Is Sarah15 still in business? Extremely important update !!

[SVT28]

I find it curious that after so many people reported Sarah15/S15 Guns to gunbroker, that gunbroker still allowed $6893.01 of auctions to close with bids tonight and more to close next Sunday.

What makes me the most sick isn’t the fact that I am owed a pretty substantial amount of money. It’s that I bought a gun from Sarah15 earlier in 2024 and there may be a chance that whoever consigned that gun may never have gotten all of their money for the auction that I won or at all.

SVT28

 

[PatriotX]

The hearing was on the 17th not 25th. His update was lackluster at best.

I received more information from the plaintiffs legal counsel on January 29th, most of it has been covered in this thread already. His name is Peyton Engel and his information is listed in one of Dave Thinnes posts. I did contact Jim’s attorney (per his instructions through multiple texts) on Jan 28th and I could not get past the gatekeeper as he has not given permission for his legal counsel to provide any information to his creditors.

The case information and records can be found in the Wisconsin Circuit Court website. The case is “Polk County Case Number 2024CV000026 Timothy Lawler vs. James Brewster et al”

Hope this helps anyone who may need it

SVT28

Thanks for the info, I used it to go to the Circuit Court page on the case.

On that page, “Default Judgment to be entered against Sarah 15” by the court on Jan 17th.

The case appears to have been adjudicated then. 2 weeks ago.

 

[mrcvs]

My sympathies to those individuals who got burned while in good faith consigning firearms to Sarah15.

I scratch my head and wonder why there are so many nice Smith & Wesson firearms consigned to Sarah15 and others. Or to national firearms auction houses when you could sell on this forum. That can be a win-win situation, but it seems to me most bypass this route. And that’s sad. At least start in the Classifieds section and if something doesn’t sell you can always pursue a different route.

The most logical explanation I see, is, unfortunately, GREED. Which is sad. As in, what if I list my fine Smith & Wesson revolver here for $2500 and it quickly sells. Could I have gotten $3000 elsewhere. Unfortunately, what many fail to realize, after commissions, 1099s, etc, that $500 margin quickly evaporates, and suddenly $2500 looks good.

I’ve never understood why some of these seasoned collectors, when it comes time to sell, hold out for perceived top dollar when they can do better on the forum, pique the interest of a novice/young collector, rather than collecting piles of money slated for often ungrateful anti 2 A heirs.

YMMV.

 

[boykinlp]

I just had a thought that hopefully some folks here can explain to me. Gun Broker, just like all auction sites these days, has a feedback system set up. Did all the folks posting here about losses give Sarah15 negative feedback? I realize you might want to give him a “fair” amount of time to send the funds, but after that time, I would definitely be leaving negative feedback and explaining why! Since Sarah15 isn’t on GB anymore, I can’t see his feedback. Had he been racking up negative feedback? Just curious.
Larry

 

[Thinnes]

Colt forum ??

I believe Colt aficionados have a forum, at least they used to. Could someone please post on their site what we have learned? I think it’s important RIGHT NOW to let as many people know as possible.
I reached out to Gunbroker again yesterday and told them they have been placed on notice. I asked them to have their lawyer contact me. Extremely disappointed that other folks’ guns are still being sold by him on that site. The notice posted earlier in this thread was promising, so we will see. Maybe they didn’t want to stop live auctions. Can someone commit to posting on the Colt forum?? Dave

 

[lowriderfxr]

I just had a thought that hopefully some folks here can explain to me. Gun Broker, just like all auction sites these days, has a feedback system set up. Did all the folks posting here about losses give Sarah15 negative feedback? I realize you might want to give him a “fair” amount of time to send the funds, but after that time, I would definitely be leaving negative feedback and explaining why! Since Sarah15 isn’t on GB anymore, I can’t see his feedback. Had he been racking up negative feedback? Just curious.
Larry

Feedback would never address the problem we have here. Let’s say an item sells, Brewster accepts payment and sends out the firearm. That person is likely to post positive feedback. The problem is , the consignor never gets paid. Feedback will never address that problem.

 

[Beemerguy53]

...I am completely disappointed with Gun Broker. How can they continue to let someone sell on their platform when so many have not received their compensation for previously sold items? I realize THEY probably didn’t loose a penny, but come on, they should have done better and sooner...

I have no connection to the events that prompted this thread, and I'm not looking to divert or hijack it, but I have to add an observation about Gunbroker...

