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Los Angeles Clipper's Commentator Charged with Fraud

Posted by Courtney Pilchmann | Jan 12, 2010 | 0 Comments

Michael Smith, 44 of Laguna Hills plead not guilty to charges of grand theft and sentencing enhancements for loss over $100,000. Smith, a commentator for the Los Angeles Clippers and former NBA player is accused conning a friend into using the friend's home as collateral in a real estate development project.

Orange County prosecutors allege Smith and an alleged accomplice Bruce Furst, 57 of Laguna Hills made false statements to the victim, a retired school teacher to induce the former teacher to put up his paid off home in Dana Point as collateral for a business deal. The school teacher alleges he put up his $735,000 for what he was told was a no-risk and 100 percent guaranteed.

The victim, 65 suffers from an inoperable brain tumor and prosecutors are going to be taking his testimony via videotape for a future court trial.

If convicted, as charged, Smith could face mandatory state prison time and is currently out on $25,000 bail.

About the Author

Courtney Pilchmann

Courtney Pilchman is a certified criminal law specialist who was a Deputy District Attorney for over six years prior to becoming a criminal defense attorney. She was a member of some of the most elite prosecution units including crimes against children, family violence, and sexual assault. She pr...

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