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Rock promoter could serve 30 years

By TONY RAAP
Thursday, May 10, 2007 10:22 PM MST

A concert promoter who allegedly failed to pay tens of thousands of dollars to the band Cheap Trick could serve 30 years in prison if convicted, a prosecutor said Thursday.

Ron Paterson, 44, has been indicted on three felony theft charges after allegedly failing to pay nearly $75,000 to a Mohave Valley security company, the Howard Johnson motel and the band Cheap Trick.

Paterson, managing director of BKR Productions, was the promoter of Rockfest, a three-day music festival that drew several thousand concertgoers to Lake Havasu State Park Oct. 6-9.

Reports of nonpayment surfaced shortly after the festival ended. Yet prosecutors took more than seven months to file charges, causing many to wonder whether Paterson would be charged at all.

“This was a very sensitive case. There was a lot of evidence that we needed to go through. We wanted to make sure we went through all the evidence with a fine-tooth comb,” said Jeremy Huss, the deputy county attorney prosecuting the case.

“It had nothing to do with the investigation. The Lake Havasu City Police Department did an excellent job investigating the case. We just wanted to take our time with it to make sure that we were thorough,” Huss said.

Paterson was charged with two counts of class-two felony theft and one count of class-three felony theft. He could serve anywhere from two to 30 years if convicted, Huss said.

Asked whether a plea agreement was a possibility, Huss said, “I really can't discuss that at this point.”

Paterson allegedly failed to pay $33,500 to Cheap Trick, $33,000 to Experience Security Service and $8,461.08 to the Howard Johnson motel, police Lt. Rich Sloma said.

Police received at least five reports of nonpayment totaling more than $200,000, Today's News-Herald reported in October.

That information was turned over to the Mohave County Attorney's Office, which decided to prosecute only those complaints that would hold up in court, Huss said.

“There's a very fine line between somebody being a bad businessman and somebody actually intending to commit a crime. That's what we had to sift through,” he said.

Huss declined to comment on whether Paterson could face additional charges.

Paterson was arrested Tuesday night at his son's Little League game. He posted bond four hours later.

He will make his initial court appearance May 24 at 10 a.m. in Lake Havasu Consolidated Court.

Rockfest cost $1.2 million to put on, Paterson told Today's News-Herald in October. The festival's featured headliners included the Doobie Brothers, Black Crowes, Blues Traveler and Buckcherry.

It was never clear how many people actually attended the event. Before the concert, Paterson said he had sold 16,500 tickets. But several vendors said the crowds were much thinner.

You may contact the reporter at raap@havasunews.com.

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Reader Comments

tired of comments without truth wrote on Jun 14, 2007 2:06 PM:

" FIRST CALL THE JAIL. NO COMPUTERS! 2ND THE PATERSON WITH TWO T'S YOU ARE REFERRING TO IS NOT RONALD PATERSON. DIFFERENT INITIAL DIFFERENT BIRTH DATE. CHECK YOUR SOURCES BEFORE JUST GOING OFF AT THE MOUTH AND WHY DON'T WE KNOW YOUR NAME SO WE CAN CHECK YOUR RECORD.??? ALSO I WORK IN LOANS AND WE DO NOT EVER PAY THE APPRAISER??? IT IS PAID DIRECTLY TO THE APPRAISER OR BY THE ESCROW. I HAVE DONE THIS 20 YEARS SO IT SEEMS YOU PEOPLE JUST SAY THINGS TO SAY. YOU ARE AS BAD AS THE PERSON YOU BLAME BECAUSE YOU HAVE NO TRUTH IN YOU. IS LAKE HAVASU THAT CORRUPT? ARE YOU USED TO MAKING UP STORIES. VERY SCARY CITY. IF HE OWES YOU WHY HAVE YOU NOT TAKEN HIM TO SMALL CLAIMS??? HE GOT OUT OF THE BAIL AND JAIL . DO YOU THINK THE JUDGE IS CORRUPT FOR LETTING HIM OUT? DOES IT MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER TO CONDEMN A PERSON?? YOU MUST HAVE A BORING LIFE. MAY BE YOU NEED RELIGION TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU! WE ONLY NEED TO WORRY ABOUT OURSELVES THAT IS USUALLY ENOUGH AND LET EVERYONE LIVE THERE LIFE BECAUSE IF GUILTY IT WILL BE PROVEN IN A COURT OF LAW. "

Checking In wrote on Jun 13, 2007 7:15 AM:

" To Mr Bantz I found your record. You are not so innocent. Party Name: BANTZ Party Type: D 3 - DEFNDT/RESPNDT Date of Birth: 04/25/1972 Citation: CNONE Count 1: THEFT Disposition Date: 07/01/1997 "

kbantz wrote on Jun 12, 2007 10:51 AM:

