Editorials

The articles in this section are not necessarily reports of past events. These articles are speculative in nature and may be used as the basis of a future report article. Additionally, these articles are used to generate open discussions for the readership community. As more information is discovered, these articles may be moved from "editorial status" to "report status".

Will Janice Become a Career Criminal and Fugitive? (Updated: 6/10/07)

The overwhelming information and interviews gathered thus far indicates that Janice is on her way on becoming a career criminal (if she is not already there). This is now coming to light as more people from all levels of association with Janice report years of misappropriation of funds, theft of client files, illegal collection tactics, misreprentation and hiding of information, internal theft, and tax evasion.

Even if she manages to evade criminal prosecution, the court of public opinion in the Greater Columbus GA area will not paint her in a favorable light, nor will it be forgiving. She may continue to live in the Columbus GA area but she will likely become a pariah and outcast within the business community where everyone will shun her. Cobra Collections will long be considered a tainted and tarnished name.

At the current age of 46, I believe Janice's future is quite bleak. She may find new victims but she will likely bring shame, embarassment, and negative karma to anyone she is associated with. They say "like people attract others similar to them". In that regard, she will likely attract other "losers", the legally-challenged, the credit-challenged, the financially-challenged, and and the ethically-challenged. Because no one of decent moral, legal, or financial character (regardless of their race, age, or socio-economic status) will ever associate with her. To do so would almost be tantamount to committing social, professional, and reputational suicide.

In years past, there was no Internet and so it was much easier to hide, get away with it, and get a second chance. However, with the Internet, Janice will likely have to create or hijack another identity because the usefulness of her existing identity is nearly over. Every major Internet search engine has picked up this website in one capacity or another.

Too many people from all walks of life and a diversity of professional and socio-economic backgrounds have banded together through this online project. It will be too difficult for Janice and Michael to say to anyone that an entire city or business community "misunderstood them", was imagining this, or and simply "out to get them" for no reason. The whole idea that this was entirely concoted or a conspiracy is simply too ridiculous for any rational person to believe.

And because Janice appears to be in denial, continues to maintain her "innocence", and will not come forward or cooperate with anyone, this scam will likely haunt her for years to come. She will likely leave a legacy and memory of being a career criminal, and ultimately a fugitive living in the underground economy.

I truly feel sorry for her family and relatives. People say there is a black sheep in everyone's family. I would venture to say she has not only become the black sheep of her family but the black elephant in the room but no one wants to talk about.

Are Janice & Michael Job-Hunting? (Updated: 6/8/07)

There are indications that Janice may be in the process of job-hunting. Jerry Bolt has unexpectedly found copies of Janice's discarded resumes and sharing it with us. These appear to be authentic and are hand-written notes of her resume and a computer printed version of her resume.

Michael Ledden appears to be job-hunting also as this appears to be discarded hand-written notes on possible job positions he is seeking.

Cobra Collections Shutdown Imminent? (Updated: 6/8/07)

I have conferred with Jerry Bolt and based on the unexpected discovery of Janice's and Michael's discarded resumes, removal of the Cobra Collection Agency signage, and the nature of the trash/debris left behind at 3500 University Ave., there is evidence that a Cobra shutdown is imminent.

If this happens to be the case, this will have caught me (and many others) unaware and unexpected.

Please note this is conjecture at this point. If someone could physically pay a visit to their office for a friendly visit and report back to me, our community would greatly appreciate it.

(Please note that I typically would not post an unsubstantiated or unsupported statement of this kind. But if Cobra is indeed near shutdown, this will take this scam into an unexpected direction. I want our readers to be prepared for such a possibility.)

Will Cobra Collections File for Bankruptcy Soon?

I made a prediction that Janice might be a flight risk. (See the comments under the Janice Ledden Page). Before she flees, I am also predicting that she will file for bankruptcy within 90 days. Remember, Janice is not a stupid woman. She also has a strong sense of self-preservation. If that means "bending or breaking" the rules here and there, I believe she will do it. How I have determined this is based of her past criminal record, stories told to me, and her publicly asking for 90 days (both on TV and in letter) so that she can "pay everyone back".

Before I go further, I absolutely hope to be wrong and Janice fully repays everyone!

The next 90 days will be crucial to get her affairs in proper order before she shuts down. Janice needs time to confer with her advisors and bankruptcy attorney. She also needs to raise the necessary monies for legal fees and to prepare for her personal survival after Cobra shuts down.

