Activation lock

So I got proof of purchase of this iPad I bought from a pawn shop and well i tried to reset it and I contacted the owner yesterday and no respond (also contacted his daughter today so I'm hoping for a response) well I restored the iPad and his apple id is on there since he never logged out, but thing is when I go to search for this apple id it doesn't even show up in the system. Like it wasnt ever there. But I know you guys will say oh it's apple id locked it's useless go back to the pawnshop where you went. Or its no use but I bought this iPad in hopes of getting a decent product. But apple won't help even with the serial number and what not. They say I gotta wait for a response Sooo let's hope that someone in community forums can do or say.