Feb 19, 2015 3 min read

The Washington Wild Thing was hoping to step out in some new duds last season since the mascot’s costume was looking a little threadbare.

Now, a new outfit is in question for the Wild Thing for the upcoming season after the owner of a mascot design company failed to deliver on the new mascot costume the Washington Wild Things organization ordered and paid for last year.

Pierre Deschesnes of Superior, Colo., president of Pro Mascot, was charged Wednesday by North Franklin Township police Sgt. Dean Urbanic with theft by deception and deceptive business practices for failing to deliver the costume.

The organization sent Deschesnes a check for $2,675 May 1 as a deposit. In an email to the Wild Things, Deschesnes asked for the balance before shipping the costume. He was sent a $2,675 check June 9, the same day he sent another email, again indicating the mascot would be sent when payment was received.

The new mascot never arrived although Deschesnes sent another email Dec. 18 that it was almost done.

“He has refused to call back,” Urbanic said.

Christine Blaine, director of marketing and communications for the Washington Wild Things, said it is a shame the situation got to this point.

“Unfortunately, we had to go this route,” Blaine said Thursday. “Our attorney even sent him a letter, hoping that would get a response, but he never replied to that.”

Blaine said that after the organization decided to replace the existing mascot costume Deschesnes sent photos reportedly depicting the work in progress and asking approval of the work he had done to date.

Being such an active mascot, there is a lot of wear and tear on the costume that necessitates it being replaced every several years.

“I was really hoping the new one would arrive by the start of last season, or at least by June 1,” Blaine said. “I think the one worn by the Wild Thing last season is about three years old and is in pretty bad shape. One child asked their mother why the Wild Thing had masking tape on its tennis shoe.”

“The Wild Thing is such a beloved mascot not only in the Washington area but throughout the league,” Blaine added. “We really need a new one.”

Blaine said the organization likes to have a couple Wild Thing costumes on hand in case repairs need to be made to one.

At one point, Deschesnes claimed he had sent the mascot but the shipping company lost it. Blaine said he even offered to pay for the replacement.

“We sent the money and have nothing to show for it,” Blaine said.

Deschesnes designed the original Wild Thing and has built several replacement mascots for the team.

The charges will be sent by summons from the office of District Judge Robert Redlinger.