Loaned friend 10K, cant get it back: HELP

[Jorge V]

I posted this in the beats forum and several people suggested to take legal action. I have no idea how to go about this and would be willing to offer a percentage to anyone willing to help.

I would think the hardest thing to get would be proof, but this person will not deny owing me the money and I have proof through several text messages.

Moreso than the money, it would give me so much satisfaction to get justice from this person who probably thinks he is home free. The story is pasted below.

January 2006, I was out in LA with my good buddy (my best friend at the time). He loses all the money he has on him and I loan him 10K (we've loaned each other money many times and its never been a problem). He runs really bad and loses it all within a few days, no big deal.

We get back home and he tells me he has some financial problems that just came up and I tell him to not worry about the money and just pay me back when he gets situated. Months go by and the conversation of the money never comes up. Finally, he starts running good at poker and gets a decent job on the side.

I finally ask him about the money this past October, and he seems pissed that I would bring it up. He starts ignoring my calls after this and I haven't heard from him since. It is now March of 2007 and still nothing, what are my options? Is there anything I could realistically do to get my money? I need some honest advice. Thanks in advance