" ADELANTO — Mayor Jim Nehmens and his wife, Kelly, were arrested Tuesday morning and charged with embezzling roughly $20,000 from the city’s Little League baseball program, officials said. http://www.vvdailypress.com/onset?id=659&template=article.html This sounds familiar... "

Havasu Appraiser wrote on Jun 11, 2007 10:03 AM:

" Ron is beyond crooked. He owes me over $1,200 bucks on appraisals, has a record for similar stuff in CA that the city knew about and if people who worked for his mortgage company turned him in for his mortgage work his true colors would really come out! How do you think illegials are able to get a social security number, ask Ron, he knows. "

Mq wrote on Jun 10, 2007 9:45 AM:

" Why do you people insist on saying he has no record? He DOES have a record and I'd say that changes the complexion. "

Out of Jail wrote on Jun 8, 2007 12:28 PM:

" Ron Paterson finally went before a respectable judge and his 2 cases were merged into 1. And then reasonable bail was set at $40,000. Since Ron's FAther had already put up a $60,000 bond over a month ago Ron was let out of jail with no further bail. This should have been done 3 weeks ago and Ron should not have been in jail for the last 3 weeks. "

Check it out wrote on Jun 8, 2007 10:47 AM:

" I have been reading some of these and decided to check things out for myself. Here you can access Ron's criminal record in Az. There are more in California in Orange Co & LA. http://www.supreme.state.az.us/publicaccess/notification/search.asp For the guy who thinks you cannot access computers in jail do your research first. Most jails have internet access for the inmates...not sure to what extent but they do. They even have sites for single inmates to meet other singles...whatever on that. Most likly Ron moved to Havasu to escape his past in Havasu. I don't personally know him but know people who do and they all have the same views on him...very shady charactor. Anyway, when looking up his criminal past make sure to also look up Ron Patterson, with 2 t's. There is more there that are him. Have fun! "

get real!! wrote on Jun 8, 2007 10:11 AM:

" Wow!! What a coincidence that 2 DIFFERENT people wrote EXACTLY the same post. Who can't figure out that while Ron may not actually be typing these comments on the internet it is VERY obvious that he is authoring the remarks? And. .. to concert visitor ... you need to get a life. You don't live here, you don't even know our very own con man yet you have nothing better to do than read the mighty "Havasu News"? Try the Times, NY or LA -- there's lots of stuff for you to think about. Those of us who have lost our hard earned money do have an interest here -- and you?? I would write more but I am doubled up laughing over the use of the term "business man" in reference to Ron Paterson. "

Kingman Luxury wrote on Jun 8, 2007 5:46 AM:

" Yeah right!!! Have you ever been to the Kingman jail?? Four stars for sure, get a clue...high speed internet in the jails, yeah right!!! Maybe the fake names are the people that are making the remarks against Mr Paterson, ooops..didn't think about that one.... "

Havasu injustice wrote on Jun 7, 2007 12:59 PM:

" Ron did a deal w/ other businesses as an investment,not to steal but to make money for all involved. Ron is 44 w/ no prior record? Ron’s parents put up over $400,000 to pay bands, vendors & the city 2 days before the concert?The security company lied about how many hours they worked.RON hired private security of off duty police officers from CA. to work undercover because Ron did not trust the security company.Counterfeit tickets were sold, bar tenders & vendors stole all the cash & nothing was done to stop it.Let Ron out of jail & give him his day in court. Is this Havasu Justice? "

Havasu injustice wrote on Jun 7, 2007 12:57 PM:

" Havasu is SIN city of AZ. & now is going after a local "BUSINESSMAN" who did a deal w/ other businesses as an investment. Not to steal but to make money for all involved. Ron is 44 w/ no prior record? How can this be criminal when Ron’s parents put up over $400,000 to pay bands, vendors & the city 2 days before the concert?The security company lied about how many hours they worked.RON hired private security of off duty police officers from CA. to work undercover because Ron did not trust the security company.Counterfeit tickets were sold, bar tenders & vendors stole all the cash & nothing was done to stop it.Let Ron out of jail & give him his day in court. Is this Havasu Justice? "

Havasu SIN City AZ wrote on Jun 7, 2007 12:02 PM:

