then other store personnel began to gather, a few of them asking, "Are these real?"

"Of course they are," Bolesta said. "They're legal tender."

A Best Buy manager refused comment last week. But, according to a Baltimore County police arrest report, suspicions were roused when an employee noticed some smearing of ink. So the cops were called in. One officer noticed the bills ran in sequential order.

"I told them, 'I'm a tour operator. I've got thousands of these bills. I get them from my bank. You got a problem, call the bank,'" Bolesta says. "I'm sitting there in a chair. The store's full of people watching this. All of a sudden, he's standing me up and handcuffing me behind my back, telling me, 'We have to do this until we get it straightened out.'

"Meanwhile, everybody's looking at me. I've lived here 18 years. I'm hoping my kids don't walk in and see this. And I'm saying, 'I can't believe you're doing this. I'm paying with legal American money.'"

Bolesta was then taken to the county police lockup in Cockeysville, where he sat handcuffed to a pole and in leg irons while the Secret Service was called in.

"At this point," he says, "I'm a mass murderer."

Finally, Secret Service agent Leigh Turner arrived, examined the bills and said they were legitimate, adding, according to the police report, "Sometimes ink on money can smear."

This will be important news to all concerned.

For Baltimore County police, said spokesman Bill Toohey, "It's a sign that we're all a little nervous in the post-9/11 world."

The other day, one of Bolesta's sons needed a few bucks. Bolesta pulled out his wallet and "whipped out a couple of $2 bills. But my son turned away. He said he doesn't want 'em any more."

He's seen where such money can lead.

It doesn't surprise me....

[Poppa_Meth]

If I were him I'd sue the living hell out of Best Buy. Thats was pure stupidity on the part of Best Buy and the police.

[JohnnyCNote]

There was another case in Atlanta where a guy ordered a video card from the website to pick up at the store. Evidently the price was wrong, and when he presented his invoice they arrested him, accusing him of forgery (or fraud, etc). Later he was able to prove that he'd paid in good faith the price that was displayed on the website. I never did hear what the outcome of that one was. Best Buy has a tendency to play hardball at the drop of a hat. Shop there at your own peril - at least I avoid it....

[canadateck]

One more Reason to hate Best Buy.

[spiderman2k1]

"Sue best buy Sue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

[Nilfennasion]

Land of the free?

[JohnnyCNote]

If you got the cash - er, the right kind of cash, that is.....

[soloredd]

For Baltimore County police, said spokesman Bill Toohey, "It's a sign that we're all a little nervous in the post-9/11 world."

I'm so sick of this excuse. What does 9/11 have to with anything in this story?

No, the reality is, it's a sign that humanity is becoming more and more ignorant and irresponsible. I feel sorry for the guy...instead of making a fuss about the fault of Best Buy and their installation issue, he makes an attempt to take care of it himself (legally, I might add).

[FulciLives]

This country went down the tubes long ago but it seems to be more apparent these days ... or maybe it's just because I'm older and more "aware" of such things.

It is sickening.

Makes me want to live in the middle of nowhere ... as long as I have broadband internet and satellite TV I will be happy

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[painkiller]

Mike Bolesta was interviewed by a local radio station here in Maryland shortly after this incident.

What the article (as a simple text message) can fail to indicate is the fact that this man was a complete gentleman during this entire ordeal. He also indicate that the police were also professional, and did not mistreat him - despite their apparent need to handcuff him while they proceeded to investigate this case.

The event, as it transpired, was precipitated by the cashier, a lowly employee, who didn't care for the abundance of one specific, somewhat uncommon (but legal) tender - because it was obvious to her "the game was afoot."

Her beligerance, and subsequent Best Buy local management's treatment of this individual clearly indicates their internal communications problems.

Hopefully, upper management of this franchise will note this event with great interest.

And do something to win back our trust.

They have a long road to hoe.

[guns1inger]

Come to Australia - it's the middle of nowhere. 90% of residents in the captial cities can get broadband - so long as they don't live in flats of units. Things aren't so good once you move further away from the capitals. Pay TV and digital TV are a joke, although you might get more luck from international satellite TV, if you can get reception.

