Four Ohio men have pleaded guilty in a major sports memorabilia fraud case and prosecutors say more people are expected to face consequences for their roles.
The Mahoning County Prosecutor’s office told Youngstown area media Friday that the four were only part of a larger operation involving fake autographs and memorabilia that cheated 25,000 people out of more than $2 million.
Details are few at this point but we know that all four have been placed on probation and are cooperating with the investigation by FBI and local authorities.
Daniel Martini, 29, of Girard, pleaded guilty to money laundering. James Serenko, 33, of Youngstown, Jason Lenzi, 31, of Columbiana and 26-year-old Shawn Pelo of Warren all pleaded guilty to engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.
Others yet unnamed in the case could face prison time according to assistant prosecutor Martin Desmond who says phony certificates of authenticity were created and included with fake autographs which were sold online.
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