PARIS, March 6 (UPI) -- Former California money manager Bruce Fred Friedman, who faced U.S. charges in an investment scam, died in French custody, a U.S. Embassy official said.
U.S. prosecutors had charged Friedman, who had been awaiting extradition to Los Angeles since 2010, with a $228 million investment scam.
Thom Mrozek, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office in Los Angeles, said prosecutors likely would move to dismiss the charges once they obtain a certificate confirming his death Monday at age 62, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Friedman had been charged with defrauding hundreds of investors with promises of real estate riches. Instead, he spent the money on homes, cars, jewelry and personal travel, the Times said.
Friedman also donated large sums to charity, earning him the honor of throwing a ceremonial pitch at a 2008 exhibition game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
