Director gets prison time in $11M fraud case over Netflix show
AP News • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Hollywood writer-director Carl Rinsch was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison for defrauding Netflix of $11 million intended for a sci-fi series called "White Horse," which was never completed.
- Prosecutors revealed Rinsch diverted the funds to a personal account and spent lavishly on luxury cars, watches, clothing, and household goods, including $638,000 on mattresses.
- Rinsch's defense cited mental health struggles and medication issues as factors behind his actions, which he is now addressing; he apologized in court and acknowledged the harm caused.
- Prosecutors sought a five-year sentence, accusing Rinsch of greed despite his privileged background, while supporters like Keanu Reeves requested leniency, highlighting Rinsch's creativity and personal challenges.
- Rinsch owes approximately $11 million in restitution and plans to appeal the conviction; he is scheduled to report to prison in September.
