Abstract Drafting Services

Review: Under the owner, [redacted], I was hired as an independent contractor to provide architectural surveys and drafting services for several of his projects. The survey work required out of town travel and overnight stay. I was told I would be responsible for my own expenses to get to the sites that were in update New York, ([redacted]).I live in Brooklyn, which is approximately 5hrs from the sites. He told me, once the site surveys were done along with the architectural drawings that I had to produce (via [redacted]), to submit my invoices and expense reports to him. he wanted me to turn all my survey work over to him as well as any CAD documents. I was thinking he may had already planned not to pay me, and wanted possession of the documents so there would be no evidence if I decided to take him to small claims court, which may have been an indication this is his normal business practice. He also employed several students, who may not have been getting paid either and maybe too fearful to speak up. Anyway, per hid instructions I submitted my time-sheets, invoices and expense reports, as wherein I was told that it would take about two weeks before I received a check via direct deposit.Since I was already in the red financially from the trip, I requested and told him I preferred to be given a check instead. He said that direct deposit was faster. Again, this was a red flag and probably a good indicator that he had no intentions of paying or reimbursing me. Well two weeks past and there was no payment. I notified him to inquire, he again stalled with another excuse. Month goes by and still no payment. Called him and emailed him everyday, until he starting not answering phone and blocking my email. When I was finally able to contact him, he claims he could use the work I did, which I am sure was a lie and I am certain he took my work, gave it to his client, his client paid him for my work and now he has refused to pay me. The office had a high employee turn over rate.again red flag.Desired Settlement: I would like to get paid per the invoices and expense reports I submitted. He said he would honor the invoices, then a month later, after he has used my work, claims they were not usable. I asked if the work was no good, why did he insist on me submitting the invoices, expense reports and work. I was there long enough after for him to make any comments or express his concerns. He said there were none. The only issue he seemed to have was not to pay me for my services. Next stop Dept of Labor