If people give her 90 days, the pressure on her is reduced. Presumably, there will be no criminal charges and no lawsuits to respond to. Janice can then focus on collecting whatever monies she can before she has to "officially" shut down. She will likely make debtors pay in cash which is much harder to track and follow. The monies will likely be funneled to trusted individuals or hidden locations so that she can "truthfully" claim she does not have any monies in her possession. Those monies could be also be used for pre-paid rents for a rental house or apartment somewhere.

Janice will also likely spend the money on things that bankruptcies cannot easily touch. For example, if she used the money for plastic surgery or medical improvements on herself, there is no way that benefit could ever be taken away from her through any legal proceeding because the benefit would be stored within her personally. (Jerry Bolt and I both agree Janice's appearance has changed drastically recently. Jerry was amazed by how Janice looked on TV. Compare that with the photos taken in 2005.)

Janice may "dispose" of files, business equipment, and office supplies with trusted individuals or in a hidden location. Janice will likely go back into business at some point (which may or may not be in the Columbus area) and she would not have to use her money to buy the supplies and equipment she needed.

Remember, she is currently funneling all mail and correspondence to a P.O. Box now. A bankruptcy filing would not require her to give up the P.O. Box. As long as she has a cell phone, her files, basic supplies, and office equipment, she could continue operating out of her bedroom, if necessary.

At this point, some readers may think I am creating a conspiracy theory. Maybe, maybe not. To that, I would say that I trust my instincts. Janice is a very smart and crafty woman that should not be underestimated. She has an extensive history of not keeping to her word. (You can check with individuals in the Testimonials section.) Obviously, I am not omniscient but one only has to look at the past to figure out what will happen in the future.

People (with malicious intent) who file for bankruptcy tend to go out with a big bang. They go into extreme self-preservation mode and will bend, stretch, and break the rules if they have to. It means that Janice will milk everything she can before Cobra (the company) is forced to shut down.

I absolutely hope to be wrong and Janice repays everyone!

But it cannot happen because Cobra is in too deep and Janice does not appear to have access to outside financial resources. My initial estimates of what she owes other people is in the $40,000 to $60,000 range. It could be far more depending on how many other people are suffering in silence. Exactly what is going to happen, within 90 days, that this money will magically appear?

No one has reported to me that anyone is receiving even the smallest of payments. If no one is getting event the smallest of payments, how is anyone going to get the large payments? Is she going to win the lottery? I don't think so.

This website did not come into existence simply because I was bored and had nothing better else to do. This website is meant to educate and inform the uninformed. Part of that responsibility is anticipating and preparing for the the worst. Obviously, all of this is speculation on my part. I am not doing it with malice. It is based on my personal experience with Janice and conversations with all the informers caught up in this fiasco.

I say to you, "Be prepared for the worst."

P.S. My theory of Cobra Collections' impending bankruptcy was supported by the two ex-employee sisters (K&F). They report that Janice frequently threatened to file bankruptcy and leave the business behind.

Is Janice a Flight Risk? (Updated: 6/9/07)

Janice has some serious problems on her hands. The way she has conducted herself and interacted with her clients has destroyed the goodwill anyone would have given to her. Anyone in business knows there is always a chance that business will go bad. But generally, there is an assumption that the owners and managers are being as responsible as they can be and conducting themselves in a manner that will engender some goodwill. Janice has not earned or retained any goodwill from anyone except from the people who are ignorant of the situation or how she operates.

Nearly everyone I spoke to was willing to work with Janice and her situation before things got really bad. But the truth of the matter is, Janice chose to simply deny there was a problem and simply ignore everyone unitl the heat was turned up in a big way. I am not Dr. Phil but I believe that people like her tend to run and avoid. They also go into shutdown mode. They don't know how to recognize a big problem until it is too late. She thinks she can deceive, manipulate, evade, and basically trick her way out this situation.

I have a strong suspicion that if the heat gets turned up enough, there is a chance that Janice will eventually leave the Columbus GA area. If she did leave the area, I was told that some places she might end up moving to are Alaska to join her daughter (at least temporarily), Hawaii to join her son in the Army, or Albany, GA where Michael Ledden is from. I am only bringing this up so that everyone reading this will be prepared for the unexpected.

I believe Janice (and subsequently Michael) is a flight risk and may run from her problems. If she does, it will be her biggest mistake yet. In the age of the Internet, this will continue to follow her until its "natural conclusion". I believe that Janice's business reputation has been severely and irreparably damaged. It will be a long time before anyone reputable in the Greater Columbus GA area will deal with her again. In fact, she will have to rely on the rule, "A sucker is born every day." She has burned some very significant, vocal, and influential people. People will remember a long time.

