Jim Harwood of Harwood Management Group swindled me out of $3000. has a history of ripping off naive and young artists. well known charlatan with dubiousaa reputaion. New York New York

 I had been working for several years in Germany for a major opera company as a staff director. For a young director, I had an impressive international resume of work. I was on the radar of several agents watching my progress.  in 2008 Jim Harwood sought me out and convinced me with sweet talk and grand promises to sign with him as my agent.  It was a decision I soon regretted. There were several hidden fees which I paid in full and then more costs to be paid immediately. Then hardly 2 months into our one-year contract he wrote me a desperate email begging me for a loan of thousands of dollars.  He spoke of his crisis which could bring him and the whole business down and he promised in writing the money would be returned in just a month with many great rewards for my generous loan.  According to him, the jobs offers would come from all over the planet in great numbers. I agreed to send him a $3000 check.  The check would be in the next day's mail. I was in Florida visiting family at that time.  He relentlessly called me and told me to wire him the money. That was too expensive for me.  Then he told me to send it overnight and I said no for the same reason. He called me every day inquiring about the check until arrived in his PO Box.  

 

After that, he never again brought up the debt he owed me but always made me pay my monthly retainer fees and other costs he claimed I owed for example phone calls and postage which is unheard of.  When I suggested he put my monthly bills toward paying down his debt to me that was rejected quickly.  I was getting suspicious. He was supposed to get me money, not the other way around.  Finally one day I was having an interview/meeting with the Artistic Director of a major opera company when he asked me who my agent was.  As I said Jim Harwood name his face got serious and his posture grew stiff and rigid.  He stared at me and said, "Oh no you must not start your career path on with such bad choice."  This was not the only time I got such a warning from important people in the business.  

 

Shortly after that, I informed Jim that I would not re-sign with him at the end of our year.  I gave him 3 months warning which is standard.  Of course, I never saw the $3000 he owed me.  He never answered my calls and requests for it.  After one year I took him to small claims court in  NY.  He didn't show for the hearing thus handing me a win.  He appealed knowing full well I had to travel from Germany for the court date again.   At the 2nd hearing, he showed up late and made some grand attempt at fighting a losing battle.  The judge was not impressed with his logic and deceptive business ethics.  I won again hands down.  Fast forward to today. I have 2 judgments against him and nothing in our legal system can make him pay.  Please help me out.