" Havasu is SIN city of AZ. & the Sheriff & prosecutors are going after a local "BUSINESSMAN" who did a deal w/ other businesses as an investment. If this same businessman brought together investors to buy a piece of land for development & discovered a mercury mine hidden under ground & the investors lost money would the Sheriff put him in jail w/ $100,000 CASH bail? If a local salesman at the car dealership sold a lemon car and the buyer lost $4,000 would you want the police to enter the mans home & confiscate his business computers while his 12 year old son was home alone & then go in the son’s bedroom & find a few fire crackers & threaten & scare the kid? Is $100,000 CASH bail justice when Ron is 44 w/ no prior record? How can this be criminal when Ron’s parents put up over $400,000 to pay bands, vendors & the city 2 days before the concert? It would have been criminal if Ron took the ticket sales & left town. Ron lost his home,cars,boat,business, & now has a $100,000 cash bail & can't get out of jail? I can't even bring my family to Havasu because of the pornography,under age drunkards,legal age drunkards,blatant SIN EVERYWHERE'-teenage children left to roam the beaches w/ little clothing on while their parents party somewhere else. Now the SINNERS want to judge another sinner to make themselves feel righteous. The security company lied about how many hours they worked. RON hired private security of off duty police officers from CA. to work undercover because Ron did not trust the security company in the last days. Counterfeit tickets were sold, bar tenders & vendors stole all the cash. The security guards did nothing to stop it. The bands promised Ron guaranteed ticket sales due to their loyal fans that never happened as promised. I was in court May 31st & no media was there but after court ended the news of what happened was in the press. So the prosecutor is leaking info to the press & that should be illegal. Let Ron Paterson out of jail on bail & give him his day in court. Is this Havasu Justice? "

Fake Names wrote on Jun 7, 2007 7:06 AM:

" This is for "Right On". How can Ron be posting these notes for people to be feeling sorry for him. Do you know he has been in jail since the 18th of May. Maybe they should lock you up for being lame. Oh wait breaking news just in....high speed internet was installed in on all Arizona jail cells on May 15th. So maybe you are right..Darn it Ron why are you posting these notes. Jails in Arizona are like the DoubleTree...maybe Paris Hilton should get transferred. "

VISITOR TO CONCERT wrote on Jun 6, 2007 10:10 PM:

" I CAN NOT BELIEVE THE COMMENT TO SELL TICKETS TO THE TRIAL. WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE LIVE IN HAVASU? I AM SO TURNED OFF BY YOUR CITY. YOU ARE UNPROFESSIONAL HICKS. YOU ACT LIKE YOU NEVER DID ANYTHING WRONG. YOU KNOW THAT IS NOT TRUE. ARE YOU ALL MIGHTY? AMAZING WITH PEOPLE LIKE YOU NO NEED TO HAVE COURTS. WHY DON'T YOU SUGGEST IT? I AM SO GLAD I LIVE IN ANOTHER STATE. I WOULD NOT COME BACK TO YOUR CITY EVER WITH THE ATTITUDE I HAVE BEEN READING AND I DO NOT EVEN KNOW THE GUY. WAS THIS BACK WHEN THE BLACKS WERE SLAVES??? OF COURSE MAY BE YOU NEVER READ ABOUT HISTORY WITH YOUR MENTALITY. "

Right On wrote on Jun 6, 2007 12:33 PM:

" I agree with "Get Real" Ron too owes me a ton of money. When we read Ron was putting this on we could of predicted this was going to happen. Ron is posting these remarks to get peope to feel sorry for him. He is a crook, this is what they do best LIE!!! It is really sad that his kids have to know about all this but what do you expect...did Ron the Con do anything to protect them! Please! Do not take it out on our beautiful City of Lake Havasu. Ron is at fault and should stop blaming everyone else! His criminal past shows this is his patern. Look it up. Now what Ron! How are you going to explain all these other cases against you???? It is a great day when these con-artist get thrown in jail. It makes it a safe world for us nice, trustworthy people who fall for it when people like Ron the Con are off the streets where they cannot hurt innocent people!! "

My Take... wrote on Jun 6, 2007 10:32 AM:

" Get Real, Got Wrong!!!!..... Guilty until proven innocent? Did you forget what county you live in? Even all the illegals in town know that one. Oh, and I'm sure there's High Speed Internet Connections in the clink so the jail birds can keep tabs on their image. Ron the knucklehead put up his home, his car, his boat, his family and now his freedom. Lost, gone, kaput!!!! I'm one of the MANY that did get paid. Just think about how many hands that did get paid to put on an event of this size. Would my opinion be different had I not? I would have taken the silly mule to civil court for my loss. Am I afraid to do business here? I'm certainly not as gung-ho. "

Fake Names wrote on Jun 6, 2007 10:08 AM:

" "Get Real" you like to hide behind fake names so why cant I. Lets face it in a few weeks the truth will come out and life in Havasu will go back to normal. Bloomingdales I mean Wal-Mart will be jam packed, the candlelight romantic dinners at In-N-Out will be booked, the double-wides will be full vacancy and the crazies wil be out on the lake. Ron lost a lot of money and is ego to go with it. He is going to have to dig himself out of a big hole to get back out his feet. His friends and family will need to support him. "

plumbsquare2 wrote on Jun 5, 2007 7:40 PM:

" You pays your money, you takes your chances. "

Interested wrote on Jun 5, 2007 8:33 AM:

