Legal Aid for Brad

**ANY FUNDS RECEIVED HERE WILL BE REPAID, DEPENDING ON LEGAL JUDGEMENT**

On July 12th, 2023, Brad Winecoff won his first case against Douglas Cegelis (aka Asheville Comics, HotShot Comics, Asheville Cards and Comics) receiving a judgement for $10,000. However, rather than accepting responsibility for his actions, Mr. Cegelis opted to file for an appeal. The new court date is set for the week of Jan 2nd. This new hearing will be held in District Court at the Buncombe County Court House and will be treated as an entirely new case; meaning new evidence, testimony, etc. may be introduced. In addition, any potential judgement will not be bound to the constraints of small claims court (max of $10,000).

Brad has an expert, passionate lawyer on retainer to help navigate the legal complexities of his case and represent him in court. The lawyer is confident that they will be able to prosecute Mr. Cegelis to the fullest extent that District Court and precedents allow. While this lawsuit remains Brad’s, he is also representing victims of the flagrant fraud experienced by many; local, nationwide and internationally. Mr. Cegelis has been defrauding people in our community and all over the internet for years. In order to hold Mr. Cegelis responsible for his actions, Brad has carefully prepared a solid case against Mr. Cegelis to assist in preventing others in the comic community at large from being victimized. For more specifics on the actions and accusations regarding this case, see:

The exclusive goal of this fundraiser is to assist in payment for Brad’s counsel. It is estimated that, at this time and case complexity, legal fees will be no more than $5,000. It is Brad’s hope that, if victorious, any funds awarded can be used by other victims who wish to take legal action against Mr. Cegelis or possibly shared among others who have been victimized by Mr. Cegelis’ fraud. The goal is not simply for Brad’s success, but for what’s left of Mr. Cegelis’ assets to be seized, ensuring that it is impossible for him to stay in business or to open another business at a later date; as he is known to do.

**ANY DONATION RECEIVED HERE WILL BE REPAID, DEPENDING ON LEGAL JUDGEMENT**

This is a case about principles first and foremost; stealing is wrong and Mr. Cegelis has stolen so many things from so many people. Brad is fighting for each and every one of you who are in the same boat. Please give what you can and join us in saying NO MORE to Douglas Cegelis. Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful impact on our ability to pursue justice. Contributors will be provided with regular updates about the case’s progress. 

Please consider supporting Brad in this crucial time and helping to seek a fair resolution. In addition, please share this GoFundMe with others who want Douglas Cegelis to FINALLY be held responsible for his actions. Stand with us and say: We will not be bullied or gaslighted into standing down. We will not tolerate persistent fraud in our community. Will not tolerate the consistent abuse suffered from Douglas Cegelis.

Thank you for reading.