Asked 3/19/2016 – Houston, TX

My boyfriend and I separated in December, I asked him to leave and while I was at work he was at my apartment we lived in together and left with his belongings AND the TV I had got from Rent-A-Center in September. I continued paying on the TV because I was the only one on the contract and would still be held responsible even though he was not willing to give it back and I’m almost certain he maybe even sold the TV to his friend. In January I had some financial setbacks and was then layed off in February due to the oil and gas industry. I had already spoken with the manager at Rent-A-Center about the whole situation in January so they knew what was going on but by this point I was not able to continue making payments. I know I am still held responsible for the TV and Rent-A-Center will press charges for theft, not sure what I should do in this situation.

Answer

Do NOT just wait for a criminal case to be filed against you. Stay in touch with Rent-A-Center. Contact the police and report the items as stolen. Talk with family members and ask for help to pay Rent-A-Center off. How much to you think it will cost to bond out of jail, hire a lawyer, pay court costs fines and fees and STILL pay Rent-A Center after your criminal case is finished? And possibly have a conviction for a crime of moral turpitude on your criminal record? Do everything you can to stay out of the system.