House painter's third victim doubtful about restitution

A 74-year-old house painter, on probation for felony contracting without a license, pleaded guilty Friday to a misdemeanor theft charge in a third incident of taking money for paint jobs he never completed.

East Fork Justice Jim EnEarl told Lloyd Schunk he would serve six months in jail if he doesn't pay the third victim $1,450 by June 14.

The latest allegation came to light after Schunk was sentenced last September in district court on the felony charges.

The victim, who has known Schunk for eight years, expressed skepticism that he would make restitution.

"Over the past couple of years he has done nothing but lie and concoct preposterous excuses," the man said. "I don't know why the court has confidence he'll pay."

In past appearances, Schunk has told the court he has money available to post bail and to hire a lawyer he identified as Sam Kabler.

Neither fact turned out to be true as Schunk remained in jail and no lawyer turned up by the name of Sam Kabler who was licensed to practice in Nevada.

EnEarl called Schunk a "consummate liar."

"You don't contract without a license. You take their money and scam them without a license," EnEarl said.

He made it clear to Schunk the only reason he wasn't going to jail was so he could work and pay restitution.

"You have sat in this courtroom enough to know I take restitution very seriously," EnEarl said.

Schunk claimed he had jobs lined up for less than $1,000 for which he didn't need a contractor's license.

He also said that he was duped into paying Kabler $300 because he thought he was an attorney.

"He's no attorney. Period. I found out the hard way. He lives in Reno, I think. I've never seen him. I met him through a friend. Some friend," Schunk said.

EnEarl said Schunk's sentence was suspended on the condition he violate no laws and pay the restitution or return to court June 14.

"I don't give a damn if you go to Alaska. I will extradite you," EnEarl said.

Schunk remained in custody pending an appearance before District Judge Dave Gamble on April 27 on a probation violation.

Last September Gamble suspended two concurrent sentences of 34 months in prison for two charges of contracting without a license with a prior conviction. He placed Schunk on five years probation and ordered him to repay nearly $8,500 to two victims who hired the defendant to paint five house, work which was never performed.

At his sentencing, Schunk told Gamble he could make restitution at $1,000 a month through his Social Security and jobs he and his wife worked.