" This is to 'get real!!': Before you posted your message, did you ever stop to think of how Ron could possibly post messages from jail??? How about you get a 'real' life and think before you post. FREE RON! "

Havasu Music Scene wrote on Jun 4, 2007 11:28 PM:

" It figures that someone would mess up our struggling music scene. I'm not necessarily saying it was this guy, but either he did do it (in which case he deserves what he gets) or someone's trying to low-ball him (in which case they're trying to sabotage the music scene). Our city will never flourish if local music events aren't allowed to take place. Big business attracts big dollars for our local economy. What known band is going to thrust themselves into our lost desert town now? To whomever is responsible: You will NOT ruin the local music scene! Nice try, though... "

get real!! wrote on Jun 4, 2007 1:28 PM:

" My take -- guilty till proven innocent -- come on Ron -- if you are going to post and try to defend yourself why don't you do it with your name? You owe me and others that I know plenty of money but I still think that arresting you in front of your kids was wrong. I wish they would have arrested you in front of me instead! In fact, here's a great idea -- SELL TICKETS to your trial!! Lots of us would pay to come and watch you squirm. "

A BY STANDER wrote on Jun 3, 2007 11:20 PM:

" THE COURTS DO NOT KNOW HOW TO HANDLE THE 100,000 CASH BAIL BECAUSE THEY HAVE NEVER HAD ONE . ACCORDING TO THEM THEY CANNOT GAURANTEE RETURN OF ANY MONEY. NOTHING HAS OFFICIALY BEEN FILED. ALL OF YOU REMEMBER HE HAS KIDS IN THE CITY. HOW DO YOU FEEL IF THE KIDS READ THIS. HE HAS NOT BEEN PROVEN ANYTHING? THIS GUY THAT FILED THE SECOND COMPLAINT IS OVER 4,000.00. SO HE HAD THEM TAKE HIS COMPUTERS. HE TOOK BACK HIS PROMISE TO PAY FOR TWO YEARS OF WORK. WHEN THE ROCK CONCERT WAS IN THE NEWS HE DECIDED THIS WAS A GOOD TIE TO GO BACK ON HIS PROMISE. ALL OF THESE THINGS HELP PAY BACK. THAT HAS BEEN TAKEN AWAY. EVERYONE HAS DONE SOMETHING THEY ARE NOT PROUD OF AND MAY BE ON THE SIDE OF ILLEGAL. YOU OUGHT TO THINK HOW SAFE YOU ARE IN THIS CITY YOU ALL LOVE. WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE POLITICAL IS AFTER YOU?? I DO NOT SEE HIS INTENT WAS TO DEFRAUD. I UNDERSTAND HE WORKED ONE YEAR ON THIS CONCERT. I DO NOT THINK HIS INTENT WAS TO LOSE. DO YOU REALLY THINK??? "

mc hammer wrote on Jun 3, 2007 7:28 AM:

" Menudo-Don't get bent out of shape! I wasn't dissin' you! I enjoy your comments, you seem to have the same mentality that I do! You can't touch this! P.S. I love classic rock too, and so do my kids! "

My Take wrote on Jun 2, 2007 3:10 PM:

" As someone who knows about productions it appears that Mr. RP bit off more than he could chew. I attended the RockFest all three days a had a GREAT time!!!! I was surprised that the event was even pulled off. Obviously a person takes on a business venture to make money not lose it. The show did not make a profit. It was a financial failure. Had it been a success he would have been a Havasu Hero not the town Villain. A ton of cash had to be spent and I'm pretty positive there are far more people who have been paid than those that have not, otherwise the list of plaintiffs would have there name in the paper too. From the outside looking in I think there is more than just bad business going on here. It is starting to smell of a behind scene personal/political vendetta in which case we all should be afraid of doing business in Lake Havasu. I sure hope Mr. P can get his legal matters settled and still have enough fight left to put on another show. But then again I'm a small businessman with big dreams too. "

Volunteer wrote on Jun 1, 2007 8:17 AM:

" Hey Karma obviously there's a bit of misunderstanding about being part of the youth sports organizations. The only recognition these volunteers and board members get are the complaints and ignorant comments by the parents that don't or will not get involved. Title and Recognition?! don't you mean that's they guy you need to blame? If more parents would get involved & understand that these volunteers are there giving their time & what knowledge they have to THEIR children & maybe show some support or even ask what they can do to help instead of always criticizing and making assumptions. Find out how it works, volunteer, help out, set an example for your child. He may not be a good business man, that's obvious, but he's also there not getting paid & volunteering where others don't. "

is this guilty until proven innocent?? wrote on Jun 1, 2007 7:58 AM:

