Telemarketing Scheme - A Six Year Sentence

A man was sentenced on Monday April 4, 2011 to six years in federal prison for running a telemarketing scheme that bilked more than 80,000 people out of about $6 million by offering non-existent bartender or "mystery shopper" jobs.

Stevan P. Todorovic, 41, of Santa Ynez, was convicted last July of 10 counts of mail and wire fraud in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

Along with the prison term, the Judge ordered Todorovic to pay a $1,000 fine and serve three years of supervised release after he gets out of prison.

Todorovic set up several companies in Santa Barbara -- including American Bartending Institute and Consumer Response Group -- to market and sell a bogus training program, false certifications and job referrals, according to evidence presented at trial.

Those who inquired about the jobs were told they had to purchase certification programs.

The certifications were worthless and Todorovic had no jobs to offer, but he bilked some 80,000 people out of about $6 million before he was caught.

Todorovic apologized to the court, promising never to open another telemarketing business, and imploring the judge to allow him to remain free to care for his two daughters.

"I would literally cut off my right arm right now if you would give me another seven years with my daughters," he said. "I wish you had the ability to look into my soul and see the kind of person I am."

Hatter said that while he has empathy for Todorovic, "there is no more violent crime" than taking someone's financial security or hopes for a better life.

If you are facing federal fraud charges a qualified attorney is key to the success of your case. The criminal defense attorneys at the Hedding Law Firm have a combined 75 years of experience and are committed to getting the best possible outcome for their clients. Contact our office today to set up a free face-to-face consultation.