PHOENIX (AP) - An Arizona judge has issued a bench warrant for a Phoenix-based TV pitchman who failed for show for his arraignment.
Donald Lapre is charged with running a nationwide scheme to sell essentially worthless Internet-based businesses.
A grand jury indicted Lapre on 41 counts of conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud and promotional money laundering. He’s accused of encouraging people to sell worthless vitamins through a company called “The Greatest Vitamin in the World.”
During the course of the scheme, the government says at least 220,000 victims were defrauded of nearly $52 million.
U.S. Marshals Service spokesman Tom Henman says they are actively looking for Lapre.
Lapre has not responded to an email or phone calls seeking comment.
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Online:
https://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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