" If you have a debt and you pay part of it isn't that an attempt to pay, that isn't theft of services is it? Cheap Trick was paid half, money was paid out in the hundreds of thousands, it ran out, rather than just declare bankruptcy of the promotion company it seems this guy is trying to pay what's owed, sold the house, the car,etc. The powers that be have now taken away his ability to work and try to make any money to pay anything, don't be so sure to trust this guy from BHC. They have to prove criminal intent, I don't think they can if bills have been paid, that shows the intent to pay, the money ran out, that's a poor business venture isn't it? And it doesn't help that businesses hired bid one price and then overpriced (gouged) bigtime, you have a budget and then you get unexpected bills, like the unexpected $20,000 that had to be paid in a cashiers ck to the city the day before the concert,(or it wouldn't happen) isn't that close to what he owes Cheap Trick. "

Menudo wrote on May 31, 2007 12:07 AM:

" Hammer, young people listen to classic stuff, too! "

Bill L wrote on May 30, 2007 9:14 AM:

" My wife and I know Ron & from the day Ron moved to havasu he started problems. Ron always seemed to think he was the Donald Trump of Lake Havasu City, but he is really the Ronald CHUMP of Havasu ! "

every1 wrote on May 30, 2007 7:01 AM:

" as far as the concert promotion goes I do not think that all is his fault. I know people who worked there at the entrances with passes that ended up giving tickets away and people never paid for them. "

mc hammer wrote on May 29, 2007 11:43 PM:

" now, now, Menudo- your age is showing! I thought you were a little younger- just Know that~~ I Will Be The Flame~~~:) "

Menudo wrote on May 29, 2007 11:37 PM:

" Maybe Ron Paterson can share a cell with Phil Spector and they can plan the next Rockfest, featuring a bunch of girl groups. "

Da Man wrote on May 29, 2007 8:41 AM:

" Wait a minute, Cheap Trick is still around? Now that's the real news in this story! "

GUILTY wrote on May 29, 2007 7:15 AM:

" Calm down? Excited? Ummm...ok? Sorry for flying off the handle, I guess? Maybe I'll invite you over for crumpets and tea next time so you don't get your feelings hurt over my extremely harsh and out of control rants. I know sometimes I can really have a temper and lose control...I guess? "

Mq wrote on May 28, 2007 7:52 AM:

" Good grief "Guilty", you really have to try and calm down a little bit. If you get this excited over something in the paper how the heck do you handle a REAL crisis? I NEVER indicated that someone shouldn't be held to answer for not paying their bills, you simply don't understand the difference between criminal and civil. Makes no difference. The point is that I agree with you now, having read the court information mentioned in this thread, I can now understand how law enforcement COULD make a case for theft, which IS a crime. This whole thread could have been avoided had the paper done even the slightest amount of homework before suggesting that Paterson was going to prison for 20 years. If WE can look up the court records, why wouldn't THEY have reported that information in the first article so it would have made some sense? OK "Guilty", fire at will. "

Menudo wrote on May 28, 2007 12:03 AM:

" MC Hammer - I disagree with you. Cheap Trick is one of the best bands since the Beatles. Even better. And one more thing: I want you to want me. =) "

rob wrote on May 27, 2007 8:59 PM:

" PRE SOLD TICKETS-----------16500 BANDS,SECURTY,MOTELS------200000 GETTING ARRESTED IN FRONT OF EVERYBODY WITH BOND ALREADY SET------ 60000 GETTING ARRESTED AGAIN ON DIFFRENT CHARGES AND OUT OF MONEY---------------PRICELESSS!!!!!!!!!!!!! THATS WHAT HAPPENS TO POEPLE THAT THINK THERE BETTER THEN YOU............ "

arthur wrote on May 25, 2007 12:01 PM:

" It is not criminal to not pay your blls. Many people in town know one policeman has it out for him to make a name for himself and an editor of one of the papers is after him personally also so they make sure it remains in the new. Lots of people lost money. Where was the security.? I did not see them? I saw vendors stealing. Something else is happening here. Also when you do a 60,000 bond it cost 10% or 6,000 to get out which he had to borrower. When you do not know the whole story keep quiet. In our country you do not condemn before he has had his day in court. Since when do the negative people decide they are the court. Since when do we decide or anyone else go to a little league game and arrest in front of children. It seems everyone else knew where he was. His kids went to the local school. No excuse for going to a Little League Game. What is the matter with your community you are so proud of??? Give him his day in court and then what is due him will prevail. He is already condemned in the papers? Everyone is innocent until proven guilty! Nothing is proven. Your community needs some serious waking up. I would never come back for vacation again after what I have read. You can keep your standards. They sure are not mine. "

Skipjack wrote on May 25, 2007 10:30 AM:

