Miami (AP) – A South Florida man claiming to be a film fundraiser said he had implemented plans to steal more than $ 60 million from investors and producers seeking funding for Broadway movies and shows. , was sentenced to 13 years in prison from Tuesday.

According to court records, Benjamin Forest McConley, 39, was sentenced in Federal Court in Miami. In addition to serving a prison sentence, he must also pay compensation. In 2019, he pleaded guilty to one of the conspiracies that committed the transfer fraud.

According to the complaint, McConley, which works as Weatherbane Productions, and co-defendant Jason Van Eman have funded investors and producers seeking funding to produce films, plays and other projects. Offer to offer. McConley and Van Eman have promised victims to match their cash contributions and use the combined funds to raise funds from financial institutions in South Florida and elsewhere, investigators said. ..

Prosecutors say Benjamin Rafael, a former Wells Fargo banker hired by McConley and Van Eman, pushed the plan forward by lying to victims about the safety of their funds. Victims have lost millions of dollars and their contributions have never matched. Instead of funding the project, the money is transferred to personal and corporate bank accounts for luxury cars, water bikes, real estate, stocks, jewelry, furniture, designer clothing, l hotel accommodation and air travel. It was used.

Rafael had previously pleaded guilty for his role in the plan and in another case involving a fraudulent COVID-19 relief loan application. He was sentenced to three and a half years in prison.

Van Eman is due to stand trial in March 2022. His lawyer did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment from The Associated Press.

The former Wells Fargo banker and film producer has pleaded guilty to participating in a $ 60 million financial fraud scheme in South Florida.

According to the Justice Department, Benjamin Rafael, 30, pleaded guilty to attempted transfer fraud in Miami on Wednesday, and Benjamin McConley, 37, pleaded guilty to the same charges last week. Each of them faces up to 20 years in prison.

Jason Van Eman, McConley’s partner at Weathervane Productions, will continue to stand trial in February. According to the Internet Movie Database, Van Eman has 26 production credits, including a movie starring Cynthia Nixon and Laura Dern.

Prosecutors said McConley and Van Eman offered to match donations from other film investors, but actually stole money, and Rafael blamed the victims for the safety of their funds. ..