She may resolve her civil problems through bankruptcy but getting rid of her criminal problems will not be quite so easy if enough people come out and start filing police reports. Janice has been incarcerated before and she may not want to face that again.

Addendum: K&F (ex-employee sisters) believe that Janice wants plastic surgery to significantly change her appearance so that she becomes less identifiable if she runs. They believe that Janice may move to Albany, GA (where Michael Ledden is from) if she leaves Columbus, GA.

Will Janice Divorce Again? (Updated: 6/9/07)

There has been some discussion that Janice might divorce again for one reason or another. It is a known fact that people who have divorced more than once are more likely to divorce again. If Janice does divorce Michael (or vice versa), I believe Michael can provide some interesting insights into the Cobra situation. However, recent information from four ex-employee places Michael at the center of the Cobra Collection scam. He is no longer an innocent man. He is simply hiding behind his wife's shadow. He may not be the captain of the Cobra Collection ship but he certainly seems to be the loyal first officer. Like her captain, Michael will likely sink with the ship unless he goes for a lifeboat or a raft.

Janice has a bit of a reputation of being a people user and discarder. It is entirely possible that Michael will outlive his usefulness. By divorcing Michael and marrying another man, she could have a fresh start with a new last name!

Michael Ledden, if you are reading this, you may want to consider getting out while you still can. Or cooperate with everyone by telling us what you know. No one cares who you talk to as long as you are sharing your information with someone.

Is Blood Truly Thicker Than Water? (Updated: 6/10/07)

In the animal kingdom, I have heard there are some species that will eat their young as a matter of self-preservation. It would appear that this trait is alive and well with some people within the human race.

In my investigation, I have a cursory interest in Janice's family members because two of her daughters have worked for her in some capacity or another at one or two collection agencies. Additionally, there is a possibility that Janice may escape to wherever her children are if the situation becomes desperate enough.

The person I am most sympathetic with in Janice's immediate family is her daughter Elizabeth. I first met Elizabeth when I became a client at Credit Adjustment Bureau. I remember Elizabeth as being fiercely loyal and a committed team player especially where her mother, Janice, was concerned. This loyalty carried over to the opening of Cobra Collections.

Stories have come out regarding Elizabeth that she attempted to be a stabilizing and responsible influence on the Cobra operation. Despite the fact that Elizabeth preferred back office operations over Janice's inclination towards client relations did not sway the consensus that Elizabeth was an asset to the Cobra operations. I have conflicting details of how Elizabeth departed the Cobra operation. Some say Elizabeth became disenchanted and left on her own accord. Others say that Janice forced her out of the company. One thing seems to be clear, everyone agrees that Elizabeth became unhappy and the mother-daughter relationship was severely damaged as a result.

The general consensus is that Elizabeth was detail-oriented, meticulous, and worked hard to make Cobra Collections a success. Up to that point in her career, I believe it was Elizabeth's first entrepreneurial endeavor, she took pride in the business, and attempted to do a good job. The consensus is that Elizabeth attempted to be financially responsible but was often challenged and overriden by her more assertive, financially-impulsive mother.

Because I primarily interacted with Janice, my observations and communications with Elizabeth were secondary. I would not say that Elizabeth was overly personable or friendly but she seemed respectful. Over time, she seemed to be more open and friendly to people she knew. I surmise that as she saw or took my calls more frequently, there was a greater degree of familiarity. I was not just a cold stranger off the street.

Aside from my brief interactions and conversations during my phone calls and personal visits to their office, much of my information about Elizabeth has come from other individuals that knew her and ex-employees. Based on what I know, Janice has put Elizabeth in a very difficult position. I have been told that both daughters are torn between "doing the right thing" and being loyal to their mother. I would have to guess they are also extremely embarassed and want to stay away from this entire situation. I cannot say I blame them. They must certainly understand that their mother has committed crimes too large to ignore and that the Cobra scam will have a long-lasting impact in the local community as well as their own lives.

Nevertheless, I would very much like to speak to the daughters if they are willing to speak with me. I bear them no malice and I do not hold them responsible in any way for their mother's criminal, deceptive, illegal, and unethical actions. As I said before, I have nothing but sympathy for them. However, there is a large community who wants to see both Michael and Janice "brought to justice".

The relationship between Janice and her adult children will truly be a test whether blood is thicker than water. Time will tell whether the children can actually stay neutral over the long haul.

