Sounds to me like Lance, as many in the world, is under heavy financial duress. I would venture to say that sometime in the past he started borrowing some incoming monies. And then eventually got caught up in it and could not face the music. I would say, dev team, time to go to plan b with a new site centos.something as a backup. And unfortunately prepare to get that domain back somehow. This is a bad time and it is not unusual for partners in a business to take the money and run. I would say the money is gone, and I doubt he would have any to repay. I would offer a deal to let him go his own way without legal issues to get access to the whole shebang again. Its either that or waste a lot of money on a lawyer. Offer him immunity and get the site back asap. He has, in my guess, fallen badly and is in trouble. Wherever he lives, go check the county records for legal items against him (mortgage, etc)...and that may leave you a clue. I think I speak for all of us when I say good luck and we are all very worried but believe in all of you. Best of luck, Bob