I guess the middle of noweher probably won't suit you. Have you though about a small shack in the wilds of Mantana ? The Unibomber seemed happy there.

[NightWing]

That is why I NEVER go to that place!

9/11???? More like ripoff. If he has documents covering all of this and with the false arrest warrent. He could put a major dent in both BestBuys and the Police department. Not sure but I think its a felony to do a false arrest.

And yes she is required to take it. If there is no sign stating what is not acceptiable in plain sight she must take it. Think of the sign stating no personal checks or certain type of credit card. Etc.

This sound like a case the local consumer reporters would die for! There should be enough doument proving his case to the point of BestBuy either correcting big time this with a major public appoligy and reimburment or stand by to get crushed.

[BJ_M]

its law that they have to take legal tender (but change is not covered) (it is printed right on the bills in case someone forgets)


if they refuse it - they can actually be charged ..

he should have not paid the installation charge anyway - his new receipt clearly didnt show such a charge and by rights - they just cant add it on later (unless it is in the terms and conditions or e&oe)

[FulciLives]

I guess the middle of noweher probably won't suit you. Have you though about a small shack in the wilds of Mantana ? The Unibomber seemed happy there.

Yes I think of that type of existance often but I am a "child" of the modern age and need my technology "fix"

I could probably live without TV programming as long as I have a TV and DVD player etc. but I couldn't live without broadband internet

But living in the middle of nowhere with my own Tesla style free energy devoid of "interuption" from society is a pleasing thought.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[BetaMaster]

There was a case up here in Canada where a prospective computer store owner and his partner were arrested for trying to buy a money order with 30 Canadian $100 bills. The cops confiscated the money, arrested the men, and they missed the deposit on their space. The money turned out to be legit (although counterfiet hundreds were a problem up here). I think it is still in the civil courts. One partner did set up shop in my old neighbourhood for a while, but he couldn't make it.

And just a legal point - anyone can turn down legal tender as payment, but doing so has legal ramifications. You are prevented from claiming the debtor wasn't trying to pay you.

[gadgetguy]

There is no standing for action against the police. Once the store made the charge of counterfeiting, they're hands were tied. The officers cannot determine the legitimacy of the bills, but must leave that to the expert. In order for the officers to be allowed to let him go, the store would have to withdraw the charge. The fault lies solely with the Best Buy employees, and I hope they pay dearly for their ignorance.

[presto]

But then, the next day, I get a call at home. They're telling me, 'If you don't come in and pay the installation fee, we're calling the police

There's something fishy about this story. The above just doesn't make sense. I think a lot has been left out.

[bokkasrealm]

The police certainly could have done a better job! Handcuffing a guy for trying to pay for something? Completely uncalled for. Just because someone accuses someone of something doesnt make what theyre doing a crime. He should have never been taken to jail the way he was. He should sue and rightfully so. I am not a sue happy person myself but this is completely uncalled for. I would sue Best Buy for monetary damages, for the firing of the cashier and management on duty, and I would sue the Police department for a 1 page public apology taken out in the local newspaper. Outrageous.

[FKrueger]

This has to be a lawsuit! There's gotta be a lawer who would take that case. It's just wrong!

[Sabro]

I don't know about the rest of you, but 99.9% of the best buy employees around here are complete morons anyways.

You ask where the toner is and they direct you to the cell phone area? Maybe its just a new retail slang I don't understand?

I just feel for the non-technical type people that really have to *deal* with them while shopping there.

Sabro

General Disclaimer : It is not the intention to slam *ALL* Best Buy employees, as I am sure there are
many knowledgeable in their respected fields....I am just having minor problems locating them

[BJ_M]

The police certainly could have done a better job! Handcuffing a guy for trying to pay for something? Completely uncalled for. Just because someone accuses someone of something doesnt make what theyre doing a crime. He should have never been taken to jail the way he was. He should sue and rightfully so. I am not a sue happy person myself but this is completely uncalled for. I would sue Best Buy for monetary damages, for the firing of the cashier and management on duty, and I would sue the Police department for a 1 page public apology taken out in the local newspaper. Outrageous.

the police are not to blaim here - handcuffing someone is SOP in almost all locations now for everyones protection ...

[bokkasrealm]

the police are not to blaim here - handcuffing someone is SOP in almost all locations now for everyones protection ...

