Julian Anthony Miller ripped me off - took my money - did not give me the website I was promised - Internet, Internet

Where to start. Julian Anthony Miller claimed to be able to create me a website. I provided him details of exactly how I wanted it. I was excited.

That's when it went downhill. He never provided me with my site. His communication was terrible. He never seemed to be working on the site and constantly had excuses for why he couldn't provide me with updates (because there were none). One day it would be internet issues so he couldn't upload changes. Another week it would be he was moving and getting settled. Other times he wouldn't even be creative enough to give an excuse, he just wouldn't respond for days and then all of a sudden would say things are delayed and he would get them "soon". He refused to give updates and any deadlines or dates he claimed an update would be provided were lies. Deadlines came and went, and "soon" became weeks. Anytime updates were provided, only a couple of times, they would not be anything close to what I requested in detail. His idea of an update after weeks of work was a background change. I can do that. 

When months had gone by with zero progress on the site, it became clear he was ripping me off. I requested a refund and he claimed that, per the contract, if I want to cancel the job, I have to send him a letter canceling it. However, I reviewed the contract and it states that by sending a letter canceling the contract, that gives Julian the right to retain the original deposit. By "canceling" the project, I essentially lose my right to a refund! So he has me trapped.

I'm stuck with having paid for a website that is not being worked on, however, I can't get a refund because in order to get a refund, I need to cancel the project, but if I cancel it, that gives him the right to not give me a refund. 

At this point I don't know what to do because he refuses to send a refund and won't provide any work.