Rons Dugout Pub And Crabhouse Ron Weedon and Robert Murphy or Bob Murphy Restaurant Maryland Crab House "Rons Dugout Pub and Crabhouse" failure to pay employees and contractors Melbourne Florida

I was contracted to design a website for the new restaurant in town "Ron's Dugout Pub and Crab House". I spent two weeks at their location designing the site, taking photos, writing content, and coding. Seeing my talents with digital things they asked me to fix their security cameras. Then asked me to fix their register and reprogram the menu items adding choice sets and modifiers. 

I was warned by several employees to "make sure I get paid" because they were giving a weekly song and dance to the salaried staff rather than paying full salary. I thought this was probably an unhappy worker and continued to work on their digital chores. 

When I was down to the last few things I began to notice the owners were lying about certain discussions that we had regarding work at the restaurant/bar.  I felt a distinct change in the "vibe" when I was there.  

I finished my work, and instead of being presented with payment, I got text messages including profanity and threatening me with police if I stepped foot in the restaurant. 

This was not in any way due to my work. The owner Ron was upset that a graphic sexual photo and conversation from his facebook account leaked out through the many staff members that he gave access to his account. 

I tried to reason with him that this photo did not originate from me, and that even if it had it is a personal matter, not having anything to do with the work that I performed. 

He refused to pay me. I was not surprised. 

When I began the work I was offered $600 for the website alone. Bob Murphy told me he would give me $200 in cash to begin. Followed by a $250 Barter payment halfway through, and another $250 barter payment when finished. The cameras and register were not part of that arrangement. He could not however come up with the original $200 cash payment, so I agreed to make the barter come first, and the cash after completion. 

I had a feeling that I may never see the cash. But I helped them out of the kindness of a patron that wanted a nice local pub to thrive. 

However, what I did not expect was the final payment to be banishment from the establishment. Or threats with Police involved in them. 

I am now joining two others in filing claims for unpaid services.  If you are offered employment at this location, I would use extreme caution. Even bartenders should get their pay a week in advance just to be safe. 

It is shameful to insult someone that did so much to help you in an effort to get out of paying.