Actor and Producer Jason Van Eman Convicted in $60 Million Film Finance Scheme

Jason Van Eman, a film producer whose credits on IMDb incorporate the 2016 historical drama “A Quiet Enthusiasm,” could devote the subsequent a number of decades in prison soon after he was convicted Tuesday for his function in a $60 million film financing scheme.

A federal jury in Fort Lauderdale, Florida observed Van Eman, 44, guilty of conspiracy, wire fraud and dollars laundering, the U.S. Attorney’s Workplace Southern District of Florida mentioned in a assertion.

For every prosecutors, Van Eman introduced himself as a movie producer and financier, and available to fund independent movies, Broadway shows, new music festivals and other jobs.

Operating as Weathervane Productions, Van Eman and co-conspirator Benjamin McConley promised the victims the two would match any funds contributed to upcoming jobs, prosecutors claimed. Then, with the put together starting up funds, McConley was meant to utilize for and safe funding from economic institutions.

In switch, the victims sent $60 million to accounts managed by Van Eman and McConley. But alternatively of employing the money to finance new initiatives, the pair went on lavish spending sprees.

Prosecutors explained the two recruited lender worker Benjamin Rafael to guarantee victims that their cash contributions experienced been matched and that their dollars was safe – but the complete thing was a rip-off.

The FBI Miami Field Division investigated this situation and identified the trio made use of the money to obtain luxurious cars, boats, real estate, jewellery, furniture, designer dresses, and to journey on private jets. Prosecutors explained Van Eman also used some of the stolen hard cash to fund movies in which he was solid.

McConley earlier pleaded responsible in the circumstance and was sentenced to 13 a long time in prison. Rafael was sentenced to 42 months.

Van Eman is scheduled to be sentenced on July 21, and faces up to various a long time in prison.