This is probably the last time I choose or want to weigh in on this particular matter, but perhaps a few points warrant some repetition and clarification, having already been provided directly by Cindy Townsend herself (Cindy is the principal in NTHC; see post #46 in this thread for direct reference). This is (hopefully a completely accurate) summation of facts and input from the actual participants, with some personal observations and opinions thrown in for good measure, as is my prerogative:
1. The unfortunate Canadians may very well never have even
heard of NTHC at all in the first place, having apparently conducted their transaction directly with Rachael Arrington, dba Vacation Time Bargains (the latter name appearing on the last 3 out of 4 total weeks in this matter at Palm Aire). Accordingly, why on earth would the robbed Canadians seek or expect any compensation from NTHC, of which they have likely never heard in the first place, even now?
That makes no sense.
Their "beef" is clearly (and solely) directly with Rachael Arrington, dba Vacation Time Bargains, to whom they reportedly paid about $6k CDN around October, 2015.
2. Week 1 of the (4 total) was seemingly reserved (separately, by Linda --- at Rachael Arrington's initiative or request?), without any payment being provided to Linda, who was evidently of the (later revealed to be mistaken) belief that Rachael Arrington was still directly affiliated with and operating under the aegis of NTHC, with which Linda has conducted previous successful transactions in several prior, consecutive years,
all while Rachael Arrington
was indeed still actually an employee of NTHC.
Is NTHC
legally obligated to compensate Linda (or the robbed Canadians)? No, clearly not. However, Cindy Townsend has overtly offered to at least make Linda whole, to Cindy's credit and as a admirable good faith gesture, being well aware that Linda only made that reservation (without payment) based upon her prior transactions with NTHC, a measure of trust in NTHC as a result of those prior transactions, and the (unfortunately mistaken) belief that this was another legitimate NTHC transaction.
Jurisdiction wise (for legal action and / or service of process), it's a bit of a mess. The resort at issue is in FL, some of the larceny victims somewhere in Canada, Rachael Arrington is in GA, Cindy Townsend is in VA, Linda is in PA or NJ. Would litigation be cost effective? That's not my call to make, but color me dubious.
I'll just repeat in closing my own hope that Rachael Arrington is ultimately held accountable in a
criminal proceeding
somewhere for what is clearly larcenous activity, knowingly and willfully conducted (multiple times), resulting in financial harm to a number of people and maybe some damage to the reputation of her former employer.