Michael Papp Update!

[Derwin]

Many of you club old-timers will remember the little scuffle we had with a man by the name of Michael Papp. Well, it seems he is back in the game, or at least TRYING to get back in.

I guess they released him from jail, and he now has the freedom to launch his new projects. I just hope nobody takes him at his word alone, and verifies any dealings. This is good business no matter who your dealing with.

A note to Mr. Papp..... Please feel free to post to this thread, or contact me personally, with your side of the story, or any new information that you may have.

Here is the latest on Mr. Papp...


Spark EV headed for "vindication"? (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/02/spark-ev-headed-for-vindication/)

by Sebastian Blanco (http://www.autobloggreen.com/bloggers/sebastian-blanco/) on Jun 2nd 2009 at 8:48AM


How not to endear yourself to the media: send in messages that say, "It is so easy to jump on the bandwagon when you don't know the facts. Shame on you all."

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/03/sparl-ev-logo.gif (http://www.spark-ev.com/)This is how Michael Papp is trying to reintroduce himself to the alternative vehicle world. Papp made headlines (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/16/spark-evs-michael-papp-might-face-more-charges/) about a year ago when he was arrested (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/13/spark-evs-michael-papp-arrested-in-electric-vehicle-scam/) for not delivering electric vehicles to two companies. Papp was (and is) the man behind Spark EV (http://www.spark-ev.com/), and he recently updated his site to say that:

Fifteen months of time, the complete ruination of his name, his business, his future. The loss of his family, friends, and his children. All of this needed to happen before someone actually picked up the phone & called the Port of Newark, as well as the shipping company, to find out – the cars were there all along. Just like the man said they were. A simple phone call that should have been made 15 months ago.
This page will get very interesting in the next month or so.


The whole thing (http://www.spark-ev.com/) is a sort of dramatic and angry, but what's even better is that Papp has reached out to the AutoblogGreen community and said he's willing to answer our questions. So, if you've been wondering what happened, let's hear some Qs in the comments.

[Miracleman89]

All they had to do is call the Port of Newark?! HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA


Does he have a lawyer?? LMAO, I would think that a lawyer would get legal documentation from the Port of Newark and show it before a court of law! (case closed) But let's take this a step further. Why does anyone have to call a port in order to verify he promised vehicles to several different people and didn't deliver? Also, never offer to explain the delay and refused to return peoples money? I seriously doubt they are or were in the Port of Newark! If they were why didn't any number of the news media that any of our members go to, write an article about it?! "FEDS mess up, Papp wrongfully imprisoned" That is a worthy headline even for mainstream media!

Sorry Mikey, I ain't buying it!!! You are a scam artist!!!!

(Note: This is the personal opinion of Brian S. Fields aka Miracleman89. This in no way reflects the opinions of the club itself!)

PS. Hey sparky, I still await our debate on your straight roads concept!

[Mark Tomlinson]

Oh, the drama.

[rogwild]

Here is a 'Comment' I just posted on the site:

One 'SMALL' point that Michael Papp omitted;
He informed "Electric Transportation of Arkansas" that their shipment had arrived and was ENROUTE to them (even provided a shipping company and shipping document number); NOT that they were still in port at Newark. When ETA checked with the 'shipping company', they were informed that they had no dealings with Michael Papp, or Spark~EV, and that the shipping document number was BOGUS. That is when the owners of ETA traveled to Easton, PA confronted Papp in person and contacted the Police.
I traveled to PA also and took possession (with police escort) of the 2007 Zooom EV Scooter that Papp owed me. Unfortunately it had no batteries, a broken throttle, and he could not provide the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (confiscated by police with his other paperwork).

If anyone has an address for Mr. Michael J. Papp, please provide it (since he has moved from Easton, PA; and 'disappeared'), since I would like to get the MCO/MSO from him.

Don't expect him to answer many (or ANY) questions, since his 'open forum' on his Spark~EV site last year lasted all of three days, until he shut it down when he could not answer reader's questions or provide ANY photos of 'Actual Vehicles' that he really had!

Whatever you believe.......DO NOT send this guy any MONEY!!!!!!!!