Some years ago, I bought a pistol through Gunbroker that I found had been completely misrepresented by the seller...advertised to be in "like new, possibly unfired" condition when it was in fact well-worn, etc. The seller was non-responsive when I contacted him, so I reached out to Gunbroker.

Their response -- paraphrasing here -- was that the only service they provide is to connect sellers with buyers, and that if there is a dispute, it's up to the parties involved to resolve it between themselves. I pursued the situation on my own, and discovered that the account holder had passed away months before the pistol was listed, and his children were using his account to dispose of their father's collection.

Gunbroker's only allegiance is to Gunbroker. Caveat emptor.

 

[trashy]

WOW!!! I would have never in my wildest dreams imagined this taking place. I've had a few conversations with Jim in the past few years and always thought highly of him. As others have said, I'd love to know the whole story. I had even emailed him about the next time he was through my neck of the woods I had a few I'd like for him to pick up and consign, guess I dodged that bullet.

I feel extremely bad for the ones that are left with nothing after putting their trust and faith in him to sell what for some are a lifetime of collecting.

I hope in the end all are compensated fairly for their misfortunes and justice be served where warranted.

 

[ladder13]

Thanks for the info, I used it to go to the Circuit Court page on the case.

On that page, “Default Judgment to be entered against Sarah 15” by the court on Jan 17th.

The case appears to have been adjudicated then. 2 weeks ago.

Here’s the text. I am not a lawyer or college grad.

Date Event Court official Court reporter Amount
01-17-2025 Motion hearing Nordstrand, Scott J. Collazo, Laurel
Additional text:
9:32 AM Attorney Peyton B Engel in court for Timothy Lawler. Defendant James Brewster in court. Attorney Adam Michael Jarchow in court for James Brewster and Sarah15, LTD. Defendant Sarah15, LTD. in court. JP-Clerk.

Atty Engel addresses Ct. Atty Jarchow addresses Ct. Ct addresses parties re: excusable neglect. Ct does not find that the neglect is excusable. Ct denies request to enlarge time.

Atty Lawler would like to move forward on judgment against J.Brewster. Atty Lawler addresses Ct. Atty Jarchow responds. Ct - parties to file document with court with argument on summary judgment.

Ct holds in abeyance the motion for SJ. Parties to file supplemental brief within 30 days. Ct - Default Judgment to be entered against Sarah 15.

 

[Beemerguy53]

...and to think that this week I was thinking of consigning a few firearms through a local auction company. I've bought from them and all seemed good, but this thread is some kind of wake-up call.

I've never liked the idea of entrusting valuable property to someone I don't know so it can be auctioned...seems to me there's significant risk there, and a lot of different ways to get shafted.

On the other hand, I've bought a lot of firearms and accessories from fellow Forum members over the years, and never had any problems whatsoever.

My advice, for what it's worth, is to research the value of your shootin' irons, and then list them here on the Forum at -- and this is key -- reasonable and realistic prices. They'll sell quickly and you'll keep all the proceeds...

 

[mrcvs]

My advice, for what it's worth, is to research the value of your shootin' irons, and then list them here on the Forum at -- and this is key -- reasonable and realistic prices. They'll sell quickly and you'll keep all the proceeds...

RIGHT! If it worked the way I’d like to see it work, you would see 20 or 30 or more listings daily of quality Smith & Wesson revolvers listed daily. The best of the best, the rarest of the rare. Registered Magnum revolvers with condition in original boxes, First Model Americans with oil holes, Number one first issues in original gutta percha boxes, etc. Instead, all that is relegated to the big name sellers.

Better yet, do your fellow diehard collector friends a favor and start by listing over on the private forum, at least first. Give us a crack at it first.

I never buy on Gunbroker as I really have little desire to compete with anyone else in the world with a credit card and an internet connection.

 

[petepeterson]

Here’s the text. I am not a lawyer or college grad.

Date Event Court official Court reporter Amount
01-17-2025 Motion hearing Nordstrand, Scott J. Collazo, Laurel
Additional text:
9:32 AM Attorney Peyton B Engel in court for Timothy Lawler. Defendant James Brewster in court. Attorney Adam Michael Jarchow in court for James Brewster and Sarah15, LTD. Defendant Sarah15, LTD. in court. JP-Clerk.

