The full story
Michael and I were roommates and he stole money from me. He fell thousands of dollars behind on rent and never paid me back. Despite over a year of his niceties, promises and excuses, he still owes me thousands of dollars (as of September 2025.)
His explanation was that he couldn’t find enough work as a musician and teacher. As a fellow working musician, I was emphathetic. I then experienced my own financial stress because of the burden he put on me. He used our relationship as colleagues and friends to manipulate me into paying his rent and utility costs.
This is not the first time this has happened. Another Chicago musician confirmed that a very similar situation took place between him and Michael a few years ago.
Michael used his friendly demeanor, soft spoken nature, and his standing as a fellow member in the Chicago music community to manipulate me into paying for his living expenses.
Please don’t trust him to be a reliable colleague, professional or friend.
About Michael
Michael Salter plays saxophone, clarinet and bass clarinet. He works as an artist and teacher in the Chicago jazz community. He is currently an employee of the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic and has a Global Leaders Institute MBA fellowship.
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