[centralnewyorki]

First of all, it seems like you could use a hug.

I know in light of recent incidences, this is probably not looking good for your dh (by the way- what is dh??? I'm assuming husband?!) However, this store owner is obviously a big @ss and is just doing this to be an @ss. I mean- $75?! Come on... the guy is going to spend more money on fees than the actual bill. I know there is the principle that it isn't your fault and this guy is being a jerk, but just pay the money to get this fool off your back in the mean time and figure the rest out later. I'm not expert on the law, but it's not as if it's thousands of dollars that you're not necessarily able to come up with and your dh would have to do time until it's paid off. I would assume that once the money is paid, the problem is over. Talk to a lawyer- maybe if you could send this guy a check before the court hearing, everything will be resolved. I would show up to the hearing with a check all made out to give to the guy. Now, I would ordinarily not suggest that you give in to a weasel like this, but if your dh could end up in some trouble, and since it isn't a terribly large sum of money, just get this guy off your backs. Has this guy ever approached you for the money before? Do you have proof that he owes you guys money?

Stand up for yourselves and fight this as long as nothing will happen to your dh. Otherwise, I would pay him the money to ensure that nothing happens to you guys.

Good luck, and please let us know how this turns out.