Atty Engel addresses Ct. Atty Jarchow addresses Ct. Ct addresses parties re: excusable neglect. Ct does not find that the neglect is excusable. Ct denies request to enlarge time.

Atty Lawler would like to move forward on judgment against J.Brewster. Atty Lawler addresses Ct. Atty Jarchow responds. Ct - parties to file document with court with argument on summary judgment.

Ct holds in abeyance the motion for SJ. Parties to file supplemental brief within 30 days. Ct - Default Judgment to be entered against Sarah 15.

Just an outside observer here, but wouldn't this rise to the level of criminality? On the Federal level?

 

[RKmesa]

So sorry to hear - for ALL involved. A sad, sad, sad day for our collecting community.

 

[Onomea]

I believe Colt aficionados have a forum, at least they used to. Could someone please post on their site what we have learned? I think it’s important RIGHT NOW to let as many people know as possible.
I reached out to Gunbroker again yesterday and told them they have been placed on notice. I asked them to have their lawyer contact me. Extremely disappointed that other folks’ guns are still being sold by him on that site. The notice posted earlier in this thread was promising, so we will see. Maybe they didn’t want to stop live auctions. Can someone commit to posting on the Colt forum?? Dave

Done: Fraud Notice: James Brewster/DBA Sarah15 | Colt Forum

 

[bruce5781]

I've never liked the idea of entrusting valuable property to someone I don't know so it can be auctioned...seems to me there's significant risk there, and a lot of different ways to get shafted.



On the other hand, I've bought a lot of firearms and accessories from fellow Forum members over the years, and never had any problems whatsoever.



My advice, for what it's worth, is to research the value of your shootin' irons, and then list them here on the Forum at -- and this is key -- reasonable and realistic prices. They'll sell quickly and you'll keep all the proceeds...

Or, as I do, use the auction at the annual SWCA Symposium. I have never been disappointed. 10% seller commission, 10% buyer commission, goes to a good cause.

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[GaryS]

As with most embezzlement schemes, at first the perpetrator thinks that the money is a "loan" and he will pay it back as soon as his problems are resolved. That never happens and he keeps stealing.

Similar to a lawyer I know that was disbarred for comingling clients funds. for the most part, they plan to repay the "loan" but get caught before they can do so. If they ever planned to do so.

Whatever the reason, a lot of people are out significant amounts of money and the perpetrator should be held to account civilly and criminally.

I wonder if a case could be made for mail fraud?

 

[WC145]

Just an outside observer here, but wouldn't this rise to the level of criminality? On the Federal level?

You would think so, especially since he's dealing across state lines.

I'm sorry to read all this. I don't frequent this forum much anymore but I was quite involved in the past and to see so many members that I knew through here ripped off this way is terribly disheartening. I hope those that have lost money and guns receive compensation, though it sounds like the chances are slim.

 

[Inkgardener]

I’m not really an ATF fan, but where are they on this?


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[22hipower]

I’m not really an ATF fan, but where are they on this?


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Is it an ATF issue? If the incoming paperwork is ok, and the outgoing is too, does the ATF care whether payments were completed?

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[handejector]

I hope I am wrong, but I know of only one “bad habit” that could cause these amounts of money to simply disappear.

Let's avoid unfounded speculation. Without trying very hard, I listed six possible causes for this disaster in two minutes. It would do no good to list them here.
Wait for facts to emerge. They will.

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I just had a thought that hopefully some folks here can explain to me. Gun Broker, just like all auction sites these days, has a feedback system set up. Did all the folks posting here about losses give Sarah15 negative feedback? I realize you might want to give him a “fair” amount of time to send the funds, but after that time, I would definitely be leaving negative feedback and explaining why! Since Sarah15 isn’t on GB anymore, I can’t see his feedback. Had he been racking up negative feedback? Just curious.
Larry

It does not work that way.
Feedback on GB is only offered to parties that have a transaction with each other on GB. The consignors are not involved in a transaction with Jim Brewster on GB. There is no way for them to leave Feedback for Jim unless they buy a gun from him.
The FB for Sarah15 is here- Just a moment...


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I’m not really an ATF fan, but where are they on this?

Is it an ATF issue? If the incoming paperwork is ok, and the outgoing is too, does the ATF care whether payments were completed?

Jeff
SWCA #1457

ATF will tell you this is a civil matter and they will not get involved.