Why Does WRBL News 3 Ignore This Story & WTVM Does Not? (Updated: 6/13/07)

This commentary is no longer valid. WRBL News 3 Stepped Up and assisted the business community on June 14, 2007

I contacted WRBL News 3 last week with a press release around the same time Zaneta Lowe of WTVM was releasing her June 6 update on this case. Yesterday, I called the newsroom and some young woman answered the phone and I quickly gave her a summary of why this story was important. That young lady seem pretty unimpressed and did not provide much of a reaction except to say that she would look into. it. She did ask when I last submitted this story. I told her, it was last week. Quite frankly, she sounded like some intern that didn't really care to take the call. She did take my name and number, however.

I have no false notions that any news station will focus on this story very long. After all, there are much larger things going on in the world and even in this city. There are also many stories to cover. But I thought this website, with all the information gathered here, and a $6 million client accounts report in hand, it would at least be worth a mention or a couple of minutes of news coverage on their news station.

It is entirely possible WRBL is working on this story as we speak. However, it is also entirely possible they have dismissed it as an unimportant story. Perhaps, this website is just too radical for them to take seriously. I just don't know. All I know is that I was not particularly impressed with the reception. I do not need anything close to red carpet treatment but jeez, a tiny bit of enthusiasm would be nice.

This is exactly why I love the Internet. We are not dependent on someone else to share the important information if we need to. After all, this entire website was really spawned based on a couple of blog posts and the power of Google. Word of mouth has spread and Zaneta Lowe of WTVM jumped on this story quickly.

I have repeatedly thanked Zaneta for paying attention and acting so quickly. Even if she chose to not cover this story again, she has done her part to help. And it is a heck of a lot more than what WRBL appears to be doing. I have interacted with WTVM a few times on different levels over the years and they just seem to be more on top of the game and a bit more connected. If someone understands the process of how one station covers a local story and another one does not, I would like to know. I understand there is some competition between the two news station rivals but really the consumers really lose out the most without the news coverage.

Or maybe WRBL needs more reinforcement of this story. If you feel the Cobra story needs more media coverage, I encourage you to call WRBL and direct them to this website. It has most of the information they need to get started in forming a good news story. Tell them about the $6 million dollar client report.

Newsroom: 706-324-6397, Newsroom Fax: 706-323-0841

Email: news@wrbl.com

I have done all I can. I have faxed them, I have phone them, and I have emailed them. I have done my part for the community and the cause. The rest is up to you and the folks at WRBL. If WRBL doesn't care to cover this story, I have to wonder why.

Will Cobra Collections File for Bankruptcy Soon?

I made a prediction that Janice might be a flight risk. (See the comments under the Janice Ledden Page). Before she flees, I am also predicting that she will file for bankruptcy within 90 days. Remember, Janice is not a stupid woman. She also has a strong sense of self-preservation. If that means "bending or breaking" the rules here and there, I believe she will do it. How I have determined this is based of her past criminal record, stories told to me, and her publicly asking for 90 days (both on TV and in letter) so that she can "pay everyone back".

Before I go further, I absolutely hope to be wrong and Janice fully repays everyone!

The next 90 days will be crucial to get her affairs in proper order before she shuts down. Janice needs time to confer with her advisors and bankruptcy attorney. She also needs to raise the necessary monies for legal fees and to prepare for her personal survival after Cobra shuts down.

If people give her 90 days, the pressure on her is reduced. Presumably, there will be no criminal charges and no lawsuits to respond to. Janice can then focus on collecting whatever monies she can before she has to "officially" shut down. She will likely make debtors pay in cash which is much harder to track and follow. The monies will likely be funneled to trusted individuals or hidden locations so that she can "truthfully" claim she does not have any monies in her possession. Those monies could be also be used for pre-paid rents for a rental house or apartment somewhere.

Janice will also likely spend the money on things that bankruptcies cannot easily touch. For example, if she used the money for plastic surgery or medical improvements on herself, there is no way that benefit could ever be taken away from her through any legal proceeding because the benefit would be stored within her personally.

Janice may "dispose" of files, business equipment, and office supplies with trusted individuals or in a hidden location. Janice will likely go back into business at some point (which may or may not be in the Columbus area) and she would not have to use her money to buy the supplies and equipment she needed.

Remember, she is currently funneling all mail and correspondence to a P.O. Box now. A bankruptcy filing would not require her to give up the P.O. Box. As long as she has a cell phone, her files, basic supplies, and office equipment, she could continue operating out of her bedroom, if necessary.

