Keith Lawrence Middlebrook is facing one felony count of attempted wire fraud as a U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California warns people to be aware of similar scams during the pandemic.
- Mar 27, 2020
AceShowbiz - An actor who appeared in "Iron Man 2" and TV hit "Entourage" has been arrested by FBI agents for allegedly attempting to sell a fake coronavirus cure.
Keith Lawrence Middlebrook is facing one felony count of attempted wire fraud for reportedly soliciting investments for a company called Quantum Prevention CV Inc. to market pills he claimed would prevent COVID-19 infections and a shot to cure the virus.
He was arrested in Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 25, following an FBI sting, in which he allegedly delivered a pack of pills to an undercover agent posing as an investor.
Middlebrook "falsely claimed" to at least one potential backer that basketball icon Earvin 'Magic' Johnson was on the board of directors, but according to the affidavit, "Mr. Johnson confirmed to investigators that he knew nothing about Middlebrook's company."
U.S. Attorney Nick Hanna, for the Central District of California, has warned people to beware of similar scams during the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement, he shares, "During these difficult days, scams like this are using blatant lies to prey upon our fears and weaknesses."
"While this may be the first federal criminal case in the nation stemming from the pandemic, it certainly will not be the last. I again am urging everyone to be extremely wary of outlandish medical claims and false promises of immense profits. And to those who perpetrate these schemes, know that federal authorities are out in force to protect all Americans, and we will move aggressively against anyone seeking to cheat the public during this critical time."
Middlebrook faces up to 20 years behind bars if convicted of the charge.
