Missed payments on a laptop from Rent-A-Center lead to felony charges
Pennsylvania has had a law on the books called theft of leased property since 1977. But critics say it allows rent-to-own businesses to use the criminal justice system as their collections agency.
Greg Goyden stands in front of his home in Codorus Township that he shares with his fiancée, four children and two dogs. Goyden, 36, was charged with theft of leased property after missing payments on a 17.3-inch laptop that he leased from Rent-A-Center. He said he never received notification. Goyden said he immediately returned the laptop. Prosecutors dropped the case after he paid court costs and fees. (Photo: Paul Kuehnel, York Daily Record)
In 2016, Greg Goyden went to the Rent-A-Center on Loucks Road in Manchester Township and leased a 17.3-inch Asus laptop so he could take classes online.
Goyden made three payments, which added up to about $155 in total. He says he only uses cash and had been traveling for work, so he didn’t have time to stop in the store. Then, about two months later, Northern York County Regional police filed felony charges against him.
He said he immediately returned the laptop. Prosecutors eventually dropped all charges. In exchange, Goyden paid costs and fees, which worked out to about $460, according court records.
“I think it’s ridiculous,” said Goyden, 36, a pump technician from Codorus Township. “If you’re late paying on your car payment — you’re a month late — they don’t call the cops. They call a repo company, and they come take it from you.”
Pennsylvania has had a law called
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