And an email I sent to the author of the AutoblogGreen article, Sebastian Blanco:

Mr. Sebastian Blanco;
I’m not too sure how much ‘research’ you did on your latest article on Michael Papp; but it would be interesting to see what the people below had to say on the subject:

Chief Richard Nace; Easton, PA Police Dept.

John M. Morganelli ;Northampton County DA, case number = CR-0000107-08 (or his other 5 court cases since 2000)

John Akins, Phone: (501) 376-4ETA; Electric Transportation of Arkansas

It seems that the latest ‘addition’ to the SPARK~EV webpage, is just another pathetic attempt to gain sympathy by; Vindication2009@hotmail.com

If he uses your ‘forum’ to answer questions, I hope he does not revert to his childish and aggressive manner of ‘attacking’ others, and avoiding any factual (and substantiated) answers.

I see no ‘proof’ that he was “Vindicated” of any of his past of deceitful practices. During my past ‘dealings’ with this individual, I have compiled an ‘internet history’ of scams on eBay, financial, real estate, and vehicle hoaxes. I hope he has changed his criminal ways, but I seriously doubt it.

Roger L. Wildermuth

[rogwild]

Here is a photo of SPARK~EV's, 'International Import Facility, Storage, Assembly, Maintenance, Conversion Factory, and Showroom'; where I picked up my 2007 Zooom EV Scooter (with Police escort) last year.

[Derwin]

Here is a photo of SPARK~EV's, 'International Import Facility, Storage, Assembly, Maintenance, Conversion Factory, and Showroom'; where I picked up my 2007 Zooom EV Scooter (with Police escort) last year.


Wow! That is one fancy international facility that he had! Maybe he upgraded since then.

By the way, rog.... Did you ever get your Zoom scooter running? If not, maybe you should contact Mr. Papp. After all, you are the one that came up with the name "SparkEV", and he owes you....big time! thu:mbs:up:22

By the way, MM89 (as well as rogwild) are indeed expressing PERSONAL opinions, and they are NOT the views and/or opinions of the FlyTheRoad Club. Just thought I would emphasis this again to make it clear, even though MM89 already made it clear in his post. I think we can have a civil conversation with people, without having to resort to name-calling. So, Mr. Papp, you are welcome to join this club again, and interact with our members. And be sure that it will be a CIVIL discussion. But this must be MUTUAL, and will require YOU to refrain from flaming others as well.

[rogwild]

No, never got it running (but I still have it 'stored') since I did not want to put the $1,000+ into batteries and repairs until I could be sure to get it 'registered' and road legal (you know how 'sticky' the Florida DMV is on 'paperwork') . MP never provided the MCO (Manufacture's Certificate of Origin), but he did email me (Vindication2009@hotmail.com) last night, about my 'comment' to the recent AutoblogGreen article. Guess he knows I'm still around and keeping an 'eye' on him. I did ask him for the MCO......but I'm not holding my breath.

[Derwin]

MP never provided the MCO (Manufacture's Certificate of Origin), but he did email me (Vindication2009@hotmail.com) last night, about my 'comment' to the recent AutoblogGreen article. Guess he knows I'm still around and keeping an 'eye' on him. I did ask him for the MCO......but I'm not holding my breath.

I find it very interesting that he actually emailed you in response to your post. Actually, I like a guy that stands up for himself, despite overwhelming odds. Not to say that it excuses anything that he may have done in the past, but I just admire a guy who stands up and doesn't "cut and run".

OK, Mr. Papp.... If you are reading this (and I have a good feeling that you are!), I am offering you a public platform to express your views, and to redeem yourself in the eyes of the public. We can create an entire forum on this site dedicated to your company and products, and allow you to interact with people freely. I believe in redemption. I believe in giving a guy a second chance.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me derwin@flytheroadclub.com

Derwin

[rogwild]

Well Derwin, he did "cut and run"; the DA informed me that he failed to appear at his second court hearing, and he is no longer living at the address in Easton, PA.

