I’m not on Facebook much and have never been to EA’s Facebook group but spent a little time with it this evening, partly because I know many here aren’t on Facebook or any other social media. There is a lot of BS on Facebook, as with all social media. Facebook seems to have more than its share of folks who find importance in knowing more than anyone else even if they don’t know anything. However, when enough people report the same thing (no way to contact, looks shuttered when drove by, folks reporting they their lost job with no mention of shut down being anything other than permanent) some level of credence may be appropriate.
And although I live in NC, am about 75 miles from EA, am retired, and still know where to look to see the court filings in EA v Neill and whatever counter and cross claims there may be as well as check for bankruptcy filings, I’m not that interested. Bankruptcy filings for a guy like Ted Corriher and his multiple businesses can be a PITA just to research. Suits such as the EA v Neill (or however it’s actually filed) are a swamp I’m glad to be out of. As someone posted previously, no one but the lawyers really wins in those type suits.
I did check pending state criminal court calendars and saw a Theodore Corriher (maybe same guy, maybe not) who has a court date upcoming in Catawba County, where Hickory is located, for running a stop sign, but nothing for obtaining property by false pretense (the usual charge for fraud in state courts here) so in regard to Neill’s allegations of fraud mentioned in the news article, while possibly true, apparently the local District Attorney isn’t quite so convinced. Admittedly, I did not check potential pending Federal charges as that’s not quite as easy, particularly on a phone browser (if it can even be done on a phone browser).
Personally, I hope they’re not out of business. With their “pay me now and I’ll send it later” model, the quantity of unsecured creditors in a true collapse is painful to consider even though I’m not among them. Hopefully a reorganization where every customer gets their order or “fake news”. I don’t know anyone that works there. While I’m not saying I have any direct knowledge or proof of their current status, I certainly wouldn’t be ordering anything from them or sending them any money at least until there’s some credible verification they aren’t out of business.
Point of all that is if you’re thinking of ordering from EA, you might best slow your roll and take a harder look at your second choice. As always, YMMV.