Nov 10 2009
Shane Senter of JumpCon Pleads Guilty, Gets 5 Years Probation, Will Pay Restitution
If you’re involved in the world of conventions, especially on the organization/planning side, then you’ve no doubt heard the tale of Shane Senter of JumpCon. Just in case you haven’t, here’s a quick synopsis:
On July 15 2008, Senter posted a message to fans that he was canceling the Boston JumpCon. He wrote:
“This has never been a scheme, and was never about money for me. I hope when the refunds have all been issued, people will accept the truth. I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me, but it will get done.”
Meanwhile, two Star Trek actors, Robert Picardo and John Billingsley, were also sharing their problems with the convention on their own websites. But then in the spring of 2009, Senter was indicted on theft charges. He entered a plea of “not guilty” regarding the various charges against him, and was out on $25k bond. Senter then filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
I was recently contacted by one of the individuals familiar with JumpCon’s epic fail. This person has provided Convention Fans with a copy of a recent letter they received from the New Hampshire Attorney General, and has given us permission to reprint it (with personal details of the individual who provided it having been removed for privacy reasons).
(View a PDF of the letter from the Attorney General, regarding Senter/JumpCon)
It seems that only now, months after the original indictment, has the case started to see some signs of resolution. Senter has apparently agreed to plead guilty to four counts of the indictment. He will get 5 years probation, and he’s not allowed to own, operate, manage or control a business where he takes payments/deposits up front. He’s also being ordered to pay restitution.
Another document provided to Convention Fans lists all of the active complaints against Senter, which number in the 40s. (View the PDF)
Senter’s plea and sentencing hearing will be held later this month (Monday, November 23), at 9:00 AM. If the court chooses to order Senter to pay said restitution, people who are seeking it and have questions regarding this should call the Hillsborough County Probation Office at (603) 668-0432.
Thanks again to the individual who was willing to share this latest development. If you have been personally impacted by the failure of JumpCon, please feel free to contact Convention Fans to share your own story.
