I'm sorry to say this, but you guys have to give this up. The only possible way you can get a refund or what you ordered is if he is able to con enough people to finance your deal. That isn't going to happen, this guy has burnt every bridge he has - every forum is full of this clown and nobody will give him any more money or chances.
This is a tough lesson, but every con depends on the greed of the mark. File complaints with the cops where he lives and get on with your lives. He'll either get locked up or somebody will put a bullet in his brain - either way, you are SOL. This is a lost cause. Stop embarrassing yourselves by continuing to hope for the best and think he is anything but a low life, petty criminal.