Sue him: that's how you recover items (or the value thereof) that are taken by another. You would sue him for theft and/or conversion (a form of theft, in which property left in another's keeping is then "converted," or taken personally, by them). You can settle the lawsuit (if the former employer is willing) with the return of your equipment. If he tries to take legal action against you on spurious (false) grounds, in addition to defending against the cause(s) of action, you could countersue him for "malicious use of process"--or for using the legal process for improper or illegal ends.If he has made negative and false public accusations against you, you could sue him for defamation.If there are several cause of action or claims, all can be settled simultaneously; just make sure to get the settlement agreement in writing.While your concern about the "good ol' boy" network is understandable, ultimately, either you take action to protect your rights or not--there is no middle ground.