I wouldn't 'hold your breath' either waiting for him to reply. You do remember that his "Open Forum" on his Spark~EV site only lasted a couple DAYS after the 'hard questions' started coming, but I would like to hear 'his side of the story'. Might help pass the time until Persu Mobility, starts 'talking' again.

[Derwin]

Well Derwin, he did "cut and run"; the DA informed me that he failed to appear at his second court hearing, and he is no longer living at the address in Easton, PA.

I thought he paid is debt to society, and was now looking to re-establish himself. Am I wrong?


I wouldn't 'hold your breath' either waiting for him to reply. You do remember that his "Open Forum" on his Spark~EV site only lasted a couple DAYS after the 'hard questions' started coming, but I would like to hear 'his side of the story'. Might help pass the time until Persu Mobility, starts 'talking' again.

No. I won't hold my breath, rog! As you may recall, Papp banned me from his forum the first day I joined! He was not one to allow honest questions. But, when I look back at that, I can see that we were posting not only tough questions, but clear attacks against him, and I can understand why he banned me, and then shut the forum down.

If he wants to join this club again and interact with members, then we have to be sure to keep it civil. No name calling, and no accusations. Just honest questions. Am I optimistic that he will join us? No. But I thought I would at least make the offer.

[RAN]

Derwin, if you believe in redemption for someone like Michael Papp, you must also believe in the Easter Bunny and Alice and the Looking Glass.

I'm all for giving someone a second chance... when they've shown themselves worthy of it. What has Papp shown to be worthy of one?

I don't see Papp falling over himself to make things right with Roger or anyone else he's swindled in the past. That's the first step towards redemption in my book. Once he's righted his past wrongs, then talk about second chances.

[AZEqualizer]

A leopard does not change his spots... they just move on to their next meal.

[Derwin]

Derwin, if you believe in redemption for someone like Michael Papp, you must also believe in the Easter Bunny and Alice and the Looking Glass.

I think the easter bunny and alice are very nice fairy tales. But redemption is not a fairy tale at all. I DO believe in giving people a second chance....even Mr. Papp.


I don't see Papp falling over himself to make things right with Roger or anyone else he's swindled in the past. That's the first step towards redemption in my book. Once he's righted his past wrongs, then talk about second chances.

Look, I don't know Mr. Papp, and I don't suppose any of you do either. What we DO know about him is that he has a shady past. Well, I believe he paid his debt to society for the mistakes that he made, and deserves a chance to make things right.

The fact that he responded to rogwild makes me think that he is going to make things right with him. I hope he also makes things right with anybody else that he may have wronged. I agree...this is the first step towards redemption. But I'll never step on a man that made a few mistakes in the past. Every human being screws up at times, and should be given a chance to make ammends. Hopefully Mr. Papp will do so. If he does, than I'll be a strong backer of his.

We all need redemption, folks. Some of us just need it a little more than others! And I never want to be the first to "cast stones" at a person that messed up and is trying to recover.

Derwin

[RAN]

Second chances are for young people that screw up, get a little crazy, fall in with a bad crowd, etc.

Not for people that are still pulling scams in their 3rd, 4th, 5th decade of life.

So far, I haven't heard Papp say 1 word that indicates to me that he's the least bit sorry for anything he's done in the past. All he's doing is trying to shift the blame off on anyone BUT himself. Poor ol Pappy isn't guilty.... blah blah blah....

I tell you what Derwin. Why don't you invite Papp to come stay with you? You can even be the 1st one to invest in his next "business." If you really think he's been rehabilitated, that is.

Meanwhile, I invite you to read back over the posts he made here before he was banned. I think your memory needs refreshing.

Giving Rog the paperwork on his broken-down battery-less scooter won't begin to make that deal right and you know it. Time to get real.

[rogwild]

Derwin; since MP was so kind as to 'publish' his new email:
Vindication2009@hotmail.com

Perhaps you could send him a 'personal invite' and see just how ready he is for 'Redemption' and 'Vindication'.

I'll be here waiting, but he has already told me; "Never did I tell Autobloggreen or Sebastian Blanco that I wanted to answer people's questions on their forum."

[Derwin]

Second chances are for young people that screw up, get a little crazy, fall in with a bad crowd, etc.

