Cops: Concert Organizer Wrote Bad Check

A dispute over payment for a concert led to criminal charges.

James McNulty, 53, of Bristol, was charged last Wednesday with theft of services and writing bad checks. McNulty remains on $50,000 unsecured bail.

Tullytown Borough police said they were contacted on December 1 by an individual who runs a talent, entertainment and events agency out of New York. The business operator stated that back in July, after ending a contract with McNulty for an event at Snipes Farm, he received a bad check for his services.

The business operator said that McNulty was to provide a 50 percent deposit for the July 25 event on or by April 17, and the remaining half on the day of the event, according to a probable cause affidavit. While the first half of services were paid for April 14 in the amount of $23,662.50, McNulty informed the business operator the day of the event that he “did not have time to go to the bank for another’s cashier check for the remaining balance, but would pay cash,” police said.

The business operator, not comfortable with being paid in cash, decided to still honor the contract and not pull the event’s performers, with promise from McNulty that a personal check would be provided. While the personal check was provided, the check reportedly bounced, according to court documents.

The business operator told police according to documents that he has been unsuccessful in recouping the money still owed to him.

At first, McNulty reportedly told the man the check was in mail. He later said that he would be refinancing his home, even though McNulty was living in an apartment. The 53 year old also said he had sent the check accidentally to the wrong address. McNulty than had a document notarized that he would pay 3,692.50 to the victim by October 1.

The victim alleges that McNulty still owes his company $23,662.50, plus an additional $12 for the cost of the bounced check.

According to online listings, an oldies concert took place July 25 at Snipes Farm. The event featured oldies artists, a car show and flea market.

When police spoke with McNulty, he admitted the victim’s statement was true and that when he made out the check there was not enough money in the account to cover the funds.

He awaits a preliminary hearing set with District Judge Robert Wagner Jr. for January 12.

Editor’s Note: All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The story was compiled using information from police and public court documents.