At this point, some readers may think I am creating a conspiracy theory. Maybe, maybe not. To that, I would say that I trust my instincts. Janice is a very smart and crafty woman that should not be underestimated. She has an extensive history of not keeping to her word. (You can check with individuals in the Testimonials section.) Obviously, I am not omniscient but one only has to look at the past to figure out what will happen in the future.

People (with malicious intent) who file for bankruptcy tend to go out with a big bang. They go into extreme self-preservation mode and will bend, stretch, and break the rules if they have to. It means that Janice will milk everything she can before Cobra (the company) is forced to shut down.

I absolutely hope to be wrong and Janice repays everyone!

But it cannot happen because Cobra is in too deep and Janice does not appear to have access to outside financial resources. My initial estimates of what she owes other people is in the $40,000 to $60,000 $200,000 to $300,000 range. It could be far more depending on how many other people are suffering in silence. Exactly what is going to happen, within 90 days, that this money will magically appear?

No one has reported to me that anyone is receiving even the smallest of payments. If no one is getting event the smallest of payments, how is anyone going to get the large payments? Is she going to win the lottery? I don't think so.

This website did not come into existence simply because I was bored and had nothing better else to do. This website is meant to educate and inform the uninformed. Part of that responsibility is anticipating and preparing for the the worst. Obviously, all of this is speculation on my part. I am not doing it with malice. It is based on my personal experience with Janice and conversations with all the informers caught up in this fiasco.

I say to you, "Be prepared for the worst."

P.S. My theory of Cobra Collections' impending bankruptcy was supported by the two ex-employee sisters (K&F). They report that Janice frequently threatened to file bankruptcy and leave the business behind.

Hush Money Being Paid Out? (Updated: 6/11/07)

Last night, I received a fax from Cobra Collections (Janice and/or Michael). There was no letter or note, only photocopies of a certified mail receipt, money order, U.S. Postal Service receipts, and an online copy of the Annual Registration. I know it was from them because the FAX Identifier lists "Cobra" and their previous FAX number "7065688800".

I thought it was interesting the receipts were dated June 4, 2007 (a Monday). I guess Zaneta Lowe's news story running repeatedly that weekend on WTVM motivated Janice to go to the post office that very Monday to pay us. It is amazing what a little public exposure and a news story will do. She ignored us (me and the law firm representing me) repeatedly for several months and then, poof, like magic, she pays without a peep. And I didn't even have to file a lawsuit against her.

I was kind of hoping that she might threaten to sue me as she has done in the past. I would love to go to court against her at this point. I would have given an open invitation to the readership to attend the court session. Hmm... does anyone reading this know someone in the municipal or magistrate clerk's office? I bet they would find this interesting reading.

In the interest of truthful reporting, it appears that the Janice has paid to the law firm representing me what she owes us with a money order. She has actually made good on the NSF check. Darn it, that means I cannot prosecute on that bad check. Because the amount was under $500.00 ($212.00), it would not have been a felony anyway. That is one less police report the Columbus Police Department has to process.

I guess the heat being generated from this website is getting slightly uncomfortable for Janice and Michael. Out of the 300+ clients, I must be special enough to rate so high on the totem pole. Personally, I think it is "hush money" or "shutdown money". What do all of you think? Should I shut down this website since we appear to have gotten paid? Do you think she is trying to make good or simply pay me off? Personally, I think she is trying to pay me off and to get rid of this website. As always, I would love to hear from you.

Michael R. Ledden's Active Role in Cobra Collections (Updated: 6/8/07)

Up until recently, I have been uncertain as to Michael R. Ledden's role in Cobra Collections. When Janice allegedly suffered a nervous breakdown sometime in late 2005/early 2006 timeframe, I met with Michael himself during those friendlier times and he told me how he was doing his best to turn things around within Cobra Collections. Nevertheless, I still had reservations about how much he knew about Janice's inappropriate and illegal machinations or participated in them. Call it my sense of "giving the benefit of the doubt".

Unfortunately for him, all four ex-employees have come forward and unanimously state that Michael is an active and willing participant of most, if not all, of the financial manipulation, deception, and illegal machinations within Cobra Collections. I do not believe that all four employees who worked during various periods of Cobra Collections history are fabricating stories.

