When investigators shut down a phony sports memorabilia ring in Ohio, they discovered thousands of items that were being used to hold those fake autographs. Stacked on pallets were jerseys, helmets and enough baseballs, footballs and basketballs to equip more than a few athletic teams. It seemed like a shame to throw it all away but the items that had fake autographs … [Read more...] about Confiscated Equipment from Phony Autograph Case to be Donated
Clifton Panezich
Case Closed: Final Member of Fake Autograph Ring Sentenced
The prosecution of a long-running fake autograph scheme based in Ohio came to a close Friday when the last person charged in the case was sentenced to jail after pleading guilty to theft, money laundering and fraud charges. According to WYTV in Youngstown, Craig McCormick will spend three years behind bars and five years on probation for his role in the scam, which … [Read more...] about Case Closed: Final Member of Fake Autograph Ring Sentenced
Accused Autograph Fraudster Accepts Plea Deal as Courtroom Gets Tense
The man accused of leading a sports autograph fraud ring has given up his right to a trial and pleaded guilty to charges that could result in a sentence of three to seven years. Clifton Panezich, 30, appeared before a judge in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday. According to local media reports, he pleaded guilty to aggravated theft, identity fraud, … [Read more...] about Accused Autograph Fraudster Accepts Plea Deal as Courtroom Gets Tense
Man Accused in Phony Autograph Ring Changes Plea…Again
One of several men facing charges in connection with a phony sports autograph ring based in Ohio has pleaded guilty for the second time. WYTV in Youngstown reports that Jason Moore, who recently withdrew a guilty plea he agreed to more than a year ago, has changed his mind again. Moore was in court Monday and is expected to be sentenced early next … [Read more...] about Man Accused in Phony Autograph Ring Changes Plea…Again