" I worked at TV45 for a short time 2005-06 and when I heard about RP's idea about a huge multi-band concert I asked him to come on the air for an interview to promote the event. In fact he was on a couple times before I left the station. The whole time I heard him talking about the Rockfest I wondered how he was going to pull it off. After I had left the country I still kept in touch with LHC through this online publication, as I do now. I was amazed to read he had actually pulled off the show. Now I am amazed to read he has been charged with the crime we are reading about now. All in all I thought he was a big talker and an even bigger dreamer. I only hope he has a fair day in court. As ashley said, 30 years, not even murderers get that. If he is guilty then let the sentence be meted out in appropriate measure. Hey, here in Singapore they give you time AND cane your hiney for stuff like that. There was something Jensen and I used to say about LHC and I think it may be true. "There's something in the water the people are drinking there that makes them do strange things." Or perhaps people just go crazy with the heat. RP you better hope you only get tarred and feathered like in the old days. Anyway have a good summer LHC, stay cool. I'll keep a readin' about ya. "

jb wrote on May 24, 2007 10:24 PM:

" Doesn't anyone understand that fraud is a crime,He stated before the concert took place that ticketmaster had already sold 16500 3-day passes. He was lucky if he sold 1600 He lied to all the vendors and everyone else in town so all you people who think he is a great guy look at the facts. If he sold 16500 3-day passes as he said he would of made a huge profit.Also all you legal experts who think you don't get arrested for not paying your bills better start looking up the laws of this state. "

Cover Up! wrote on May 24, 2007 4:12 PM:

" I know Ron and his little leage involvement and it is all just a cover up! The way he treats the kids is just horrible!! Kids do not need to be screamed at and belittled by some low life convict! Those of you who still think he may be inocent do yourself a favor and just run a back ground check in California & now Arizona. Don't argue with me or come back with some remark until you do! When a bunch of us saw it was Ron Paterson involved in Rockfest we could of told you this was going to happen. You do not go to jail for not paying your bills! YOU GO TO JAIL FOR THEFT!!! Those of you who have been burned by him know that was his intentions! Check the court of Az page for Ron Paterson. The list goes on and on!! "

MC Hammer wrote on May 24, 2007 9:45 AM:

" Hey Menudo- I think charges should be brought against Cheap Trick for charging $33,500 to play. I think Ron really didn't know how to promote a show properly, you don't pay that kind of money to a band like Cheap Trick. Maybe 25 years ago, but not today! "

outlaw wrote on May 24, 2007 9:30 AM:

" to all public records will tell all and tell the truth look ron paterson up at your local court house it free info report back with your findings. "

me wrote on May 24, 2007 6:42 AM:

" check all public records regaurding ron paterson it will tell the truth please report back thank you me. "

GUILTY wrote on May 24, 2007 5:04 AM:

" To "MQ", maybe you should save yourself some embarassment and not post? I said nothing about what kind of court system he's going to go to trial in. I was stating that what he did(if he did it) was wrong and IS a crime, no matter what kind of violation it gets named as. Grow up and stop trying to impress people with your internet intelligence. Nobody cares how smart you *think* you are. If someone ripped you off for thousands of dollars with no intentions of paying you back, wouldn't you like them to be punished for it? This isn't a debate over what kind of trial he's going to face. I have a feeling this guy(the scammer) is reading and replying on this forum...... "

passing by wrote on May 23, 2007 5:52 PM:

" when u screw people ( if he did ?? )he'll get his thats the way it works... every bird has its day, then u become a jailbird... 30yrs will never happen, maybe probation or a yr or 2... "

Menudo wrote on May 23, 2007 4:45 PM:

" How can live your life knowing that CHEAP TRICK is after you? lol! "

QUESTIONING.... wrote on May 23, 2007 4:29 PM:

" I HAVE BEEN IN HAVASU FOR ABOUT 18 MONTHS NOW AND HAVE BEEN READING WHAT EVERYONE IS SAYING & NOT KNOWING PERSONALLY ANYTHING ABOUT THIS MAN OR THE TERMS OF THESE VENDORS. MY QUESTION HERE IS THIS: IF MR. PATERSON IS OR DOES ALL THESE TERRIBLE THINGS THEN HOW COME NO ONE PRIOR TO THIS SITUATION EVER CALLED HIM OUT ON IT & HOW COME SO MANY VENDORS PUT FAITH INTO THIS GUY KNOWING ALL THE "RUMORS" ABOUT HIS ETHICS IF NOTHING ELSE. IT IS LIKE THESE INTERNET SCAMS. HOW COULD YOU BE THAT NAIVE AND GO ALONG WITH SOMEONE YOU KNOW COULD POSSIBLY RIP YOU OFF? I THINK IF GUILTY HE MOST DIFENITLY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. HOWEVER THERE IS A BIGGER PICTURE HERE THAT IS NOT BEING ADDRESSED. "

FYI: wrote on May 23, 2007 1:12 PM:

" KARMA, I know Ron personally, and have also worked right along side of him in Little League and Pop Warner. I don't know if he is guilty or not guilty of all theses charges, but I do know he always had the best intentions for Little League and Pop Warner participants and the growth of both leagues. As far as I know these leagues have never suffered because of Ron. So leave his personal life out of what he did do for Little League and Pop Warner. "

mr. jones wrote on May 23, 2007 9:50 AM:

" He paid me for some advertising I did for him! We will see what comes of this! "

MQ wrote on May 23, 2007 8:18 AM:

" Passing by and Fact is, Look, you have to learn the difference between doing something wrong civilly, (not paying your bills), and criminally where you can be arrested. Sure the people deserve their money, but not paying bills is NOT grounds for arrest, but that's all that's been revealed in the media thus far. And as far as the man getting out on a bond, that's not true according to all reports. A seldom used procedure was employed to make it impossible for him to use a bondsman. He had to post the 60K. Now he's re-arrested and to my knowledge hasn't come up with the additional 40K. Side note: There are a couple of great restaurants in town starting with Shugrue's, Javelina Cantina, Krystals, and others. You gotta get out more. :) "

Passing By wrote on May 22, 2007 9:05 PM:

" To Havasu Resident/Rockfest Vendor: You need to check your notes before you post. You said Mr Paterson posted $60,000 cash bail within 4hours. I think it was a bond he posted not cash my friend. Also I dont think there is a fancy restuarant in Havasu! Unless you consider Red Robin or In N Out fancy! "

The Fact is..... wrote on May 22, 2007 2:19 PM:

" Hey MQ just to let you know ...it's THEFT OF SERVICES... He didn't pay the money to the businesses and people that offered their services. If people did a service for him don't you think they deserve to be paid for it? "

Karma wrote on May 22, 2007 8:19 AM:

" I too personally know Ron. I was involved with him on Little League. He does volunteer time to both Little League and Pop Warner but for his own benefit - not the benefit of the kids. It is the rest of the volunteers that do all the work. He is only interested in the title and recognition. He has been known to be underhanded and two faced on more than one occasion. It is about time something finally caught up to him. Karma!!! "

MQ wrote on May 21, 2007 9:26 AM:

" Mr/Mrs. Guilty and some others could save some embarrassment by simply finding out what the difference is between a civil matter and a criminal violation. No one said that nothing "wrong" was done, only that it isn't an arrestable crime to fail to pay one's bills. The amount has nothing to do with it, a dollar or a million. "

If you only knew wrote on May 21, 2007 7:37 AM:

" This guy has a very checkered past. In Ca. he ran out on a large civil judgement. Lucky us here in Az. because he ran here to set up his base of operations. Everyone who thinks this guy is rightous just wait and see what happens next. There are people coming out of the wood work with claims of fraud and non-payment. Just wait and see what happens before you give this guy Saint Hood. Most everyone will be alot better with this in guy JAIL!!! "

MrsQ wrote on May 21, 2007 7:36 AM:

" Hey "whatever" I agree with you! The paper said he used the non profit status to obtain a liquor license. Of all things, a liquor license. I am sure he lost some money but not what he claims. I personally know a family that he has stolen from and hurt them beyond anything that a human could possibly do! People do not go to jail for not paying their bills! People go to jail for THEFT! If you know him personally, you know he had every intention of doing this. This is just his way. When he first came to Havasu it was said he had to leave california because to too may legal problems. He will get what he deserves and it is up to the courts to figure that out. "

Wait and See wrote on May 20, 2007 10:40 PM:

" It likes Mr Paterson has people on his side and definitely against him. Why doesnt everyone stop posting and just wait and see what evidence is brought before us? From what I noticed the crowds were low and that means no money so Mr Paterson could of filed BK for this event. Back Off until this case is heard!!! "

GUILTY wrote on May 19, 2007 12:12 PM:

" Since when do people go to jail for STEALING/NOT PAYING DEBTS?? Are you being serious when you ask that question? If someone owed you in the area of $10,000 for services you provided and you spent money out of your own pocket(plus time) to provide these services, wouldn't you like to get paid?? So I can just stop paying my debts and have people provide services and work for me and I don't have to pay them?? Is that how it works in your world? This sort of thing should be legal in your book? It would take a fellow crook to support a crook. No evidence he's done anything wrong?? HELLO!! Are you reading the same newspaper I am?? Do you think ALL of these people are making this stuff up for attention?? How was he doing something so great for our community when he rips EVERYONE off who worked for him? This guy should be locked up and his business license(if he has one??) should be taken away for good so he can't pull this stunt again. "

The Fact is..... wrote on May 19, 2007 9:16 AM:

" The fact is that Mr. Paterson stopped making payments before the event ever happened.... And when confronted after the event for money he says " sorry try me next week" ...weeks later and several times being told this same line "he says oh well I won't being paying you!" And when it comes to Little League and giving his time please have you ever seen the way the man talks to his kids on his team... Using Profanity and belitting the kids! And for being arrested at his son's game... No one in town knew how to find him. That was the only place they knew he would be. "

ashley wrote on May 17, 2007 12:53 PM:

" I realize many folks got ripped off,but 30 yrs for theft?Murderers dont get that. "

Mq wrote on May 17, 2007 12:21 PM:

" This guy "whatever" sound like he subscribes to the "shoot now and ask questions later" mentality. I haven't seen one credible thing that would indicate Mr. Paterson has done ANYTHING criminal. What's wrong with you people? Since when does someone go to jail for not paying their bills? Get a grip and wait for the trial. You say he has a "criminal past". My information is that he's never been convicted of anything, not even a traffic ticket. What the hell his the big rush to judgement in this deal? They had to arrest him at his son's little league game? If you can't see that there's more at work than meets the eye you really need to see your opthamalogist. "

Mq wrote on May 17, 2007 12:17 PM:

" This guy "whatever" who posted a couple of lines above sounds like he subscribes to the "shoot now and ask questions later" mentality. Or that he has some PERSONAL interest in seeing Paterson crucified publicly with no trial. I haven't seen one credible thing that would indicate Mr. Paterson has done ANYTHING criminal. What's wrong with you people? Since when does someone go to jail for not paying their bills? Get a grip and wait for the trial. You say he has a "criminal past". My information is that he's never been convicted of anything, not even a traffic ticket. What the hell is the big rush to judgment in this deal? They had to arrest him at his son's little league game? If you can't see that there's more at work than meets the eye you really need to see your ophthalmologist. Stevie Wonder could see something's going on here. "

status wrote on May 17, 2007 8:08 AM:

" What did he do to the Pop Warner non profit status "Whatever"? The non profit status is just fine, why don't you check your facts. Your probably just upset because someone who actually steps up and tries to do something for the community won't have anything to do with ignorant people who just like to stand on the sidelines and talk and spread untruths but never step up with a solution or aren't there to volunteer. You are definitly very uninformed and it's this type of person that is a detriment to the kids and the organizations for the kids by attacking the people who give their time, and usually without much gratitude because of this ignorance. "

you are clueless wrote on May 17, 2007 6:38 AM:

" What do you know about the Pop Warner status? It's obvious that you aren't involved where volunteers are needed or you would know the truth. The reason why there were no donations after the Rockfest was due to the fact that there were no profits to donate. Anyone who knows anything about the situation knows that the city was against the event from day one and sabatoged it. If you're looking for a crook, look at all the businesses in town that gave bids for services and then doubled & tripled when they thought they could make more money off the event, if you don't support these events they'll never happen. Check out the bed tax revenues, that weekend, it wasn't the jet skiers that generated it. & since when is the city in the business of debt collection. People out to cheat someone don't put up there own money. "

ROCKFEST VENDOR/HAVASU RESIDENT wrote on May 16, 2007 10:47 AM:

" It is fact that he is know for not paying his huge past due balances to a dozen or more places in town, sunrise service beureu had them in court for that before! if rockfest worked out right maybe his plan was to pay his debt off? lol...but maybe! for some reson i dont beleive he ended up broke out of the deal he still find's time to eat a fancy resteraunt's in town!i have seen it myself, he was bailed out of jail within 4 hours with 60,000 cash that would have payed cheap trick and the security company... "

Whatever wrote on May 15, 2007 7:08 AM:

" This guy has a criminal past. He has ripped off and hurt lots of people. He has an "I don't care" attitude. For all the folks that he has hurt he should get 30 years. He is not an honest person. He uses his little league involvement to get people to trust him and then he goes in for the kill. Look what he did with the pop warner non-profit status...he used to to get a liquor license for this event and said he was going to give them a donation. They did not get a dime from that crook! He is a profession. Look up his back ground if you disagree!! "

KAI WU wrote on May 14, 2007 1:26 PM:

" I WAS AT THE CONCERNT AND I SAW PEOPLE STEALING. I TRIED TO FIND SECURITY GUARDS AND I COULD NOT FIND ANYONE. VENDORS WERE STEALING. WHY ARE THEY NOT IN THE ARTICLE. THAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH THE NEWS THEY DO NOT TELL THE WHOLE STORY. HOW CAN YOU PAY IF YOU ARE GETTING RIPPED OFF UNDER YOUR NOSE AND THE PEOPLE YOU PAID TO PROTECT YOU COULD NOT BE FOUND MORE THAN ONCE. WE LEFT OUT OF DIGUST. "

Just when we had a good thing going!! wrote on May 10, 2007 11:19 PM:

" It is because ofpeople like this man who really mess thing's up for our city, just when we had a good thing going, he goes and screw's it all up, and he caused alot of problem's that could of been avoided!!! "

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