Author Deposit Recovery

I need assistance filing a complaint or small-claims case against an author who failed to deliver a book despite receiving a deposit. The author has acknowledged the failure and initially agreed to refund the deposit but is now unresponsive. I have: - Text messages/emails confirming the agreement and deadlines - Payment receipts/bank or credit card records - Written acknowledgment of refund Ideal skills and experience: - Experience with small-claims processes - Legal knowledge in contract disputes - Ability to draft clear, compelling documentation I look him up on Google and found out he has been convicted of Grand Theft Larceny in the 4th Degree plus imitating a lawyer. He is trying to manipulate me with legal stuff I not understand. I have all correspondence and jom saying he would pay me back. Plus now he sent me a letter that I owe him now. The total I sent him is $2,500 and he lives in Rhinebeck, NY. His name is John Burton.