Verizon doesn't charge their customers for unlocking the device. Usually you just tell them you are going to be travelling overseas and would like to use prepaid sim cards and if you are a customer in good standing they will provide an unlock code. Do you have any friends in the US that have Verizon? Beyond that, it's up to you what to do with it. You've done the right thing by contacting the owner. If he doesn't want it then it's yours to do what you wish. You could sell it here or donate it to someone here or whatever you wish.