In an odd twist a man masquerading as a millionaire, featured as a contestant in the Bravo television show, "Millionaire Matchmaker", has been found guilty of conspiracy and wire, bank and mail fraud, as reported by The Tampa Tribune and other news media.
On August 16, M.P. was sentenced to eight years and six months in federal prison having been found guilty of seven federal crimes.
When M.P. was on the Bravo show he pretended to be an entrepreneur that was seeking a life partner to share in his rich lifestyle.
M.P. had defended himself, claiming complete innocence, for over a year before he admitted his guilt in a $3 million bank loan swindle from Georgia's Park Avenue Bank. He also admitted to paying F.S.S. – his codefendant and a financial analyst with Wachovia Bank – the sum of $25,000 to forge a document that would show that M.P. had $20 million on deposit that could be used as collateral in the loan.
At his sentencing, M.P. said, "I do take responsibility for what had happened" however, he added, "I've done a lot of good things, this case makes it look like I'm a horrible person."
M.P. apologized to the government agents for expending their valuable time on his case when, in his opinion, there were other, more significant, cases needing investigation. He also stated that he planned on paying – almost $3 million – back in restitution. M.P. mentioned that he wanted to move forward and provide his sons with a father.
While on "Millionaire Matchmaker", M.P. said that he was "modestly" worth $400 million. He claimed that he earned his fortune by creating a company that facilitated Internet credit payments in South America, similar to the PayPal company used in the states. With the money he had swindled from the bank, and other people he had conned, M.P. made a show of owning his own jet and a rambling mansion on the TV program.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Sweeney, "Everybody trusted Mr. (M.P.) He was very good at putting on a façade that he was wealthy. Every lie in this case originates with Mr. (M.P.)."
Sweeney contended that M.P. originally sought an $18 million loan from Park Avenue bank. However, because he wanted the money "as fast as possible", he was compelled to reduce the amount.
When one person questioned M.P.'s tactics, according to Sweeney, M.P. hired a lawyer and threatened to sue.
Sweeney requested a nine year prison sentence – the maximum – but the judge allowed M.P. six months credit for pleading guilty. The judge persuaded F.S.S. to also plead guilty and sentenced him to 27 months in prison.
Additionally, for F.S.S., he will be deported back to his home of El Salvador, leaving his wife and child behind in the states.
Before you enter your plea, contact a criminal defense attorney to best advise you. Jail time and fines can often be negotiated during your plea deal.
