A convicted con artist allegedly preyed on troubled celebrities like former congressman George Santos and actor Danny Masterson, falsely claiming to resolve their legal troubles for a hefty fee, federal prosecutors revealed.
Targeting Celebrities
Hector Medina, also known as Michael Soto, with prior convictions for theft and fraud, allegedly targeted Santos and Masterson last July. Santos, embroiled in legal challenges, received messages from Medina promising to drop criminal charges or erase evidence in exchange for $900,000.
False Promises
Medina’s messages, including videos, falsely assured Santos of resolving his legal issues. Despite facing a 13-count indictment, Santos was approached by Medina, who persistently pushed his scheme, claiming expertise in manipulating legal outcomes.
Exploiting Vulnerabilities
The affidavit suggests Medina’s attempts to defraud other high-profile individuals, including Masterson, convicted of rape, and an unnamed musician and athlete’s family member. Medina allegedly sought $1 million from Masterson to dismiss or reduce his sentence.
Unveiling the Scheme
Authorities uncovered Medina’s fraudulent activities through an iCloud account, revealing his efforts to exploit vulnerable individuals facing legal troubles. In a December interview, Medina admitted to targeting troubled individuals to settle his gambling debts, acknowledging the illegality of his actions.
Legal Ramifications
Medina faces charges of wire fraud, punishable by up to 20 years in prison, for his deceptive scheme. Prosecutors emphasized the non-existence and illegality of the service he purported to offer, branding it as obstruction of justice.
Uncertain Response
It remains uncertain whether any of the celebrities responded to Medina’s messages. Despite efforts to reach Santos for comment, there has been no immediate response.
Medina’s case underscores the dangers of exploitation and deception, particularly targeting vulnerable individuals navigating legal challenges. The legal system remains vigilant in prosecuting such fraudulent schemes, aiming to safeguard individuals from falling victim to exploitation.
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