As such, I now believe Michael R. Ledden is an active participant of the overall Cobra Collection scam and just as guilty as Janice of most (if not all) of the accusations being brought against Janice. As far as I can tell, Michael does not have the extensive "colorful" history that Janice has. I have been told that Michael comes from Albany, GA. This appears to be sustantiated by my recent conversation with his brother "S" who also lives in Albany, GA. Loyalty to his wife is commendable in most circumstances, but not if it involves criminal and unethical actions.

Will Janice Become a Career Criminal & Fugitive? (Updated: 6/10/07)

The overwhelming information and interviews gathered thus far indicates that Janice is on her way on becoming a career criminal (if she is not already there). This is now coming to light as more people from all levels of association with Janice report years of misappropriation of funds, theft of client files, illegal collection tactics, misreprentation and hiding of information, internal theft, and tax evasion.

Even if she manages to evade criminal prosecution, the court of public opinion in the Greater Columbus GA area will not paint her in a favorable light, nor will it be forgiving. She may continue to live in the Columbus GA area but she will likely become a pariah and outcast within the business community where everyone will shun her. Cobra Collections will long be considered a tainted and tarnished name.

At the current age of 46, I believe Janice's future is quite bleak. She may find new victims but she will likely bring shame, embarassment, and negative karma to anyone she is associated with. They say "like people attract others similar to them". In that regard, she will likely attract other "losers", the legally-challenged, the credit-challenged, the financially-challenged, and and the ethically-challenged. Because no one of decent moral, legal, or financial character (regardless of their race, age, or socio-economic status) will ever associate with her. To do so would almost be tantamount to committing social, professional, and reputational suicide.

In years past, there was no Internet and so it was much easier to hide, get away with it, and get a second chance. However, with the Internet, Janice will likely have to create or hijack another identity because the usefulness of her existing identity is nearly over. Every major Internet search engine has picked up this website in one capacity or another.

Too many people from all walks of life and a diversity of professional and socio-economic backgrounds have banded together through this online project. It will be too difficult for Janice and Michael to say to anyone that an entire city or business community "misunderstood them", was imagining this, or and simply "out to get them" for no reason. The whole idea that this was entirely concoted or a conspiracy is simply too ridiculous for any rational person to believe.

And because Janice appears to be in denial, continues to maintain her "innocence", and will not come forward or cooperate with anyone, this scam will likely haunt her for years to come. She will likely leave a legacy and memory of being a career criminal, and ultimately a fugitive living in the underground economy.

I truly feel sorry for her family and relatives. People say there is a black sheep in everyone's family. I would venture to say she has not only become the black sheep of her family but the black elephant in the room but no one wants to talk about.

The Price of Betraying Other People's Trust (Updated: 6/10/07)

There is the story of the Pandora's box that when you open it, you can never put the contents back in the box ever again. I believe that when Jerry Bolt and I decided to embark on this mission of exposing Janice Ledden and breaking up the Cobra Collection scam, that there might be negative consequences to myself or Jerry. In fact, I was prepared for physical or anonymous threats against me or my property.

Although that has not yet happened, I have been told by one informant that Janice is a vindictive person and known to resort to framing people or misusing the police by making false reports. I am not too confident the police would listen to her at this point. She is really in no position to threaten to call the police on anyone.

I have spoken to Jerry about it and he does not care nor will he be intimidated. I imagine his years of being a skiptracer, collector, bounty hunter, and related businesses has toughened him up. And it doesn't hurt that he has a company that is staffed by other tough people. (I guess that is why Jerry and I get along so well. He is tough, direct, and takes no nonsense. And he is one heck of a team player. He plays to win!)

Myself, I typically work in white-collar, professional circles and work with a team of people. And with this incident, there are a heck of a lot more people who know me now. And I believe I have quite a few more friends and friendly acquaintances than before. For now, I feel reasonably safe. Like Jerry, I feel Janice has long crossed the line and I will not be intimidated. I have never been known for being a violent person but I do have thoughts of popping her in the nose if I ever saw her. She would really need that plastic surgery then.

But I am a realist and circumstances can change. I will not take up this fight forever because I have my own life and career to lead. Therefore, I am telling all of you who have a strong interest in this case, you should occasionally print a copies of the information on this website for your own records. This website has been updated frequently and will not last forever (but it should be up for a long time to come.)

If there is one thing I have learned from Janice and being a scambuster is that I have to live and do business to a higher standard now. I have never been and will never be a perfect human being or business person but I have to live and operate to a higher standard (which is never a bad thing). I have learned a lot about life and people the last few weeks. What an interesting journey it has been being a scambuster.

