Abandoned Property/malicious Destruction

[Meilyg]

Hello,     MI live in Michigan.  My boyfriend up and left me 8 days ago, leaving all of his property behind.  I asked him to come get it several times via text message(which I still have) and he said he didn't want any of it.  He left for NC for 2 weeks today.  I told him that I got rid of his things because he said he didn't want it, and at one point even stated he wasn't coming back.  Now, after it is gone, he says that he wants it when he gets back and that he spoke with an officer who told him that my text messages stating he didn't want any of it is not good enough reason, I should have kept it until he decides to get it.  He said he would have me charged with Malicious destruction of property if I damaged anything.  I just couldn't look at it anymore knowing he wasn't coming back.  In a case like this, what are my rights and what are his?  Please help, thank you very much.

[Emilo]

Stephanie,

If he was not on the lease it really is simple.  If he left and told you he is not coming back and you were/are left with maintaining the house/apartment that you live in then he really has no recourse.  You are under no obligation to maintain property left behind if he told you he is not coming back.  That would be akin to him abandoning his property.  If he was on the lease why should you have to keep and maintain it?  Did he break any rental agreement?  I would keep a written log or journal of what happened to include your texts.  You can request a copy of your texts from your cellular provider.  Keep it as evidence.       

Jeffrey Hauck, JD, CPO, CII, PI

Pennsylvania Licensed Private Detective

www.private-eye.homestead.com