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.