Jerry Bolt teases me that I need to become a full-time scambuster because I am pretty good at this. I give him a funny look but I know he means it as a compliment. I told him the pay stinks and it has me focusing on the things I don't want to focus on in life. A friend made a suggestion that one day I should write a book or booklet about scambusting because of this ordeal. I laughed at the idea at the time. But as the days pass, there seems to be a lot of merit to that idea. When all of this is over, I think I will write about the ideas, strategies, and thought process that was used to fight the scam. But that will not come out until some finality occurs. I have not yet determined what the conclusion will look like.

I suppose if Janice died or were successfully prosecuted and incarcerated, that would be a victory. Certainly, very few tears would be lost. If Janice paid everyone back fully, that would also be victory of sorts. But we would have to question where that money came from.

Janice never thought I would ever take the mantle up on this fight. If you read her letter to me, she threatened to contact her attorney. Hell, I contacted her attorney more than once. I also told her that telling the truth is all I had to do. I simply needed others to come forward to corroborate my story. And so many people have plus a whole heck of a lot more! I would not have to file criminal charges or sue her.

I advised Janice frequently that I try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and am willing to work with anyone. But if you continue to lie and ignore the problem, there would be action taken. When that line was crossed, the wheels had been sent in motion.

Janice thinks that everyone is motivated by money. To some degree, that may be true. But people are also motivated by a sense of fair play and a sense of justice that can surpass the desire of money. Ex-employees have come forward because of their sense of guilt and betrayal. I have found all of them to be fundamentally good people who were really lead astray and wanted to believe in their employer. I am not saying they were angels but if Janice had set a better example, it would not have come to this and they would never have approached me.

She severely underestimated people's sense of betrayal and guilt. Rumor has it that Janice was mocking my efforts with this website. After all, who in their right mind would spend so much time and energy to get so little money? Well, I didn't do it for the money. My business partner Wes and I had long written off the money. And because I have the good fortune to have my own business, flexibility of time, and a capable support team, I was able to create this website and organize this effort.

Jerry Bolt also has his own business and flexibility of time. He has the same sense of toughness and determination I do. Together, we did wonders in such a short period of time.

Janice betrayed our trust as well so many other people's trust. While there are many people who wish to stay anonymous, there are quite a few people who have stepped out to lend a hand in this fight. I believe there will be even more people coming forward this week with the fax broadcast we sent to her nearly 300 clients. I am grateful for the scores of people who have decided to come out and do something about it.

For such a smart, talented, charming, and resourceful woman, I always wonder how Janice could turn out to be so dumb and ignorant. She wasn't too smart in betraying so many people. The power of betrayal returns to haunt her. The betrayor becomes the betrayed.

WRBL News 3 Comes Through! (Updated: 6/14/07)

WRBL News 3 has come through with their news coverage of the Cobra Collection scam. The WRBL news story was on the June 14, 2007 6pm broadcast. The story appeared again at 11pm although it was a shorter version. It appears that shortly after my open query and my final attempt to contact them, WRBL noticed our plight.

I originally said that I can live with the fact that not all stories are "important". But at what level does it have to register for someone to take notice? Does a $6 million client base not count for anything? Basically, the story fell through the cracks due to human error. She apologized for that and I said, "No problem. You are here now. That is what matters." Fortunately for us, Ms. Park took notice of this and brought the story to the table.

From what I have been told, they receive several hundreds of faxes and emails per day and they were short-handed. Janice Park, the reporter, emphatically stated that WRBL cares about the community and they felt this was an important story. And because this story had already progressed, they felt they could not delay and had to jump on it. I told her that WRBL was late to the party but the business community most certainly welcomed their efforts regardless.

I want to give credit to Janice Park for coming up to speed so quickly. She was very responsive and attentive as I explained in summary the scope of the problem and the large numbers of people and dollars involved. She responded quickly to the people who were courageous enough to speak out. Kudos to Nancy at Dr. Jay Brodwyn's Chiropractor office and Steve at Print Central & Signs. Their names will be added to the ScamBusters Team!

Janice Park and the cameraman came to my office and started getting footage as she interviewed me. As always, I am always a bit nervous as to what video piece they will air. After all, no one wants to sound dumb and look bad. I have to admit being surprised at their selection. But it works fine because I meant what I said and it was not concocted.

In the past, I have rarely watched the WRBL news channel. I lean towards WTVM. However, I will most certainly pay more attention to how WRBL reports local news in the future. In fact, I will pay attention to both WRBL and WTVM.

