John H. Kuhn II appears before a judge in Lewis County Superior Court.
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – A former manager of a Chehalis business has been accused by the owner of stealing more than $10,000 worth of kitchen cabinets and countertops.
The current manager of Builders Surplus Northwest contacted the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office in May to report the discovery of what he said occurred back around January 2013.
John H. Kuhn II, was summonsed into Lewis County Superior Court, where this afternoon he learned more about the charge of first-degree theft that has been filed against him.
Kuhn, 35, said the kitchen remodel was a gift or bonus from the owner, for working so hard for him after a previous manager left.
“Two and a half years later, and now this,” Kuhn said outside the courtroom.
According to charging documents, current manager Dana Shave with assistance from company accountant Jon Christensen, gathered up invoices for the materials and labor to install the products at Kuhn’s home on Padrick Road in Centralia.
Photos of the kitchen were posted on the company’s website as a representation of the work they do, according to the documents.
Owner of the Hamilton Road business Michel Rey told an investigating deputy he knew of the remodel but was unaware his manager didn’t pay for it with his own money, the documents state.
Rey said he never provided bonuses for his employees in the form of materials or labor, as if he did, he would make them pay the tax on the materials, the documents relate.
Lewis County Deputy Prosecutor Ann Harrie wrote in the charging documents that Kuhn denied the theft allegations to the deputy and provided names of five people who could verify they were a work bonus, but each of those five provided statements that they’d never heard of the kitchen or cabinets being a gift or bonus from Rey.
Kuhn does not have any email or correspondence from Rey showing it was a gift, Harrie wrote.
The charge of first-degree theft was filed on Dec. 3. It has a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
When Kuhn appeared before Judge Richard Brosey this afternoon, temporary defense attorney Joely O’Rourke said Kuhn was in the process of retaining Centralia attorney Don Blair to represent him.
Lewis County Deputy Prosecutor Kevin Nelson asked for bail to be set as a $10,000 unsecured bond. Brosey agreed.
Kuhn’s arraignment is scheduled for January 7.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
John Kuhn has provided maintenance services for my home for many years. Never once have I ever questioned him coming in or out of my home. I would and do trust him fully to do what he needs to do without any problems. He has always presented himself respectful and has demonstrated to have morally sound and honest character. I have a really hard time believing that he would ever intentionally rip somebody off. It just does not fit his personality what so ever!
John is a standup guy. If you were stealing, why would you post pictures of it on the company website. I wish you and your family the best John and I hope you beat this.
funny when you read the comments on here just how far off base they are. the only point sleepless seems to want to make is that he doesn’t like don blair. i would guess this person was convicted of a crime or plead guilty and thought blair was a magician instead of an attorney. if sleepless had even bothered to finish reading the article he would ha-ve seen that kuhn was in the process of RETAINING don blair. that means he is hiring him dude.
I just went to the website which model is the stolen kitchen? Thats the one I want. John please dont use Don Blair hes not even a lawyer that will defend you. If there was an investigation into these public defenders they would all be in jail for theft of hours they charge the state of Washington. They only look at your paper work the day of trial and dont return phone calls. Then they charge the state for time they claim that they worked on your case. Its sad but its true. Even Don Blair will tell you he has caught police officers lying on the stand yet their still employed. This whole county needs an FBI investigation. Look at the black guy that was accused of rape. Its funny how all that money was payed out to him and that didnt make front page news. The jail staff maced him and left him like that. If the people of this county got together and compared stories our public officials would be on the most wanted list. Until then keep drinking that fresh Fluoride thats been proven to cause bone cancer and thyroid disease. Its also banned in Europe, since they know how Adolf Hitler used it in concentration camps to keep the prisoners docile so they wouldnt escape or fight back. The real criminals are adding deadly chemicals to your water supply because they care about your teeth. Crimes against humanity are being committed against you each time you drink the tap water. Do something about it.
What I don’t understand is if this happened 2 years ago, why are charges being brought now? And why is the kitchen pictured on the website? I’m come on, if you steal your not going to publish the fact of what what was done.
Sounds like greedy Mr Rey may be upset John quit and is thriving in his own business! I’m proud to know John Kuhn.
Grow your business? Does growing your business include back door cash-only sales? Great guy!
thanks Sharyn
Owner of the Hamilton Road business Michel Rey…..
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Does anybody know if this Mr. Rey is also the owner of the Best Western in Chehalis?
If ya want to win dont use Don Blair the only thing hes good for is a plea deal. Hes got to many cases on his desk and does not take the time to research them for a good defense attorney. Blair will sell you up shits creek without a paddle.
Mr. Still-Waiting-for-Justice: … https://lewiscountysirens.com/?p=14871
someone, please help with my memory-wasn’t someone accused from stealing from VJ’s store to start this business? I can remember something back when this business first started?
The guy’s a crook
I just want to say thank you to anyone that took the time to make a comment about this, and really appreciate the responses. Thank you for your support!!
John can grow my business any day! I know he’d NEVER steal. He and his wife have done great things for our community.
John, that place took a huge dive when you left. I tried to buy there after, but was met with a bunch of clowns trying to run a store. I’d trust John with my money any day of the week!
They have low prices but I will not be frequenting this business any longer.
As a large contractor we will NOT be going back to that shady establishment.
Builders surplus Nw sounds like a place that buys stolen merchandise from Tweekers. Then sells it back to the public at next to new prices.
I really hope this guys charges are dismissed or he is found not guilty.
As for the materials and labor being labeled a “gift” or “bonus”, I do not believe that anything needs to be in writing such as an email or some form of correspondence—THINK verbal contract. They do exist you know. And in Court as well.
Exactly! How, Mr. Rey, as a business owner would you NOT know that the person that had been managing YOUR business and remodeling their kitchen did not pay for materials and labor? I call B.S. on that. Oh, and by the way, your former manager’s (I would be former as well from your inept business sense) kitchen remodel was or is on your company’s website? Not getting the sense in your story whatsoever. I apologize for attacking you as you are obviously not involved whatsoever with your company’s books or website for that matter. Any two and a half years later–you must have been on quite the sabbatical. Enjoy. I will not be frequenting your shoddy place of business. Take another hit.
Using the courts for revenge. A new form of rubber justice.
I smell Fish!
“Owner of the Hamilton Road business Michel Rey told an investigating deputy he knew of the remodel but was unaware his manager didn’t pay for it with his own money, the documents state.
Rey said he never provided bonuses for his employees in the form of materials or labor, as if he did, he would make them pay the tax on the materials, the documents relate.”
1. What incentive did he give Kuhn so he could advertise using Kuhn’s remodel as a sample of work?
2. How can he claim he would “never” provided bonuses, yet has a policy of having employees pay tax on the materials?