Not for people that are still pulling scams in their 3rd, 4th, 5th decade of life.

Well, I guess we just have to disagree about that. I think a person deserves a CHANCE at rehabilitation no matter how old he/she may be.


I tell you what Derwin. Why don't you invite Papp to come stay with you? You can even be the 1st one to invest in his next "business." If you really think he's been rehabilitated, that is.

Why the sarcasm? I never indicated I wanted the guy to move in with me. Heck, I even stated that I don't even know this man! And I never said that I thought he was rehabilitated. What I said was that he deserves the right to at least TRY to be rehabilitated.


Meanwhile, I invite you to read back over the posts he made here before he was banned. I think your memory needs refreshing.

I won't argue with that! ;)


Giving Rog the paperwork on his broken-down battery-less scooter won't begin to make that deal right and you know it. Time to get real.

What deal? Roger won that scooter in a contest Papp had. I don't believe rog paid a dime for that scooter. Although he did have to go there with the police to pick it up!

All I am saying is that we should let this guy alone and try to redeem himself. Heck, if I made a few mistakes, and tried to redeem myself, I know I'd really appreciate it if people would give me that chance.

In todays world everybody is so fast to tear apart the other guy, and I think it's sad. And I'm even guilty of doing the same thing on occasion, so I'm not pointing fingers. Look, for all I know this Papp fella could be the biggest con-artist to come down the pike. He may have no redeeming qualities at all. But I'm willing to at least allow the man a chance.

Derwin

[rogwild]

What deal? Roger won that scooter in a contest Papp had. I don't believe rog paid a dime for that scooter. Although he did have to go there with the police to pick it up!
Derwin
Well the 'DEAL' was that I entered his 'Name the Company Contest' (changing from FLYBO-EV, that had gained a BAD reputation on eBay and the rest of the internet, due to poor business practices). That should have been my First Clue.
The 'Prize' for winning the contest was to be a NEW Zooom EV scooter (the pictures on his website were from China of a scooter with an ICE engine (humm, Second Clue), to be delivered to my residence within 30 days. He said that he had over 1000 entries, and MY two entries placed #1 and #2 (Third Clue). Personally, I liked my second choice ~AMP~(Asian Motor Products) better, but he selected; SPARK~EV. After he notified me, and I gave him my shipping information; the 'EXCUSES' began to come (for 7 months)....Fourth Clue!!!
He finally said that he did NOT have the batteries for it (and could not give me a supplier and stock number for the proper ones) Fifth Clue, and showed me a picture of a 'partially assembled' scooter, and said that if I wanted it, to COME AND GET IT. I found a friendly fellow ultralight powered para-glider pilot in a neighboring town that said he would pick it up and store it for me in his garage until I could get it or have it shipped. Another two months of 'excuses' from PM, why he could not link up with my 'new friend' for the transfer. Another RED FLAG.
After MP's arrest for taking almost $100,000 from two EV vehicle dealers in Arkansas and Texas (without delivering the promised vehicles), I contacted the local police and was informed that MP did indeed have a 'camouflage scooter' in his garage, and that they would assist me in obtaining it if I traveled there. Finally I spent over $900 in gas, lodging, and trailer rental and traveled to PA, got my 'police escort', and hauled it back home. Glad I did, since he had a "FOR SALE" sign on the windshield, waiting to 'scam' someone else. It will cost another $1,000 to get it operational (maybe); 8 ea. batteries @ $119 each plus SHIPPING and a new throttle controller (and who knows what else). I believe I gave him MORE than a 'second chance' to do the right thing.

As for; "a leopard changing his spots", I doubt it. Does anyone else think that Michael 'James', of Great Lands Electric Vehicle Propulsion, Bethlehem, PA., just might have a 'connection' to Michael 'J' Papp??? Check out one of their 'projects' pictures of a 3-wheeled COMET (design 'stolen' from an Italian designer, and never paid for by MP) on their [Company Profile] page at GLEVP dot COM. Sounds like he's back at his old 'tricks'!