I don't claim to know much about the news industry but I intend to get a feel for how they operate and what is "important" to them.

Once again, THANK YOU TO JANICE PARK & WRBL NEWS 3! You have performed a wonderful community service.

Message to Michael Ledden "Save Your Kids!" (Updated: 6/24/07)

Michael, I have some advice for you. Get the hell out of that marriage you are in. Your kids don't need this grief and shame associated with it. Under normal circumstances, I would not tell you to abandon your wife. But come on, can you really be this stupid? Are you really this much in the dark? Has this website not educated you the degree of retribution hundreds of people (business owners, ex-employees, vendors, and debtors) are seeking? Did Janice give you a subtle threat, "If I go down, you will too."? Or has she broken down and begged for your loyalty and forgiveness?

Dude, you have a chance to pick your poison. You still have some control to strike a deal. If you help and provide information to me or the police to help prosecute Janice, people will be more forgiving of you. If you want to stick by her, it is obviously your choice but you will bear the consequences of doing so. As far as I am concerned and the many people who have met you, you were an active accomplice.

You claim to be a good father and care about your kids. Do you really want your kids to be co-raised by Janice given everything that has come out? Your oldest child is probably Internet savvy. She has friends that has parents. Kids talk and gossip. They email, instant message, and text message each other. She knows you have shut down your office and moving from your rented home. She knows you guys have been cooped up more at home because of your hiding and screening calls. Your daughter may be young but she isn't stupid. She may not know the details but she knows something bad is going on. She will be able to pick up the whispers and the quiet conversations behind closed doors. Kids of all ages can feel tension in the air.

Your kids will one day hate you if you don't get them out of this situation. If you won't get out to save yourself, do it to save them. Be a man and stop letting Janice con you into doing things her way. She conned me and the other hundreds of people. But most of us woke up. When are you going to wake up?

Give me a call or send me an email, Michael. Don't worry, I am not that good I would be able to figure where you are. Let's talk. We need more information and you are the guy that has it.

Where Are They Off To Now? (Updated: 6/27/07)

The natural follow-up to the Cobra office shutdown and the vacancy of 4801 Spring Ridge Drive leaves us victims to wonder "where are Janice & Michael Ledden going?" Currently, unconfirmed reports indicate they have left now left the Columbus, GA area. There are some theories of where they might be going but nothing has yet been confirmed.

Although most of the Columbus business community appears to be safer due to the exposure and media coverage, the next city or town they go to will be in danger of being victimized. Janice will no doubt be up to her old tricks. It is so easy to start up a Collection business and getting clients in to get some fast cash.

Right now, they have not paid anyone back civilly. They have also not yet been charged criminally. It means they have (for now) gotten away scott-free with their scam and crimes. And if this website and the ScamBusters Team happens to be an ongoing annoyance to their livelihood, they can count themselves lucky no one has successfully sued them or have not been criminally charged. If some of the working-class debtors ever find them, they might have an unpleasant confrontation.

If Janice and Michael don't like being hounded or living in the underground, I say T.S. (tough situation or use your preferred word). Maybe they should turn themselves in and face the music. If not, then they can live like cockroaches in the dark crevices of society and the underground economy. They can then scurry away when the bright light of cold truth shine their way.

As I said before, the business community don't resort to "thug" tactics. We can't hire someone to punch them in the nose or give them a few bruises on their arms and legs. But we can certainly keep awareness up by simply keeping the truth alive. That may be a greater punishment for them than wasting time on any civil suit against them.

However, if and when it comes time when criminal charges are pressed, it could get very interesting very quickly. I think a lot more people will come forward to offer more supporting information and evidence if the Columbus Police Department and District Attorney Conger make the next move to formally press charges. I have no idea where they are at with things but I am hopeful. If karma has any say, the desire for Janice & Michael to be arrested is extremely high. The whole idea of them going to jail absolutely thrills the victims and ex-employees.

From a public relations point of view, the D.A. and the Columbus Police Department would look like heroes. Whether or not the criminal case was won or not, they would generate a ton of goodwill and positive karma that sends a message that they cared and courageous enough to move forward even if it was not quite a slam-dunk case.

Janice Ligon was incarcerated for a lesser and smaller scam in 1993. If we manage to get her back in jail in 2008, she can celebrate her 15th anniversary from when she last entered jail. I think we should all help her revisit the GreyBar Hotel again. She has obviously forgotten the lessons that were supposed to be imparted on her. Let's give her a refresher course in JailBird 101.