LOS ANGELES, April 20 (UPI) -- A would-be actress has pleaded guilty to lying to federal agents about a Hollywood producer's TV scam that bilked investors out of $5 million.
Alison Ann Heruth, 41, admitted in Los Angeles federal court Wednesday she lied to the FBI and the IRS about the bogus TV series based on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Los Angeles Times reported Thursday.
As part of a plea agreement, Heruth said she knew about the elaborate investment scam, even though she told the feds she did not, the newspaper said. Her sentencing was set for July 17.
Producer Joseph Medawar has pleaded not guilty to wire fraud, money laundering and other crimes connected with the scam that involved 70 investors as well as top Republican officials.
Investors in the bogus TV show were told it had the support of the Bush administration and were lead to believe the non-existent series was in post-production.
Federal officials said Medawar and Heruth took the investors' money and purchased fancy cars and other luxury items while living in a rented Beverly Hills mansion.
