MASSILLON — A Massillon couple lost more than $7 million in a wire fraud scam that has led federal prosecutors to charge a Los Angeles man, according to court documents.
The defendant previously served a total of 22 years in prison for a string of federal crimes, including wire fraud, mail fraud, influencing or injuring an officer or juror, interstate and foreign travel in aid of racketeering enterprises, and aiding and abetting a federal crime. After his release, he made television appearances as a fraud prevention expert — including an Aug. 29, 1997 appearance on Dateline NBC — and wrote a book titled “America’s Guide to Fraud Prevention” in which he retold his con-man exploits and offered scam advice. He now hosts a true crime podcast called “Scam Junkie,” billed as teaching “the secrets to scamming cultivated from” his career.
The court documents did not list a court date or identify the facility where the defendant is being detained. The U.S. Attorney’s office in Cleveland declined to provide more information about the victims or the defendant, saying its investigation is ongoing.
Federal authorities have not released further details about how the Massillon couple’s money was taken or whether additional suspects are involved. Wire fraud schemes targeting individuals have grown increasingly sophisticated, with scammers often impersonating trusted contacts or financial institutions to move large sums quickly.