Who or what were they protecting? Shouldnt they also have handcuffed the cashier for reporting a false crime? He wasnt driving, he wasnt drunk, he wasnt doing drugs, he wasnt assaulting anyone and he might not have even been yelling. He was standing in a place of buisness trying to pay for a service with legal tender. Im not blowing up over this or anything, I understand in 90% of most situations, (battery, theft, illegal substances) that to handcuff is SOP but for trying to pay for something? Wrong wrong wrong. Im sure if he was asked, he would have gone to the police station voluntarily. I mean Michael Jackson is accused of Child Molestation and is probably guilty and he got to turn himself in!

[winifreid]

It just goes to show you that one should pay attention when your grandmother spouts homilies. The saying is: "He's as phony as a three dollar bill" not $2.

[lumis]

here's the link to the article.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.olesker08mar08,1,76004.column?coll=bal-l...ck=1&cset=true

and i've gotta agree with solaredd.. that 9/11 excuse is pure bullshit.. its become a crutch for law enforcement to overstep their boundries. you cant use 9/11 as an excuse for all of your bad actions..

[jaxxboss]

I wouldnt say the 911 excuse is total BS. If we had more teror crap going down here in the states you may feel dif and think its not too much of a BS excuse.

Israel has seen it's share. Go to Tel Aviv and take a small knap sack or suit case filled with marshmellos and go to a crowded corner and all of a suddenly just drop them and hall ass running. What do you think would happen? I mean, cmon, its only marshmellos, right?

By the way, I think it was total BS that it happened as well and Id be suing too.

[lumis]

the 9/11 excuse is total BS.. what does a bitchy clerk & stupid company who wont accept $2 bills have anything to do with 9/11 or terrorism? nothing at all.

what if cops did felony arrests while pulling over motorists for minor traffic violations? you cant be too safe in a post-9/11 world.. the excuse is bullshit in this case and many others.

[rkgibbons]

Every "aging" generation says that their era was better, their society more polite, more considerate, and in most ways better than the ones following it.

But that's a load of crap.

My great-great-great grandfather lived in a time when women were burned at the stake for "practising" witchcraft.

My great-great grandfather lived in a time when slavery was legal.

My great grandfather lived in a time when women weren't allowed to vote.

My grandfather lived in a time when blacks weren't allowed in most public restaurants.

My father lived in a time when 11 million Jewish people were exterminated, even more Chinese people were exterminated, and the homeland solution was to incarcerate anyone who looked Asian.

We still have our problems today, but we're moving in the right direction, not the wrong.

Keith.

[celtic_druid]

Nah, I'd say we're moving more side ways. Or maybe more like a broken record where we move a bit forward only to jump back.

[south_oz]

gawd , what a load of crap ....america changing ???? sheeeesh have a proper look at your history , your goverment trained and armed an support groups all round the world that bullied and enslaved and murdered some portions of their population , then when they feel like it (when there is a change in goverment policies) they call those group terrorist an condem them , then go after them with armed force .... I mean people , open your eyes to japan 40 years prier to perl harbor they just did what the american fleet threatend them with, then cambodia with pol pot ,who were trained and armed by the us an other powers because they were again the communist , then the talaban in Afghanistan , same thing ...and it go's on an on....sheeeeesh lets face it , america is it's worse enemy , freedem in america is an illustion

9/11 was predictable and in some circles expected , anyone that thinks differenly with america's history is just deluding them self

gawd no wonder I would prefer to be unemployed in austalia than take up 120k a year job over there(and yes I have tuned down 2 jobs over there)

You are in breach of the forum rules and are being issued with a formal warning. ABSOLUTELY NO POLITICS!
/ Moderator lordsmurf

[gadgetguy]

9/11 was the catalyst that changed the front line officers ability to use discretion. In many areas the police are now required to handcuff suspects when taking them into custody - even for traffic violations that result in arrest. This is not something they have a choice on. If they could have convinced the BB employees to withdraw the charges then none of this would have been necessary, but obviously they weren't able to do that, so they were required to follow procedure. I said it before and I'll say it again. The blame lays solely at the feet of those BB employees and I hope they pay dearly for it.