[Derwin]

Point being, rog, is that you WON A CONTEST. It was not something that you had "purchased" from Mr. Papp.

Your experience with him is not good, but he did not "steal" a dime from you. You made the decision to go get the scooter that you won. You made the decision to spend the money to go get it. You put yourself in the position of spending that money, and now spending even more money to get it in working condition. If I were you, I would have simply let it go, and figured that it was a scam contest. I mean, it's not really a big deal there!

As for him not delivering the products to the dealers.... It was only $100,000. I know that sounds like a large amount of money, but believe me, it's not. Not in business anyway. But it was still a problem, and something that he has to make good on. Even if it were $500....it's still something that he needs to clear up.

As far as Michael James being Papp.... Who knows. I don't really care, quite frankly. Even if it were, so what? I still say that the guy should be given the chance to make good. And, yes, I fully understand that nobody here believes in redemption for Papp. But I still think we should simply sit back and see what he does next...that's all. If he returns to his old ways, than I guess that's it. But at least give the man a chance to change.

By the way, there was a guy by the name of Tucker who was accused of not "delivering" vehicles to dealers here in Chicago. We all know how that ended up, don't we.

Derwin

[RAN]

Derwin, for you to even try to make a comparison between Tucker and Papp, you must have had your head slammed in a door recently. I seriously advise seeing a physician.

You're not going to convince one person here that that rat bastid deserves anything more than rock salt fired from point blank range. The more you try, the deeper the hole you dig. I've already wasted more time on this subject than it deserves. It seems to be patently obvious to the rest of us. Why isn't it obvious to you Derwin?

[Derwin]

Derwin, for you to even try to make a comparison between Tucker and Papp, you must have had your head slammed in a door recently. I seriously advise seeing a physician.

Your right about that, actually! r:o:f:l:2:2:1

I don't know what I was thinking when I wrote that! :confused:

We all know that Papp is no Tucker, though. I was simply stating that Papp did not "deliver" a few vehicles to dealers. This is exactly what Tucker was accused of. But other than that, there is ABSOLUTELY NO COMPARISON between the two men at all.

This is really silly to argue about. I have no "love" for Papp. Actually, I don't even like the man. I just like the idea of redemption, no matter who it is.

I will hereby cease any and all defense of this man (whom I don't even know!).

Derwin

[AZEqualizer]

I have a feeling the only redemption this guy will have is when someone puts him in the ground permanently.

[rogwild]

Derwin, have you sent "M.P.' a personal invitation to join us again? I'm sure we would be interested in his 'response', to see if he indeed wants "a CHANCE at rehabilitation" and VINDICATION!

[Derwin]

Well, rog, after getting pounded for saying that he deserves a chance at redemption, I've decided to just stay away from this altogether.

As I said, I don't know the man. I don't like the man. And I really don't think it is worth fighting over in this club.

If he happens to stop by and join again, he is welcome. But I will not be going after him with a personal invite. My mind has completely changed in regards to this.

But, hey, you can try tracking him down and inviting him if you desire to do so. I'm no longer interested.

Derwin

[rogwild]

I have already 'communicated' with him via email, but you were the one that brought up the idea of inviting him here to hear 'his side of the story'. I have researched his background (and his 'ongoing' EV parts business) and believe there is no 'redemption' for someone who will not admit his past, and continues down the same path.:confused:

He gets no 'pity', 'Vindication', or 'Second Chances' from me!:(

[Derwin]

I have researched his background (and his 'ongoing' EV parts business) and believe there is no 'redemption' for someone who will not admit his past, and continues down the same path.:confused:

He gets no 'pity', 'Vindication', or 'Second Chances' from me!:(

Yep. You, along with others, have stated that opinion very clearly.

Let's try to move on from this guy now. I don't think he is worthy of anymore discussion. It appears the members of this club have made this perfectly clear.

[Mark Tomlinson]

Agreed. I have no wish to assassinate this man's character. He's doing a fine job by himself.

[PHEVadvocate]

Papp said, the vehicles that reached port have been seized to pay storage / container fees. Ok, I would like to know who has them, the lawyers are real picky about these things and I'm sure they kept good records.